Dear Acting Administrator Fenton,

Thank you for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) swift action in issuing an emergency declaration following the devastating floods that recently struck South-Central Texas. Many of these communities were still recovering from catastrophic flooding just over a year ago, which caused extensive damage to infrastructure, disrupted local economies, and resulted in the tragic loss of life. Although the emergency declaration provided critical initial assistance, state and local officials and residents - including those currently without congressional representation in Texas' 23^rd Congressional District - continue to report significant unmet needs.

I respectfully urge FEMA and the administration to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for the affected areas immediately and authorize Public Assistance. I believe FEMA regional leadership will indicate that Texas meets the applicable thresholds. Authorizing this assistance would support debris removal, the repair of public infrastructure, and other essential recovery operations.

Assessments for Individual Assistance remain underway, particularly in South Texas, where flooding continues and some affected areas remain difficult to reach. These assessments should proceed, but they should not delay the authorization of Public Assistance. Issuing the declaration now would allow state and local partners to begin critical recovery operations without unnecessary delay while FEMA completes its assessments and determines whether the requirements for Individual Assistance have been met.

Thank you for your prompt consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Chip Roy

Member of Congress