(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — House Commerce Committee Chairman Timothy Hill (R-Blountville) this afternoon thanked President Donald Trump for visiting the state of Tennessee and for his continued support as several communities begin the process of recovering from Tuesday’s deadly tornado outbreak.
Trump landed in Tennessee Friday morning and later made his way to Putnam County with members of Tennessee’s Congressional Delegation — including U.S. Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.) U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). The group flew over Wilson County, where an EF-3-rated tornado with wind speeds ranging between 136 and 165 miles per hour killed three people and damaged homes and businesses early Tuesday.
President Trump, Gov. Bill Lee and congressional members surveyed the damage and also visited with survivors, local leaders, and first responders throughout the day. Putnam County was one of the hardest hit areas with winds there registering 175 miles per hour. The storm left a wide path of destruction in the county and claimed the lives of 18 citizens.
“This historic tornado outbreak forever change the lives of so many across our great state, and these storms tested the resolve of our citizens,” said Rep. Hill. “I appreciate President Trump’s support, and I am extremely grateful to him for coming here and visiting with those who are suffering. We continue to pray for them, our law enforcement communities, and our first responders during the recovery and rebuilding process in the days, weeks, and months ahead.”
The president has already approved federal aid and disaster relief to help with the cleanup efforts. Assistance from FEMA is now available to citizens in Putnam, Davidson, and Wilson Counties.
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