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Rep. Babin and Judge Sylvia Announce De-obligation of Chambers County Hurricane Ike Cleanup Debt
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WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36) and the Honorable Judge Jimmy Sylvia, Chambers County Judge, released the following joint statement announcing millions of dollars of Hurricane Ike cleanup debt erroneously charged to Chambers County will be de-obligated. An amendment introduced and passed by Babin to this year’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill, now signed into law by President Trump, holds FEMA responsible for assurances offered and later rescinded to county governments after expenditures had taken place. The debt Chambers County acquired during Ike cleanup efforts based on faulty information by FEMA falls under the definition stipulated by the Babin amendment, and therefore essentially will be canceled out.
“This is a great day for residents of Chambers County,” said Rep. Babin. “The process initiated by today’s letter is the culmination of years of hard work that will ensure FEMA takes responsibility for their assurances made to county officials in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ike and the federally-declared disaster left in its wake. With this debt de-obligated, Chambers County can once again operate in service of its citizens without the fear of imminent financial calamity. Thank you to my colleagues Senators Cruz and Cornyn, Judge Sylvia, and so many others whose efforts have ensured the county can put this behind them and continue focusing on prosperity for the county.”
“I'm extremely happy to announce that the $9 million in de-obligated FEMA funds looming over Chambers County since Hurricane Ike have been eliminated,” said Judge Sylvia. “Thanks to the diligence of Congressman Babin and assistance from Senators Cornyn and Cruz, H.R. 302 (specifically section 1237 pertaining to de-obligated funds by FEMA) was signed by President Trump on October 5, 2018.
To read my full press release, click here.
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Visiting Cleveland's SkillsUSA Class
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A couple of months ago, a group of students from Cleveland ISD visited Washington, D.C. with SkillsUSA. Unfortunately, we did not get the opportunity to visit while they were on Capitol Hill due to scheduling conflicts. At the end of the week, my wife and I were boarding a plane back to Texas, when a woman sitting with a group of high school-aged teens recognized me. It was Ms. Andi Pope and her SkillsUSA class from Cleveland. We were all on the same flight!
After we landed in Houston, I had the opportunity to speak with all of the students about what they had been learning, plus give them an update on what being a Member of Congress encompasses. At that time, they invited me to have lunch at Tonkawa Bistro, the on-campus student-run restaurant by their Culinary Arts Department. If you are unaware about SkillsUSA, it is an organization that partners with students, teachers, and industry to ensure that each student has the skills to go into the American workforce. They offer different career and technical educational programs, events, and competitions in high schools across the country. (Pictured below from L to R: Tarik Barnes, Andi Pope (teacher), Jose Arguelles (student General Manager of Tonkawa Bistro), and Makina Walden).
On Monday, I was able to visit Tonkawa Bistro and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by some of the most ambitious and intelligent students.
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Babin: Trump Correct to Use American Leverage to Halt Migrant Caravans
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President Trump is absolutely correct to call for Central American governments to cooperate in halting migrant caravans or else risk losing their generous financial aid from the United States. These nations must secure their own borders and stop allowing – and even encouraging – their citizens to illegally cross our sovereign borders. I applaud President Trump for his boldness in acting to protect the interests of American citizens by using our extensive leverage on the international stage.
To read my full press release, click here. |
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County Judges' Lunch
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It was a very informative lunch as I had the opportunity to meet with many of the county judges' across TX-36. It's important for me to know the issues each of our counties are facing as well as figuring out what we can all work together on - federally and locally. |
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| Trinity Valley Exposition |
The fairgrounds in Liberty were busy this week as students unloaded their heifers, steers, pigs, goats, and lambs to show and sell at the Trinity Valley Exposition (TVE) Fair and Rodeo. It was great getting to see the hard work these students have put into their animals.
It seemed like the whole community of Liberty County gathered together to take part in such a fun time of the year.
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| Appreciating Our Law Enforcement |
On Tuesday evening, I attended the annual Tyler County Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet in Warren, where I was able to visit with many of our local law enforcement officers. It’s a privilege getting a chance to thank these brave men and women for always being the first on the scene of a crime or accident and keeping our communities safe and protected. We should never forget that they are members of our community too and thank them for their service.
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| JSW Steel Breaks New Ground |
JSW Steel in Baytown has officially broken ground on the only melt and manufacture plate mill with a contiguous pipe mill in North America. It was a pleasure to be able to speak at such an awesome occasion.
JSW Steel USA is also working to hire 1,000 new employees while investing up to $1 billion to modernize and expand its U.S. operations. That's more jobs for Texans and the country as well as more money being invested into America's economy! |
| Texas Emergency Hospital |
On Monday, I was given a tour of the newly opened and remodeled Texas Emergency Hospital in Cleveland. I am proud of this facility and the emergency care it gives to the community.
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| The Barbers Hill Eagles Take On The Vidor Pirates |
Friday night unveiled another outstanding football game in East Texas. Both teams fought so hard, and it was an outstanding match-up of skill and perseverance. Congratulations to each team for an excellent game.
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| La Porte Roundtable |
I was able to meet with several of the local business owners in La Porte this week. Small businesses are one of the primary reasons why Texas is at the top of the list of the most economically sound states in the country. Making sure these businesses have the resources they need to grow and succeed is one of my top priorities.
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