Congress pays tribute to victims of Southeastern tornadoes

Marilyn Bullard makes her way to a home that was damaged by a tornado, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, in Adel, Ga. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

Credit: Tamar Hallerman

Credit: Tamar Hallerman

Marilyn Bullard makes her way to a home that was damaged by a tornado, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, in Adel, Ga. (AP Photo/Branden Camp)

WASHINGTON --Both chambers of Congress took time on Monday and Tuesday to pay tribute to the victims of the tornadoes that ravaged portions of south Georgia and Mississippi over the weekend.

U.S. Sens. David Perdue and Johnny Isakson took to the Senate floor Tuesday afternoon to thank first responders and express sympathy for the families of the 15 Georgians who were killed and countless others who lost their homes.

Meanwhile, members of Georgia's congressional delegation led a moment of silence on the House floor Monday evening.

The tribute came as Gov. Nathan Deal announced plans to request federal assistance to help cover the storms' damage. More than 18,000 people remain without electricity and 16 counties are under a state of emergency.

We hear Johnny Isakson and David Perdue will lead a similar tribute in the Senate later today.

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