On the recordApril 20, 2016
I just returned from my district which I might say is under water with, again, another torrential rain that has caused so many Houstonians and those in the surrounding areas to suffer. We did this with Tropical Storm Allison last year in May 2015, and now again in 2016. You see the depth of devastation by the families that I visited at M.O. Campbell and in apartment complexes. First, let me thank the mayor and county government officials who are working so hard. We need to move as quickly as possible for the Presidential declaration of natural disaster. I know it is a process, and I accept that. But we also have to have a way of investing in the infrastructure of overcoming the terrible aspect of places where water comes with no place to go. We need a national infrastructure effort and one that involves the State of Texas and Houston, Harris County, as well because we lost eight lives. Finally, let me say, Mr. Speaker, as I indicate to the Texas Department of Transportation that receives Federal funds, we must put flashing lights and signals where there are underpasses where people have died. We have to save lives. I will continue to fight for housing and for the Federal declaration and for FEMA. People are suffering, and we are going to work with them and give them hope. ____________________
