Marsha Blackburn

02/06/2026 | Press release | Archived content

Blackburn Applauds President Trump’s Approval of Major Disaster Declaration Request in Wake of Winter Storm Fern

Blackburn Applauds President Trump's Approval of Major Disaster Declaration Request in Wake of Winter Storm Fern

February 6, 2026

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after President Donald Trump approved Governor Bill Lee's request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration following significant impacts from Winter Storm Fern:

"The Tennessee Department of Health has reported dozens of fatalities as a result of Winter Storm Fern, and thousands of Tennesseans are still without power and displaced from their homes," said Senator Blackburn. "We are grateful to President Trump for approving Governor Lee's disaster declaration request to help individuals, families, and businesses recover from the damage caused by Winter Storm Fern."

BACKGROUND

  • Senator Blackburn led the Tennessee delegation in urging President Trump's swift approval of Governor Bill Lee's request for both FEMA individual and public assistance in 23 counties.
  • Individual assistance would make federal aid available directly to Tennesseans to help with temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. Public assistance would provide reimbursement to state and local governments as well as eligible nonprofit organizations for emergency response costs and repairs to damaged public infrastructure.

  • These counties include Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Maury, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson, and Wilson.

RELATED

Blackburn Leads Tennessee Delegation in Urging Swift Approval of Major Disaster Declaration Request in Wake of Winter Storm Fern

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