Jeb Hensarling: “Over the weekend, a very destructive storm system moved across my home State of Texas, the Midwest, and the Southeast…”

“Over the weekend, a very destructive storm system moved across my home State of Texas, the Midwest, and the Southeast, killing 15 of our fellow citizens and destroying whole communities in its wake. In Van Zandt County in the Fifth Congressional District of Texas, which I have the privilege to represent, four constituents lost their lives in a series of four violent tornadoes that shattered homes, shattered lives, and devastated neighbors in the Fifth District and the Fourth District of Texas. These storms also tragically killed seven people in Washington, Carroll, and Madison Counties in Arkansas; two people in Rankin and Holmes Counties in Mississippi; one person in Nashville, Tennessee; and one person from Billings, Missouri. Many more, Mr. Speaker, have been hospitalized. Joining me here today are some of the Members whose communities were affected: Congressman Womack and Congressman Crawford of Arkansas, Congressman Harper of Mississippi, Congressman Thompson of Mississippi, Congressman Cooper of Tennessee, Congressman Long of Missouri, and my fellow Texan, Congressman John Ratcliffe--again, Mr. Speaker, all who represent communities that were tragically affected. Mr. Speaker, our citizens who were lost have left a void in their families and left a void in their communities. Our hearts are heavy. Our prayers are sincere for the loved ones they leave behind and for those who recover from their wounds. For many of us, in our faith, there is a time to mourn.…”