Texas Lawmakers Form Committees Investigate Deadly Flooding

In response to the deadly Texas Hill Country floods that have claimed over 120 lives, state leaders including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows have formed joint Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding to investigate the disaster and improve future response. These committees will first convene on July 23 in Austin and subsequently hold a meeting in Kerrville to hear directly from affected residents. Governor Greg Abbott has tasked lawmakers during a special legislative session with addressing emergency communications, relief funding, warning systems, and overall disaster preparedness and recovery. President Trump plans to visit Texas to assess the flood damage, receiving praise from Governor Abbott for the federal response despite ongoing federal cuts to climate and weather agencies and proposals to reduce FEMA’s role. Lawmakers emphasize the need to focus on the recovery of missing persons and rebuilding communities while committing to gather facts and answer public concerns regarding the flood management and warning systems. The committees aim to ensure swift action in the short term and lay a foundation for better protection against future disasters in Texas.