NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) led the Tennessee delegation in sending a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to swiftly approve Governor Bill Lee’s request for a major disaster declaration in the wake of flash flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.

Read the full letter here or below.

 Dear Mr. President:

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 September 26 and 27, 2024. 

The remnants of Hurricane Helene have caused widespread damage across Tennessee, especially in East Tennessee. An estimated 6 to 10 inches of rain has fallen across the eastern part of the state over the past 48 hours. Catastrophic flash flooding has devastated communities across East Tennessee, causing I-40 to collapse and leaving homes destroyed. The Unicoi County Hospital has been inundated with flood waters, and patients and staff were forced to take shelter on the roof to await rescue. Over 75,500 power outages were reported statewide. With the heaviest rains expected to shift through Middle and West Tennessee over the weekend, more damage is expected.    

To respond to this disaster, Governor Lee is specifically requesting an Emergency Declaration, Categories A and B, including Direct Federal Assistance. Governor Lee’s request is attached. On behalf of the State of Tennessee, we urge you to approve this request as soon as possible.

Our offices can provide you with any additional information you need.

Senator Blackburn was joined by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representatives Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Mark Green (R-Tenn.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), and John Rose (R-Tenn.) in sending the letter.