[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 193 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S7352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TORNADOES IN ILLINOIS

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, on Saturday, at least 29 tornadoes 
reportedly touched down in Illinois in Cass, Christian, DeWitt, Fulton, 
Macon, Macoupin, Mason, McDonough, McLean, Montgomery, Pike, Schuyler, 
and Tazewell Counties in central Illinois. The National Weather Service 
is still surveying nearby areas but reports this is the biggest 
December tornado outbreak in the history of Illinois.
  One of the touchdowns in Taylorville caused major damage. I spoke 
with Taylorville mayor Bruce Berry. Thankfully, no fatalities have been 
reported, but 20 to 30 people were injured and early reports indicate 
more than 400 homes and buildings were damaged. Several homes have had 
roofs damaged and torn off, and others were tragically destroyed.
  Two days after the storm, 310 households still did not have power, 
and the schools in Taylorville were closed as a result of the damages. 
The community is busy cleaning up and utility companies are working to 
get electricity back on.
  I am grateful for the dedication of the local first responders, who 
rescued residents that were trapped inside their homes due to the 
tornado damage. These responders still have task forces searching for 
anyone that might need assistance. Local officials and the Illinois 
Emergency Management Agency are also working to make sure communities 
have the resources to protect critical infrastructure and begin to 
repair damage, a feat that could take months. American Red Cross 
volunteers are also providing food, shelter, and water to those in 
need. Across the region, friends and family have stepped up to help 
those whose homes and businesses were damaged.
  The Illinois delegation and I stand ready to assist in any way we 
can. I want to thank everyone who has been engaged in the response 
efforts so far, and all those who will take part in rebuilding damaged 
homes, businesses, and schools. Illinoisans always rebuild and endure, 
as we have done many times before--and we are stronger for it.

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