The nation is awed by our resilient spirit in this time of crisis since Harvey wreaked havoc. They are amazed at the unity and cooperation we have shown, both with authorities, and with each other. I look at the victims surfacing in Harvey's wake, and I think, "Our state bird should be the Phoenix..."
You might knock us down, but we don't stay down long -- and we will never stop trying to get back up. Anything less is undignified. The Alamo proved that we don't go down without a fight, and we WILL rise from the ashes into something BIG!
Texas is my home. Texas is truly a whole other country.
I LOVE TEXAS.
As a lifetime, born and raised member of the Republic of Texas, I'd like to express my heartfelt thank you to all of the banks, organizations, people and groups who have made donations to the Harvey Relief efforts and its victims. You have truly humbled me, and all of Texas in your generosity. From the first responders to the individuals who offered assistance, ya'll are truly great!
Hurricane Harvey struck the coast of Texas and caused flooding, triggering a federal disaster declaration covering 18 counties in Texas.
Below are some statements and information about this catastrophe from the newsmakers (Keep checking back for updates!):
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House Representative John P. Sarbanes (D-MD, 3rd):
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of southeast Texas during this catastrophic storm. As this unprecedented downpour continues, we are hearing by the minute the inspiring stories of first responders and ordinary citizens alike who are risking their lives to help friends and neighbors in need. Marylanders are ready to step up in any way we can and, as a member of Congress, I will join my colleagues in authorizing critical aid, support services and other federal resources in order to help the people of Texas weather this harrowing storm and rebuild their communities.”
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Statement from First Lady Melania Trump:
"The effects of Hurricane Harvey will be felt in Texas, Louisiana, and other parts of the country for many months and years to come. So far, 1.7 million people are under orders to evacuate their homes, and, as the floodwater in Houston rises, sadly, so will the number of evacuees.
I want to be able to offer my help and support in the most productive way possible, not through just words, but also action. What I found to be the most profound during the visit was not only the strength and resilience of the people of Texas, but the compassion and sense of community that has taken over the State. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of Texas and Louisiana."
House Representative Alma Adams (D-NC, 12th):
“My thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by Hurricane Harvey,” said Congresswoman Adams. “The flooding that overwhelmed south Texas following Harvey’s landfall has impacted nearly 7 million Texans and caused millions in damages. During this difficult time we thank the many first responders, including the two Helo-Aquatic Rescue Teams traveling from North Carolina, who continue to prioritize the safety and rescue of others over their own wellbeing. I encourage all Texans to heed safety warnings and exercise caution as recovery from the storm continues.”
House Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY, 14th):
“The devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey is a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with those families impacted, the first responders bravely putting themselves in danger, and the countless workers laboring to ensure shelters and resources are available for those in need.
“Congress must do whatever it takes to ensure Texas recovers. It is incumbent that lawmakers quickly pass an emergency relief bill so Texas, Louisiana, and all impacted communities have the resources needed to heal and rebuild. I encourage my Republican colleagues to join Democrats in sending a message to our fellow Americans that in the face of struggle and adversity, Congress stands with them. I know how impactful emergency aid can be, having watched New Yorkers rebuild after Sandy ravished our communities. The nation stood behind New York and New Jersey then. I will stand with Texas now.”
House Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY, 16th):
“The images coming out of Texas right now are devastating. My heart goes out to everyone down there who has been affected by this powerful storm. As we New Yorkers have seen in the nearly 5 years since Superstorm Sandy, recovery from a major natural disaster can be costly and take many years. In light of that, it’s important for all Americans to stand with our fellow citizens in Texas, and pledge to do all that we can to assist them in their time of great need. New Yorkers have big hearts and we will not allow the people of Texas to have any doubts about whether federal assistance will be provided. Congress can and should move quickly to provide aid to Texas.”
House Representative Al Green (D-TX, 9th):
“On Friday, Harris and Fort Bend counties began to deal with the effects of this severe hurricane which has brought unprecedented flooding and tornado damages. We are now three days into this weather event. First responders, emergency personnel, the National Guard, and the Coast Guard are working around the clock. We sincerely thank them for their tireless efforts.
“The dire situation posed by Hurricane Harvey continues to be life-threatening, and all residents of Harris County and Fort Bend County should continue to heed the warnings of local officials and emergency personnel.
“My staff and I will remain in close contact with local, state, and federal officials to keep everyone informed as we continue to endure this dangerous storm. I would like to personally thank all the public servants and medical professionals in advance who will be helping those in need in the days, weeks, and months to come.
“I am inspired by the people in our communities who have put themselves at risk to meet the needs of their neighbors. We are in this together. I ask that everyone please be safe.”
House Representative Gene Green (D-TX, 29th)
“Many of our communities in Houston and Harris County have been badly hit by Harvey’s historic rains. Harvey’s wrath has brought out the best in our city, seen through the tireless work of our local first responders and countless Houstonians who are helping neighbors during our time of need.
Earlier today, I was given assurances from federal and state officials that additional help is on its way, including more National Guard and urban rescue units, and FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers that will provide wrap-around recovery services in our community for victims once rescue operations have completed. Our local, state, and federal partners are committed to ensuring that our communities fully recover and are made whole.”
House Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL, 20th)
“President Trump declared that Americans are ‘weary of war without victory.’ Americans are weary of war, period. For more than 17 years, our country has waged a seemingly never-ending war in Afghanistan, at a cost of thousands of lives and hundreds of billions of dollars.
“The American people deserve to know what President Trump is asking of their sons and daughters. In that regard, the President’s address was unacceptably vague. By refusing to detail the number of troops he will deploy or the missions they will be tasked with, the President has positioned himself to drag out our nation’s longest military conflict indefinitely, in sharp contrast to his statements on the campaign trail.
“Further, in openly declaring the end of American-led democracy building, President Trump has doubled down on his administration’s abdication of leadership across the globe. As the Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, I have long championed democracy and human rights reforms in nations making the difficult transition towards free and open societies. In announcing this decision, President Trump has given authoritarian despots tacit approval to continue abusing and violating the rights of their citizens with impunity.
“This address underscores the importance of passing a new AUMF dictating a clear and coherent strategy for American military engagements in Afghanistan. Congress has the constitutional authority to lead this conversation, yet for too long has ceded this immense responsibility. Speaker Ryan must making passage of a new AUMF the first priority when the House of Representatives returns to session.”
House Representative Jody Hice (R-GA, 10th):
“The President was very deliberate in reaching his decision on Afghanistan and considered a host of different options for moving forward,” said Congressman Hice. “While his decision was not reached easily, it must be considered in the context of the previous policies which have failed. Most notably, when President Obama set an arbitrary timeline for withdrawing from Iraq, the coalitions we worked so hard to craft fell apart, setting the stage for ISIS and other terrorist organizations to fill the void. Simply put, we cannot repeat this legacy in Afghanistan.”
“I am pleased that President Trump articulated a strategy rooted in taking the fight directly to the terrorists, lifting engagement restrictions which have for so long tied the hands of our troops in theater, and applying pressure to our partners in Afghanistan and Pakistan to more aggressively combat terrorists operating within their borders,” Hice continued. “It is my hope that these policies will more effectively create the conditions necessary to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a staging ground for those who wish harm upon us. Now it is incumbent upon Congress to provide our brave men and women in uniform with the resources required to achieve that success.”
House Representative Bill Hulzinga (R-MI, 2nd):
"President Trump's decision to change the rules of engagement for our troops and allow them to take the fight to the enemy is the right choice. Conditions on the ground should determine how our military conducts operations, not politicians dealing with artificial political deadlines. Additionally, I am encouraged to hear President Trump discuss his plan to strengthen strategic partnerships in the region, while also decisively stating that nations who provide safe harbor for terrorists to launch attacks on our troops, allies, and citizens will no longer be ignored. In order to defeat terrorism, we must employ a strategy that utilizes our economic strength, embraces skilled diplomacy, and provides our men and women in uniform with the resources and flexibility necessary to complete their mission."
House Representative Alma Adams (D-NC, 12th)
“My thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by Hurricane Harvey,” said Congresswoman Adams. “The flooding that overwhelmed south Texas following Harvey’s landfall has impacted nearly 7 million Texans and caused millions in damages. During this difficult time we thank the many first responders, including the two Helo-Aquatic Rescue Teams traveling from North Carolina, who continue to prioritize the safety and rescue of others over their own wellbeing. I encourage all Texans to heed safety warnings and exercise caution as recovery from the storm continues.”
