| Over the last month, we have witnessed the devastation of Hurricane Helene and the outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and volunteers. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the flooding as we continue to coordinate with local, state, and federal officials to support recovery efforts. I am thankful to the first responders, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, the Tennessee National Guard, and countless others for their brave and capable response to this disaster.
In the weeks and months ahead, I am determined to conduct thorough oversight of FEMA and other agencies to ensure that they stay on the ground, process claims in a timely manner, and provide the help many communities need. This support will be vital.
Since Hurricane Helene struck our state, I’ve made five trips to Upper East Tennessee, and when you’re on the ground, you understand our communities face a long road to recovery.
On a recent visit to Greene County, I received an update on reconstruction of the Kinser Bridge, one of many pieces of essential infrastructure that washed away in the flooding. For many farmers, entire crop fields have been destroyed in areas that received up to 15 inches of rainfall. Many more families have lost their businesses, their homes, and their loved ones.
When you’re on the ground, you also see neighbors helping each other clear out debris from their front lawns. You see volunteers hauling water and food from trucks to families that desperately need them. And you see Tennesseans—with any tool they can get their hands on—rebuilding their communities from scratch.
More than anything else, the Volunteer Spirit was on full display during our visits. 
Click here to view a video of Sen. Blackburn surveying damage in East Tennessee. | 
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