AUSTIN – Last week, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows created the Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding, which will meet jointly. 

“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,” Patrick said. “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.”

“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,” Burrows said. “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 two weeks:

  • Flood warning systems
  • Flood emergency communications
  • Relief funding for Hill Country floods
  • Natural disaster preparation and 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 lieutenant governor and the speaker each appointed nine members to their chambers’ select committee. Senators chosen were:

  • Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, Chairman
  • Sen. Pete Flores, R-Pleasanton, Vice Chair
  • Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston
  • Sen. César Blanco, D-El Paso
  • Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels
  • Sen. Adam Hinojosa, R-Corpus Christi
  • Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham
  • Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio
  • Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown

House members chosen were:

  • Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, Chairman
  • Rep. Armando Martinez, D-Weslaco, Vice-Chair
  • Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-Friendswood
  • Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo
  • Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston
  • Rep. AJ Louderback, R-Victoria
  • Rep. Joe Moody, D- El Paso
  • Rep. Wes Virdell, R-Brady
  • Rep. Terry Wilson, R-Georgetown

Senator Blanco, who represents the tri-county area said his appointment “reflects his ongoing commitment to ensuring that rural, border, and underserved communities are represented in statewide disaster planning and recovery efforts.”

 “My heart is with the families in Kerrville and across the Hill Country who are mourning loved ones after this devastating flood,” Blanco said. “This tragedy has shaken our state and reminded us how urgently we must act to strengthen disaster preparedness and response.”

“I’m thankful to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick for appointing me to this key committee,” Blanco added. Our job now is to take action: improving early warning systems, strengthening local emergency coordination, and investing in infrastructure that saves lives. We must act swiftly and thoughtfully to make sure tragedies like this do not happen again.”