Biden declares emergency in Texas; FEMA sends generators, supplies

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Biden administration has authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide generators and supplies to Texas and other states amid severe winter weather.

"I've declared states of emergency, authorized FEMA to provide generators and supplies, and am ready to fulfill additional requests," President Biden wrote on Twitter Thursday.

Homeland Security advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall said a short time later that FEMA was deploying the supplies “as we speak.”

Biden’s approval allows FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts and it allows for federal funding to reimburse cities, counties and tribes for the costs of emergency measures responding to the storm, including providing shelter for displaced residents.

Just under a half-million Texas homes and businesses remained without electricity on Thursday, while millions still were without safe drinking water after winter storms wreaked havoc on the state's power grid and utilities this week.

Jill and I are keeping Texas, Oklahoma, and other impacted states in our prayers. I’ve declared states of emergency, authorized FEMA to provide generators and supplies, and am ready to fulfill additional requests. Please heed the instructions of local officials and stay safe.

— President Biden (@POTUS) February 18, 2021