Congressman Mike Pence

Commends First Responders and Volunteers

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Mike Pence remembered the fallen from the southern Indiana storms last Friday and commended the first responders and volunteers on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today. His remarks are below:

"We are told to mourn with those who mourn and grieve with those who grieve. Mr. Speaker, I rise to do so today.

"Across southern Indiana in small towns like Henryville, Marysville, Pekin and others, Hoosier families and communities are picking up the pieces after one of the most devastating tornadoes in my lifetime swept through our state.

"I come to the House floor today to pay tribute to the lost and to those who lost their homes and businesses. To pay tribute to the first responders and to the countless thousands of Hoosiers who have come alongside their neighbors in this grievous hour.

"As millions of Americans witnessed on television, these violent storms left utter destruction in their wake, across the three-state area. Schools, businesses and homes were reduced to piles of debris, cars were flipped and thrown about as if they were toys. Some communities, as one local official said it, were 'completely gone.'

"In the Hoosier state, we lost 13 lives, including an entire family from Pekin, Ind.

"Yet, in this dark hour for so many families as is always the case in the Hoosier state, we hear stories of communities coming together to rebuild. Despite the snow and cold that followed the storms, we see generosity, community spirit in full display. Over the coming days, weeks, and months, the wounds will heal, debris will be cleared, and homes, businesses, and barns will be rebuilt.

"And as the federal government makes its assessment today, we look forward to supporting all federal assistance.

"I rise today to commend Governor Daniels, the Indiana National Guard, the Indiana State Police, all of our first responders, and homeland security and community leaders, including Rep. Todd Young, for their decisive leadership in this moment.

"But I also rise today to commend all of those who have stepped forward to provide a helping hand, either with time, talent or treasure. Volunteers donating food, clothing and labor, is profoundly inspiring and humbling and makes me proud to be a Hoosier.

"May God comfort the families of the lost and give strength and courage to those who will rebuild in the wake of these storms."

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