Texas Democrats Introduce $15 Billion in Emergency Funding for Texas

Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), along with the Texas Democrat Congressional Delegation, introduced the Texas Flood Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025, legislation that would provide $15 billion in targeted emergency funding to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster response and long-term resilience efforts in communities across Texas affected by this year’s catastrophic flooding.

The bill comes amid growing frustration among local leaders and residents over delays in recovery and resilience funding, even as FEMA currently holds over $100 billion in unobligated funds in its Disaster Relief Fund (DRF).

“Texans have been devastated by repeated flooding events, and the road to recovery is long. We cannot let red tape or bureaucratic inertia stand in the way of getting help to the people who need it most,” said Congressman Veasey. “This bill ensures FEMA has dedicated, flexible funding, while also pushing the agency to use its existing resources more effectively and transparently. “It’s unacceptable that FEMA is sitting on over $100 billion while local officials in Texas are still waiting for basic infrastructure and housing support. This bill is about putting that money to work, quickly, responsibly, and in direct coordination with state and local partners.”

“Flooding in the Texas Hill Country has brought devastation and heartbreak to people across Texas,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “Texans will continue to grieve the loss of our many friends and neighbors who lost their lives, their homes, their loved ones, and so much more to the rising waters. During this difficult time, our communities have come together in support and partnership, and the federal government is an essential partner in the work to help Texans repair and rebuild lives and communities.  Government at every level has an important role to play in the health, safety, and wellness of our communities, and in times of disaster that role is essential.  The Congress has responded to Texas’ needs in prior disasters with meaningful and essential funding, and I am glad to join Congressman Marc Veasey in introducing legislation to provide $15 billion in FEMA disaster relief funds for Texas to help recover and rebuild.”

The legislation would appropriate $15 billion to FEMA for use on:

• Immediate disaster response and recovery for counties under major disaster declarations;
• Individual and Public Assistance programs, including temporary housing and infrastructure repair;
• Hazard mitigation efforts through FEMA’s BRIC and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs, with priority for flood-prone, low-income Texas communities;
• Technical assistance to help small and underserved local governments navigate the recovery process.

Rep. Veasey also stressed that the legislation includes strong accountability measures, requiring FEMA to report to Congress every six months on how funds are being used, where they are going, and what unmet needs remain.