Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), joined by six of their colleagues, sent a letter to the House Committee on Administration requesting a change to the current House Rules to allow members of Congress to share information about non-profit resources during natural disasters.  Under the current rules of the House of Representatives, Members of Congress are prohibited from referring constituents to or sharing information from resources unaffiliated with the government, even during natural disasters.

“Following a natural disaster, local and national non-profit entities, like shelters or food banks, are often first on the scene and have the infrastructure to help disaster victims, often before the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can even set up operations,” the members wrote.  “While FEMA plays a crucial role in recovery efforts, its efforts are supported by other organizations, including non-profit entities that provide services that FEMA cannot, including addressing medication shortages and long-term food assistance.  These non-profit groups fill the gap in local communities where FEMA is unable to help because of lack of resources or lack of ability.  But, because of current House rules, we are unable to refer constituents to these entities for assistance, even when their work may be lifesaving.

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, Congresswoman Fletcher’s office received a call about a constituent’s elderly, disabled parents,” the members continued.  “They had lost power, their food had spoiled, and they were unable to leave their house to receive aid.  In this instance, it would have been helpful to connect the constituent to a non-profit entity, like the Houston Food Bank, to receive help.  Staff were unable to provide a helpful referral because of current House Administration rules that prohibit congressional offices from referring constituents to any non-governmental groups, including non-profits. This is just one of the many examples of how this rule blocks critical aid.”

Congressmembers Troy Carter (LA-02), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Garret Graves (LA-06), Al Green (TX-09), and Marc A. Veasey (TX-33) joined Representatives Fletcher and Luttrell in this request and signed the letter.

To read the full letter, click here.