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Rep. Edwards leads congressional delegation on tour of Helene damage

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards led a congressional delegation that heard from volunteers on rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Helene.

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 1, 2024

High-ranking congressional leaders joined U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards in Western North Carolina on Friday to see firsthand the impact of Hurricane Helene ahead of efforts by Edwards and others to appropriate more hurricane relief to the region.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith and U.S. Reps. Mark Alford of Missouri and Mike Collins of Georgia received an on-the-ground tour of catastrophic damage at the Veterans Restoration Quarters and River Arts District.

“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," Edwards said. "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.”

“Hurricane Helene had a devastating impact across western North Carolina," Scalise said. "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,” Smith said. “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.”