[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 109 (Thursday, June 22, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E600]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               THANKING ARKANSAS COMMUNITY AFTER TORNADO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. FRENCH HILL

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2023

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the efforts of central 
Arkansas during the recovery period after our devastating tornado that 
hit our district last month.
  Our neighbors immediately began to work hand in hand, neighbor to 
neighbor, to rebuild our community.
  Many volunteered and worked tirelessly to set up emergency shelters 
in our local schools and churches to ensure those impacted by this 
severe storm had safe housing in the wake of the tornado.
  The response of our leaders at the state, county, and city level was 
invaluable to be commended.
  The incredible efforts and active emergency response from Governor 
Sarah Sanders, Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, Little Rock Mayor Frank 
Scott, Mayor Terry Hartwick of North Little Rock, Mayor Jeff Elmore in 
Jacksonville, and Mayor Mary Jo Heye-Townsell of Sherwood, and many 
others all saved lives and accelerated the recovery process.
  Not only did we witness their outstanding response and an outpouring 
of local volunteers, but we saw the swift action of our first 
responders and our essential businesses.
  Entergy Arkansas began repairs to the local power grid as soon as the 
storms passed, and many of our lineman and women worked countless hours 
to restore power, even when themselves were affected.
  One lineman I met with was in his bed at the time of the tornado and 
the roof torn off his apartment, and after a day off from that tragedy 
was out there working 16 house a day to connect the power to his 
neighbors.
  Countless time put in neighbor for neighbor.
  Entergy Arkansas's corporate office also donated $50,000 to the 
American Red Cross to be used toward tornado recovery efforts, with an 
additional pledge of up to $50,000 matching employee donations.
  The Arkansas Food Bank did an incredible job of delivering food, 
water, and other necessary items throughout our communities to ensure 
those affected by the storms were supported by necessary goods.
  Additionally, our local restaurants, our local businesses all donated 
hundreds of meals and supplies to those in need.
  I thank our community for demonstrating generosity and thoughtfulness 
during a time of great need. They simply demonstrate that core value 
that we all take pride in Arkansans and Americans.

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