AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows created the Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding, which will meet jointly. Upon creating the committees, Lt. Gov. Patrick and Speaker Burrows issued the following statements:
“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,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. “Right now, we must focus on the recovery of those still missing, then rebuilding communities in flooded areas. In the coming year, and into the next regular legislative session, we will gather all the facts and answer the many questions to which the public demands answers. I look forward to working with Speaker Burrows on these critical issues.”
“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. In the face of such devastation, Texans deserve swift, united action,” said Speaker Dustin Burrows. “I’m grateful to Lt. Gov. Patrick and the Senate for partnering with the House in this effort, ensuring both chambers move in lockstep from day one of the special session. 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.”
Both chambers’ Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding will examine the following items on the governor’s special session call, which begins in less than 2 weeks:
- Flood Warning Systems
- Flood Emergency Communications
- Relief Funding for Hill Country Floods
- Natural Disaster Preparation & Recovery
The first hearing will take place at the Capitol on July 23. The second hearing will take place the following week in Kerrville to give residents an opportunity to have their voices heard. The date of that hearing will be announced soon.
The Lt. Governor and the Speaker will each appoint 9 members to their chambers’ select committee.
Working jointly, the committees will strive to address the current needs and resources necessary to avoid such devastating impacts along our rivers in the future. If solutions emerge that are not on the call, the House and Senate are committed to bringing them to the forefront to advocate for their ultimate passage.