WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) led members of the Tennessee delegation in sending a letter to President Joe Biden urging a swift approval of Governor Bill Lee’s request for a major emergency declaration following the deadly storms across Tennessee and the greater Mid-South. Senator Blackburn was joined by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Representative David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Representative Mark Green (R-Tenn.), and Representative Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.).

“On the evening of December 10, 2021, West and Middle Tennessee experienced two lines of severe weather that produced observed and radar-indicated tornadoes as the storms moved northward into Kentucky.  The heavy rain, powerful thunderstorms, and tornadic activity that persisted into Saturday left a devastating path of destruction in its wake, damaging roads, homes, and businesses. At least four Tennesseans lost their lives because of the flooding and others may still be missing,” the members wrote. 

Read letter here or below. 

We write to urge swift approval of Governor Bill Lee’s request for an emergency declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act due to severe weather that occurred on December 10 and 11, 2021.

On the evening of December 10, 2021, West and Middle Tennessee experienced two lines of severe weather that produced observed and radar-indicated tornadoes as the storms moved northward into Kentucky.  The heavy rain, powerful thunderstorms, and tornadic activity that persisted into Saturday left a devastating path of destruction in its wake, damaging roads, homes, and businesses. At least four Tennesseans lost their lives because of the flooding and others may still be missing. Hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and damage to water infrastructure have been reported across the affected areas. State and local officials, first responders, charity organizations, churches, and community organizations immediately began recovery and response efforts.

To respond to this disaster, Governor Lee is specifically requesting Public Assistance for Cheatham, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Gibson, Lake, Obion, Stewart, and Weakley Counties. Governor Lee’s request for an emergency  declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act is attached, and we urge you to approve Governor Lee’s request on behalf of the State of Tennessee as soon as possible.

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