Vice President Mike Pence talks to TheBlaze about the federal response to Harvey

Vice President Mike Pence said that he and President Donald Trump’s hearts, and those “of every American are in Houston today.” He spoke to Chris Salcedo on “The Chris Salcedo Show” today about the swift federal response to those in East Texas suffering in the wake of Tropical Storm Harvey.

Pence confirmed that the president issued a declaration of emergency before landfall.

The vice president reported that more than 8000 officials have been deployed through FEMA. Three thousand National Guard, the Coast Guard, and task forces from many states are focusing on life-saving efforts in Texas. He also praised the first responders, and the deeply inspiring “hundreds and hundreds of small boats” of volunteers who are locating and rescuing their neighbors.

Pence said the federal government will keep at it “until we see all of eastern Texas restored from the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.” The administration recognizes that it may take “years coming back” from this devastation, and will provide small business loans among a broad range of resources.

He advised Americans concerned about Texans to "take the opportunity to respond to that concern” by supporting the Red Cross and faith-based organizations. He also recommended National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster to those who wish to be active with their time and energy instead of, or in addition to, money and supply donations.

Pence admired his fellow Americans for responding to the horrific damage and suffering in communities such as Houston and Corpus Christi “with generosity … and prayer.”

To see more from Chris, visit his channel onTheBlaze and listen live to “The Chris Salcedo Show” weekdays 3–5 p.m. ET, only on TheBlaze Radio Network.