HOUSTON – (By Michelle Leigh Smith, Realty News Report) – Houston and residents affected by recent hurricanes can expect significant tax relief and substantial federal funding to support ongoing recovery efforts, officials announced.
On Friday afternoon at Houston City Hall, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Mayor Sylvester Turner provided an update on recovery plans and available aid.
“Sen. Cruz introduced the Hurricane Tax Relief bill last year, and this will put more money back in Houstonians’ pockets so they can rebuild their lives,” Mayor Turner said. “With tax season underway, we are also requesting continued funds for essential repairs and investments to build stronger, more resilient infrastructure.”
Sen. Cruz explained key elements of the proposed tax relief. “Typically, disaster-related losses must exceed 10 percent of income to be deductible, but this new legislation allows affected homeowners to deduct hurricane-related losses on their federal income tax returns,” he said.
Cruz emphasized the change benefits many taxpayers: the deduction would be available even to those who do not itemize. “Everyone who suffered damage from these hurricanes should be eligible,” he said. “We are coordinating with tax preparation services to make the process straightforward. If people aren’t aware of the benefit, they can’t claim it.”
The senator described his firsthand view of the damage, recounting a helicopter tour he gave Sen. Paul Ryan over hard-hit neighborhoods near the Astrodome, where entire blocks were flooded and homes destroyed, including the area where his grandparents once lived.
Mayor Turner noted the timing of further federal funds: “We expect the next tranche of money on January 19. We need more funding for detention basins, to elevate homes in flood-prone areas, and to support buyout programs that move people out of the most vulnerable locations.”
Cruz said Congress is considering an additional federal request of about $44 billion for disaster relief and recovery. “The House passed a bill exceeding $80 billion. I am urging a swift vote on a clean disaster relief package. The timing is fluid, but I want Congress to act promptly and avoid tying this aid to other contentious policy battles. The House’s $81 billion figure represents a strong supplemental, but my priority is ensuring Texas receives its fair share.”
“The final numbers can change and the vote requires 60 senators,” Cruz added. “Negotiations continue between Republicans and Democrats. Previous tranches were not stalled, and I want to keep this process separate from unrelated political fights. We need bipartisan cooperation—three major hurricanes struck the nation hard, and I have worked closely with the Mayor to document and quantify local damages.”
Referring to a recent federal estimate, Cruz noted the scale of the losses: “A federal agency recently put Hurricane Harvey’s cost at over $125 billion, making it one of the most expensive natural disasters in U.S. history. That level of damage was felt directly by this community. Texas was hit hard, and it’s critical we secure the relief we deserve.”
When asked about reports—denied by the White House—regarding comments President Donald Trump allegedly made about certain countries, Cruz declined to engage in partisan attacks.
“My approach in Washington has been to avoid the nastiness and focus on substantive solutions,” he said. “Every person has value regardless of political views or where they come from.”
City leaders continue to press for a coordinated federal response that ensures funds reach affected neighborhoods quickly. The immediate priorities include repairing infrastructure, improving drainage and flood control systems, and offering assistance to homeowners and renters displaced by the storms. Officials stressed that buyout programs designed to relocate people from repeatedly flooded areas must be funded so communities can rebuild in safer locations.
Local officials also highlighted the importance of transparency and clear communication so residents understand what assistance is available. Outreach efforts will aim to ensure that taxpayers and homeowners know about the new tax provisions and how to claim eligible disaster-related deductions. The goal is to reduce barriers so recovery funds reach families, businesses and neighborhoods in need without undue delay.
Sen. Cruz and Mayor Turner concluded by urging continued bipartisan cooperation in Congress to secure supplemental disaster funding and to pass any necessary tax relief measures. They reiterated that timely federal support is essential for Houston’s long-term recovery and resilience.