On the recordJanuary 23, 2017
I come before this body tonight with my colleagues from Mississippi and Georgia to offer our prayers for those whose lives were lost, whose homes were destroyed, and whose neighborhoods were shattered during this weekend's tornadoes across the Southeast. We also extend our deepest gratitude to our first responders, local law enforcement, and emergency personnel for their quick, courageous, and compassionate response in the aftermath of the storm. Finally, I also want to say thank you to the citizens of Mississippi who rushed toward the sites of devastation. Their generosity, bravery, and willingness to help their neighbors gives me hope that our community will rebuild again and be stronger than ever. We will get through this difficult time together, confident in our ability to persevere through any trial, with neighbor helping neighbor, as we begin the difficult work of rebuilding our community following this terrible natural disaster.
