U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith have expressed their commitment to supporting Mississippi as the state recovers from the effects of Winter Storm Fern. The storm resulted in at least 26 deaths, widespread property damage, and left tens of thousands without power.
The senators made their statements on the Senate floor following Governor Tate Reeves’s request for a major emergency disaster declaration. They highlighted both the severity of the storm’s impact and ongoing recovery efforts by local, state, and federal agencies.
“I commend local leaders, mayors, commissioners, and the response team from FEMA. We’re thankful for what they’ve done and for their resilience. I’ve said this in past years: In Mississippi, our federal delegation is in this for the long haul, just like we were with the tornadoes that occurred earlier. We’re grateful to the president and for our friends at FEMA for helping us recover,” Senator Wicker said.
“This powerful storm has affected millions of Americans across the country, but its effects were especially severe in the South, a region not typically equipped to manage prolonged snow, ice, sleet, and dangerous winter conditions. This storm was particularly devastating in Mississippi, a state that simply lacks the infrastructure and equipment necessary to respond to a storm of this magnitude,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “I, along with fellow members of the Mississippi congressional delegation, strongly support Governor Reeves’s request for a major disaster declaration and we encourage President Trump to approve it swiftly. I ask my colleagues and the American people to keep the people of my state and everyone harmed by Winter Storm Fern in your prayers.”
Both senators encouraged residents affected by Winter Storm Fern to stay engaged with their offices during recovery efforts.
Senator Wicker represents Mississippi in Congress according to his official website. He serves as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee according to his official website and sits on several boards related to national defense and education as noted on his official site. He has also co-founded caucuses focused on global health initiatives according to his official website.
A copy of Senator Wicker’s remarks is available here.
A copy of Senator Hyde-Smith’s remarks is available here.
