Edwards joined by House leaders and Members in WNC ahead of presenting Helene funding bill
Congressman Edwards and congressional delegation hear from volunteers on rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Helene
U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today was joined by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (LA-01), Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08), Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) and Congressman Mike Collins (GA-10) in Western North Carolina to see firsthand the impact of Hurricane Helene.
The delegation received an on-the-ground tour of the hurricane damage at the Veterans Restoration Quarters and River Arts District.
Congressman Edwards said, “Majority Leader Scalise, Chairman Smith and other Members of Congress’ visit to our mountains was an opportunity for them to see the damage caused by Hurricane Helene for themselves so that they can truly understand the devastation Western North Carolinians are experiencing. I wanted to make sure that House leaders and Members have firsthand knowledge of the hurricane destruction in preparation for when I go to present a supplemental funding bill on the House Floor in November.”
Majority Leader Scalise said, “Hurricane Helene had a devastating impact across western North Carolina. But I saw today in Asheville what I saw in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina: resilient people coming together in the face of destruction and tragedy to lend helping hands to their neighbors and rebuild their vibrant community. I’m thankful to have been here to see the challenges firsthand and to meet many of the incredible volunteers, restaurateurs, and business owners already working to restore what was lost. My friend Congressman Chuck Edwards is working tirelessly in the wake of this storm to help these hard-hit areas and aid them on their road to recovery. North Carolina is not alone in this fight.”
“The flood damage in Western North Carolina is absolutely heartbreaking to see up close,”said Chairman Smith. “Over 100 people tragically lost their lives, thousands of homes were destroyed, and countless small businesses were washed away. I’m incredibly grateful to Rep. Chuck Edwards for showing Leader Scalise and our congressional delegation the devastation first-hand in his district. America always come back stronger than before, and I have no doubt the good people of Appalachia will be able to recover and rebuild.”