Rep. Cuellar Announces Webb County Inclusion in Federal Major Disaster Declaration

LAREDO, Texas, Feb. 27 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release:

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced that Webb County was approved in Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) major disaster declaration, allowing families to apply for Individual Assistance (IA). The services provided through IA programs will help provide immediate relief to Texas families as they work to rebuild following last week's historic winter storm.

"This unprecedented winter storm was brutal and many hard-working families in South Texas are still hurting," said Congressman Henry Cuellar. "Earlier this week, I led a letter with Texas colleagues on both sides of the aisle, imploring the Biden administration to approve the disaster declaration for additional counties in Texas. Now that FEMA has approved our request, residents will have access to critical federal resources, which will help them recover from this winter storm. I want to thank FEMA for approving Webb county's request for Individual Assistance and providing relief to Texas families in the wake of this disaster."

On Monday, Congressman Cuellar led a group of 27 members of the Texas Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to President Biden, urging him to approve Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) for all 254 counties in Texas.

Texas homeowners and renters in Webb County who sustained damage may now apply for disaster assistance with FEMA. You can register for FEMA Assistance by visiting http://disasterassistance.gov or calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:

* A current phone number where you can be contacted

* Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying

* Your Social Security number, if available

* A general list of damage and losses

* If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name

Disaster assistance may include financial assistance for temporary lodging and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

FEMA does not reimburse for food lost due to a power failure. Voluntary organizations in your communities may be able to assist. Residents are encouraged to call 211 for assistance.

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February 22, 2021

To: The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania, NW, Washington, D.C. 20500

President Biden:

Last week, many of us wrote to you requesting swift approval of Governor Abbott's Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas and we thank you for your quick action in response. However, we fear that your initial Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declaration falls far short of the actual needs of our state and request the immediate approval of all 254 Texas counties for Individual Assistance.

The services provided by FEMA's Individual Assistance programs are essential to helping states and communities recover from disasters. Although the initial effects of this unprecedented winter storm are beginning to dissipate, the entire state continues to reel from the aftermath that has left millions without power, potable water, and dwindled food supplies.

These continued challenges are impacting Texans from all background and ways of life. While the full assessment of the damage may not be known for many days or weeks, the current estimates are in the excess of $62 million. Given the magnitude, severity, and duration of the historic winter storm, it is assured the actual damage will far surpass the resources of our local communities.

The continued delay of FEMA Individual Assistance to all 254 counties, in the State of Texas, will only prolong the suffering of millions of Americans. Therefore, we respectfully request that you expeditiously approve this federal assistance for all Texas counties.

See signatures here: https://cuellar.house.gov/uploadedfiles/02_22_21_final_individual_assistance_approval_potus_letter.pdf