Palmetto State News

U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) have written a letter to Senate leaders urging immediate action on disaster relief legislation following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The letter was addressed to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine).

"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," the senators wrote.

The letter highlighted preliminary damage assessments, indicating that economic losses could be in the tens of billions of dollars. "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," they continued.

Emphasizing the urgency for congressional action, they stated: "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."

Senators Scott and Tillis were joined by Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).

Text of the full letter is available HERE.