Regarding "Hurricane funding" Page A37, Sunday), the Chronicle's editorial is disappointing, not only because it is largely inaccurate and unfair but because it is so bitterly partisan. In contrast to our Houston region which united during the hurricane and proudly demonstrated to America how neighbors help neighbors without regard to political differences, the Chronicle regrettably has chosen to take a much different path - one that seeks to divide at a time when we should be working closely together to rebuild.
An accurate account of federal funding for Harvey disaster relief shows that Congress acted immediately to deliver $15 billion in critical emergency relief. This assistance was followed swiftly by a $5 billion tax relief package, which I authored with strong bipartisan support, to encourage more charitable giving to victims, help victims write off their property losses, access their retirement accounts and help local businesses keep their employees on payroll while they fight to reopen.
Then Congress acted again to approve a third disaster relief bill that provides $15 billion more for Texas, plus a nearly $5 billion pool of funding for local communities to access. This is crucial and timely help your paper ignores.
The editorial also chides Congress for not yet having approved the state of Texas request for $61 billion to rebuild our great state. It fails to note that this comprehensive plan was presented to federal leaders by Gov. Abbott just days ago in Washington.
Republicans and Democrats from the Houston region and throughout the country are working together to help rebuild Texas and provide more federal support. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn have provided critical leadership in this effort and just last week convened a meeting of the delegation to focus on our recovery strategy.
I invite the Chronicle to join us in putting Texans ahead of petty politics and finger pointing. Let's work toward the full recovery and future of the Houston and Texas Gulf Coast region.
U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands
