Rushmore State News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate to comment on the severe flooding that struck Texas over the weekend. In his remarks, Thune acknowledged the widespread devastation and loss of life caused by the disaster.

“Mr. President, before I begin, I just want to say that I join Americans around the country in praying for the victims of the torrential flooding in Texas this weekend.

“More than 100 have been reported dead, among them at least 28 children.

“It is a moment of unfathomable pain for so many.

“And my prayers are with the grieving parents and the grieving families.

“I’m grateful for the efforts of the rescue workers, military members, and volunteers who have put themselves in harm’s way to rescue flood victims.

“And it would be wrong to acknowledge rescuers without also mentioning the everyday Americans who died in the floods trying to save others, like the camp director who died trying to get his campers to safety.

“The Scriptures say, ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’

“These are the people we would all hope to be at the moment of our testing.

“Again, Mr. President, my thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of these deadly floods, and with those who continue to work to rescue them.”