Chip Roy Urges Inclusion of Local Voices in Texas Flood Investigation

Rep. Chip Roy

U.S. Representative Chip Roy (R) is calling on state officials and legislators appointed to the Texas Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding to prioritize local perspectives as they investigate the July 2025 Central Texas floods.

Roy emphasized that community input will be essential to strengthening future disaster response and ensuring that new policies reflect the realities of those most affected.

"As the committees move forward, it will be essential to ensure that local voices - including elected officials, camp operators, small business owners, and first responders - are heard or incorporated into any findings or recommendations," Roy shared. "Their insight will be critical to crafting policy that improves preparedness without stifling the local economy or undermining a century-old way of life in the hill country."

In his letter, Roy wrote that post-distaster evaluations are "both prudent and necessary" to review coordination among agencies such as the Texas Division of Emergency Management, local law enforcement, and the Texas National Guard.

He noted that the July 4th flood struck "on a holiday weekend, in the middle of the night," leaving residents and visitors little time to react.

Roy also expressed concern that the committee may focus too narrowly on summer camps, which are key contributors to the Kerr County and Hill Country economy.

He highlighted recent legislation and new rules from the Texas Department of State Health Services have created financial and compliance challenges, especially for seasonal businesses.

"Summer camps are local businesses that are essential to the Kerr County and Hill Country economy," wrote Roy. "Generations of children make memories and learn important life lessons at camp."

Roy's concerns underscore the need to hear from local voices to ensure that the right policies are put into place, in order to keep another disaster like the 4th of July flooding from occuring, while also protecting their local economy.

Raeylee Barefield

Raeylee Barefield is a student at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in Government. She enjoys reading, writing, and cooking in her spare time.