Sen. Cruz: ‘Rockport Is Strong, and Getting Stronger Each and Every Day’

ROCKPORT, Texas – Today, on the first anniversary of Hurricane Harvey’s landfall, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) delivered remarks at the First Responders Recognition Program in Rockport. There, he discussed the incredible progress the community is making on the road to recovery.

Still photos and video of the event may be viewed here.

“Texas is strong,” Sen. Cruz said in his remarks. “Rockport is strong, and getting stronger each and every day. A year ago today, our state took a hard blow. This community took a hard blow. Hurricane Harvey came on shore with 135 mph winds, wreaking utter devastation here in Rockport, Port Aransas, Aransas Pass, Refugio, and Victoria. 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, businesses opening their doors, and local, state, and federal partners working to support disaster survivors. I’ve been able to come to Rockport several times and this community is coming back. It’s rebuilding, and looking and feeling stronger. If we continue to stand together, standing as one, Texas and Rockport will come out of this stronger and better than ever before.”

Today, Sen. Cruz released a video highlighting the courage and resilience of the Lone Star State, and the progress made on the road to recovery. Over the last year, Sen. Cruz worked with federal, state, and local officials to ensure Texans from Corpus Christi to Beaumont received the resources needed to recover and rebuild from the devastating winds and floods of Harvey. Since Hurricane Harvey, Texas has been awarded over $30 billion in federal disaster aid with almost $14 billion in FEMA funding in survivors’ pockets. Among other provisions, Sen. Cruz worked to secure funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to protect against future storms, ensure houses of worship would be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance program grants, and provide $5 billion in targeted tax relief for storm survivors.