Cruz, Cornyn Support Abbott Request for Major Disaster Declaration Ahead of Harvey Landfall

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) today sent a letter to President Trump urging him to grant Governor Greg Abbott’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration in advance of Hurricane Harvey’s landfall.

“Given the potential catastrophic impact that the Hurricane may have on Texas communities, we strongly support this request and urge you to provide any and all emergency protective measures available by a major disaster declaration,” the Senators wrote.

“We have been encouraged thus far by the work and strong coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deploy assistance to state and local officials on the ground in Texas,” they continued. “We stand ready and willing to assist in any way possible to ensure prompt evaluation of this request.”

Full text of the letter is below.

August 25, 2017
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 an expedited major disaster declaration, consistent with Title V of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, prior to the imminent landfall of Hurricane Harvey.

Given the potential catastrophic impact that the Hurricane may have on Texas communities, we strongly support this request and urge you to provide any and all emergency protective measures available by a major disaster declaration. We have been encouraged thus far by the work and strong coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deploy assistance to state and local officials on the ground in Texas.

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,

Sen. Cruz and Sen. Cornyn

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