In response to the recent deadly floods that devastated communities across south-central Texas, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R) have jointly announced the creation of Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding.
These committees, one in each chamber, will meet jointly during the upcoming special session to focus on immediate relief and long-term solutions.
“Our hearts are with the families across Texas who lost loved ones or saw their homes and livelihoods swept away in the recent, catastrophic floods,” Speaker Burrows said in a statement. “Texans deserve swift, united action... With only 30 days to act, we must make every moment count. This effort is about moving quickly to help Texans recover and laying the foundation to better protect our communities and our children -- from future disasters.”
Lieutenant Governor Patrick echoed this urgency, commenting, “the creation of both the House and Senate’s Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding is just the beginning of the Legislature looking at every aspect of this tragic event. Right now, we must focus on the recovery of those still missing, then rebuilding communities in flooded areas.”
The committees will address four primary items from Governor Greg Abbott’s (R) special session call: flood warning systems, emergency communications, relief funding for impacted regions, and comprehensive natural disaster preparation and recovery plans.
The first hearing is scheduled for July 23 at the Capitol. It will be followed by a second hearing in Kerrville, where residents will have a chance to share their experiences and concerns.
The date for the Kerrville hearing will be announced shortly.
Each committee will include nine appointees from its respective chamber.
While their focus is on the governor’s agenda, both leaders emphasized openness to broader solutions.
The press release goes on to vow that “ff solutions emerge that are not on the call, the House and Senate are committed to bringing them to the forefront.”
