Hurricane Harvey Emergency Funding

Yesterday,  I voted in support of the $7.85 billion emergency supplemental appropriations package for victims of Hurricane Harvey. The House passed H.Res. 502, Making Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief, by a vote of 419-3.

Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Southeast Texas, bringing 27 trillion gallons of rain on Texas over 6 days. At the height of the storm, 70% of the surface area of Harris County was underwater. Homes and businesses were destroyed, and lives will never be the same. I am proud and grateful to see Congress come together so quickly to bring much-needed aid and relief to help our communities begin to rebuild. This vote shows that we stand together in the face of tragedy, not for politics but for people. Hurricane Harvey will not defeat the human spirit or the great city of Houston.

The money in the relief package will reimburse state and local agencies for life-saving responses and missions, help fund home repairs, provide speedy and low-interest loans to businesses and homeowners starting the rebuilding process, giving hope to all those affected and helping them get back on their feet. 

H.Res. 502 – Making Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief includes:

  • Totals $7.85 billion for relief for victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana
    • $7.4 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund
    • $450 million to support the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program to assist small businesses and homeowners.

Families and individuals who have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey are eligible for federal assistance. Below are a few resources that you can use to help you navigate the recovery process. 

FEMA Assistance:

3 Ways to File a Claim: 

  1. Online www.disasterassistance.gov 
  2. Telephone 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) 
  3. In Person at Disaster Recovery Center. Find nearest one at go.usa.gov/xXczA 

FEMA will reimburse hotel stays for displaced individuals and families. To be eligible, register at http://bit.ly/1SQAUQJ Keep all receipts. Process hotel payments by calling 1-800-621-3362. For more information, visit http://www.femaevachotels.com/ 

More information on individual and household assistance can be found here.

 


 

Water Damage and Insurance Claims

Report Water Damage at www.ReadyHarris.org 

If you have flood insurance, file a claim ASAP. If you do not have flood insurance, notify private insurance anyway. Some storm-related damage may be covered.

To Do: 

  1. Photograph property before cleaning up and highest point of wall where water reached 
  2. Keep list of serial numbers. Also keep receipts for disaster spending for 3 years 
  3. Remove wet carpet and affected drywall as soon as safely possible (Cut 1 foot above high water line) 

If you need help with this initial work, contact TeamRubiconUSA.com or TexasRescueMap.com/MuckMap

 


 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

If you are unable to work because your place of employment has been damaged or destroyed, you may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. For eligibility requirements and more information, visit https://apps.twc.state .tx.us/UBS/security/logon.do

 


 

Social Security Adminstration

For office closures and benefit payment information, visit ssa.gov/agency/emergency 

 


 

IRS

Tax relief is available for victims of Harvey (individuals and businesses). You can claim a casualty loss on tax return, including for 2016 tax return. Extension filers have until January 31, 2018 to file. 

401ks and similar employment-sponsored retirement plans can make loans/hardship distributions to victims and members of their families. 

 


 

Disaster Recovery Center Locator

The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) Locator allows individuals to search for DRCs nearest to their location. DRC Locator also provides additional information about each DRC, such as hours of operation, services offered and driving directions to the DRC.

 


 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Eligible veterans with a VA ID card needing an emergency supply of medications can go to any CVS or HEB pharmacy with a written prescription or active VA prescription bottle to receive a 14-day supply. 


Further assistance is available through the Heritage Health Solutions Veterans Helpline, 1-866 265-0124 

 


 

A full list of resources can be found on my website here. 

If you need further assistance or have questions regarding the FEMA or process please feel free to call my offices at (202) 225-6565 or 281-446-0242.  

 

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