Washington, D.C., has experienced a sudden decrease in crime over the last two weeks thanks to President Trump’s deployment of over 1,700 National Guard troops across the city. Prior to President Trump’s initiative, our nation’s capital was plagued with rampant theft, carjackings, and other violent crimes. Even initial critics of President Trump's DC plan have admitted that the National Guard’s efforts have drastically reduced crime across the city. In a recent press conference, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser noted that the 20-day period of this initiative has resulted in an 87% reduction in carjackings and a significant decrease in other violent crimes. Now, President Trump is seeking to replicate this success by bringing law and order to more of our once-great cities, particularly in Democrat-run cities like Chicago.

Our cities are meant to be shining beacons of opportunity and prosperity, and President Trump has been taking action to make our cities great again. I applaud his  commitment to making our nation's capital safe and secure once again, and I thank our brave men and women in the National Guard and local police for making the sacrifices necessary to protect our citizens.

In the fall of 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita made landfall on the Gulf Coast. These two storms were devastating, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives and a lasting impact on the affected communities. As we reach the 20th anniversary of these storms, I wanted to take this opportunity to remember those we lost and honor those who worked tirelessly in search and rescue and recovery efforts in the days following the storms.

Because hurricane season is not over yet, I wanted to once again share our hurricane preparedness information to emphasize the impact that having a plan can have on your ability to evacuate or withstand a natural disaster.

As Texans living on or near the Gulf coast, we are not strangers to hurricanes, tropical storms, and their aftermath. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th.  Do you have a disaster preparedness plan in place?  Check out the information below to make sure you and your family are prepared for any storm that hits our community.

I have compiled a list of resources below to help you reduce the impact of a hurricane on your family and home.

For immediate and life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

For non-emergencies, dial 211.

Prepare by Protecting Yourself BEFORE the Storm:

• Determine your risk and know your local hazards. Find out if you live in an evacuation zone so you are ready to follow evacuation orders.
• Develop an evacuation plan. Don’t forget to plan an alternate evacuation route and remember that you might not need to travel too far to be safe.
• Assemble disaster supplies. Be sure to have at least three days of essentials and supplies on hand. Food and water, medicine, extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlight, and a cell phone charger can all go a long way.
• Get an insurance checkup before hurricane season. It’s important to know what damages can be covered.
• Ensure the safety of pets. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow animals. Make sure your pet is microchipped and contact local resources for information on how to care for your pet in case of emergency.
• Get to know your neighbors and learn how you can help them, especially seniors.
• Write down your plan. It’s easy to forget plans made far in advance, so it’s important to record your plan.

Prepare to Protect Yourself DURING the Storm:

• Shelter in an interior part of your home. Be sure to stay as far away as possible from windows and doors. 
• Do NOT go outside during the calm period as the eye of the storm passes. This is the most dangerous part of the hurricane.
• Stay out of flooded areas. Flood waters are dangerous and can carry disease. 
• Keep a battery-powered radio and a flashlight or camping lantern nearby. Keep in mind that LED flashlights use less power.

Prepare to Protect Yourself AFTER the Storm:

• Do not overexert yourself. Overexertion after a hurricane can lead to dangerous medical emergencies, such as heart attacks and heat stroke.
• Practice proper generator safety. Generator accidents can be common after hurricanes, so familiarize yourself with generator safety. Keep your generator dry and in a well-ventilated area.
• Be careful around power tools commonly used for cleanup. If you aren’t trained to use these tools, leave it to the experts.
• NEVER drive through flooded roads. Just one foot of water is enough to float a car. Turn around, don’t drown.

Important Phone Numbers:

• 2-1-1 for shelter, food and disaster services
• 7-1-1 for Relay Texas Service
• 1-800-452-9292 for TxDOT statewide road closures
• 1-800-525-5555 for roadside assistance
• 512-424-2208 for Texas Department of Emergency Management
• 1-800-621-3362 for FEMA Disaster Assistance

Helpful Resources:

• Texas Hurricane Center
• Texas Ready 
• Hurricanes.gov
• Disaster Assistance
• Flood Smart
• Ready.gov
• Texas Department of Insurance - Before the Storm
• Drive Texas 
• TDHCA weatherization tips
• HUD disaster resources

Brazoria County Emergency Management 24 Hour Hotline: 979-864-1064

• 2024 Brazoria County Disaster Guide
• Angleton Emergency Manager: 979-849-4364 x 2137
• Alvin Emergency Manager: 281-388-4363
• Clute Emergency Manager: 979-265-9653
• Danbury Emergency Manager: 979-480-7091
• Lake Jackson Emergency Manager: 979-415-2500
• Freeport Emergency Manager: 979-233-2111
• Liverpool Emergency Manager: 281-581-2342
• Iowa Colony Emergency Manager: 281-3696-3444
• Surfside Emergency Coordinator: 979-239-1151
• Sweeny Emergency Manager: 979-482-4617
• West Columbia Emergency Operations Manager: 979-345-5121
• Hillcrest Emergency Manager: 281-756-0577
• Jones Creek Emergency Manager: 979-292-6393
• Brazoria Emergency Manager: 979-798-2489
• Bonney Emergency Manager: 281-595-2269
• United Way of Brazoria County: 979-849-9402
• Salvation Army: 979-233-5420

Galveston County Emergency Management: 281-309-5002

After Hours: 888-384-2000

• 2024 Galveston County Disaster Guide
• Bayou Vista Emergency Manager: 409-935-8348
• Dickinson Emergency Manager: 281-337-2489     
• Friendswood Emergency Manager: 281-996-3200
• Galveston Emergency Manager: 409-797-3500     
• Hitchcock Emergency Manager: 409-986-5591   
• Jamaica Beach Emergency Manager: 409-737-1142         
• La Marque Emergency Manager: 409-928-9200   
• League City Emergency Manager: 281-554-1000
• Texas City Emergency Manager: 409-948-3111   
• Santa Fe Emergency Manager: 409-925-6412       
• Clear Lake Shores Emergency Manager: 281-334-2799
• Tiki Island Emergency Manager: 409-935-1427     
• United Way of Galveston County: 409-948-4211
•  Salvation Army: 409-763-1691

Jefferson County Emergency Management: 409-835-8751

• Jefferson County Disaster Guide
• Beaumont Emergency Manager: 409-980-7280
• Groves Emergency Manager: 409-962-4460
• Nederland Emergency Manager: 409-723-1531
• Port Arthur Emergency Manager: 409-983-8632
• Port Neches Emergency Manager: 409-722-5885
• United Way of Beaumont and North Jefferson County: 409-835-4575
• Salvation Army: 409-896-2361

Orange County Emergency Management: 409-882-7895

• Southeast Texas Emergency Preparedness Manual
• Orange County Emergency Preparedness Site
• Bridge City Emergency Manager: 409-735-5028 Police Department
• Orange Emergency Manager: 409-883-1050
• Mauriceville Volunteer Fire Department: 409-745-1636
• Little Cypress Volunteer Fire Department: 409-882-9200
• Pine Forest Emergency Manager: 409-786-4100
• Pinehurst Emergency Manager: 409-886-3873
• Rose City Emergency Manager: 409-769-6809
• Vidor Emergency Manager: 409-769-4561
• West Orange Emergency Manager: 409-883-3468
• United Way of Orange County Texas: 409-883-3591
• Salvation Army: 409-291-8400

It was a busy week across TX-14! On Tuesday, I attended the joint legislative luncheon hosted by the Port Arthur and Nederland Chambers of Commerce. There, I provided an update on the key initiatives I am working on in Washington for you. Yesterday, I joined the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce to share the wins in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) for our small business owners. Following that, I attended the Angleton Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where I answered questions about legislative initiatives and projects around the district.

Team Weber was well-traveled this week, as our staff attended ribbon cuttings and open houses across the district. In Santa Fe, we celebrated Dream Teams, a small business that specializes in sports apparel and accessories. On Tuesday, the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting for Infante Marketing Solutions, who help bring tailored marketing solutions to clients in the community. In Orange County, Team Weber celebrated the kickoff of this year's fundraising efforts to support United Way of Orange County. United Way provides vital services to the community, from supporting youth to educating the community about financial security.

Our office will also be saying goodbye to two excellent employees. After seven wonderful years, one of our most cherished staff members is pursuing her dream of becoming a full-time pastor. Christine Thigpen, who serves in my Lake Jackson Office, completed her last day with Team Weber today. We are deeply grateful for her service and wish her all the best.

Our office is saying goodbye to two excellent employees. After seven years, Christine Thigpen of our Lake Jackson office is leaving to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time pastor. Laynee Buckels, our communications director from League City, who worked in the D.C. office, left for a position with the Trump Administration. We are deeply grateful for both of their service and wish them all the best.

Do you support the Texas Legislature's decision to approve the new Congressional map?

Yes:63.5%

No: 36.5%