Dear Fellow Americans/Texans:

Hurricane Harvey has devastated the Gulf Coast.

Thousands and Thousands of pictures tell the story.

Social Media has captured the worst of Hurricane Harvey and the Best of the Human Spirit. Fellow Americans have come from coast to coast to give aid regardless of differences to save lives or give comfort.

The American Spirit is alive and well and we are stronger for it. The world is watching and we are proving why America is So Great.

The loss is unfathomable…… homes, lives, memories, property, livelihoods….. the list goes on. The REBUILD will take not years BUT decades. The cost is said to be estimated at $160 Billion. $160 Billion, $160 Billion……… Simply unimaginable.

Mother Nature at her worst, many are powerless and do not know where to start. It is as if they are living in a nightmare. THEY ARE. Hurricane Harvey is a Living Nightmare, not a Life Time Movie. People are SHELL SHOCKED. LOST. SCARED.

Those who think they are not affected, think again.

Estimated Facts:

Texas Population: 28,797,290 Million People
H Harvey Affected: 8,381,698 Million People
Unaccounted PPL: 750,000 Thousand Ppl, Estimated

30% of Texas affected by H Harvey
30% of US Energy produced in Texas
30% of H Harvey Victims NO INSURANCE ~ Estimated
50% or more Texas cities depend on Houston for good and services as well as Neighboring States

30% International Trade comes through the Houston Ship Channel

Hurricane Harvey does not just affect Texas, IT WILL AFFECT OUR NATION. Texas contributes to our national GDP. In addition, it affects International Trade. YEAH, it does. Other countries count on the US for their Exports, Houston is major port for trade.

Energy, Jobs, Goods & Service and so much more

Harvey is not done as it speeds towards New England. What will be that cost be?

Politics had no bearing on where Hurricane Harvey struck or where and means nothing when people are fighting to stay alive.

As the recovery begins, which will be painfully slow, Congress will be in Session in the coming week. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD.

CONGRESS:

We implore YOU, Our Elected Representatives, to make the following TOP PRIORITY without politics, back door dealing or trading of favors, to create, pass and implement AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE & DON’T SLOW THE PROCESS DOWN.

1. Hurricane Harvey Relief Aid without added or hidden bills.

2. Tax Reform

These 2 items must happen.

Relief must be given ASAP to get the Gulf Coast up and running. If not, the entire country will suffer as Houston is an important part of the National Economy for the goods and services its produces and provides.

If not, the Supply and Demand Economic Principals will be felt from coast to coast. The growth we have felt in the economy will be greatly affected, AS WELL AS OUR WAY OF LIFE.

Another reason to push for Tax Reform, the entire country will be affected in insurance premiums (homes and auto), cost of food, housing, medical, again the list goes on.

Tax Reform will aid in the recovery as well as. Hurricane Harvey Relief Aid and Tax Reform go hand in hand at this time in our history. This is A NEED not a WANT.

Your voice is needed. By signing this petition, you are telling Congress to do their jobs for the greater good of America and to leave agendas/politics at home.

CONGRESS YOU ARE OFFICIALLY PUT ON NOTICE, AMERICA WILL BE WATCHING.

Thank you,

Katherine Bittner, formerly of Houston, TX