On the recordMarch 24, 2010
Today we're debating more disaster- related spending. What we have to ask ourselves, what about the money Congress has already sent to help families and communities? As I stand here, Texas is still waiting for the supplemental disaster funds for Hurricane Ike that Congress approved 18 months ago, Congress, led by Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Lewis, to try to help communities who have suffered the sixth most costly hurricane in American history. But this time the hold up isn't FEMA; it's HUD. Other States have received their disaster funds, but HUD continues to hold Texas hostage. My fellow Texans and I, from both parties, have written to HUD on this issue. We've requested meetings or calls, and our letters go unanswered. The State of Texas has worked tirelessly with its local communities to put together a strong recovery plan, and we know it because we've just recovered from and are recovering from Hurricane Rita as well. But HUD keeps moving the goal posts. They say Washington knows best. And if the HUD gets their way, the people most impacted by Hurricane Ike won't even be eligible for help. It's been 541 days since Congress acted to provide help for disaster victims. Yet HUD continues to tell Texans, your recovery doesn't matter. There's no rush. Well, tell our communities, tell our families, tell our region that there's no rush. 541 days. HUD needs to act now to approve the Texas plan and simply help our communities rebuild.
