Texas Strong: a tragedy in the Texas Hill Country

President Trump pledged, “Whatever Texas needs, the answer is YES”—and that promise is already being kept. Boots are on the ground, aircraft are in the air, and aid is flowing to affected communities.

Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. –  In just 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River surged an unimaginable 26 feet, sweeping through the Texas Hill Country and leaving heartbreak in its wake. We are devastated by the lives lost and the families forever changed by this tragedy. Our hearts are especially heavy for the many Texans still waiting for answers or mourning the loss of loved ones. 

This tragedy hits close to home for me, as I know it does for so many of you. My granddaughters attend Camp Mystic, and I spent my own childhood summers at Camp Stewart, the all-boys camp just down the river. These camps and this community are deeply woven into the fabric of who we are as Texans. For many of us, this isn’t just a tragedy in Kerrville or Hunt—it’s a wound felt across the entire Lone Star State.

Thanks to the heroic efforts of our first responders, the U.S. Coast Guard, and courageous volunteers, more than 800 people have already been rescued. But many families are still searching for loved ones, and the mission to bring them home continues. I was encouraged to see President Trump step in not just as Commander-in-Chief, but as Consoler-in-Chief, standing with Texans in this time of heartbreak. There’s no doubt we have a President who has our back.

President Trump pledged, “Whatever Texas needs, the answer is YES”—and that promise is already being kept. Boots are on the ground, aircraft are in the air, and aid is flowing to affected communities.

As Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I will be asking the tough questions to ensure we understand exactly what happened and do everything in our power to prevent it from ever happening again.
Let me be clear: the facts confirm this was not a failure of the National Weather Service.

Governor Abbott reminded us that the Texas Legislature meets in just a few days and is ready to take a hard look at how we can prevent such a tragedy in the future. At the federal level, the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee will be conducting a thorough review of this event.

We will work to ensure the Weather Act reauthorization strengthens forecast communication, local coordination, and continued technological innovation. Our goal is simple: give every community the tools they need to stay safe when severe weather strikes, and make sure NOAA and NWS are fully equipped to protect lives and property.

To every first responder, rescue team member, and volunteer—thank you. Your bravery is saving lives and restoring hope across our state.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the floods, I encourage you to take a look at the resources below, compiled by my friend, U.S. Representative Chip Roy: