John Cornyn: “my State is no stranger to severe weather. In the past few years, we have experienced the devastation of major…”

“my State is no stranger to severe weather. In the past few years, we have experienced the devastation of major hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornadoes. But last week brought something entirely new in the form of extreme weather--winter storms, prolonged subfreezing temperatures, and treacherous roadways across the entire State. And unlike, for example, the State of Massachusetts, where that may not be entirely uncommon, we are not used to that subzero freezing weather. Our State was not prepared, I think it is clear to say, correct to say, for these low temperatures or the devastating impact they would have on our critical infrastructure. Frozen natural gas wells and wind turbines, among other issues, led to widespread power outages, and millions of Texans were left without a way to keep their family warm throughout the historic low temperatures. Compounding matters even further, some 12 million Texans faced water disruptions due to the lasting power outages and frozen or broken water lines. Cities across the State issued boil notices, and folks whose taps are still dry resorted to boiling snow as their only option for drinking water or perhaps even to flush the toilets. The weather created incredibly dangerous conditions for many across the State, especially our most vulnerable citizens. We know of nearly 80 Texans who have died due to this extreme weather, and that number is likely to climb in the days ahead.…”