[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 193 (Monday, November 17, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H4678-H4680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES AND SUPPORT FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE JULY 4
FLOODING IN TEXAS, HONORING ACTS OF HEROISM, AND COMMITTING TO STAND
WITH THOSE IMPACTED BY THESE FLOODS
Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 782) expressing condolences and support for the
victims of the July 4 flooding in Texas, honoring acts of heroism, and
committing to stand with those impacted by these floods.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 782
Whereas, on July 4, 2025, catastrophic heavy rain and flash
floods swept across the Texas Hill Country, causing
devastating loss of life, widespread destruction of homes and
infrastructure, and immeasurable heartbreak for families and
communities throughout the region;
Whereas Governor Greg Abbott promptly issued a disaster
declaration for the affected counties, ensuring that State
resources and support were made immediately available to
first responders and affected communities, and pledged
continued collaboration with local leaders;
Whereas the flooding affected numerous counties, straining
local resources and leaving thousands displaced or in need of
urgent assistance;
Whereas the catastrophic floods are responsible for the
tragic loss of at least 135 individuals, including at least
37 children, many of whom were attending summer camp in Kerr
County, where counselors and campers alike faced unimaginable
peril;
Whereas communities across central Texas have endured loss
of life, property, and security, with families mourning loved
ones and neighborhoods forever changed by the disaster;
Whereas first responders from across Federal, State, and
local governments, emergency personnel, and volunteers
demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness, rescuing
over 850 individuals from life-threatening situations;
Whereas, on July 6, 2025, President Donald Trump promptly
signed a major disaster declaration, ensuring that Federal
resources and support were made immediately available to
first responders and affected communities, and pledged
continued collaboration with State and local leaders;
Whereas Federal, State, and local leaders have worked
tirelessly on the ground to coordinate relief efforts and
provide leadership to the people of Texas and those impacted
during this unprecedented tragedy;
Whereas stories of heroism emerged from the tragedy, such
as the staff and counselors and older campers at camps such
as Camp Mystic and Camp La Junta who guided children to
safety, embodying the indomitable spirit of Texas;
Whereas neighbors, faith communities, and local and
national organizations mobilized to provide shelter, food,
and comfort to those affected, reflecting the compassion and
resilience that defines Texas; and
Whereas the path to recovery will be long and challenging,
requiring unity, empathy, and sustained support from all
levels of government and every corner of Texas: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) mourns the profound loss of life and extends its
deepest condolences to the families, friends, and communities
forever changed by this tragedy;
(2) honors the courage and sacrifice of first responders,
volunteers, and everyday Texans who risked their lives to
save others and support their neighbors in need;
(3) encourages all relevant authorities to prioritize the
rebuilding of critical infrastructure and public facilities
damaged by the flooding, and to ensure access to assistance
for all residents, especially the most vulnerable; and
(4) stands united with all those affected by the July 4
flooding, pledging ongoing support and remembrance as the
process of healing and rebuilding continues.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Babin) and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Figures) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
General Leave
Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members have 5
legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert
extraneous material into the Record on H. Res. 782.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
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.
While the Federal response has been both vigorous and robust, it is
the duty of this Congress to offer solace and comfort to the people of
Texas. This resolution today will do just that.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman and my good friend from Texas--
this tragedy occurred in his district--Congressman Chip Roy, for his
able leadership on this bipartisan resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
{time} 1620
Mr. FIGURES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I, too, support H. Res. 782 to express condolences and
support for the victims of the July 4 flooding in Texas and also to
honor the acts of heroism and commit to stand with those impacted by
the floods through the rebuilding.
The floods that tore through the Texas Hill Country were devastating
beyond words. There were 135 lives lost, and many, many lives changed
forever in terms of having to endure it, some of whom we had the
privilege of seeing here in this House last July. Three souls are
actually still missing. Families have been shattered, communities
submerged, and more than 200 homes damaged. Businesses and
infrastructure were crippled.
Before I go any further, I will take a moment to acknowledge a
heartbreaking loss that my district felt with this that has touched the
Mobile, Alabama, community deeply. We are grieving the tragic deaths of
four members of the same family, the Santana family, a family of
military veterans: Eddie, Sr., aged 69; Ileana, his wife, aged 66;
Camille, their daughter-in-law, aged 38; and Mila Rose, just 5 years
old. While visiting the Hill Country, they were caught in the floods on
that tragic evening.
Only one member of that family, Eddie Santana, Jr., survived. I ask
that we continue to hold him in our hearts and include his entire
family in our prayers as they now face a future with unimaginable
sorrow.
To all those grieving, I offer my most sincere condolences. The
horror of this disaster is truly hard for any of us to comprehend. Yet,
in the face of tragedy, we saw extraordinary courage. First responders
across Texas, the U.S. Coast Guard, and volunteers from across the
country sprang into action, risking their lives to save countless
others. We are eternally grateful for their service and sacrifice.
Though the water has receded in Kerr County, the work is far from
over. We must rebuild homes, restore infrastructure, and revive local
businesses. However, we must also analyze our Federal
[[Page H4679]]
response and ensure we ask the necessary questions and make the
necessary changes.
We know now, in light of the tragedy, that the highly specialized
search and rescue teams were delayed by over 3 days in getting there.
Members also inquired recently about why some call center contracts had
lapsed in the days leading up to and following the flood, leaving some
survivors' calls unanswered.
Subsequent reports have indicated that a policy at DHS is a
contributing factor, a policy that required the Secretary to personally
approve any expenditures over $100,000. This is something that we have
to analyze, and we must make the necessary changes.
Reports have also revealed that payments for vital disaster recovery
projects beyond this one, in North Carolina, have been indefinitely
delayed. This is not something we can tolerate in response to this
tragedy.
If we are going to rebuild the Hill Country with the urgency Texans
deserve, the bottlenecks must be eliminated. Without this change, we
cannot stand here and say that we are doing everything in our power to
help Texas.
I am encouraged by the bipartisan efforts on the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee. We recently passed the FEMA Act with a 57-3
vote. This legislation would dramatically overhaul FEMA and deliver
swift resources to disaster survivors. I urge House leadership to bring
this bill to the floor without delay.
Before I close, I will take a moment to acknowledge that when it was
brought to my knowledge that the family from Mobile, Alabama, was
impacted by this flood, I, being a freshman Member of Congress, reached
out to some of my Republican colleagues and asked for the number of
Chip Roy. Chip Roy and I had never really had a conversation before
that, but I texted him and I called him.
Chip was understandably busy, and he responded back to a text
message. I said: Chip, we have got a family of five missing from my
hometown.
Chip didn't ask questions. Chip just said: Send me their names and
send me where they were. I did. Unfortunately, the results were what
they were. However, I appreciate Chip's response. I do. I know the
families impacted by this appreciate his diligence here as well.
I will close saying I support H. Res. 782 and urge my colleagues to
do the same. Let's honor the victims, support the survivors, and ensure
our Nation responds better and faster in the future.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas
(Mr. Roy), the resolution's sponsor.
Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas for his leadership
on this. I thank all my colleagues from Texas for their support not
just on this resolution, but throughout the ordeal back in July and
since, as we continue to work through the tragedy and find the lives
that have been lost.
We are still looking for several, as the gentleman from Alabama
noted. I appreciate the kind words from the gentleman from Alabama.
There is no time for politics when you are dealing with moments like
that. I appreciated engaging with him. I wish it had been a better
outcome, but I do appreciate our engagement on that to try to do what
we can for the families that were impacted.
I will say a few things about this. I have never done a resolution. I
generally don't like to focus on resolutions. I feel like we are here
to do the business of the people. In this instance, I felt compelled to
bring a resolution to the floor on behalf of the people of the Hill
Country and on behalf of the families affected throughout the country,
as the gentleman from Alabama noted.
It wasn't just that. It was our colleague from Georgia, Buddy Carter,
who had family impacted by it. Some survived, but at least one little
girl didn't. I could go through the list, but it affected many people
in this Chamber. The gentlewoman from Texas, Lizzie Fletcher, who
herself went to camps in the Hill Country, had constituents who were
affected by it and many others. I felt compelled to bring this
resolution to the floor, and I will explain why in just a minute.
I thank the leadership of so many people in response to the floods
that ravaged the community in the Hill Country. It is hard to put into
words exactly how bad it was. Two days after the flood, I drove down
the river with one of my staffers. It looked essentially like an F5
tornado just ripped down the valley. There were 100-plus-year-old
cypress trees that were just laid flat. There is so much vegetation
waste that has been piled up, I think it would cover something like 100
football fields 10 feet tall. There is so much damage that was done
alongside the river.
I raise that because there are so many recriminations and questions--
it is not a political thing--since the floods, but it is hard to put
into words the momentous event that it was when it struck at 4 o'clock
in the morning on July 4.
There are things that no doubt could be done differently. A lot of
this is going to be played out over time in litigation and legislation.
That is not really the story for me. That is not what I will remember.
That is not what I will carry forward.
I will carry forward, and I thank personally the President of the
United States; Susie Wiles; the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi
Noem; and the leadership that engaged from the Federal level to the
State to the local level: Governor Abbott; the Lieutenant Governor; the
head of the Texas Department of Emergency Management, Nim Kidd; the
head of DPS, Freeman Martin; all of the leadership in Kerr County,
Sheriff Leitha in particular; the people in the community who stepped
up; all of the first responders; and the Coast Guard, as the gentleman
from Alabama mentioned.
All of these are people who responded and stood up immediately and
didn't point fingers. They just got together at an emergency center and
figured out what to do. They came together to deliver as quick a result
as you could, saved many lives in the process, and then dealt with the
loss of life that came from the flood.
We will manage through this as we go forward, whether it is in Texas
or here, whatever policies we change. That is what you do. That is how
you learn and you make policies and you adapt.
I want to make a point about the things that we know are impacted,
things that will never be the same. Those cypress trees that were 100
years old, those are not going to be the same for hundreds of years.
The damage that was done to the community, the buildings that were
ravaged, the little girls whose lives were lost, the people who were
down there vacationing whose lives were lost, the camps that were
destroyed--Camp Mystic, Camp La Junta, Heart O' the Hills--that are now
either moving or having to redo their entire models and plans, none of
those things are going to be the same. All of those things are now
forever changed.
However, there is one thing that is enduring. I talked about it when
we talked about this the week after it happened when we came back into
this Chamber, and that is the cross that sits on the hill in Kerrville.
It is the faith of the people of Kerrville and Kerr County, Texas, that
came together under that cross to stand up for something bigger and a
vision that is much greater than the tragedy that we endured.
What is actually going to endure and carry forward is a strong faith
and a commitment in honor of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and
spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, the people who came together in
prayer along the streets of Kerrville that comforted families, the $150
million that was raised through the Community Foundation of the Texas
Hill Country from all over the country and heavily from Texans, the
concerts that were held, the events that were carried out.
All of this stuff came together so that people could not look to
point fingers--look, there are questions that will be asked--but to
come together in a tragedy to stand tall and to come together in a bond
about something that is greater than the loss of life but that will
carry forward and endure forever. That is what I will remember about
this. We are going to rebuild. We are going to continue to work.
I appreciate this resolution. It is important for the United States
House of Representatives to recognize this. I urge its support and
adoption, and I am
[[Page H4680]]
deeply appreciative of my friend from Texas and all those who have
cosponsored the resolution.
{time} 1630
Mr. FIGURES. Mr. Speaker, again, I support House Resolution 728, and
I urge my colleagues to do the same. Again, I express my sincere
appreciation to Congressman Chip Roy for helping out my district and
the citizens of my district during this critical time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, in closing, this resolution will cement
unwavering support of this Congress to the brave folks from the great
State of Texas. To honor the lives lost and the perseverance of the
survivors, it is our duty to pass this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H. Res. 782, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin) that the House suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution, H. Res 782.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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