WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced a resolution recognizing the first anniversary of Hurricane Harvey’s landfall on August 25, 2017.
“As the flood waters rose, communities and strangers bound together and took action to help those in trouble. A year has passed, but we have not forgotten the many families that are still recovering,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We will continue to make sure those affected have the resources they need to rebuild, recover and prosper.”
“In Louisiana, we are no stranger to the devastating effects of hurricanes,” said Sen. Kennedy. “Hurricane Harvey made landfall one year ago, and this resolution recognizes the unfortunate one year anniversary. While the impact of Harvey was the most severe to our neighbors in Texas, many homes and businesses also flooded in southwest Louisiana. Today is a day for remembering the lives lost and commending the courage shown in responding to this monstrous storm.”
“This week marks the first anniversary since Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on our shores,” Sen. Cruz said. “While our Texas and Louisiana communities were heavily hit, the entire Gulf Coast stood united. Countless members of local law enforcement, first responders, and private citizens, including the men and women of the Cajun Navy boldly answered the call, rescuing those in harm’s way from the floodwaters. And in the weeks and months that followed, federal, state, and local partners came together and continue to support disaster survivors in the rebuilding process. This resolution ensures we never forget the courage and dedication demonstrated during the Gulf Coast’s time of need. I remain committed to standing with the people of Texas and Louisiana as we rebuild our communities.”
“This Saturday marks the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey making landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast. For people who don’t live on the Gulf Coast of Texas, who didn’t see the shelters firsthand as I did with my friend and colleague Senator Cruz at the NRG Center in Houston, it’s really hard to imagine what it looked and felt like,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The outpouring of Texans helping their neighbors over and over again reminded me of a saying I heard years ago at another natural disaster, is that being a Texan doesn’t describe where you’re from, it describes who your family is. I pledge my efforts to work to ensure our state remains protected and appreciate the work and support of all of our colleagues as we’ve met this terrible disaster with an appropriate federal response.”
The full text of the resolution is below.
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the 1-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey.
Whereas, on August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey reached the shores of the United States and wreaked havoc on the States of Texas and Louisiana;
Whereas, because of Hurricane Harvey, the President issued a major disaster declaration with respect to Texas on August 25, 2017, and with respect to Louisiana on August 28, 2017;
Whereas Hurricane Harvey was directly responsible for the deaths of not less than 68 individuals in Texas;
Whereas, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the estimate of the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey is $125,000,000,000;
Whereas, according to the National Hurricane Center, during Hurricane Harvey—
(1) Texas experienced as much as 60.58 inches of rain;
(2) Louisiana experienced as much as 23.71 inches of rain;
(3) more than 300,000 structures and as many as 500,000 cars flooded in southeastern Texas alone;
(4) an estimated 336,000 customers lost power during Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana; and
(5) an estimated 40,000 flood survivors were evacuated to, or took refuge in, shelters across Texas or Louisiana;
Whereas, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as a result of Hurricane Harvey—
(1) 41,5000 square miles of land mass in Texas were impacted;
(2) more than 100,000 search and rescue missions were conducted across Texas by Federal, State, and local partners;
(3) 12,000,000 cubic yards of storm debris were removed in Texas;
(4) more than 200,000 single-family homes were flooded across the State of Texas, many of which were not in high-risk areas;
(5) 294 shelters were opened in Texas, holding up to 42,399 survivors; and
(6) approximately 82 volunteer organizations with a total of 91,391 volunteers operated in Texas to provide assistance in response to the storm;
Whereas the Gulf Coast of Texas suffered sweeping economic losses due to closures of businesses and ports and interruptions in oil and gas production, trade, and tourism caused by Hurricane Harvey;
Whereas thousands of businesses were damaged due to Hurricane Harvey, which caused some businesses to close for a period of time and other businesses to close indefinitely;
Whereas Hurricane Harvey caused an estimated $200,000,000 in crop and cattle loss in Texas;
Whereas Hurricane Harvey resulted in the closure of countless schools due to flooding, power outages, and dangerous conditions;
Whereas school closures caused by Hurricane Harvey disrupted the academic school year for thousands of students and forced teachers to relocate classrooms to less favorable learning environments;
Whereas doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel worked expeditiously to provide care and ensure that patients were safe under extreme circumstances;
Whereas volunteer organizations and charities continue to assist survivors of Hurricane Harvey with food, water, and shelter;
Whereas thousands of volunteers and Federal, State, and local government employees from across the United States continue to assist with long-term recovery needs and efforts; and
Whereas significant challenges remain in Texas and Louisiana as those States work to recover, rebuild, and prepare for potential future disasters:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate—
(1) recognizes the 1-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, which reached the shores of the United States on August 25, 2017;
(2) expresses condolences to the victims of Hurricane Harvey;
(3) commends the resiliency and courage of the people of Texas and Louisiana;
(4) applauds the work and commitment of Federal, State, and local partners, law enforcement officers, active duty members of the Armed Forces, members of the National Guard and Reserves, first responders, and brave citizens who went into harm’s way to save countless lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and who have provided support during the past year; and
(5) reaffirms the commitment of the Senate to stand by the people of Texas and Louisiana and to provide necessary resources as the people of Texas and Louisiana rebuild their communities.
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