WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) wrote a letter last week to President Joe Biden supporting Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request for an emergency disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to Texans impacted by Winter Storm Mara in Bastrop, Blanco, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Delta, Denton, Falls, Hays, Henderson, Hopkins, Hunt, Kendall, Lamar, Lee, Leon, Milam, Red River, Robertson, Shelby, Smith, Travis, and Williamson counties.

Los senadores escribieron, “The Governor and local officials have informed us that the severity and magnitude of the storm are beyond the response capabilities of the state and local government and that supplementary federal assistance is necessary to save lives and protect property, public health, and safety. Prolonged displacement due to damaged homes, businesses, and other property is one of many dangers Texans face in affected areas.”

“We respectfully urge you to approve the Governor’s request for the FEMA Public Assistance program.”

El texto completo de la carta puede consultarse aquí y más abajo.

Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
Presidente de los Estados Unidos
La Casa Blanca
Avenida Pennsylvania 1600
Washington, D.C. 20500

Señor Presidente:

It is our understanding that the State of Texas, through the Office of the Governor, has formally requested an emergency disaster declaration due to Winter Storm Mara that began impacting Texas on Sunday, January 30, 2023. As you know, Governor Abbott has already declared a state disaster in Bastrop, Blanco, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Delta, Denton, Falls, Hays, Henderson, Hopkins, Hunt, Kendall, Lamar, Lee, Leon, Milam, Red River, Robertson, Shelby, Smith, Travis, and Williamson counties. Major storm conditions resulted in sub-freezing temperatures, strained energy capacity, and treacherous roadways that have impacted homes and businesses and are a continued threat to the health and security of Texans.

The Governor and local officials have informed us that the severity and magnitude of the storm are beyond the response capabilities of the state and local government and that supplementary federal assistance is necessary to save lives and protect property, public health, and safety. Prolonged displacement due to damaged homes, businesses, and other property is one of many dangers Texans face in affected areas. We respectfully urge you to approve the Governor’s request for the FEMA Public Assistance program, including categories A through G, and Direct Federal Assistance for Bastrop, Blanco, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Delta, Denton, Falls, Hays, Henderson, Hopkins, Hunt, Kendall, Lamar, Lee, Leon, Milam, Red River, Robertson, Shelby, Smith, Travis, and Williamson counties.

Estamos dispuestos a ayudarle en todo lo posible para garantizar la rápida evaluación de esta solicitud. No dude en ponerse en contacto con nuestras oficinas si tiene alguna pregunta.

Atentamente,

/S/