Rose discusses Tennessee tornado damage on House floor

U.S. Rep. John Rose (R-Cookeville) delivered remarks on the House floor about the deadly storms that hit Tennessee on Tuesday morning.

Here are Rose’s remarks as prepared:

Madam Speaker, today I rise with my colleague from Tennessee, Mr. Cooper.

Earlier today, a devastating tornado tore through Middle Tennessee, the area I represent and call home.

While rescue workers are still in the critical phase of sorting through debris and accounting for those who are still missing, we know already many lives were lost and dozens of people were rushed to emergency rooms.

I and countless Tennesseans are lifting those people up in prayer.

I am working diligently alongside my fellow Representatives, the Administration, Governor Lee, Senators Alexander and Blackburn, and emergency officials to get much needed federal aid to the affected areas.

Homes, schools, businesses, churches, farms, and other buildings and numerous communities have suffered serious and, in some cases, overwhelming damage.

I stand today with those affected by this disaster and pledge every effort will be made to give shelter to those who need it, give care to those who are hurt, and give assistance in the critical effort to recover and rebuild.