Overview

• A flash flood over the Fourth of July weekend in central Texas has killed more than 100 people and left many residents missing.
• Governor Greg Abbott called assigning blame “loser” talk and compared the state’s response to a football team focusing on solutions rather than finger-pointing.
• Abbott said he will convene a GOP-controlled state legislative inquiry to examine the flood response and recommend measures to prevent future disasters.
• Critics, including grieving families and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, fault the lack of a statewide siren system and reliance on opt-in alerts for leaving many residents unprepared.
• Attention has turned to past federal budget cuts to weather forecasting championed by Senator Ted Cruz and backed by Representative Chip Roy, which opponents say weakened warning capabilities.