Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Thursday regarding the severe storms and possible tornadoes that hit Louisville, Kentucky last night:

“Mr. President, people in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, are still recovering this morning from a series of storms and possible tornadoes last night that inflicted considerable damage across the city, including at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack, home of the Kentucky Derby.

“More than 600 Louisvillians were without power early this morning, after thousands lost power yesterday. The storms did their worst at Churchill Downs in south Louisville, where there were reports of funnel clouds and some barns were destroyed, sending many horses running loose. In many parts of the city there are downed power lines. The storms also did considerable damage near my alma mater, the University of Louisville, and in the Jeffersontown area.

“The National Weather Service plans to be in Louisville today to survey the damage and determine if the city was indeed struck by tornadoes. And the town is bracing itself for another round of severe weather, with severe thunderstorms, high winds and even hail in the forecast today.

“Luckily it appears so far that only property was damaged and no lives were lost or people injured. The horses are all OK too, for that matter. We’re thinking of those who have been affected by these storms, and we will continue to keep a close eye on the city of Louisville and make sure people have everything they need to clean up and rebuild.”