Dear Mr. xxxxxx,

IMPORTANT: FLOOD FEDERAL ASSISTANCE DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 28, 2025

FEMA has released the following statement issuing an extension for federal aid from the Hill Country floods.

AUSTIN, Texas – Homeowners and renters who were affected by the July flooding in Central Texas now have until Sunday, Sept. 28, to apply for federal disaster assistance if your home or personal property sustained damage not covered by insurance.

Under the major presidential disaster declaration, 10 counties were designated for assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration for the July 2-18 storms and flooding: Burnet, Guadalupe, Kerr, Kimble, McCulloch, Menard, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson.

FEMA works closely with the Small Business Administration, which provides disaster loans to homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes.

The fastest way to apply for FEMA assistance is online at DisasterAssistance.gov and you will need an email address to apply. You may also use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621- 3362. Helpline specialists speak many languages and phone 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.

To receive in-person assistance, you may visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, 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, 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: BE AWARE OF FRAUD, HOW TO WORK WITH FEMA
FEMA has issued public alerts about 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 

FEMA is still operating two disaster recovery centers in Kerr and Travis County:

DEBRIS REMOVAL

STOPPING DANGEROUS SANCTUARY CITIES 

Recently, I introduced H.R. 5005, the Sanctuary Penalty and Public Protection Act, which would strip federal funding from sanctuary cities that prevent cooperation between local government officials and ICE agents.

This proposal goes further than past anti-sanctuary city proposals, making sure that the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security can interview incarcerated illegal aliens to determine lawful status and potential criminal activity.

Upholding law and order should be THE top priority for government. We need to act to protect Texas from places that have abandoned their commitment to public safety by protecting illegal aliens from arrest and deportation by federal authorities

Friday Night Lights - Kerr Co Strong

Nothing beats Friday night lights in Texas. Last week, I enjoyed attending the Tivy football game in Kerrville – the first high school football game since the Hill Country floods. The Kerrville community is strong, and that was embodied by two flyovers at kick off and completed with a Tivy win of 41-20. I am proud to represent this community in Congress, and I wish all the students in our district a safe and healthy school year.  

A Hill Country Landmark Returns

Crider’s Rodeo re-opened its doors Saturday night, and I was blessed to be there to commemorate the moment with the Hunt community.  The Hill Country is strong, and I look forward to more positive memories to come for this community.

Applause for the Cause

Last week, I attended the “Applause for the Cause” flood relief concert where I was able to have a conversation with some great San Antonio Firefighters. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported our community.

Sincerely,