Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees, issued the following statement about her letter urging the Department of Housing and Urban Development to quickly disburse Community Development Block Grant disaster relief funds to help seniors and low income Hurricane Harvey victims secure housing:

“This month, the United States Congress took a significant step toward helping the victims of Hurricane Harvey recovery from catastrophe, when it passed legislation providing $15 billion in emergency relief funds including $7.4 billion in Community Development Block Grant funds. While the state of Texas and local governments are eager to begin the process of restoration, the funds have been slow to materialize.

“That is why I have sent a letter to Secretary Ben Carson of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, requesting that HUD immediately disburse the Community Development Block Grant funds to help those victims most vulnerable after the storm; seniors and low to moderate income individuals and families.

“I have also asked that the secretary provide maximum flexibility to recipients so that the funds typically earmarked for housing, can also be spent on infrastructure and mitigation projects to defend against future catastrophic events. I believe this will help to ensure the fullest possible recovery and the resiliency these communities will need moving forward.

“Approving the relief package was an important first step. Now we must act to ensure the funds are allocated swiftly, and in a way that guarantees the people and communities most at risk get the help they need.”