One year ago, we experienced a staggering, record-breaking amount of flooding in Vermont.

I’ve spoken with community members and business owners about how devastating it was for our state, and I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the physical, economic, and emotional toll that it took on all of us. I’m grateful for the emergency responders who courageously stepped up – and today, I’m also thinking of Stephen Davoll of Barre City who passed due to the flooding.

As we commemorate the one year anniversary, I’m also dedicated to looking forward and turning tragedy into action.

Make no mistake – this disaster was a result of climate change. Climate action can’t wait, and the crisis of global warming requires an urgent, all-hands-on-deck approach. My promise to you is that I am fighting in Congress every day to take the bold and necessary steps to combat climate change and protect our state from future flooding.

Natural disasters like the one we faced last year can be incredibly traumatic, which is why earlier this year I introduced the Mental Health Emergency Needs in Disasters (MEND) Act.

Through my conversations with folks in the aftermath of the flooding, it became clear to me that mental health care is missing from federal disaster recovery programs. This act establishes a FEMA grant program to deploy mental health crisis units after a major disaster, providing professional counseling, peer support networks, and more. My hope is that by passing the MEND Act, Vermonters and folks across the country have access to mental health resources when they need it most.

John, I am so proud of the way Vermonters have come together in the face of natural disasters. It is an honor to represent the Green Mountain State in Congress, and I’m committed to rebuilding a stronger, healthier Vermont together.

– Becca