Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) led a bipartisan letter to President Joe Biden urging him to swiftly approve Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s request for a major disaster declaration.
The severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in Middle Tennessee caused six fatalities and dozens of injuries, produced significant damage to nearly 1,900 homes, and completely destroyed over 500 homes.
The entire Tennessee delegation joined Senator Blackburn: Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), John Rose (R-Tenn.), Mark Green (R-Tenn.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.).
Click here to download a video of Senator Blackburn.
Read the full letter here or below.
We write to urge swift approval of Governor Bill Lee’s request for a major disaster declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act due to severe weather occurring on December 9th, 2023.
On December 9th, 2023, tornadoes and severe storms ravaged Tennessee. The first tornado watch was issued on Saturday morning, and numerous tornadoes developed thereafter. As of December 11th, 2023, the National Weather Service has confirmed six tornadoes that resulted in catastrophic damage. Devastatingly, the Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed six fatalities related to these events, along with numerous others who were injured. Initial reports indicate that nearly 1,900 homes across the state have been damaged, with over 500 homes being completely destroyed.
To respond to this disaster, Governor Lee is specifically requesting Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for Davidson County, Dickson County, Montgomery County, and Sumner County, along with Hazard Mitigation statewide. Governor Lee’s request is attached. On behalf of the State of Tennessee, we urge you to approve this request as soon as possible.
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