Washington, May 26 - Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) released the following statement today after touring Parkersburg and New Hartford in the wake of the severe tornadoes that affected communities in Butler and Black Hawk counties last night.  Braley will also visit Dunkerton and Hazelton this afternoon.

"I've never seen devastation like I saw this morning in Parkersburg and New Hartford.  The impact of last night's storm in these Iowa towns is tragic and overwhelming.  But even in the face of death and devastation, the people of Parkersburg and New Hartford have demonstrated remarkable courage and strength. 

"In these difficult times, I'm confident that the resilient spirit of these communities will give them the strength to rebuild and see them through to better days ahead.  The people of Parkersburg, New Hartford, Dunkerton and Hazelton will continue to draw strength from their friends and neighbors and prove once again why Iowa is such a great place."