[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 128 (Monday, August 1, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3793-S3794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           EXECUTIVE CALENDAR

  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, the 
Senate will proceed to executive session to consider the following 
nomination, which the clerk will report.
  The legislative clerk read the nomination of Elizabeth Wilson Hanes, 
of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern 
District of Virginia.


                   recognition of the minority leader

  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Republican leader is 
recognized.


                          flooding in kentucky

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, Eastern Kentucky is reeling, reeling 
from some of the worst flooding in our State's history. The area is 
still experiencing rainfall today. This horrible, tragic crisis is far 
from over.
  In Jackson, waters reached 43-\1/2\ feet high, breaking an 83-year-
old record. Drone footage shows whole towns completely submerged. 
Roadways have turned into rivers. Rising waters have reached rooftops. 
Across more than a dozen counties, severe rainstorms have created 
crisis conditions. Water rose too quickly for many to react, with 
tragic consequences.
  The Governor has confirmed that, so far, 35 people have lost their 
lives amid flash floods, including children, and I think that number is 
likely to rise in the coming days. Even the families who were lucky 
enough to get out unscathed have lost homes, businesses, and heirlooms. 
In many communities, the waterlogged destruction is absolute.
  Eastern Kentucky is well known for its steep hilltops, rolling 
forests, and deep hollers. Those features, which make the region one of 
the most unique in the country, also create complications for emergency 
personnel.

[[Page S3794]]

Our heroic first responders, including the National Guard from Kentucky 
and surrounding States, are working overtime to find and recover 
stranded residents. They have rescued more than 1,400 individuals since 
floodwaters hit. Nearly half of the rescues were by air.
  Late last week, I joined with every member of Kentucky's 
congressional delegation to support the Governor's request to the 
President for a major disaster declaration to give our first responders 
Federal help. President Biden issued that declaration promptly, and 
resources are already flowing into the Commonwealth to assist local 
emergency personnel. The President called me the other day, as well as 
Secretary Mayorkas and FEMA Director Criswell. We are deeply grateful 
to them all for their speedy action.

  Director Criswell traveled to Kentucky last week and has been on the 
ground assisting with recovery efforts directly. My staff in 
Southeastern Kentucky are in close touch with local officials in the 
area, providing all the help we can. I will visit the affected 
communities myself in the coming days to meet with constituents and 
offer support.
  Unthinkably painful stories continue to come to us out of Eastern 
Kentucky. However, we have also heard moving reminders of Kentuckians' 
selflessness. Last December, the city of Mayfield, in the western part 
of Kentucky, was devastated by tornadoes. The town lost its fire 
station in that storm. But despite their own challenges, last week, the 
Mayfield Fire Department filled an ambulance with equipment and rushed 
to Eastern Kentucky to aid relief efforts. They didn't have to think 
twice before helping fellow Kentuckians.
  We saw generosity all across the affected region. Residents with 
boats, jet skis, and kayaks put their own lives at risk to rescue their 
neighbors. Schools, churches, parks, and businesses opened their doors 
to displaced families. As one resident put it over the weekend, no 
matter what, Eastern Kentuckians ``help each other.''
  So I am monitoring the situation closely and doing all I can to 
assist. Kentucky leaders on both sides of the political aisle are 
working together to coordinate further Federal aid. I am thankful to 
everyone who sprang into action to help with the rescue efforts, 
whether they were professional first responders or just Good 
Samaritans.
  And I am thankful for the help our State has already received from 
FEMA. Their continued assistance will be vital for rebuilding in the 
months ahead. Eastern Kentucky has been devastated by these floods. Our 
recovery process will take months and, in some places, literally years. 
But I know we will bounce back. Kentucky has faced challenges before, 
and we always, always overcome.