Congressmen Gonzalez, Vela, and Cuellar Request Spanish Speaking FEMA Representatives for Adequate Assistance

WASHINGTON – Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), and Filemon Vela (TX-34) sent today a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator William B. Long, requesting that FEMA provide Spanish speaking representatives, or translators, to further assist residents affected by recent severe storms and flooding.

"South Texas is home to an eclectic and diverse community," Congressman Gonzalez said. "It would be my hope that every resident seeking assistance is granted that opportunity, free of language barriers, to apply for such. I call on Administrator Long and FEMA to do the right thing and hire more Spanish speaking FEMA representatives."

"No person should run the risk of being denied assistance due to language barriers," said Congressman Vela. "In order for South Texas to fully recover from these damaging storms, residents and FEMA representatives must be able to communicate easily and effectively. I urge Administrator Long to hire more Spanish-speaking representatives to make this process as straightforward as possible."

"When responding to emergencies like natural disasters and other crises, it is imperative that FEMA representatives be able to effectively communicate with the affected families, and that includes Spanish speakers," Congressman Cuellar said. "FEMA performs an essential function and is an outstanding organization. Therefore, I think it is only fitting that Administrator Long increase the number of hires who are able to speak both English and Spanish so that the agency can continue to fulfill its mission, and I urge him to do so."

Following severe storms and flooding in Texas' Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend, President Donald J. Trump announced a Federal Disaster Declaration, DR-4377-FEMA, for Hidalgo and Cameron Counties after multiple requests from Congressmen Gonzalez, Vela, and Cuellar; and Governor Greg Abbott.

Today, the congressmen received a complaint from Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. regarding the lack of Spanish speaking FEMA representatives helping those affected by the floods with recovery assistance. Following the complaint, the congressmen sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Long.

Read the full letter below:

July 18, 2018

William B. "Brock" Long

Administrator

Federal Emergency Management Agency

500 C Street SW

Washington, D.C. 20024

Dear Administrator Long,

First and foremost, we would like to thank you for all the work you have done to bring necessary assistance to areas of South Texas devastated by the severe weather and flooding that began on June 19, 2018. Please know that by helping our communities rebuild and recover from all that was lost, you have impacted countless lives for the better.

With that said, we must bring to your attention reports we have received that FEMA representatives sent to the Rio Grande Valley to help residents claim assistance do not speak Spanish. Just like other federal agencies serving this community, your staff should be able to effectively communicate with its residents. While it is our understanding that the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) do in fact have Spanish speaking FEMA representatives, we have also received complaints that other FEMA representatives do not speak Spanish. We would appreciate you looking into this matter.

Please understand that many families lost invaluable possessions in this flooding and are attempting to rebuild their homes, businesses, and history. Texas homeowners insurance policies do not cover any flood damages. As such, we urge FEMA to provide representatives that can speak Spanish, or send translators, so that they may adequately serve these residents of South Texas in their time of need. We want to avoid repeating the mistakes made during the handling of cases after Hurricane Dolly.

Again, thank you for all you have done. If there is anything our teams can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to contact us at (202) 225-2531 (Gonzalez), (202) 225-9901 (Vela), or (202) 225-1640 (Cuellar).

Sincerely,

Vicente Gonzalez Filemon Vela Henry Cuellar

Member of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress