U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) issued the following statement today:

“Today, I urged the White House to approve Gov. Edwards' request for President Trump to declare an expedited major Presidential Disaster Declaration for the state of Louisiana following the devastating tornadoes. The tornadic activity impacted multiple parishes, including areas still recovering from last year's flooding. The communities of New Orleans East, Killian and Donaldsonville sustained the worst damage. Our state and local governments incurred tremendous expenses responding to the tornadoes and saving lives.  Homes and businesses have been reduced to piles of debris.  No one can recover from Mother Nature's wrath alone, and I am confident that the nation will help us rebuild.”