Dear Mr. xxxxxx,
TELE-TOWN HALL
On Tuesday evening, I hosted a tele-town hall to provide updates from Congress, and more importantly, to hear about the issues most important to you.
If you were able to call in, I appreciate you taking time out of your night to do so. If you would like to be included in the next tele-town hall, you can click here to register.
KERR COUNTY VISIT
Last week, I visited Kerr County to check in with local and state leadership about disaster recovery efforts, including a briefing with DPS and TDEM, a visit to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, and a trip to the Hunt Volunteer Fire Department.
Our office continues to work on disaster recovery daily. Please do not hesitate to contact one of my district offices if we can be of help.
IMPORTANT: FLOOD FEDERAL ASSISTANCE DEADLINE IS ON SEPTEMBER 4TH
FEMA has released the following statement issuing a deadline of September 4th, 2025, for federal aid from the Hill Country floods.
AUSTIN, Texas – “Homeowners, renters and businesses have until Thursday, Sept. 4, to apply for federal disaster assistance if you had damage or losses from the July storms and flooding in Central Texas.
Ten counties are designated for federal assistance for the July 2-18 flooding: Burnet, Guadalupe, Kerr, Kimble, McCulloch, Menard, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson.
By law, FEMA cannot pay for losses covered by your insurance. That’s why disaster survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their primary homes, personal property and vehicles before applying for FEMA assistance. You must also submit the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA.
FEMA grants may be used to rent housing if you are displaced from your home because of the disaster. They can be used to make accessibility repairs and upgrades such as exterior ramp and grab bars. Grants may also be used for medical and/or dental expenses because the disaster caused an injury or illness. And they can be used for funerals or reburial expenses.
FEMA works closely with the U.S. Small Business Administration, which provides low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes.
The last day to apply for an SBA physical disaster loan is the same as the FEMA deadline: Sept. 4.
Keep in mind that applying for federal assistance is not the same as reporting your damage to the state. Reporting disaster damage to the Texas Division of Emergency Management at damage.tdem.texas.gov helps officials connect you with resources and services.
The fastest way to apply to FEMA is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You may also use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT daily. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline specialists speak many languages. Press 2 for Spanish.
Another option is to visit any Disaster Recovery Center to receive in-person assistance. To find one close to you, use your ZIP code to search FEMA.gov/DRC. To view an accessible video, review What You Need to Know Before Applying for FEMA Assistance.
To apply for a loan from the Small Business Administration or to download an application, go to SBA.gov/disaster. You may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email [email protected].
For the latest information about the Texas recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4879. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6.”
FEMA UPDATE: BE AWARE OF FRAUD, HOW TO WORK WITH FEMA
FEMA has issued public alerts regarding possible scams associated with disaster recovery efforts.
- Claiming to be from FEMA but lacking a photo ID.
- Asking for payment in exchange for disaster aid.
- Requesting banking or personal info.
If you receive a letter or visit from FEMA but didn’t apply for aid, contact the FEMA Fraud Branch at [email protected] or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Many residents are receiving letters from FEMA that say “declined” at the top. This can be because FEMA needs more information to approve a claim.
DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS
Walk-in assistance is available at the Disaster Recovery Center located at: First Baptist Church, 625 Washington St., Kerrville (CLOSING THIS WEEK ON FRIDAY)
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. FEMA recently announced two new disaster recovery centers in Kerr and Travis County:
Kerr County Disaster Recovery Center: Address: LJ Vineyards (formerly Bridget’s Basket) 1551 Texas Highway 39 Hunt, TX 78024 Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Travis County Disaster Recovery Center:
Address: Northway Bible Church 589 San Gabriel Parkway Leander, TX 78641 Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday
DEBRIS REMOVAL

DEFENDING OUR HOMELAND
Recently, in San Antonio, Jose Fredi Rivera-Mejia was accused of shooting three people in the head, including his girlfriend and his 22-year-old son, before fleeing – he had been deported three separate times and has a criminal record of assault.
Disgraceful crimes like this have no place in Texas. Texans should never fall victim to illegal alien crime and should lead the way when it comes to law and order. It's high time that the federal and state governments stand firm with efforts to crack down on crime, especially from illegal aliens.
I thank law enforcement for their courageous actions of apprehending the suspect and I hope this criminal illegal alien faces the full power of the judicial system.
Read more here.
THE SAVE ACT
Last week, we learned that 275,000 illegal aliens remained on Social Security. I’ve been told for years that “illegal aliens don’t receive Social Security.” I’ve also been told for years that “illegal aliens don’t vote.”
The Senate should vote on H.R. 22, the SAVE Act, as soon as possible and finally safeguard American elections to ensure that only American citizens vote in American elections.
Congressional Stock Trading
It is simple - Members of Congress should not be day trading while in office. It’s a clear conflict of interest and erodes trust. This Congress, I reintroduced, H.R. 396, the TRUST in Congress Act alongside Rep. Seth Magaziner [D-RI]. This legislation aims to restore public trust by prohibiting Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from trading individual stocks while in office.
Sincerely,
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