Sens. Cornyn, Cruz, Gov. Abbott Issue Statements on HUD Announcement of Intent to Release Stalled Harvey Funding

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 23 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following statements with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, after the Housing and Urban Development Department announced it would move forward with the release of $4 billion in Hurricane Harvey funds that had been stalled after Congress appropriated them to the state of Texas in February 2018:

"Almost two years to the day after Hurricane Harvey rampaged Texas' coast, Texans are still recovering from its devastation," said Sen. Cornyn. "I want to thank the Trump Administration for clearing the last hurdle to ensuring these Congressionally-appropriated funds can finally be put to use and benefit Texas families and communities."

"This is a positive step for all of the Texans who have been working tirelessly to recover and rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Harvey's destruction," said Sen. Cruz. "After fighting for nearly two years for Texas to receive these funds, I am pleased HUD is finally releasing the funds Congress appropriated to support communities hit hardest by Harvey and to help Texas prepare for future natural disasters. There is still much work to be done, and I am committed to working alongside my fellow Texans to ensure the Lone Star State is able to rebuild stronger than ever."

"The funds provided by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development will go a long way in helping Texas communities that are continuing to rebuild from the most catastrophic natural disaster in our state's history," said Gov. Abbott. "Working together with our federal partners, Texas will ensure that these communities are rebuilt stronger and more resilient than ever."

Earlier this year, Sens. Cornyn and Cruz and Gov. Abbott sent a letter (https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/node/4956) to the Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Vought urging him to expedite the release of these funds so Texas could receive the more than $4.3 billion in pending grants. You can read more about the announcement here (https://files.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/FR-6109-N-02-CDBG-Mitigation-Notice.pdf).