U.S. Senator Katie Britt Honors Those Affected by Deadly Texas Floods 

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) spoke on the Senate floor to acknowledge the deadly flooding in Texas, honoring Alabama natives, eight-year-old Sarah Marsh and the Santana family. Senator Britt also expressed her gratitude for the first responders and community members who have so bravely contributed to search and rescue efforts.

Excerpts from Senator Britt’s speech are below. The full remarks can be viewed here.

“I rise with a heavy heart in the aftermath of the flood that occurred in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Over 700 girls attended Camp Mystic this summer, excited about another year of making new friends and seeing old ones. They look forward to long days of swimming and the river, evenings of laughing with their friends over dinner, and furthering relationships not only with each other, with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“One of those girls at Camp Mystic was eight-year-old Sarah Marsh from Mountain Brook, Alabama. Sarah would have been a third grader in the fall at Cherokee Bend Elementary School. Her favorite color was blue.

“As a mother myself, reading the Marsh’s family statement is heart wrenching. Losing a child is something no parent should ever have to endure… Sarah’s grandmother described her as a beautiful, spunky ray of light in our lives.

“I join my colleagues, I join the people of Alabama, the people across this nation in mourning today for the loss of her precious life and the lives of other fellow campers and counselors. And I take comfort in the fact that I know that she’s with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

“The Santana family from Mobile was camping on the river for the 4th of July. Eddie (Sr.) and his wife Elena and their granddaughter Mila Rose are still missing. Tragically, Camille, wife to Eddie (Jr.) and mother to Mila Rose, was found yesterday and is now at peace with the Lord. I continue to pray for this family from Mobile, their loved ones who wait and hope, and those who continue to search and rescue in Texas.

“We have seen the better part of humanity through the more than 1,700 emergency responders and community and family members who are risking their own lives to evacuate campers and counselors and search for those who are missing. To the heroic first responders who continue to conduct search and rescue, your country offers you the deepest gratitude for your bravery.

“As a country, we must surround those who are grieving with love and support. I continue to pray for the victims’ loved ones, the survivors, and those that are still missing.”

###