Sens. Cruz, Cornyn Support Federal Disaster Declaration After Tropical Storm Imelda

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) today urged President Trump to issue a federal disaster declaration in response to the severe flooding in southeast Texas after Tropical Storm Imelda:

"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."

The signed letter is here, and full text is below.

October 1, 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, on September 19, 2019, Governor Abbott declared a state disaster in the following counties: Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Orange and San Jacinto.

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/

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