On the recordJuly 16, 2013
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the 3-month anniversary of the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. This catastrophic event injured hundreds, took 15 lives, and cost tens of millions of dollars in damage. Since that tragic day, the State of Texas and the entire community of West have been working tirelessly to rebuild and to recover. FEMA originally denied Texas Governor Rick Perry's request for a major disaster declaration. Since then, the Governor has filed an appeal for the President to reconsider this decision. I am pleased to be joined by a substantial bipartisan majority of the Texas congressional delegation as we urge the President to support this appeal on behalf of the citizens of West and McLennan County. It is our hope that the President honors the commitment he made on April 25--to help the citizens of West recover, rebuild, and reclaim their community. We must help ease the burdens this community continues to face through the recovery process. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all Americans keep the community of West in their prayers. God bless America. ____________________





