[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 7812]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             TEXAS FLOODING

  Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, anybody who has been watching the 
national news--and particularly the weather--knows we have been having 
some serious flooding back home in Texas. Tragically, we lost nine 
soldiers from Fort Hood in a very unfortunate drowning incident as part 
of that flooding. These soldiers were in the midst of a training 
mission when their vehicle got stuck in a flooded creek. I know I speak 
for a lot of people when I say my prayers and condolences are with the 
Fort Hood family and the families of these lost soldiers.
  I know from experience that the Fort Hood community is a resilient 
one and, unfortunately, has seen more than its fair share of tragedy in 
recent years. But I also know the community there in Killeen, along 
with the entire State and Nation, will continue to offer support for 
our men and women in uniform, and particularly for those who have lost 
loved ones and those who are recovering in the days ahead.
  Amidst the sad news, I have been continually thankful for the hard 
work and dedication of our first responders, who have devoted their 
lives to saving others. It is at times like these, when they rise to 
the occasion, that I am particularly grateful for their service.
  As you might expect, my staff and I are in close contact with local 
officials across the State of Texas in the more than 30 counties where 
Governor Abbott has declared a disaster. We will be working with the 
Governor as they prepare to assess the damage on the ground and 
determine what sort of Federal resources are necessary to help people 
rebuild. Should Governor Abbott request a formal Federal declaration of 
disaster for the affected counties, I intend to do everything I can to 
help get such a request granted and to make sure these Texans have what 
they need to recover as quickly as possible.

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