Texas Governor Acts to Further Help Hurricane Harvey Victims

Washington, D.C. - October 12, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- On October 5, 2018, President Trump signed H.R. 302, the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 2018 & the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, into law. This legislation allows the Governor of a disaster-impacted state to request a waiver of the general prohibition on duplication of benefits in the Stafford Act that prohibits individuals from receiving Housing and Urban Development grant funding if they accepted a Small Business Administration loan.

The Disaster Recovery Reform Act includes a legislative fix that Congressman Culberson spearheaded in the House-passed version of the disaster relief bill. This provision allowed Governor Greg Abbott to request a waiver so that Harvey survivors who took out Small Business Administration loans to repair their homes will no longer be prohibited from using Housing and Urban Development grant funding to repay these loans later.

On October 5, 2018, Congressman John Culberson (R-TX, 7th) sent a letter to Governor Abbott urging him to immediately request the Duplication of Benefits waiver.

Congressman Culberson, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS), released the following statement after Governor Abbott submitted a request to waive the current ban on duplication of benefits that prevents those who accepted a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan from receiving Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant funding later.

“I thank Governor Abbott for swiftly acting on my request to submit this waiver to help the many Harvey survivors that are still recovering from last year’s storm. We’ve worked closely together to bring relief dollars back to Texas, and today’s waiver request brings us one step closer to resolving the ban that unfairly prevents homeowners who accepted an SBA loan to rebuild their homes from receiving HUD grant funding later.

“I urge the President to grant this waiver as soon as possible so that homeowners have access to funds that allow them to rebuild.”

Cohen’s Statement on Recent Natural Disasters in the United States

Source: House Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th)



Washington, D.C. - September 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement on the recent natural disasters in the United States, including Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Harvey and wildfires in the West:

“My thoughts go out to the people affected by Hurricane Irma in Florida and across the Southeast, as they did for the people affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana and the people affected by massive wildfires in the West. These victims have experienced suffering, loss of property and, in some cases, loss of life. In addition to the irreplaceable human lives lost, each of these natural disasters have and will cost American taxpayers billions of dollars in cleanup, search-and-rescue and reconstruction costs. They have had an extraordinary economic and environmental impact, which I believe has been exacerbated by climate change and will only get worse in time. We should come together as a country to aid victims of natural disasters, just as the country came to the aid of Memphians during past flooding and tornado events.

We need stronger infrastructure and better laws to protect against flooding and prohibit building housing in flood plains. Now is not the time to cut funding for climate change research. Now is not the time to consider cutting taxes for the wealthiest Americans. We should be reforming our tax structure to ensure middle- and lower-income Americans have more disposable income to stimulate the economy and the federal government has sufficient funds to respond to natural disasters and international crises without taking funding from health care and other essential life preserving programs.”

DHS Signs Jones Act Waiver

Source: Department of Homeland Security

Washington, D.C. - September 8, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In recognition of the severity of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Elaine Duke approved a waiver of the federal Jones Act. This waiver will ensure that over the next week, all options are available to distribute fuel to states and territories impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, both historic storms. The waiver will be in effect for seven days after signature and is specifically tailored to transportation of refined products in hurricane-affected areas.

“This is a precautionary measure to ensure we have enough fuel to support lifesaving efforts, respond to the storm, and restore critical services and critical infrastructure operations in the wake of this potentially devastating storm,” said Acting Secretary Duke.

“Hurricane Harvey significantly disrupted the distribution of fuel across the Southeastern states, and those states will soon experience one of the largest mass evacuations in American history while at the same time we’ll see historic movements through those states of restoration and response crews, followed by goods and commodities back into the devastated areas.”

The Jones Act prohibits the transportation of cargo between points in the U.S., either directly or via a foreign port, or for any part of the transportation, in any vessel other than a vessel that has a coastwise endorsement (e.g. a vessel that is built in and owned by persons who are citizens of the United States). The last Jones Act waiver was issued in December 2012, for petroleum products to be delivered for relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.


September 8, 2017 Jones Act Waiver (PDF)

Save the Children Prioritizes Recovery of Child Care Centers, Schools in Texas in Wake of Hurricane Harvey

Source: Save the Children

Fairfield, CT - September 8, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The most powerful hurricane to hit Texas in more than 50 years has damaged or destroyed an estimated 40 percent* of child care and early education centers in the greater Houston area. Save the Children is working with local education partners across the Lone Star state to help restore these centers so children can begin to recover and get back to learning.

"Children can begin to cope when they are able to interact and play with their peers and resume a normal routine," said Jeanne-Aimee De Marrais, Save the Children's senior director of U.S. emergencies. "That is why it is so important to get these children back into daycare and preschool classrooms. It is essential for them to stay engaged and focused on learning during this stressful time."

Save the Children is the national leader in helping restore child care and early education centers after emergencies, and helped lead such efforts in Texas in 2008 in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike and in New Jersey and New York in 2012 in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

The global humanitarian organization, as part of a coalition of local and state partners, has been assessing the greater Houston area's child care recovery needs, and working to ensure local families – including those displaced and living in evacuation shelters – can once again access child care and early education programs. It is also planning to meet the needs of families who, because of the impact of the storm, have a new need for child care services.

"I have met many children in the area shelters we're supporting who can't wait for school to start and see their friends," said De Marrais. "Our priority is to make sure the children and families affected by this hurricane are able to regain a sense of normalcy as soon as possible, and getting these kids back in school will help that process."

Nearly half the schools in Houston were also impacted by the record-breaking storm, and with some schools planned to reopen as early as Monday, Save the Children is helping make sure school-age kids can have access to schools and after-school programs. It also plans to help secure and distribute essential school supplies damaged by Hurricane Harvey, including books, computers, sports, band and art equipment and supplies, and support efforts to refurbish libraries and playgrounds.

Save the Children's emergency response team has been on the ground in Texas since before the storm hit, working to meet children and families' immediate needs. It has established Child Friendly Spaces in evacuation shelters in areas disrupted by the storm, as well as distributed essential supplies to shelters, such as portable cribs, strollers and infant and toddler hygiene supplies. Save the Children's Child Friendly Spaces are safe, designated areas where children can play, socialize and begin to recover after a disaster, while allowing their parents to concentrate on addressing immediate and longer-term recovery needs.

Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We invest in childhood — every day, in times of crisis and for our future.

Houston Texans Player Jon Weeks Releases T-Shirt to Support Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts

Source: Athletes Brand

Scottsdale, AZ - September 8, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Houston Texans long snapper Jon Weeks has teamed up with Athletes Brand on a limited edition t-shirt to help fellow Houstonians in the wake of unimaginable devastation that was wrought by Hurricane Harvey throughout Texas. 100% of t-shirt profits will benefit a hurricane relief fund established by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and housed under the Greater Houston Community Fund (GHCF).

Though officially released today, the t-shirt has already helped raise more than $2,300 for the benefiting fund. A relief effort spearheaded by J.J. Watt, Jon’s teammate, has helped garner nearly $19 million at the time of this writing. While the amount of critical funds raised varies greatly, the root of their efforts is one in the same.

“(Southeast) Texas has suffered previously unimaginable devastating loss. In the midst of frightening chaos during the multi day storm, came shining tales of hope - images of neighbor helping neighbor,” said Jon Weeks, in a statement on his Instagram page. Thank you to our brave first responders, neighbors in their bass boats, our local affiliates and their incredible reporting, and to the Cajun Navy. We are all Houston Strong. There are many ways to give to Hurricane Harvey Relief. (The t-shirt campaign) is one of them. We love you, Houston. We will get through this.”

The limited-edition “Houston Strong” t-shirt can be purchased from HoustonStrongShirt.com. Co-designed and imagined by Weeks, the shirt features a Houston skyline that takes on a hand drawn look, an ode to the people of Houston who are rebuilding the city by hand and extending a hand to one another every step of the way. The tri-blend shirt is available in Men’s, Women’s, and Youth options.


For more information about Weeks’ campaign, click here.

REP. CARTER APPROVES $7.85 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL AS NEXT STEP FOR HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF

Source: House Representative John Carter (R-TX, 31st)

Washington, D.C. - September 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Rep. John R. Carter (R-TX-31), Chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement regarding the President’s request for $7.85 billion in supplemental funding to address the immediate needs of Hurricane Harvey:


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“As the Chairman in the House of Representatives responsible for allocating disaster relief funding, I believe the President’s request of an additional $7.85 billion in supplemental funding is a necessary next step towards assisting our communities in immediate need. However, rebuilding and recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey will continue to require further resources and hard work. I will continue to work closely alongside my colleagues in the Texas Delegation and the Appropriations Committee to meet the needs of our neighbors in the southeast. Texans continue to show resiliency in the wake of destruction and heartbreak, and my prayers are with those impacted by this devastating storm.”

Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

President Donald J. Trump Amends Texas Disaster Declaration

Source: Department of Homeland Security

Washington, D.C. - September 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- President Donald J. Trump today made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Texas by authorizing an increase in federal funding for certain eligible costs.

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The President’s action today authorizes 90 percent Federal cost share for debris removal, including direct Federal assistance; and a 100 percent Federal cost share for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, for 30 days from the start of the incident period, and then a 90 percent Federal cost share thereafter.

Under the President’s major disaster declaration issued for the state of Texas on August 25, 2017, federal funding was made available for Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation, and Other Needs Assistance Programs at 75 percent federal funding of total eligible costs.

USDA Helps Hurricane Harvey Evacuees to Obtain Expedited Nutrition Assistance

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Washington, D.C. - September 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has issued special procedures that give all states flexibility in providing expedited Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to families who have evacuated their homes and moved outside the State of Texas as a result of Hurricane Harvey.

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Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said USDA is offering all SNAP state agencies nationwide the choice of using the program’s expedited service provisions or offering evacuees two months of disaster benefits using streamlined program procedures under a special Evacuee Policy designed in response to Hurricane Harvey. These efforts ensure that people who have traveled outside Texas to safer ground as a result of the disaster get the vital nutrition they need.

“Many people have taken extraordinary measures to reach safety as a result of this historic storm, even traveling to distant states, and we’re working to make sure that paperwork and procedure don’t stand in the way of getting folks access to the food they need to feed their families,” Perdue said, emphasizing that hurricane relief is a top priority for President Trump.

The Evacuee Policy applies to anyone who during Hurricane Harvey resided in a county that received a Presidential disaster declaration for Individual Assistance, who did not receive SNAP benefits in August 2017, and who evacuated to another state that chooses to apply the policy. Eligible households will receive two months of SNAP benefits on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card.

Households that received SNAP in August 2017 may use remaining benefits on their EBT card in any state. They may also use September benefits and August replacement benefits that the State of Texas has already issued. In the coming weeks, these households may also receive supplemental benefits, Perdue said.

The special Evacuee Policy issued Friday is the latest in an ongoing series of USDA actions taken to help Texans cope with the storm and its aftermath that also include a waiver to allow all disaster-affected schools to provide meals to all students at no charge and be reimbursed at the free reimbursement rate through September 30.

In addition, local disaster organizations, such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Southern Baptist Men continue to utilize USDA Foods to serve hot meals in congregate shelters. Individuals seeking more information about this and other available aid should dial 2-1-1 or 1-(877) 541-7905. For more information about Texas SNAP, visit YourTexasBenefits.com .

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service administers 15 nutrition assistance programs, including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Summer Food Service Program, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children , and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which together comprise America's nutrition safety net.

Keesler PERSCO team preps to support Harvey relief effort

Source: U.S. Air Force

Keesler Air Force Base, MS - September 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- A six-person Personnel Support for Contingency Operations team made up of 81st Force Support Squadron members is set to deploy from here this weekend to Texas to support Hurricane Harvey relief and recovery efforts.

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The PERSCO team will be primarily responsible for the accountability of all the deployed military members supporting hurricane relief efforts in the area to include active-duty, Reserve and Guard from all branches.

The PERSCO team will be stationed out of Kelly Annex near Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas. All ground commanders will be responsible for reporting the status of their personnel to the PERSCO team on a regular basis.

“The team will have to account for all military members taking part in recovery and rescue efforts, no matter where they are they will be required to report their status up to the Air Force Personnel Center in case members get seriously injured or go missing,” said Master Sgt. Krista Mercadel, the 81st FSS military personnel section superintendent. “Accountability in vital to keeping commanders on the ground informed about service member strength at all times.”

Mercadel also mentioned that the team is ready and excited for this deployment and does monthly training to prepare themselves for just such a mission.

“The team is excited about going, their happy to be able to do their job in a deployed location,” said Mercadel, “the members of (Keesler AFB) are there for our fellow wingmen no matter where they are or the circumstances. “

The 81st FSS team includes of Chief Master Sgt. Leslie Jackson, superintendent, Master Sgt. Nikki Gulley, NCOIC career development, Tech Sgt. Jamie Bell, assignments counselor, Staff Sgt. Deltron McRae, student personnel assignment counselor, Senior Airmen Corey Easley, force management journeyman, and Thanh Ngan Le, retention counselor. They will be joined with five others service members from Goodfellow Air Force Base to create an 11-person team.

“This is why we’re here, to help people out and accomplish the mission,” said Lt Col Teresa Ammons, the 81st FSS commander. “We’re very excited and so happy to be able to go down and help people get back on their feet.”

Governor Abbott And President Trump Visit Houston

Source: Texas Governor Gregg Abbott

Washington, D.C. - September 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Governor Greg Abbott and Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott greeted President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Saturday as they landed in Houston, Texas to survey the the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. The Governor then joined President Trump visiting Houston communities affected by Harvey, speaking with victims of the storm as they begin the recovery process.


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"Texas is truly grateful for all the help the President and his administration have provided in our time of need," said Governor Abbott. "I am pleased to have him on the ground in Texas again as he experiences the resiliency of the people in the Lone Star State. Just as Texas has pledged to be with the victims every step of the way, the President has committed the full power of the federal government to ensure support and assistance on our road to recovery."

While in Houston, the Governor and President met with Texans impacted by the storm seeking refuge at NRG Stadium. Governor Abbott and President Trump also visited the First Church of Pearland, which has been serving as a hurricane relief center for victims of the storm. Throughout their trip, both the Governor and President spoke of the inspiration to the nation the people of Texas have been as they work together to overcome the worst natural disaster the state has seen.

Also in attendance today were Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Elaine Duke, FEMA Administrator Brock Long, General John Kelly, and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

During the Presidents previous visit, he joined Governor Abbott in receiving a detailed briefing on the federal, state, and local response to Hurricane Harvey.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS OF HARVEY

Source: House Representative Kay Granger (R-TX, 12th)

"Harvey caused unprecedented devastation and hundreds of thousands of people are suffering. That is why we are announcing that the House Appropriations Committee released an assistance package to provide disaster relief and recovery funding urgently needed by the individuals, families and communities who were in Harvey’s path. This is the initial assistance package needed to address the massive destruction. Congress will act swiftly to ensure this assistance gets to those in need. It is vital that those affected by this extraordinary disaster receive the federal resources required to begin to recover and rebuild. I have been awed by the response of the State of Texas, first responders and volunteers over the past week.

Texans are strong and resilient; we will recover from this devastation."

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Save the Children Expands Hurricane Harvey Response into Louisiana

Source: Save the Children

Fairfield, CT - September 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Following what some are saying will be the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history, thousands have been forced from their homes in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Children and families are seeking refuge in Texas as well as neighboring Louisiana. As of this weekend, the global humanitarian organization is expanding its emergency response into the Bayou State, deploying a team of Head Start staff to Louisiana State University’s Agricultural Center facility in Alexandria, where a mega-shelter has been established.



On Saturday, Save the Children distributed infant and toddler supplies – including portable cribs and sheets, strollers, baby hygiene kits and portable washbasins – to more than 50 families who have sought shelter at the LSU AgCenter. Governor John Bel Edwards visited Save the Children’s distribution area, where he spoke with Caine Cortellino, a senior specialist for Save the Children’s humanitarian response team. Cortellino oversees the organization’s distribution of supplies during disasters and explained to Governor Edwards the types of items distributed, which facilitate a parent’s care for their child while in a shelter.

For Cortellino, it was one year and one week to the day since he landed in Baton Rouge to respond to the devastating floods last summer. He shared this with Governor Edwards, who expressed thanks to Cortellino and the Save the Children team for all they are doing to help children and families during this disaster.

Save the Children has also opened a children’s area within the mega-shelter. This area serves as a safe, well-supervised, recreational space where children can play, socialize and begin to recover from the disaster, while allowing their parents to concentrate on addressing the family’s immediate and longer-term needs. In addition to supporting Child-Friendly Spaces within the mega-shelter at Houston’s NRG Stadium, Save the Children is operating two Child-Friendly Spaces, a Parent Baby Area as well as a Youth Friendly Space in Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center mega-shelter.

Save the Children has begun community outreach to a number of smaller shelters in both Louisiana and Texas, staff are assessing needs, helping with translation and connecting families with essential resources. Save the Children also leads Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Jefferson Davis and Rapides Parishes, serving a combined total of more than 1,000 children and families.

Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We invest in childhood — every day, in times of crisis and for our future.

AmeriCorps and Senior Corps Respond to Hurricane Harvey

Source: The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)

Washington, D.C. - September 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has deployed nearly 450 AmeriCorps members, including FEMA Corps, from across the nation to support recovery efforts in Texas. AmeriCorps members are working with the American Red Cross, supporting shelter and mass care operations, as well as providing assistance to FEMA’s logistics and disaster survivor assistance teams.

AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams from Texas Conservation Corps and Washington Conservation Corps, in coordination with FEMA and the Texas Division of Emergency Management, are organizing the volunteer and donations management process and operations, a critical need based on demand. In addition, local Senior Corps projects across the state have started to mobilize volunteers to support shelters and manage donations.

CNCS is also calling upon the more than one million AmeriCorps alumni – many of whom have previously responded to disasters –and national network of Senior Corps volunteers to step up to fill the urgent need for trained and skilled volunteers.

Following a disaster, national service acts as a force multiplier, providing key resources and significantly expanding the capacity of existing organizations on the ground. Through all its programs and initiatives, CNCS helps communities to prepare for, mitigate, respond, and recover from disasters.

In times of disaster, AmeriCorps teams have provided critical support after countless disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, last year’s Louisiana flooding, Hurricane Sandy, tornadoes in Joplin, Mo., Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Moore, Okla., the explosion in West, Texas, and the Deepwater Horizon BP Oil Spill.

Those wanting to learn how they help and to sign up to receive updates should visit www.nationalservice.gov/harvey.

APA Extends Sympathy to the Victims of Gulf Coast Flooding, Offers Resources to Cope with Aftermath

Source: American Psychiatric Association

Arlington, VA - September 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The American Psychiatric Association (APA) extends its sympathy to the victims of Hurricane Harvey, which is causing extensive flooding in metro Houston and is soon to make its way through Louisiana.

“We offer our sympathy to the people affected by Hurricane Harvey and, in some cases, those experiencing painful memories of previous hurricanes,” said APA President Anita Everett, M.D. “We don’t know the full extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey since it is still active. We do know the recovery process will be a long one, and we must be mindful that people who have been affected either directly or indirectly by this disaster may experience a number of reactions in the aftermath, including fear, anxiety and sadness. We implore anyone experiencing prolonged mental health symptoms to seek professional treatment. Treatment is available and it works.”

For more information on coping with disasters as well as how to talk to children about disasters, visit the APA web site by clicking here.

The American Psychiatric Association is the oldest medical association in the country founded in 1844. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 37,000 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.

American Life League President Statement on Abortion Funding for Harvey Survivors

Source: American Life League

Washington, D.C. - September 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- American Life League president Judie Brown issued the following statement concerning the pro-abortion Lilith Fund establishing an abortion fund for Hurricane Harvey survivors:

The very idea that the pro-death LILITH FUND would raise money to kill babies during everyone's hour of need in Houston and elsewhere is beyond belief. How callous and disgusting can any pro-abortion charity (excuse the word) get? We should be doing all we can to help everyone suffering from this tragedy created by Hurricane Harvey, not adding to the death and destruction. God help us when the best response some can give is to suggest that killing babies is a charitable thing to do.

ALL recommends that, instead of funding abortion in disaster areas, people consider donating to the Houston Coalition for Life which sustained damage in the storm, to LifeHouse which is raising funds to help expectant mothers affected by the storm, or to Missions of Hope which is directly providing equipment desperately needed to dry out flooded homes.

Trump Issues Ntl Day of Prayer Proclamation for Harvey Victims and First Responders

Source: The White House; President Donald J. Trump

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE HARVEY AND FOR OUR NATIONAL RESPONSE AND RECOVERY EFFORTS

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION
Hurricane Harvey first made landfall as a Category 4 storm near Rockport, Texas, on the evening of August 25, 2017. The storm has since devastated communities in both Texas and Louisiana, claiming many lives, inflicting countless injuries, destroying or damaging tens of thousands of homes, and causing billions of dollars in damage. The entire Nation grieves with Texas and Louisiana. We are deeply grateful for those performing acts of service, and we pray for healing and comfort for those in need.

Americans have always come to the aid of their fellow countrymen -- friend helping friend, neighbor helping neighbor, and stranger helping stranger -- and we vow to do so in response to Hurricane Harvey. From the beginning of our Nation, Americans have joined together in prayer during times of great need, to ask for God's blessings and guidance. This tradition dates to June 12, 1775, when the Continental Congress proclaimed a day of prayer following the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and April 30, 1789, when President George Washington, during the Nation's first Presidential inauguration, asked Americans to pray for God's protection and favor.

When we look across Texas and Louisiana, we see the American spirit of service embodied by countless men and women. Brave first responders have rescued those stranded in drowning cars and rising water. Families have given food and shelter to those in need. Houses of worship have organized efforts to clean up communities and repair damaged homes. Individuals of every background are striving for the same goal -- to aid and comfort people facing devastating losses. As Americans, we know that no challenge is too great for us to overcome.

As response and recovery efforts continue, and as Americans provide much needed relief to the people of Texas and Louisiana, we are reminded of Scripture's promise that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Melania and I are grateful to everyone devoting time, effort, and resources to the ongoing response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. We invite all Americans to join us as we continue to pray for those who have lost family members or friends, and for those who are suffering in this time of crisis.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 3, 2017, as a National Day of Prayer for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey and for our National Response and Recovery Efforts. We give thanks for the generosity and goodness of all those who have responded to the needs of their fellow Americans. I urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers today for all those harmed by Hurricane Harvey, including people who have lost family members or been injured, those who have lost homes or other property, and our first responders, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and medical professionals leading the response and recovery efforts. Each of us, in our own way, may call upon our God for strength and comfort during this difficult time. I call on all Americans and houses of worship throughout the Nation to join in one voice of prayer, as we seek to uplift one another and assist those suffering from the consequences of this terrible storm.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.



DONALD J. TRUMP

Governor Abbott Announces Day Of Prayer In Texas After Hurricane Harvey

Source: Texas Governor Gregg Abbott

Austin, TX - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation announcing September 3, 2017, as a Day of Prayer in Texas. In his proclamation, the Governor urged Texans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers on that day for the safety of first responders, public safety officers, and military personnel, and for the healing of individuals, rebuilding of communities and the restoration of the entire region struck by this disaster.

"Throughout our history, Texans have been strengthened and lifted through prayer, and it is fitting that Texans join together in prayer in this time of crisis," said Governor Abbott. "Throughout this disaster, we have seen the power of Texans helping Texans, and I am hopeful this proclamation will bring people together once more. We have remained strong throughout this ordeal, and this Day of Prayer will make us even stronger together."

Governor Abbott announced the Day of Prayer at an event today at First Baptist church in Rockport, TX with Vice President Mike Pence and Reverend Franklin Graham.

President Trump To Pledge $1 Million Of His $3.5 Billion Fortune For Hurricane Harvey Relief

Source: The New York Post

I move that we make President Trump an Honorary Texan!

The White House says President Donald Trump is pledging $1 million in personal funds to Harvey storm relief efforts.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders made the announcement at a briefing Thursday.

And she says he’s calling on reporters to help decide which specific organization he will give to.

Read more...

Texas Proud in Face of Disaster (Commentary by Shonda Ponder)

President Trump has pledged $1000000 of his own money towards the victims of hurricane Harvey. The greatness of this is exemplified in the fact that he refuses to take pay for being president of the United States of America from the taxpayers. And yet throughout all this the Democrats are still demonizing him.

The mayor of Houston is going to have a lot to answer for. Two days before hurricane Harvey hit the coast of Texas governor Greg Abbott already knew the hurricane was coming. In order to get ready for it, he requested that Trump declare a National Emergency for Texas. Coast Guard was routed to the scene, as Trump signed the Declaration the day before Harvey hit. National Guard was also dispatched. I believe that my Governor and my President both did an exemplary job in the preparation for Hurricane Harvey.

The governor warned all of Texas that the hurricane was on its way and to prepare for it by following the directions of their local authorities. The mayor of Houston, however, decided that there wasn't anything really to worry about. After all no one knows what the weather is really going to be like, right? He told the people of Houston not to panic and to stay in their homes. Therefore, the City of Houston was fully unprepared for what happened.

I hope that the people of Houston have learned their lesson, and when election year comes around again they vote this mayor out. I am wholly surprised if that's the least they do to him.

Two oil refineries in Houston were shut down, and one of them blew up, causing a gas Panic throughout Texas. On Thursday, a lot of gas stations in Dallas have run out of gas, and gas stations in the Northern parts of Texas were bracing for the worst as lines of cars decided to stock up on their gas while there was still time.

The nation of Israel also donated money towards the Harvey clean up.

Finally, the people of Houston and throughout Texas have shown heroic strength of character. Some of them in the midst of losing everything themselves, were seen out on the waters in boats helping with the rescue mission. Everyone was helping one another. It was a sight to behold, and I am proud of the example that the people of the State of Texas set for the nation.

In the meantime, the mainstream media and the Democrats are relentless in their attacks of Trump throughout all of this. You would think that they could find something better to do, or to focus on, in the midst of all the turmoil. Instead of helping they are standing on the sidelines booing everyone who's trying to do something productive. One can only hope that when election year comes around again the people speak with their votes about how unappreciated and inappropriate this is.

On the heels of hurricane Harvey, hurricane Irma makes its way towards the coast. With one disaster after another I doubt Houstonians or any of the coastal Texas cities can be any more prepared than they are now. Let's keep them all in prayer.

In the northeastern part of Texas where I live, we rarely ever see the devastating effects of hurricanes that hit the coast. However, we feel the pain of our fellow Texans as we hustle about seeking what we can donate to help the cause. The problems that the southern part of Texas is facing is a problem for the whole state and we are acting accordingly.

In Texas there is only one skin color: Texan. You either are, or you ain't. And, if you ain't, we don't want your divisive philosophy here.

Our hearts go out to all who are affected. This is what makes me proud to be a Texan. We're a big state with big hearts!

Sam Houston is known to have said, when Texas became part of the United States, “Texas doesn't need the United States. But, the United States needs Texas.” With the spirit that has been alive during the past week, I venture to say that Texas has shown the United States what unity and pride is all about.

Houston' s Mayor Turner Tells Houston Residents to Stay Put

Washington, D.C. - August 31, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On August 24, The Mayor of Houston put out this statement

“False forecasts and irresponsible rumors on social media are interfering with efforts by the city of Houston, and its government and news media partners, to provide accurate information to the public about the expected effects of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Harvey," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said today.

"All residents of Houston and surrounding areas should rely solely on proven information sources, including the National Weather Service and the city Office of Emergency Management, to decide how to prepare for the heavy rainfall expected here," the mayor added.

"No evacuation orders have been issued for the city and none is being considered.

"Please continue to monitor mainstream news sources for updates on the weather and act accordingly as an informed resident. Rumors are nothing new, but the widespread use of social media has needlessly frightened many people today.”

After searching Texas Governor's press releases, I have found that, although the Governor declared a state of disaster on the days before the Hurricane hit, he did not order Houston to evacuate. He did, however, urge all residents to follow the advice of their local authorities on the matter.

They knew it was coming. The mayor of Houston CHOSE to ignore it.