The tornado that tore through Kentucky, leaving 64 dead and more than 100 missing, is a disaster that will require significant emergency aid. Federal emergency assistance is already on the way, but the needs of a state that saw whole areas virtually flattened will go beyond the immediate. Votes for that aid can be expected from congressional Democrats, because congressional Democrats reliably vote to fund recovery efforts from areas battered by natural disasters. Votes for the aid can also be expected from Kentucky Republicans who don't extend the same courtesy when other states are hit. President Joe Biden has already announced an emergency and is sending immediate federal assistance after Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, asked for such a declaration, backed by Kentucky’s entire congressional delegation. That delegation includes Republican Sen. Rand Paul and Rep. Thomas Massie, both of whom have long histories of objecting to funding after other natural disasters. Read more