WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) sent a letter today to President Donald Trump thanking him for his approval of Governor Abbott’s request for an emergency declaration and warning Texans to be prepared ahead of two tropical storms threatening the Texas Gulf Coast, Marco and Laura.
They wrote: “We write to thank you and your administration for granting Governor Abbott’s request for an emergency declaration as Tropical Storm Marco and Tropical Storm Laura threaten the coast of Texas.”
“The Governor and local officials have informed us that the losses and property damage expected in these areas are to be of a magnitude that is beyond the response capabilities of the state and local government.”
“FEMA advises all those at risk to sign up for local alerts, have an emergency communication and evacuation plan, stock up on emergency supplies, and remain informed both before, during, and after the storms hit. Texans are resilient, and we are confident that our continued partnership with your administration will protect lives and property.”
The full text of the letter is below.
August 24, 2020
The Honorable Donald Trump
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
Mr. President:
We write to thank you and your administration for granting Governor Abbott’s request for an emergency declaration as Tropical Storm Marco and Tropical Storm Laura threaten the coast of Texas. Governor Abbott has declared a state disaster for twenty-three counties in Texas and marshalled the necessary resources to prepare for major flooding and extreme wind conditions.
The Governor and local officials have informed us that the losses and property damage expected in these areas are to be of a magnitude that is beyond the response capabilities of the state and local government. Unfortunately, due to the magnitude of these storms, the disruptions caused by COVID-19, and the fact that Texas continues to recover from nine federally declared major disasters since 2017, federal assistance is necessary to prevent significant loss of life. The Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continue to work together both to recover from previous storms and mitigate the impact of future weather events. This critical partnership has saved countless lives and helped Texans get back on their feet during this unprecedented series of weather events.
We echo FEMA and TDEM in urging all Texans to heed the warnings of government officials and prepare for the worst-case scenario. FEMA advises all those at risk to sign up for local alerts, have an emergency communication and evacuation plan, stock up on emergency supplies, and remain informed both before, during, and after the storms hit. Texans are resilient, and we are confident that our continued partnership with your administration will protect lives and property.
Once again, we thank you, your administration, and FEMA for granting an emergency declaration. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
/s/
cc: Administrator Peter T. Gaynor