Wednesday
marked the three-month anniversary of the tragic explosion at the fertilizer
plant in the city of West. Several emergency responders were killed and a large
section of the town was destroyed. This small-knit community was left with
shock and grief—mourning those who were lost and looking for a way to rebuild.
Last month, when the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rejected West’s
request for a major disaster declaration and much-needed assistance, I was
disappointed to say the least.
I am
grateful that Governor Perry took action to appeal FEMA’s decision. Governor
Perry called FEMA’s decision to deny further aid to West “simply unacceptable,”
and I couldn’t agree more.
The
West explosion inflicted severe damage to the city infrastructure, schools and
residences. Any normal person would see the damage as nothing short of a
disaster. We need a strong combination of local, state and federal assistance
to help facilitate a full recovery.
President
Obama said himself, “We’ll be there even after the cameras leave and after the
attention turns elsewhere.” I urge FEMA and President Obama to hold true to his
word and to his responsibility. He must act on Governor Perry’s appeal and
deliver the aid necessary to rebuild West in the wake of this terrible
disaster. Doing so will ensure that this Texas town can come back stronger than
ever.
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