Following Hurricanes Laura and Hanna, Cornyn, Cruz Urge POTUS to Issue Federal Disaster Declaration for Texas

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) wrote President Trump in support of Gov. Abbott's request for a federal major disaster declaration following Hurricanes Laura and Hanna in Texas.

They wrote: "The Governor and local officials have informed us that the losses and property damage in these counties are of a magnitude that is beyond the response capabilities of the state and local government. Unfortunately, due to the magnitude of the hurricanes, the disruptions caused by COVID-19, and the fact that Texas continues to recover from multiple major disasters, federal assistance is necessary to help these counties recover."

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October 1, 2020

To: 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 two formal requests for major disaster declarations for Hurricanes Laura and Hanna. As you know, Governor Abbott declared a state disaster for Laura in Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton, Orange, Sabine, and Shelby counties. Additionally, for Hanna, Governor Abbott declared a state disaster for Cameron, Hidalgo, Kleberg, Nueces, and Willacy counties. While the state continues to assess damages in other counties, Governor Abbott has requested Public Assistance Categories A through G be granted to all fifteen counties.

The Governor and local officials have informed us that the losses and property damage in these counties are of a magnitude that is beyond the response capabilities of the state and local government. Unfortunately, due to the magnitude of the hurricanes, the disruptions caused by COVID-19, and the fact that Texas continues to recover from multiple major disasters, federal assistance is necessary to help these counties recover. These entities have worked closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to determine the full extent of covered costs, and they continue to provide documentation requested by FEMA Region VI.

We respectfully urge you to support this request and provide any and all emergency measures afforded by the approval of a major disaster declaration. We stand prepared to assist you in any way possible to ensure prompt evaluation of these requests. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our offices with any questions.