Memphis Standard

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee has joined forces with Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina and ten other Senate colleagues to urge swift action on a disaster relief package for victims of Hurricane Helene. The bipartisan group sent a letter to key Senate leaders, including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative support.

The senators highlighted the severe impact of Hurricane Helene on the southeastern United States, noting that the lack of cell service could mean further tragedies as communications are restored. "The devastation from Hurricane Helene across the southeastern United States is simply inconceivable…Because of a lack of cell service, we anticipate even greater tragedy to unfold in the days and weeks ahead as communications and power are restored and we can understand the full scope of this disaster," they stated.

Preliminary assessments suggest damages could reach tens of billions of dollars, with expectations that this figure will rise as recovery efforts progress. "Even preliminary damage assessments indicate that, at a minimum, the total damage and economic loss will be in the tens of billions of dollars. This amount will likely soar as recovery efforts continue and the full picture of this ruinous disaster becomes clear," continued the senators.

The letter calls for Congress to address these needs urgently, potentially requiring lawmakers to reconvene in October to ensure timely legislation before year's end. "Although the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents. This may even require Congress to come back in October to ensure we have enough time to enact legislation before the end of this calendar year. Tens of millions of Americans were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and we look forward to working with you to provide relief to those impacted by this horrific storm," concluded their message.

Co-sponsors supporting this initiative include Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).