Political Quotes

“Madam President, this week marks the 1-year anniversary of the deadly tornado that devastated the towns of Harrisburg and Ridgway in Saline and Gallatin Counties. I visited both of those towns right after the tornado. I have seen my fair share of tornado damage in my life. But when I visited Harrisburg and Ridgway, I saw some things I have never seen before. I expected to see some trees blown down and shingles torn off roofs. Instead, I saw entire houses lifted from their concrete foundation and tossed on top of the neighboring house. The loss of homes and property was really difficult to bear, but the real tragedy lies in the lives that were claimed by this tornado. Eight people died as a result of this violent storm: Randy Rann, Donna Rann, Jaylynn Ferrell, Mary Osman, Linda Hull, Greg Swierk, Don Smith and R. Blaine Mauney. But despite this incredible loss, when I visited Harrisburg and Ridgway, what I didn't see were broken spirits. Instead, from the very minute this disaster took place, people came together to rebuild the community. The outpouring of support was amazing almost 6,000 people pitched in before it was all over. And I can't say enough about the tireless efforts the emergency personnel who were there from the minute that the sirens went off. They were there to help under the most extraordinary circumstances. I went to Harrisburg 5 weeks after my first visit and I was amazed at how much better the community looked.…”