Coronavirus in Texas: Trump issues major disaster declaration for the state

President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued a major disaster declaration for Texas as the state grapples with a growing number of cases of the coronavirus.

In a tweet, Gov. Greg Abbott said the declaration will pave the way for access to additional federal resources.

"GREAT NEWS," he tweeted. "President Trump just granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Texas. This will expand the resources available to Texas & speed our ability to robustly respond to #coronavirus."

GREAT NEWS.

President Trump just granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Texas.

This will expand the resources available to Texas & speed our ability to robustly respond to #coronavirus. #COVID19 #txlege

-- Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 25, 2020 A major disaster declaration gives the state access to federal assistance programs for individual and public infrastructure, including funds for both emergency and permanent work, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Trump can issue a major disaster declaration when he believes an event has caused such damage that it is beyond the capabilities of state and local governments.

U.S. Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, urged Trump to grant Abbott's disaster declaration request.

In a letter to Trump on Wednesday, the Republican senators said they were most concerned about "a growing lack of personal protective equipment" for health care workers and first responders.

"As the number of confirmed cases rise, Texas faces shortages of medical personnel, hospital beds, and medical equipment, especially ventilators," the letter said. "Federal assistance is necessary to save lives, protect public health, and lessen the threat of an even larger disaster. We respectfully urge you to support this request and provide any and all emergency measures afforded by the approval of a disaster declaration."

Abbott's letter requested individual assistance crisis counseling and direct federal assistance for all 254 Texas counties.

Last Thursday, Abbott predicted the number of Texans diagnosed with the coronavirus could soar to the "tens of thousands" in just two weeks.

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