LETTERS: Differences aside, bring back blog

Amid a disaster, it's incumbent upon president, congressmen to put differences aside

Edinburg resident Guadalupe E. Aguirre recently wrote to you about how I thanked the president for issuing a federal disaster declaration for the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend. I believe it is mine and the president's responsibility to put our differences aside and work together to rebuild our communities.

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, it is my mission to serve the people of the 15th District of Texas to the best of my abilities. That is why I engage with President Trump and colleagues on both sides of the aisle — and on both sides of the Capitol — to address the needs of those we represent.

Our local officials compiled information, coordinated with the state and delivered to the president a package of information that allowed him to ultimately authorize disaster assistance. My team is working in tandem with federal, state and local officials to help those affected navigate the various processes that come with applying for this assistance. And, because of the failures in Puerto Rico, and the past handling of Dolly claims, we are closely monitoring recovery efforts to avoid repeating past mistakes and to get South Texans back on their feet.

I will continue to work on your behalf, and I thank you for your opinions.

U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, McAllen