Brian Babin: “Mr. Speaker, this resolution also honors the brave first responders who risked their lives while rescuing over 850…”

“Mr. Speaker, this resolution also honors the brave first responders who risked their lives while rescuing over 850 souls. It further pledges our commitment to stand in solidarity with the survivors of this unspeakable tragedy and the families who lost loved ones. My own family has attended summer camps in the Hill Country for many generations, and my grandchildren were there only days before these tragic floods. The July floods stole the lives of over 135 innocent people, including 37 children, some of them my own constituents in District 36. It wreaked havoc on over 2,000 homes and businesses throughout Kerr County and inflicted $1.1 billion worth of damage on the residences across the Hill Country. Just seeing the tremendous damage in person done by this disaster was an unbelievable experience. I am very proud of the President's response. By swiftly issuing a major disaster declaration, FEMA has been able to approve $38 million in individual assistance, as well as $31 million in public assistance. This tragedy prompted the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, under my chairmanship, to pass the Weather Act Authorization. This legislation will improve emergency preparedness for communities nationwide and deliver vital enhancements to our forecasting capabilities, which is why it must be brought to the House floor soon.”