Austin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) have called on President Biden to expedite the approval of federal disaster aid for counties in Texas severely affected by recent storms. The counties awaiting Individual Assistance include Austin, Bell, Coryell, Ellis, Henderson, Kaufman, Leon, Navarro, Newton, and Tyler. Those pending Public Assistance encompass Austin, Bosque, Collin, Concho, Cooke, Coryell, Denton, Eastland, Falls, Freestone, Grimes, Hamilton, Hardin, Hill, Houston, Kaufman, Lampasas, Leon, Limestone, Madison, McCulloch, Milam Mills Montague Newton San Saba and Waller.

Senator Cruz emphasized his commitment to working with local state and federal officials to ensure Texans receive necessary disaster assistance.

In their letter to President Biden the senators stated "The Governor and local officials have informed us that the severity and magnitude of the storm are beyond the State and local government's response capabilities. The response efforts from the State of Texas have been extensive with various agencies mobilizing swiftly to assist affected communities."

They continued "Given the magnitude of the flooding and its ongoing effects on the region we respectfully urge you to expedite the review process for Governor Abbott's request and provide the necessary federal assistance for all counties declared."

The letter highlights that despite extensive state efforts including water rescues search missions support for livestock owners and infrastructure damage evaluations local resources have been overwhelmed necessitating federal assistance.

"We are prepared to assist you in any way possible to ensure prompt evaluation of this request," concluded Cruz and Cornyn urging immediate action from the administration.

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