[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 40 (Monday, April 3, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            TENNESSEE STORMS

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I end tonight saying a few words about the 
devastating storms that occurred last night in my home State of 
Tennessee. First and foremost, I offer my deepest condolences to the 
families who lost loved ones last night. My heart goes out to those 
families who are reeling in the aftermath of this sudden and totally 
unexpected tragedy. The people of Tennessee grieve with you and our 
prayers are with you through this painful ordeal.
  I let my fellow Tennesseans know I requested that the President have 
a quick review and approval of the State's request for assistance. I 
have also taken the opportunity to talk directly with acting FEMA 
Director David Paulison to expect my clear support for the State's 
request. Director Paulison is looking into the matter, of course. We 
had a good exchange. I appreciate FEMA's strong support.
  Senator Alexander and I stand ready to assist the State and local 
officials in any way possible to ensure our communities have the 
resources they need. We will pull together as Tennesseans and neighbors 
and together we will get through this awful crisis. Our thoughts and 
our hearts and prayers go out to others who have been affected by the 
storms in other States.
  When I talked to Director Paulison today, he was describing that 
those storms were northwest of Tennessee, as well.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Tennessee.
  Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, last night, severe tornadoes and strong 
storms swept through west Tennessee. Dyer and Gibson Counties were the 
hardest hit. According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, at 
least 23 individuals lost their lives in just those two counties. One 
of those killed was Jane King of Newbern, TN. She was a relative of 
Congressman John Tanner, and our thoughts are with John and Betty Ann 
Tanner and all of Jane King's family.
  At least 70 people have been injured as a result of the storms. TEMA 
expects that number to rise. There is damage to at least 11 other 
counties in west Tennessee. Thousands of Tennesseans have lost their 
homes and their livelihoods. TEMA reports that 1,200 buildings were 
damaged or destroyed in the town of Bradford alone.
  Tennessee Emergency Management Agency officials are on the ground in 
the counties affected. They are helping to survey damage. They are 
offering assistance. A state of emergency is in effect. The biggest 
need thus far is to get the roads clear. GEN Gus Hargett has assigned 
30 members of the 230th Engineer Battalion of the Tennessee National 
Guard to assist with debris removal. The Dyersburg Armory is being used 
as a Red Cross processing site.
  This afternoon, Senator Frist and I sent a letter to President Bush 
asking for speedy review and approval of the State's request for 
Federal disaster assistance. I ask unanimous consent that letter be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                                  U.S. Senate,

                                    Washington, DC, April 3, 2006.
     The President,
     The White House,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. President: Last night devastating tornados swept 
     through several West Tennessee communities. In Dyer and 
     Gibson counties at least 23 individuals lost their lives. 
     Many others lost their homes and livelihoods. State and local 
     officials currently are assessing the damage. Many of the 
     affected communities are in rural areas and it could take 
     some time before the full extent of the damage is realized.
       In anticipation of Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen's 
     request for Federal disaster assistance, we respectfully urge 
     you to act as expeditiously as possible and approve 
     Tennessee's request for federal assistance. It is our 
     understanding that there is significant damage in many areas 
     of West Tennessee, and local emergency responders and the 
     Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, TEMA, are working to 
     provide assistance to survivors. They will soon begin the 
     process of assessing the damage to affected communities.
       Thank you for your consideration of our request on behalf 
     of Tennesseans suffering from these devastating and 
     unforeseen events. Please let us know if you have any 
     questions or need additional information.
           Sincerely,
     William H. Frist, M.D.,
       Majority Leader, U.S. Senate.
     Lamar Alexander,
       U.S. Senate.
  Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, tomorrow Governor Bredesen and 
Congressman Tanner will be on the site. We will continue to be in touch 
with Governor Bredesen and provide whatever assistance we can. We will 
work closely with State and local officials.
  My prayers are with the families who have suffered tremendous loss as 
a result of these storms, and I know we will see shining examples of 
the Tennessee volunteer spirit and neighbor helping neighbor as west 
Tennesseans rebuild their homes, their businesses, and their lives.

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