Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the Securing Every Vector, Enhancing Networks (SEVEN) Act, a bill designed to strengthen America’s defenses against cyber threats targeting the Signaling System 7 (SS7) telecommunications protocol. The legislation aims to address these vulnerabilities by coordinating efforts across the government and creating a task force of cybersecurity experts to develop solutions.

“For far too long, foreign adversaries have exploited critical weaknesses in the SS7 telecommunication protocol to track, spy on, and steal from Americans,” said Rep. Weber. “This cannot stand. The SEVEN Act delivers a decisive path forward to shut these vulnerabilities down and ensure our communications systems are secure—all without disrupting our networks. This is about protecting our citizens and safeguarding our national security, and we must act now.”

“Our adversaries around the globe are exploiting vulnerabilities in the digital backbone of our telecommunications infrastructure to spy on everyday Americans,” said Rep. Pfluger. “The SEVEN Act will ensure the safety of U.S. networks by establishing a dedicated task force to address this issue head-on. We must act swiftly to protect our national security.”

Read the bill here. 

Background: 

SS7 is a global telecommunication protocol that facilitates call routing, billing, and messaging. It is a crucial backbone of modern communication systems but has significant vulnerabilities. Hackers with access to a SS7-specific license (known as a “Global Title”) can exploit SS7 to intercept calls, read messages, and track locations. In June, Reps. Weber and Pfluger sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).  This letter was prompted by a CISA employee’s claim that unauthorized attempts to access user location data through SS7 and related protocols have occurred in the U.S. By addressing these vulnerabilities, the SEVEN Act seeks to protect Americans’ communications and bolster national security.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, a bipartisan measure to improve the nation’s water infrastructure. This legislation includes critical projects advocated by U.S. Rep. Randy Weber to bolster ports, improve waterways, and drive economic growth in Texas’ 14th District. The 2024 WRDA features high-priority authorizations for TX-14 that will enhance the region’s infrastructure, promote economic development, and improve the safety and functionality of vital waterways.

Projects included in WRDA 2024 for Southeast Texas:

Galveston Harbor Channel Extension – This project authorizes modifications to the Galveston Harbor Channel, including further deepening and extending the Federal channel and Turning Basin 2. These upgrades will enable fully loaded vessels to safely navigate to Texas International Terminals, while the expanded Turning Basin will accommodate the new Oasis Class cruise ships at the Royal Caribbean terminal. The new terminal is expected to generate 800 jobs and $1.4 billion in local economic activity annually.

Sabine-Neches Waterway Widening Feasibility Study– Authorization was secured for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to expedite the review and coordination of the feasibility study for widening the Sabine-Neches Waterway. This critical navigation improvement project will address constraints impacting the safety and efficiency of maritime traffic in one of the nation’s busiest waterways.

Galveston Bay Ship Channel Feasibility Study – A feasibility study was authorized to evaluate improvements to ship channels and barge lanes in the Galveston Bay area, including the Galveston Bay entrance, Houston, Galveston Harbor, and Texas City ship channels. These enhancements are vital to maintaining the region’s role as a cornerstone of America’s energy security, supply chain, and economic development.

Cedar Port Deep-Water Navigation Study – The legislation authorizes USACE to expedite a feasibility study for developing a new deep-water federal navigation channel between the Houston Ship Channel and the Cedar Port terminal facilities. This project aims to reduce vessel congestion and increase operational capacity to support growing container volumes, benefiting industries throughout the Gulf Coast.

“Southeast Texas is home to seven ports—more than any other district in the nation—and vital waterways that power both our local and national economies,” said Rep. Weber. “Our region plays a critical role on the global stage, and these investments are key to sustaining its leadership in energy, commerce, and job creation while improving the safety and efficiency of our waterways. I was proud to advocate for these projects in WRDA and will continue working to ensure they become a reality.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced the Juneteenth Museum Act of 2024. This legislation directs the Smithsonian Institution to explore options for establishing a museum dedicated to Juneteenth in collaboration with Galveston and Texas officials. The study will evaluate potential locations in Galveston, Texas, and report recommendations to Congress.

“Juneteenth is an important chapter in our nation’s history, and it was right here in Galveston, Texas, where this historic day was first recognized. It’s a moment that symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the enduring spirit of America,” said Rep. Weber. “There is no better place to explore the option of a museum to honor that legacy, ensuring future generations understand the true significance of that day in 1865. We owe it to those who came before us to preserve this history and celebrate how far we’ve come. I’m proud to lead this effort and work with leaders and community members of Galveston to make this vision a reality.”

“Today, we celebrate the filing of the Juneteenth Museum Act of 2024 by Rep. Randy Weber as a major milestone in the community’s quest to create a Juneteenth museum in Galveston,” said Galveston Mayor Craig Brown. “We are grateful to Rep. Weber for seeking the resource of the Smithsonian Institution and for his support and leadership on this initiative. Passage of the Juneteenth Museum Act of 2024 will initiate an instrumental partnership with the Smithsonian Institution that can open the door for federal funding to complete a two-year study and potentially include a Galveston Juneteenth Museum as an annex of this prestigious national institution. The passage of the Juneteenth Museum Act of 2024 will provide the City of Galveston, and the historic locations where General Order No. 3 was read and distributed, with the federal resources and guidance needed for the perpetual national memorialization of Juneteenth.”

Background:

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, slavery officially ended in the United States. Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and delivered General Order No. 3, proclaiming: “The people are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property…” This historic moment marked the final chapter of emancipation in America. On October 24, 2024, the City of Galveston City Council officially endorsed this effort led by Rep. Weber.

Original co-sponsors include: Reps. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Michael McCaul (TX-10), John Carter (TX-31), and Kay Granger (TX-12), and Al Green (TX-9).

Read the bill here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Chip Roy (TX-21) led a group of Texas Republican lawmakers in calling on the Biden-Harris Administration to immediately provide the necessary data to protect the integrity of Texas elections and ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote in the State of Texas. The letter to the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) follows Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson’s request for citizenship verification data and the federal government’s failure to meet the deadline for providing this crucial information.

In recent weeks, Governor Greg Abbott announced the removal of 6,500 potential noncitizens from Texas voter rolls, highlighting the critical need for further verification before the upcoming election. The federal government has thus far failed to comply with an urgent request made by the State of Texas for access to USCIS data, which is crucial in verifying voter eligibility.

Other Texas Republicans who signed the letter include Reps. Lance Gooden (TX-5), August Pfluger (TX-11), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Troy Nehls (TX-22), John Carter (TX-31), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Pete Sessions (TX-17),  Brian Babin (TX-36),  Keith Self (TX-3), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Pat Fallon (TX-4), Morgan Luttrell (TX-8).

“The Harris-Biden administration’s refusal to provide Texas with crucial information is a clear dereliction of duty,” said Rep. Weber. “They’re turning a blind eye to noncitizens influencing our elections, and they even killed the SAVE Act, which would have barred noncitizens from voting. Federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting, so why won’t they hand over the voter rolls Texas needs to keep our elections clean? My Texas Republican colleagues and I demand they release the information without delay.”

“Texas has a duty to prevent noncitizens from voting. The Biden-Harris administration is trying to prevent that for the same reason they fought the SAVE Act (H.R. 8281): they want noncitizens — especially illegal aliens — to vote,” said Rep. Roy. “Public confidence in elections is a necessary cornerstone of any representative government. That confidence must be earned through diligence and transparency.”

“This election is the most important election of my lifetime,” said Rep. Nehls. “The federal government must provide Texas’s Secretary of State, Secretary Nelson, with USCIS citizenship data to ensure non-citizens are not registered to vote in the Lone Star State. I’m proud to join my Texas colleagues in urging the Director of USCIS to expeditiously provide Secretary Nelson with this critical information to ensure the integrity of our elections.”

“Regrettably, we live in a time where Democrats, in order to cling to power, will break any law, violate any precedent, and utterly disregard the safety and well-being of the American people,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “Democrats have openly stated they want more mass illegal immigration because they need the populations in failing blue states.  While Biden and Harris have inflicted open border policies on our nation, Texas is, once again, working to do what is right by trying to make sure non-citizens are not allowed to vote and our states’ election integrity is preserved.”

“Ensuring American elections are decided by Americans is of the utmost importance,” said Rep. Sessions. “It is pressing that the federal government fulfill their role and provide information for Texas to verify their voter rolls. I am proud to stand alongside my Texas colleagues.”

“It’s outrageous that the Biden-Harris administration has refused Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson’s request for citizenship data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency,” said Rep. Self.  “It is their duty.  It is what they were created for—it’s in the agency’s name. Texans are tired of this lawless administration. USCIS must hand over the data immediately—no delays, no excuses.”

“Democrats have consistently put illegal immigrants over American citizens, this includes allowing and encouraging them to cross our border and vote in our elections,” said Rep. Jackson. “There are far too many vulnerabilities in our election system, so I am proud to sign this letter and remain dedicated to doing everything I can to ensure we have safe and secure elections in Texas and beyond.” 

“The Biden administration doesn’t seem to have a desire to ensure the very basic level of election security is met by verifying that only Americans vote in America’s elections,” Rep. Carter. “The Biden’s administration’s failure to provide the requested information to Texas is unacceptable. The American people deserve a free, fair and secure election and I hope the Biden administration will work with the state to ensure that’s the case.”

Read the letter here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Today,  U.S. Rep. Randy Weber’s (TX-14) legislation to advance the next generation of pipelines passed the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R 7073, the Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act will strengthen public-private partnerships and improve Federal research, development, and demonstration related to the evolution of key pipeline systems across the country. As our Nation’s infrastructure is rapidly aging, this legislation ensures pipelines are modern, secure, and cost effective, ready to take on our growing energy needs. The success of these systems and new infrastructure technologies will be essential to our international competitiveness, national security, energy independence, and beyond.

“Pipeline infrastructure is not only vital to Southeast Texas but also crucial to the prosperity of our entire nation,” said Rep. Weber. “It remains the safest, most reliable, and efficient method for transporting the fuel that heats our homes, powers our vehicles, and drives our economy. As we continue to expand our energy resources, it’s imperative that we invest in research and development to ensure our pipelines operate at peak efficiency, fostering both innovation and growth. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for the bipartisan support that takes us one step closer to ensuring our pipelines are modernized to meet the demands of the future.”

Highlights of H.R 7073 include:

• Authorizing the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Secretary of Interior, and others, to establish a demonstration initiative and joint research and development program for low-to mid-technology readiness level research projects to achieve deployment.
• Creating a National Pipeline Modernization Center at the Department of Energy, which will foster collaboration with industry and stakeholders to commercialize cost-effective products and procedures.
• Conducting a program at NIST of measurement research, development, demonstration, and standardization to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities and ensure their safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.

Rep. Weber spoke on the House Floor in support of his legislation. Watch here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14), Brian Babin (TX-36), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7), Al Green (TX-9), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Morgan Luttrell (TX-8), Dan Crenshaw (TX-2), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Shelia Jackson Lee (TX-18), Lance Gooden (TX-5), Kay Granger (TX-12), Pete Sessions (TX-17), August Pfluger (TX-11), John Carter (TX-31), Roger Williams (TX-25), and Tony Gonzales (TX-23) sent a letter to President Biden urgently requesting the expedited approval of Individual Assistance (IA) under the FEMA program for Texans impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

“As members of the Texas congressional delegation, we write with an urgent plea to expedite approval of Texas’ request for Individual Assistance (IA) under the FEMA program,” the letter states.  “Specifically, our goal is to amplify the formal application provided to your Administration by acting Governor Patrick yesterday and underscore the speed by which is needed.  Many residents in and around the Houston area have been without power for several days with heat indexes exceeding 100 degrees daily.  They urgently need the resources FEMA can provide.”

“Southeast Texans are in desperate need of Individual Assistance (IA)  through FEMA immediately—there is no time to wait,” said Rep. Weber. “While we appreciate the federal aid for mitigation and public recovery, our constituents need immediate IA support to address their critical needs following Hurricane Beryl. Texans are tough, but they need swift federal action now to recover and rebuild in these trying times. President Biden, we implore you to approve the request from acting Governor Patrick immediately.”

“I am closely monitoring the devastation from Hurricane Beryl,” said Rep. McCaul. “Requesting individual disaster assistance is the next step in getting our communities the resources they need to recover from Hurricane Beryl. I am proud to work with the Texas delegation to utilize all our tools to help businesses and families rebuild their lives.”

“As Texans are recovering from Hurricane Beryl, my colleagues and I are urging the expedited approval of Individual Assistance in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl on our constituents,” said Rep. Luttrell. “My staff and I are working tirelessly to support our community and making every effort to ensure folks can recover swiftly from the aftermath of the hurricane.”

“We express our gratitude to President Biden for authorizing the federal emergency disaster declaration for Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl,” said. Rep. Green. “With hundreds of thousands of constituents lacking power in Houston and its vicinity, it is imperative for persons to have the opportunity to apply for individual disaster assistance through FEMA to advance support for our communities.”

Read the letter here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. -U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) announced today that the House Appropriations Committee included funding for Texas’ Fourteenth Congressional District in the fiscal year 2025 (FY25) Appropriations bills. The following projects were approved by the full committee but await final passage by the full House of Representatives.

If enacted, the bill would provide: 

$113,286,000 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) construction account, to deepen the Sabine-Neches Waterway (SNWW) from its current 40-foot depth to its congressionally authorized depth of 48 feet, as authorized in WRDA 2014. The SNWW is the USA’s leading energy exporter and #1 exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG). No single project can do more for Texas and the rest of the United States now than the Sabine—Neches Waterway Channel Improvement Project.

$5,000,000 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’ (USACE) investigations account, for the pre-construction engineering and design for the Texas Coastal Project (locally known as the Ike Dike). This funding would support an integrated and comprehensive coastal resiliency strategy, addressing immediate and long-term coastal risk reduction and ecosystem restoration needs across the entire Texas coast. The Coastal Texas Project is vital for national security and economic protection, with significant implications for the entire state of Texas and the nation.

$2,000,000 to the Port of Galveston for the creation of a four-lane cargo corridor, a new access gate and weigh station, and 35 acres of additional cargo laydown space. These enhancements will secure up to 500,000 new cargo tonnage volumes within the decade, increase employment opportunities, and improve connectivity and efficiency at the port.

$1,250,000 to Texas A&M University System for the AgriLife Texas Gulf Coast Oyster Research on the Texas Gulf Coast. The funding would be used to support oyster research, recognizing that aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors globally and is expected to be the primary source of growth in seafood production in the future.

“These projects are crucial for the future of Southeast Texas. They will bolster our economic strength, create jobs, and ensure that our infrastructure can support growth and withstand challenges,” said Rep. Weber. “I’m proud to have fought for these investments, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our communities.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) will introduce the Officer John Barnes Act, a critical piece of legislation aimed at ensuring timely support for our nation’s law enforcement officers and their families. Named in honor of Officer John Barnes, who demonstrated exceptional bravery during the Santa Fe, Texas shooting tragedy, this bill seeks to address the delays faced by officers and their families in receiving benefits from the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program (PSOB).

The PSOB Program provides crucial support, including death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders, as well as disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty. However, despite applying for these benefits, Officer Barnes and his family have experienced an excruciating wait for a determination from the Department of Justice (DOJ) since the 2018 shooting.

“In America, we pride ourselves on supporting those who risk their lives to protect our communities. Yet, the burdensome delays within our federal government have left officers like John Barnes waiting in limbo for over six years,” said Rep. Weber. “This is unacceptable, and no officer should have to endure such bureaucratic hurdles. The Officer John Barnes Act is a crucial step towards ensuring that our law enforcement heroes receive the timely assistance they deserve, without unnecessary obstacles hindering their access to vital benefits.”

“Across the country, our nation’s law enforcement officers selflessly serve as the front line of defense for our communities. Every single day, they put their lives on the line for their fellow Americans, and in times of crisis these heroes deserve to access the benefits they have earned without red tape getting in the way,” said Sen. Cruz. “We owe it to our law enforcement officers, like Officers Barnes who has waited for far too long, to eliminate these bureaucratic barriers hindering their access to benefits. I am proud to introduce the Officer John Barnes Act to ensure our men and women in blue receive the prompt support they deserve.”

Under the provisions of the Officer John Barnes Act, the DOJ would be mandated to issue a determination on benefit claims within 270 days of receipt, providing much-needed clarity and support to officers and their families during times of crisis.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) participated in a Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee hearing to review the United States’ trade negotiation priorities in order to help further expand fair trade opportunities for U.S. businesses.

Congresswoman Miller began by reflecting on the United States’ need to strengthen trade relations in the Indo-Pacific to increase the U.S.’ standing within the region and deter China’s global trade dominance. 
 
“The Indo-Pacific is an essential strategic foothold to combat China’s quest for global economic dominance. The economies in the Indo-Pacific are rapidly developing. The growing personal wealth of the citizens in the Indo-Pacific provides more export opportunities. The advances in the region’s manufacturing sector enables us to diversify our supply chain away from China. Unfortunately, we are falling severely behind as China makes significant strides. While the United States has not concluded a single trade agreement with an Indo-Pacific partner in more than 10 years, China concluded negotiations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to enhance their massive free trade area in October 2024. This is why I re-introduced the U.S. Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific Act with several of my colleagues on this committee. This bill will make significant inroads to further our partnerships in the region,” said Congresswoman Miller.  

Congresswoman Miller asked Jonathan Root, the Chief Financial Officer and President of Commercial, Harley-Davidson, Inc. to share his thoughts on how the lack of trade in the Indo-Pacific region affects U.S. companies and how Congress should address this. 

“Mr. Root, as you are aware, our lack of engagement in the Indo-Pacific has left the door open for these nations to stifle bilateral trade by imposing significant trade barriers on American products. This includes remarkably steep tariffs on Harley Davidson motorcycles. Could you speak to the importance of the Indo-Pacific as an export market? What can Congress do to overcome the barriers that are currently in place?” asked Congresswoman Miller.
 
“We certainly believe that Asia Pacific presents a significant opportunity over the mid-term and the long-term from a Harley-Davidson perspective. We recognize that there are unique trade pacts that are in place that certainly provide some benefit to those who manufacture within that region. Many of our competitor brands have plants in Thailand that certainly ensure low tariff access to those ASEAN markets. Many Asian nations’ trade agreements allow exports from Thailand into those markets duty-free and that does provide a significant advantage for them and a disadvantage for direct exports from the U.S. into those markets. We obviously do ask for, again, a level playing field that gives American workers the ability to export their products with equal treatment,” responded Mr. Root. 

Congresswoman Miller highlighted how U.S. digital companies are receiving unfair treatment from other countries when it comes to trade. She then asked Christine Bliss, the President of Coalition of Services Industries (CSI) what the U.S. should do to protect American companies. 
 
“As we engage in these important trade negotiations, it is important we work to strengthen the emerging sectors of our economy, particularly in the digital services economy. President Trump and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are keenly aware of the unfair treatment United States technology companies are facing, by even our closest allies, including Canada and South Korea. It is pertinent that we put a stop to this, and to ensure our future agreements adequately protect U.S. companies from harmful policies. ​​Ms. Bliss, what provisions should we include in our future trade agreements to make sure that our digital and service companies are adequately shielded from unfair treatment?” asked Congresswoman Miller. 
 
“I agree with you. It’s a very, very serious problem and I think, first and foremost, data flows underpin all digital and virtually all services trade. I would say that this is one very key element we need to see in all of our trade agreements. Secondly, we need to see a prohibition on data localization, which often is coupled with restrictions on data flows. Third, and perhaps most importantly, we need to see a strong non-discrimination provision, which really goes to the core of your question. Whether you’re looking at India in the case of the Indo-Pacific or you’re looking at [South] Korea, one of our closest allies, I think having a strong non-discrimination provision is absolutely essential that we include in our agreements. Particularly in [South] Korea where we are facing legislative proposals, regulatory proposals for discriminatory online platform regulation, I think it’s essential that that happened there, and also that we frankly are facing both in [South] Korea and China harassment of U.S. firms through unfair regulatory and enforcement actions. I would say those three provisions are probably very, very key in terms of negotiation and resolving those issues,” responded Ms. Bliss. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Jim Justice (R-WV) commended President Trump and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for providing federal disaster assistance to West Virginia following the severe storms in February.

“West Virginians were devastated by last month’s severe storms, and I’m thankful we have a President who is providing relief for those affected. The federal disaster assistance that President Trump issued for our state is crucial to helping our communities recover faster, and I thank the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for their efforts to provide essential resources and financial help to my constituents during this time. I also thank HUD’s regional administrator Joe DeFelice for taking the time to visit Welch and Bradshaw to see the aftermath firsthand. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Trump administration to deliver more relief for the West Virginians who were hurt by the storms,” said Congresswoman Miller.
 
“Ensuring our communities have the resources they need to recover from disasters is a top priority. I appreciate the collaboration we’ve had with HUD, including the recent visit by Regional Administrator DeFelice in assessing the damage in Welch and Bradshaw. I am grateful to HUD for delivering additional resources to West Virginians impacted by these storms, which will help in the rebuilding and strengthening of our communities for the future,” said Senator Capito.
 
“I was just in Welch, West Virginia to view disaster recovery with the Acting Administrator of FEMA, the Small Business Administration, the county commission, local mayors, and folks effected by the floods. Through the leadership of President Trump, we are really moving forward with a whole of government response that is truly encouraging to see. Simply rebuilding isn’t the goal, building a stronger community is the goal – I’ve always said we need to bring all resources to bear, and if that’s not enough we need to triple the triple. I applaud Secretary Turner and will continue to work with both him and President Trump to make sure West Virginia has the resources needed to rebuild stronger than before,” said Senator Justice.

“As West Virginians rebuild their homes, neighborhoods, and businesses following the severe storms, HUD continues to provide financial flexibility and disaster recovery resources. Supporting disaster response is a core and important part of our mission-minded approach to serving communities at HUD,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner.
 
President Trump issued a major disaster declaration for McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wyoming, Greenbrier, Lincoln, Logan, Monroe, Summers, Wayne counties in the State of West Virginia .
 
Background: 

• HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced the availability of federal disaster assistance to West Virginia to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides beginning on February 15, 2025 and continuing. 

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