U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith have stated their commitment to supporting federal assistance for Mississippi as the state recovers from the effects of Winter Storm Fern. The senators made their comments following Governor Tate Reeves’s request for a major emergency disaster declaration.
The storm resulted in at least 26 deaths across Mississippi and left tens of thousands without power. Local, state, and federal agencies have been working together to address the aftermath.
Senator Wicker said, “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 Hyde-Smith noted that the storm’s impact was especially hard on southern states not equipped to handle such conditions. She stated, “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 emphasized ongoing communication with officials at all levels as recovery efforts continue.
Senator Wicker represents Mississippi in Congress (https://www.wicker.senate.gov/). He also serves as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee (https://www.wicker.senate.gov/) and has contributed to several legislative initiatives including co-founding the Senate Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease Caucus (https://www.wicker.senate.gov/) and authoring legislation related to U.S. naval capabilities (https://www.wicker.senate.gov/).
Further information about Senator Wicker’s work can be found on his official website (https://www.wicker.senate.gov/).