WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas), along with U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), and Filemon Vela (D-Texas), today penned a letter to President Trump urging for a federal disaster declaration to be issued in response to extreme rain and severe flooding recently in the Rio Grande Valley.
“The Governor and local officials have informed us that the losses and property damage in these areas are of a magnitude that is beyond the response capability of the state and local government,” they wrote. “We urge you to strongly support this request and provide any and all emergency measures afforded by the approval of a disaster declaration. We stand ready and willing to assist in any way possible to ensure prompt evaluation of this request.”
Read the full letter here and below:
July 10, 2019
The Honorable Donald Trump
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
Mr. President:
It is our understanding that the State of Texas, through the Office of the Governor, has made a formal request for a federal disaster declaration as a result of extreme rain and severe flooding, consistent with Title V of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. As you know, Governor Abbott declared a state disaster in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties on June 27, 2019.
The Governor and local officials have informed us that the losses and property damage in these areas are of a magnitude that is beyond the response capability of the state and local government. We urge you to strongly support this request and provide any and all emergency measures afforded by the approval of a disaster declaration.
We stand ready and willing to assist in any way possible to ensure prompt evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions.
Sincerely,
/s/