Dear Mr. xxxxxx,

President Trump and FLOTUS Visit Kerr County

On Friday, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited the Texas Hill Country to assess the devastating damage caused by the floods. As our community begins the long road to recovery, I want to thank the President, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Noem, and the entire administration for their swift and committed response. Their presence and pledge of support are deeply appreciated during this difficult time.

My team and I remain fully engaged - working around the clock to coordinate assistance and provide timely updates. As always, do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to serve you.

Watch my remarks from a roundtable meeting with the President here. 

Fox News Sunday: The Power of the Cross

The story in Kerr County isn’t divisive media narratives. The real story is the heroism of those who showed up – our Coast Guard, our first responders, and everyday Texans lending a hand. This community rose to the moment.

When you drive into Kerrville, there's an enormous cross on the hill. For many, it’s a symbol of hope and strength. In the midst of heartbreak, it reminds us of the power of faith and the strength of a united community.

Click here to watch my interview on Fox News Sunday with Shannon Bream here. 

FEMA, SBA and the State of Texas to Open Disaster Recovery Center in Kerrville

In coordination with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff have opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to offer face-to- face help to survivors affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that began July 2.

Homeowners, renters and eligible non-residents in Kerr County may receive FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance.

FEMA and SBA will support state-led efforts at the recovery centers to help survivors apply for disaster assistance. They can also identify potential needs and connect survivors with local, state and federal agencies, as well as nonprofits and community groups.

The DRC will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Kerr County Location
First Baptist Church
625 Washington St
Kerrville, TX 78028

Kerr Together Initiative

In efforts to rebuild our community, a united organization of Kerr Economic Development Corporation (KerrEDC), City of Kerrville, Kerr County, Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB), Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau (KCVB), and the West Kerr Chamber of Commerce has been formed with the goal of advising the public about resources and information.

Learn where to donate or sign up to volunteer, receive the latest updates, and stay in the loop by clicking here.

Applying for Benefits

• The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HOME IS DAMAGED

• Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the damage. If possible, have your policy number ready. If you are evacuated, you do not need to wait until you can return home before starting your claim. You can contact your insurer while evacuated to begin the claims process.
• Photograph or videotape the damage to share with your insurer and keep a copy for your records.
• Make temporary repairs if it is safe to do so. If there are holes in your roof or your windows are broken, be sure to cover them as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
• Save receipts for any materials you purchase to assist with repairs. You may submit them to your insurer for reimbursement.
• Do not throw away any damaged items until an adjuster visits your home. Many insurers are utilizing a variety of virtual solutions to keep the claims process safe and efficient. You may collaborate with an adjuster via a video call instead of in-person.
  

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HOME IS FLOODED 

• Shovel or scrape mud off floors, furniture, and walls before the mud dries. Then hose down the walls with clean water, starting from the ceiling.
• Major appliances, such as refrigerators and stoves, can be washed and dried completely. In most cases, they will not be damaged unless they were operating at the time the water covered them.
• Diluted chlorine bleach can be used to clean household items, appliances, walls, and floors and will help control odors.
• Wood furniture should be dried outdoors, but not in direct sunlight. Remove drawers and other moving parts before they dry.
• Food utensils and equipment should be washed thoroughly and sterilized before use. Any food that is open and exposed to flood waters should be discarded.
  

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR VEHICLE IS FLOODED 

• Be cautious about starting a vehicle that has been exposed to flood waters, and if your vehicle is missing, report it to the police.
• If the water rises above the floorboards, or the seats are wet, do not try to start the car. The electrical system is the most sensitive to water damage and trying to start the car could cause more damage. Electric vehicles that have been waterlogged may also be at higher risk of corrosion that could lead to unexpected fires.
• Open the hood and check the air filter. If it is wet, do not try to start the car.
• Report the loss to your auto insurer and protect the car from further damage by covering any broken windows. Water damage to a vehicle is typically covered under an auto policy if the policyholder has chosen to purchase comprehensive physical damage coverage.
  

Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster

FEMA made the following announcement regarding con artists following a disaster and how to report them:

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas survivors should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud after the storms and flooding that began July 2. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

If a FEMA inspector contacts you or comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance. The inspector will request a stop to the processing of your application.

If you did not apply for assistance and receive a letter from FEMA, or if you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at  [email protected]. You may also write to FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.

If you applied for FEMA assistance and received a notice that you already applied or that your application is being processed, you can visit a Disaster Recovery Center to receive in-person assistance. A recovery center is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at the First Baptist Church at 625 Washington St. in Kerrville.

You should also report suspicious activity to the FEMA Fraud Branch or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Scams

FEMA employees, housing inspectors and other officials work in the areas impacted by the flooding. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. They don’t represent FEMA.

Don't give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

How to Report Fraud

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff's department or contact the Office of the Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-621-0508.

If you suspect identity theft, visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or IdentityTheft.gov for helpful information.

The Department of Veterans Affairs - South Texas
The VA is extending support to Veterans impacted by the flooding. If you are aware of a Veteran in need of support or resources due to the flooding. We can help connect them with:

• Shelter resources
• Food and essential supplies 
• Transportation Support Resources 
• Crisis Counseling and Mental Health Services 

Please reach our office if we can be of assistance.

The Internal Revenue Service

IRS announced tax relief for taxpayers impacted by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding in Texas; various deadlines postponed to Feb 2, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of Texas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds. and flooding that began on July 2, 2025. These taxpayers now have until Feb. 2, 2026, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

Following the disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), individuals and households residing or having a business in Kerr County qualify for tax relief.

As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until Feb. 2, 2026, to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due during this period.

The Feb. 2, 2026, filing deadline applies to:

• Any individual, business or tax-exempt organization that has a valid extension to file their 2024 return due to run out on Oct. 15, 2025.
• Quarterly estimated income tax payments normally due on Sept. 15, 2025, and Jan. 15, 2026
• Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on July 31, Oct. 31, 2025, and Jan. 31, 2026.
• Calendar-year partnerships and S corporations whose 2024 extensions run out on Sept. 15, 2025.
• Calendar-year corporations whose 2024 extensions run out on Oct. 15, 2025.
  
• Calendar-year tax exempt organizations whose extensions run out on Nov. 17, 2025.

The U.S. Postal Service

All mail that was being delivered out of Hunt Post Office will now be coming out of Ingram. The 2 rural carriers were transferred to Hunt. Those affected in the Ingram area will now utilize the Kerrville Post Office. Our office is in contact with USPS and will be updating as we learn more.

Report Missing Texans

Missing Person Call Center – 830-258-1111

As we continue to respond to this tragedy, I remain inspired by the strength, compassion, and resilience of the Texas Hill Country. My team and I are here to support you, if you need assistance or want to find a way to help, don’t hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,