Thompson, Johnson Lead Letter Demanding Hearing on Federal Response to Catastrophic Texas Floods
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Julie Johnson (D-TX), Vice Ranking Member of the Committee, announced they led Committee Democrats and Texas Democrats in sending a letter to Committee Chairman Mark Green (he’s still here) demanding he immediately convene an oversight hearing on the Federal government’s preparedness for and response to the catastrophic floods that struck Central Texas over the July 4th weekend.
“The flooding—which has killed over 100 people, displaced hundreds, and devastated communities along the Guadalupe River—raises serious concerns about FEMA’s readiness,” the Members wrote. “The potential gaps in the emergency alert system during this catastrophe did not occur in a vacuum. The Trump administration has taken alarming steps to weaken FEMA’s ability to carry out its mission.”
“The danger is not over—in fact, the most active part of the hurricane season has not yet begun,” the Members added. “Without a fully staffed and adequately funded FEMA, communities impacted by the flooding in Texas—as well as communities that will be affected by disasters in the future—may face unnecessary obstacles in accessing assistance, rebuilding critical infrastructure, and receiving long-term hazard mitigation support.”
FEMA is the Federal agency responsible for helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Its mission depends on a trained workforce, strong coordination with state and local governments, and reliable public alert systems. President Trump has repeatedly proposed eliminating FEMA entirely and shifting its responsibilities to the states—which would gut the nation’s disaster response system just as climate-fueled emergencies grow more frequent and severe.
“We urge you to hold a hearing immediately to examine the Trump administration’s actions to undermine FEMA, assess the consequences for disaster readiness and recovery, and determine how Congress can ensure that the Agency remains capable of fulfilling its mission.”
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