[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 145 (Wednesday, September 11, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S5416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                         Tornado in Sioux Falls

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, as I begin this morning, I need to mention 
the tornado that tore through my hometown of Sioux Falls last night. 
Thankfully, there appear to have been no fatalities, but there has been 
a lot of structural damage. I am grateful to all of the emergency 
responders, the electric crews, and all of those who worked through the 
night to keep the residents safe. My thoughts are with Sioux Falls 
today and with all of those who are dealing with the tornado's 
aftermath.
  I had the opportunity this morning to speak with Mayor Paul TenHaken, 
of Sioux Falls, who, as you would expect, was up throughout the night 
with his team. I just expressed our support to him, to his team, and to 
our community as they begin the process of the cleanup and recovery 
from what was a very damaging storm.
  I also talked with my wife and older daughter, who lives in Sioux 
Falls, both of whom were in their basements last night as, I think, 
most residents were. I am glad to hear that people took the necessary 
steps to keep themselves and their families safe.
  As I have reported, so far--knock on wood--we are not aware of 
injuries that have been associated with this. Yet I will continue to 
monitor the situation, and my staff and I are available to help with 
whatever will be needed as a result of this storm.