Burgess Statement On Obama Administration Denying Texas Federal Disaster Declaration For Tropical Storm Hermine
Posted by on October 09, 2010
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Lewisville, TX
UPDATED 10-13-2010 - Burgess writes to President Obama supporting his appeal for a federal disaster declaration and assistance for 13 counties affected by Tropical Storm Hermine.

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-Texas) released the following statement after learning that the Obama Administration had denied Governor Rick Perry's request to grant a disaster declaration for thirteen Texas counties damaged by Tropical Storm Hermine:

“I am disappointed that the Obama Administration has refused to offer Texans the needed disaster declaration and assistance. Tropical Storm Hermine caused eight deaths, widespread flooding leading to more than 100 high water rescues, over 100 residences were destroyed and thousands of citizens were without water and electricity. This storm left behind a disaster – there is no doubt, and it is the responsibility of the federal government to aid the state and counties in clean-up and repairing the damage the storm caused. The fact that the federal government sent $18 million in social security checks to dead people but refuses to help Texas with the damage caused by Tropical Storm Hermine is outrageous.”

Background:
In early September Tropical Storm Hermine made landfall in Texas and caused widespread damage, which included flooding, property damage to private property as well as roads and bridges, and resulted in eight deaths.  On September 20, Governor Perry wrote to President Obama asking him to issue a disaster declaration for thirteen Texas counties.  The declaration would make storm victims eligible for federal disaster funding to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts.

On October 6, the Members of Congress whose districts were affected by Tropical Storm Hermine – Rep. Joe Barton (R-Arlington), Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Lewisville), Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin), Rep. Kay Granger (R-Ft. Worth), Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-Coppell) and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-San Antonio) - sent a letter to President Obama supporting Governor Perry’s request for a federal disaster declaration for the thirteen affected Texas counties.

The thirteen counties are: Bell, Blanco, Cameron, Coryell, Denton, Hill, Jim Wells, Johnson, Medina, Tarrant, Travis, Willacy and Williamson counties as state disaster areas.

On October 8, Governor Perry heard back from FEMA denying his requested for a federal disaster declaration for the thirteen Texas counties.
Comments
The opinions expressed below are those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent those of this office.
  • Kimberly Lacoco commented on 10/14/2010
    I was extremely upset to learn that FEMA denied Governor Perry's request for disaster assistance for those counties devastated by Tropical Storm Hermine. I had to wonder if assistance was denied simply because it was Texas, and Governor Perry in particular, making the request. Is this simply an underhanded way to punish those who choose NOT to always agree with the Administration. Bottom line, was Hermine any less disastrous for those who lost their homes and their belongings, simply because it was a tropical storm and not a hurricane? Was it less disastrous for its victims because the damage did not affect dozens of counties? I believe the individuals I watched on the news trying to salvage a few belongings from their former homes would answer with a resounding "NO, IT WAS NOT!!!" I view the actions of FEMA/ and the Adminstration to be petty, small-minded and punitive - a way to punish Texas.
  • Nick Woods commented on 10/15/2010
    Texan's problems should remain in Texas. It is not the responsibility of the Federal Government to give us money for a disaster! No where in the constituition is this mentioned. It has become a common belief that we are entitled to all this money. If we could get away from this mentality, we could solve a lot of problems with waste. We all know how inefficient the Federal Government is at doing anything. Let's show that we are Republican Conservatives of Texas by not selling our problems to the Federal Government.
  • Sallie from Ward commented on 1/8/2013
    Stunning that on Friday (01/04/13) you voted against relief for people who lost everything in Hurricane Sandy after taking this position.
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