President Trump issues disaster declaration for Texas flooding

AUSTIN (KXAN) — President Donald Trump approved a disaster declaration from Texas Governor Greg Abbott related to severe storms and flooding, according to a Sunday press release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“President Trump stands strong with Texas in our time of need, and I thank him for swiftly approving Texas’ disaster declaration request,” said Abbott in a press release from his office. “This federal support will ensure local officials, emergency management personnel, and first responders have the critical resources they need to help Texans rebuild and recover from these devastating floods."

The declaration provides federal disaster assistance and funds to Texas for recovery efforts in areas impacted by the ongoing "severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding," which began on July 2. Those funds will go to state and local governments, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations, for cost-sharing related to emergency work and recovery.

Kerr County residents can access federal assistance for temporary housing, home repairs, and "low-cost loans" for uninsured property losses.

"Our hearts continue to grieve for our fellow Texans who have endured unspeakable loss. We continue to work around the clock with our federal and local partners to search for those still missing and to help impacted Texans move forward," said Abbott in his press release.

Those who live in the county should file claims with their insurance providers before applying for assistance online or by calling 1-800-621-3362. Callers who use a relay service should provide the number for that service to FEMA.

Trump: 'We'll talk about FEMA later'

In June, Trump said that he wanted to "phase out" FEMA after the 2025 hurricane season, according to reporting from the Associated Press.

"We want to wean off of FEMA and we want to bring it down to the state level,” said Trump in the Oval Office on June 10.

At a press gaggle outside Marine One on Sunday, a reporter asked Trump if he had any new thoughts on that plan following the Texas floods.

"We're working very closely with representatives from Texas and it's a horrible thing that took place. Absolutely horrible," Trump said. "FEMA is something we can talk about later."

Texas' Senators praise 'swift' action

In a joint email, Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, R-Texas, both praised Trump for his "quick" and "swift" approval of Abbott's disaster declaration.

"The flooding we are seeing in Central Texas is absolutely devastating," Cruz said. "We urge everyone to heed the warnings from local officials and stay out of harm’s way. We are immensely grateful to the first responders—both in Texas and from across the country—who are risking their own safety to rescue those in need. As Texans, we must remain united in spirit and grit, and support our neighbors as we always do best."

Cornyn said that Texans in Kerrville and Kerr County "endured unimaginable devastation."

“Being a Texan doesn’t just describe where you’re from, it describes who your family is, and even in the darkest times, Texans come together to serve one another in a powerful way," Cornyn said. "As a lifelong Texan and a father of two, my heart breaks for the families who have lost loved ones in this tragedy, and I encourage all Texans and Americans to pray for our state and for the safe return of those who are still missing.”