Over the past two weeks, Mother Nature has been tough on Missouri and her families. She has given us everything she had through storms and floods.

I’ve seen the destruction first hand as I’ve traveled the state visiting with homeowners, small-businessmen and women, and others whose lives have been turned upside down by the rains and flooding.

Despite Mother Nature and her attempt to thwart the spirit of Missourians, we have fought back and provided relief to those in need. We did so as a team.

Sadly, not all Missourians survived the floods and our prayers and thoughts go out to their families.

But it is thanks to the dedication and hard work of our first responders, and the coordinated response by state, local and federal agencies we’ve managed to keep the death toll from the storms and flooding to a minimum.

We have also worked with the Federal government to ensure that all the necessary resources are deployed to Missourians in need. And I was pleased to announce with Governor Blunt, that President Bush has approved individual assistance for residents of 19 counties affected by the flood.

When Missouri needed help, the federal government responded quickly and appropriately and I am grateful for that.

When your hometown is turned into a vast inland sea, the thought of rebuilding can seem hopeless.

But I am confident that Missourians will re-build, and I’m committed to making sure those effected by the floods continue to have the resources they need to piece their lives, businesses and communities back together.

Through adversity we find strength. And these past weeks, in our mutual battle with Mother Nature, we have come together. I am proud to have done my part to give comfort and assistance to our fellow Missourians.

Thank you and God bless.

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