On the recordOctober 25, 2017
I have often said that, even though the sun is shining after hurricanes and storms, the people are still hurting. Houston is resilient--and I might just say, ``Go Astros''--but I think it is important to talk about those who are impacted by Hurricane Harvey. I rise to help FEMA, because there is a large percentage of denials in my district. I believe that there should be a large promotion, if you will, informational provision to indicate to people the process for appealing FEMA denials. FEMA, itself, admits that many times the denials are based upon technical issues, that they should go to disaster recovery centers; but no one knows that if there is not a massive effort of information, number one. Number two, there are still in the thousands of homes in and around my district and in Texas that are waiting for FEMA inspectors. I have offered suggestions. Those suggestions should be taken up: college students, using resources of finding temporary employees, people who are already working but may have the skills to spend some hours as a FEMA inspector. In my phone are so many pictures of homes with garbage outside, people's belongings. It is now garbage. It is their belongings. It is their life out on the front steps of their home. They are waiting for an inspector. The New York Times article says they are waiting for an inspector. FEMA, let's work together. People are hurting. That should be part of our recovery and our appropriation coming up ____________________
