Organizes Letter from Texas Congressional Delegation in Support of Governor’s Appeal

Washington, D.C., Jul 13, 2007 -  

Republican Conference Secretary John Carter (TX-31) today sent letters on behalf of the entire Texas Congressional Delegation to President Bush, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator David Paulison supporting Governor Rick Perry’s efforts to change the date of the federal disaster declaration in the wake of severe flooding in regions of Texas. The date change would result in more federal assistance for Texas.

Congressman Carter received strong bipartisan support for the letter, with all 32 Members of Congress from Texas joining the letter.

“The residents of Texas affected by this storm need and deserve all the assistance we can provide,” said Congressman Carter. “My colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognize the severity of this situation and want to do everything we can to help our constituents recover from this disaster. I appreciate Governor Perry’s leadership on this issue, and we urge President Bush to grant his appeal.”

On July 5, 2007, Governor Perry’s request to change the effective date of assistance was denied by the White House. Governor Perry has appealed that decision. A copy of Congressman Carter’s letter signed by the Texas Delegation to President Bush is attached. Identical copies were sent to Secretary Chertoff and FEMA Director Paulison.