President Biden declared a major disaster in Texas on Saturday and asked federal agencies to help state and local efforts in areas hit by a severe winter storm last week.
The declaration provides federal funds for more than 70 counties in the state of Estrela Solitária, along with nonprofits that help in the crisis.
Assistance may include subsidies for temporary housing or home repairs, low-cost loans to help cover uninsured property losses and other programs for individuals and business owners.
Biden said on Friday that he plans to sign the measure ahead of a visit to Texas next week. The date of the visit has not yet been set, as Biden does not want the arrival of a presidential entourage to hinder recovery efforts.