Congressman Gonzalez Joins Texas Democratic Delegation Urging FEMA to Approve Texas’ Major Disaster Declaration

MCALLEN, Texas – On Thursday, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) joined the Texas Democratic delegation in urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to quickly approve Texas' request for a major disaster declaration. This major disaster declaration would unlock federal funding as communities continue to mitigate the impact of this week's winter storm and begin recovery from this week's winter storm.

Congressman Gonzalez was joined by Representatives Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Colin Allred (TX-32), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Al Green (TX-09), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) Marc Veasey (TX-33), and Filemón Vela (TX-34).

"The weather disaster Texans faced has left millions without power, crippled critical infrastructure, and severely damaged homes, businesses, and more," said Congressman Gonzalez. "I joined my colleagues in sending this letter because Texans need relief and quickly. I urge FEMA to approve this request and thank my colleague Congresswoman Fletcher for leading this effort."

"As members of the Texas Congressional Delegation, we will do all we can at a federal level to make sure a failure like this does not happen again. But we look to FEMA to help us recover from this disaster in the weeks and months to come," the members wrote to FEMA. "Although we expect the extreme winter temperatures to wane, the long-term damage to our homes, businesses, municipal services and infrastructure, energy infrastructure, and agricultural and food systems cannot be overstated."

They continue: "FEMA should be prepared to work with the State of Texas and be as flexible as possible should the state submit an expedited request for disaster assistance for the communities impacted by this winter weather and power outage. As these conditions continue, federal assistance from FEMA will be vital in ensuring that communities are able to repair damage and undertake crucial mitigation work."

The full text of the members' letter to FEMA can be found here.