Cruz, Cornyn Support Major Disaster Declaration for Texas Flooding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) today sent a letter to President Obama urging him to grant Governor Greg Abbott’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the recent severe weather and flooding that has affected Texas.

“As you know, Texas has now experienced more major disasters over a one-year period than at any other point in nearly two decades. We ask that you expedite the processing and approval of Governor Abbott’s request to support our state’s resilient and determined resolve to rebuild and recover following yet another devastating weather event,” the Senators wrote.

Full text of the letter is here and below.

June 9, 2016

The Honorable Barack H. Obama
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500 

Dear Mr. President: 

In the wake of the severe rain and devastating weather across the State of Texas, we are writing in support of Governor Greg Abbott’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration as a result of heavy rainfall and flooding since May 26th, 2016. Almost all corners of our State have experienced major storms and flooding, with some communities facing record weather events that have destroyed property and left many Texans stranded or displaced. Texans have also lost their lives as of result of disaster conditions, including service members taken tragically in a training exercise at Fort Hood as a result of high flood waters. 

We appreciate that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has deployed assistance to state and local officials to assess the severity of initial damages, as leaders at all levels work diligently to overcome any unmet needs of residents and businesses.   

As you know, Texas has now experienced more major disasters over a one-year period than at any other point in nearly two decades. We ask that you expedite the processing and approval of Governor Abbott’s request to support our states’ resilient and determined resolve to rebuild and recover following yet another devastating weather event.

Thank you for your consideration.     

Sincerely,

Senator John Cornyn
Senator Ted Cruz

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