To mark the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene, U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) delivered a speech on the Senate floor reflecting on the storm’s impact on Western North Carolina. The hurricane struck the Blue Ridge Mountains on September 26, 2024, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread damage to communities across the region.
Senator Budd opened his remarks by noting the scale of devastation: “I rise today in remembrance of the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, a disaster of unprecedented magnitude that devastated North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains.” He recalled that 108 people lost their lives during the disaster, with five individuals still unaccounted for.
He highlighted both personal stories and community efforts in response to the storm. “But when I look back on this past year, what is most visible is not destruction—it’s resilience. Neighbors helping neighbors. Communities coming together. And the people of the Appalachian Mountains are leaning on faith, hope, and determination to carry us through the aftermath of this storm,” Budd said.
The senator described his visits to affected areas alongside local leaders such as North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and commended organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and Baptists on Mission for their roles in recovery efforts. Businesses including Lowe’s, Walmart, AT&T, and Verizon were also recognized for contributing resources to support rebuilding.
Budd recounted acts of individual heroism during and after Hurricane Helene—such as Eddie Hunnell rescuing a stranger from floodwaters in Spruce Pine; Junior Singleton saving neighbors from rising water in Avery County; medics overcoming obstacles to provide emergency care; students building homes for survivors; and local leaders guiding towns through crisis.
He noted ongoing challenges faced by communities: “As we shifted from response to recovery, communities spent millions of dollars to clean up and rebuild with the promise of federal reimbursement. They’ve been met with unnecessary bureaucratic gridlock as the federal government reviews grant applications and slow pays funds.”
Budd stated he continues working with federal authorities to expedite reimbursement payments: “I have continued to fight to make sure our communities have the support they need from their federal government and to get these critical reimbursement checks signed and out the door for the people of Western North Carolina.”
The senator emphasized that while progress has been made—including reopening sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway—significant needs remain as many homes are still covered by tarps and infrastructure repairs are incomplete.
Budd concluded by thanking local officials, emergency responders, volunteers, churches, businesses owners, teachers, students, and residents for their perseverance: “It is your unyielding spirit that has inspired all of us throughout North Carolina and across the nation. I will continue to speak up for you in the United States Senate and know that your loss will never be forgotten.”
