LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell toured Frankfort's tornado disaster recovery center Tuesday, urging support for tornado relief in western Kentucky to continue.
"I think the most important thing is those who want to help to not sort of disappear over the period of time," he said. "What we need to do with these various government agencies is stick with them for the long haul. This is not going to get better as quickly as they would like, or we would like. So don't give up hope. Look forward. Let's rebuild."
A dog stands in the street surrounded by the aftermath of a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Father and son, Kenny Sanford, right, and Colby Sanford, carry out a dresser from Colby's grandmother's tornado-damaged home in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states late Friday, killing multiple people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Dog owner Derrick Starks, left, Chris Buchanan, center and Niki Thompson, right, both from neighboring counties, attempt to rescue Cheyenne from a tornado-damaged home in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing dozens of people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Local firefighters, EMS and first responders check for survivors trapped in homes and vehicles in the neighborhood off Creekwood Avenue in Bowling Green, Ky., early Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (Grace Ramey/Daily News via AP)
A car sits among the remains of a destroyed house after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
The remains of Dawson Springs Primitive Baptist Church after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Dr. Milton West, senior minister of First Christian Church, talks about the damage done to the church and the plans for recovery after an outdoor service was held Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Mayfield, Ky. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states Friday, killing multiple people. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
A woman searches for valuables amidst the remnants of a home on Saturday, Dec.11, 2021, on Highway F in Defiance, Mo. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday. (Christian Gooden/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)
Emergency response workers dig through the rubble of the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
IMAGES: Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
A refrigerator wedged in a tree in Dawson Springs, Ky. on Dec. 12.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
The remains of a house's kitchen after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
A dog stands in the street surrounded by the aftermath of a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Dena Ausdorn stands at the remains of her home after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. Ausdorn has lived there for 28 years and lost two of her dogs with another left paralyzed after the tornado. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Father and son, Kenny Sanford, right, and Colby Sanford, carry out a dresser from Colby's grandmother's tornado-damaged home in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states late Friday, killing multiple people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Members of the community work to clear debris off of a car after a tornado off in Bowling Green, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Dog owner Derrick Starks, left, Chris Buchanan, center and Niki Thompson, right, both from neighboring counties, attempt to rescue Cheyenne from a tornado-damaged home in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing dozens of people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Local firefighters, EMS and first responders check for survivors trapped in homes and vehicles in the neighborhood off Creekwood Avenue in Bowling Green, Ky., early Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (Grace Ramey/Daily News via AP)
A car sits among the remains of a destroyed house after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
The remains of Dawson Springs Primitive Baptist Church after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Dr. Milton West, senior minister of First Christian Church, talks about the damage done to the church and the plans for recovery after an outdoor service was held Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Mayfield, Ky. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states Friday, killing multiple people. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Early morning frost covers a chair sitting in a destroyed home Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Mayfield, Ky. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states Friday, killing multiple people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Emergency response workers dig through the rubble of the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
A family digs through the remains of their apartment in Mayfield, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
A woman searches for valuables amidst the remnants of a home on Saturday, Dec.11, 2021, on Highway F in Defiance, Mo. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday. (Christian Gooden/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)
Damage from a tornado is seen in downtown Mayfield, Ky. on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Authorities survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Emergency response workers dig through the rubble of the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency said the biggest challenge it is facing now, nearly seven weeks after the tornadoes, is housing. According to FEMA, Gov. Andy Beshear's shelter program is expected to help. It rolls out later this week.
Senate Minority Leader @LeaderMcConnell is touring Frankfort’s tornado disaster recovery center. He’s expected to speak with journalists here shortly. @WDRBNews pic.twitter.com/V5d07EpHh4
— Monica Harkins WDRB (@MonicaHarkinstv) January 25, 2022
"I want every family and community touched by these storms to know that I am with yo. The General Assembly is with you. The commonwealth of Kentucky is with you today, tomorrow, however long it takes," Beshear said earlier this month in his State of the Commonwealth address. "We will rebuild every structure and every life."
IMAGES | Mayfield, Kentucky faces a long recovery after December tornado
A colorful sunrises over a pile of bricks and rubble from buildings destroyed by a tornado in Mayfield, Kentucky. Dec. 15, 2021Â
A St. Matthews Fire truck in a Mayfield, Kentucky neighborhood during tornado cleanup. Dec. 15, 2021.Â
A St. Matthews Fire truck in a Mayfield, Kentucky neighborhood during tornado cleanup. Dec. 15, 2021.Â
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Ky. Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Ky. Dec. 15, 2021.
An American Flag hangs in the door of the Mayfield, Kentucky U.S. Post Office. Dec. 15, 2021.
Volunteers distribute donations to tornado victims in Mayfield, Ky. Dec. 15, 2021.
Volunteers distribute donations to tornado victims in Mayfield, Ky. Dec. 15, 2021.
Volunteers distribute donations to tornado victims in Mayfield, Ky. Dec. 15, 2021.
Volunteers distribute donations to tornado victims in Mayfield, Ky. Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
Tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021.
WDRB's Scott Reynolds reporting live from Mayfield, Kentucky following devastating tornadoes. Dec. 14, 2021.
Several tornadoes roared through western Kentucky on Dec. 11, killing more than 70 people. Much of the worst damage was in Dawson Springs, Mayfield and Bowling Green.
To help victims impacted by the tornadoes, click here.
Related Stories:
- 'The Lord took care of us' | Taylor County man says he's thankful to be alive after night of tornadoes
- Planning questions emerge at tornado-destroyed candle plant
- West Louisville church sends truckload of supplies to western Kentucky tornado victims
- 'Blessed to be alive' | Taylor County begins cleanup after EF-3 tornado destroyed towns
- Photos swept away by tornado, found in Louisville area returned to western Kentucky storm victims
- After tornado, Bremen man plays piano for comfort inside destroyed home
- Kentucky man rescues wife, sister-in-law from candle factory demolished by tornado
- Dawson Springs couple lost everything to the tornado but says 'we're blessed'
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