OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Letter to President George W. Bush

Date: Jan. 10, 2006
Issues: National Security Infrastructure


January 10, 2006

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We are writing in support of the State of Texas' major disaster declaration request in response to the devastating fires occurring across the state.

Since December 26th, the Texas Forest Service has responded to 415 fires burning more than 253,000 acres, destroying 339 homes, and killing three people. On New Year's Day alone, more than 44,000 acres burned, including more than 70 homes and the entire community of Kokomo in Eastland County. High winds, gusting at times to 50 mph or more, prevented the launch of most air resources and caused uncontrollable fires.

This severe wildfire threat is a result of one of the state's worst droughts in a decade, since 250 fires raged across North Texas in 1996. The National Weather Service has predicted that high winds and unseasonably warm temperatures will likely intensify through early 2006, making it likely that the state will face additional devastating wildfires.

Texas citizens have experienced catastrophic losses, and state and local government resources have been severely stretched thin due to these fires. Therefore, we respectfully request your approval of this major disaster request.

Thank you for your attention in this matter.

Sincerely,

Kay Bailey Hutchison
John Cornyn

http://hutchison.senate.gov/prl797.htm

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