Rep. Cuellar Issues Statement on Disaster Funding for Hidalgo, Cameron Counties

WASHINGTON, July 6 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, R-Texas, issued the following statement on the disaster funding from President Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Cameron and Hidalgo counties:

"I am very pleased with the authorization of FEMA disaster funding for Hidalgo and Cameron counties. Residents and business owners have suffered catastrophic property damage and loss after unprecedented severe weather and flooding in late June.

"My colleagues Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen and I sent a letter to President Trump expressing our support for Governor Abbott's request. We requested that the President issued a disaster declaration for these counties and any counties that may rise to the level of need in the future. We also asked for him to direct federal agencies to expedite delivery of all forms of federal disaster assistance for which the state is eligible. Most recently, my office contacted the White House and FEMA to follow up on our initial request and to expedite the process.

"Once again, we see how strong Texans are in the in the midst difficult times. On behalf of my constituents, I want to thank Governor Abbot for requesting the authorization of FEMA disaster funding, and the President and his Administration for their action in this matter. I also want to thank our first responders, charities, organizations and volunteers who did not look the other way and extended a hand of help to those affected by the severe weather in Hidalgo and Cameron counties. Together, we will come out of this hardship stronger than ever before."

There are two types of disaster declarations provided for in the Stafford Act: emergency declarations and major disaster declarations. Both types of declaration authorize the President to provide supplemental federal disaster assistance. However, the events related to the two different types of declaration and scope and amount of assistance differ.

For additional information on the disaster declaration process visit: https://www.fema.gov/disaster-declaration-process

Applicants may apply for help from FEMA by registering on the website DisasterAssistance.gov. There is also a FEMA app for smartphones and tablets.

People without internet access may sign up by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362).