DALLAS, Texas – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on Saturday marked the first anniversary of Hurricane Harvey’s landfall with a visit to Rockport, where he thanked first responders in the First Responders Recognition Program. On Sunday, Sen. Cruz joined Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale at Gallery Furniture in Houston, to honor and celebrate the heroes of Harvey.
Photos and video of the Houston event may be viewed here. Several outlets covered the Senator’s visits. Selected coverage is below.
Corpus Christi Caller Times: Michael Cloud, Sen. Ted Cruz come back to Rockport for the anniversary of Hurricane Harvey
“Sen. Ted Cruz on Saturday addressed many of the same people at the fairgrounds before first responders were recognized. He spoke of the bravery of the men and women in Aransas County whose first priority was to save lives. ‘I have never been prouder to be a Texan than in the days and weeks following Hurricane Harvey,’ Cruz said. ‘Seeing other fire departments who came in to help. Seeing the Coast Guard and thousands of other citizens asking ‘How can I help?’ Cruz and Congressman Michael Cloud both thanked first responders who worked around the clock in the days leading up to and after Hurricane Harvey.”
KHOU: Harvey hero Mattress Mack opens doors to recognize one year since devastating flood
“Senator Ted Cruz surprised the crowd and thanked Texans for showing the world how to come together. Cruz says Houston’s made a comeback, but there’s still more to do. ‘We’ve still got a long way to go, so we need to keep standing by the citizens still hurting,’ said Cruz. At Sunday night’s party, families reminiscing about the last year’s journey, but grateful for Mattress Mack and his generosity when they needed it the most. ‘Because of people like him we’ve been able to get back on our feet,’ said one survivor.”
KRIS: (VIDEO) Sen. Cruz Thanks First Responders in Aransas County
“Today in Rockport the city wrapping up a days’ worth of events to mark the storm’s one year anniversary. First responders in Rockport and all of Aransas County held a public meet and greet talking with residents earlier today over at the festival fairgrounds. Later in the day, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz spoke with firefighters, EMS workers, and police officers in Aransas County honoring their bravery and courage in the days following Harvey. ‘It’s tremendously important to remember what happened a year old ago today and to say thank you,’ Sen. Cruz said.”
KPRC: Houstonians, volunteers, first responders gather at Gallery Furniture to celebrate community, unity
“Houstonians, volunteers and first responders gathered at Gallery Furniture to celebrate community and unity on the first anniversary of Hurricane Harvey. […] Many at the event on Sunday said that they’ve seen the heart of Texas shine through this past year, including Mattress Mack who opened the doors to his business for those who lost everything. ‘He helped a lot of people, he is a good, good man,’ said Betty Jane Molina. ‘He represents the passion the courage and heroism that we saw throughout Houston and throughout Texas,’ Sen. Ted Cruz said. Mattress Mack told Channel 2 that he was just doing what he was raised to do. ‘It was the natural thing to do its what all Texans do,’ Mack said. People in attendance said the gesture represents so much more. ‘There are still people who care,’ Gonzalez said.”
KMID: (VIDEO) Sen. Cruz Visits Rockport, Highlights Unity in Recovery Efforts
“Ted Cruz spent this morning in Rockport. He said in part, ‘It is powerful seeing the entire state stand together. From first responders and private citizens jumping to the rescue of those in harm’s way, to churches serving thousands of free meals, to businesses opening their doors.’ The Senator went on to say that, Texas has been awarded over $30 billion in federal disaster aid, with almost $14 billion in FEMA funding going to survivors’ pockets. He’s also secured funding to protect against future storms, while also helping places of worship be eligible for FEMA public assistance.”
WOAI: (VIDEO) Sen. Cruz Visits Rockport on First Anniversary of Hurricane Harvey
“Senator Ted Cruz made stops in both Rockport and Houston visiting with those affected by Harvey. ‘It is tremendously important to remember what happened a year ago today and to say thank you,’ Sen. Cruz said. Sen. Cruz also met with first responders, thanking them personally for their bravery and courage.”