Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on Tuesday responded to backlash for vacationing in Greece whereas flooding killed dozens in his house state.
“The Senator was already in the midst of preplanned household trip journey abroad when the flooding occurred on July 4. Inside hours, he spoke by telephone with Governor (Greg) Abbott, Lt. Governor (Dan) Patrick, Texas Emergency Administration Director Nim Kidd, and President (Donald) Trump, working to make sure that the utmost federal property have been obtainable for search and rescue,” Cruz’s workplace stated in a press release to The Hill.
“He and his crew labored carefully with native officers and with households of lacking women all through that point. He promptly booked a flight again house. Given the time distinction, he left Athens on Sunday morning and was again in Texas that night time. And he was in Kerrville on the bottom early Monday morning,” the assertion continued.
Whereas he was gone, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) met with Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R), Rep. Chip Roy (R) and Sheriff Larry Leitha for a briefing on Saturday.
Cruz stated he spoke with leaders to assist coordinate rescue efforts whereas overseas and assist a separate press convention upon his return to Kerr County.
“The flooding we’re seeing in Central Texas is totally devastating. Heidi and I ship our heartfelt condolences to all those that have been immediately impacted by this pure catastrophe. We thank President Trump for rapidly approving Governor Abbott’s catastrophe declaration, and Secretary Noem for being on the bottom and sending extra personnel to help Texans,” Cruz stated in a statement on Sunday as a number of lacking younger women and counselors at Camp Mystic have been pronounced useless.
In a later interview with Fox Information, he prompt one thing “went wrong” with the state’s flood warning programs because the Guadalupe River water swelled with out a lot discover to residents within the space.
“We urge everybody to heed the warnings from native officers and keep out of hurt’s method. We’re immensely grateful to the primary responders—each in Texas and from throughout the nation—who’re risking their very own security to rescue these in want. As Texans, we should stay united in spirit and grit, and help our neighbors as we all the time do finest.”
Previously, Cruz face criticism for a 2021 journey to Cancún within the midst of Winter Storm Uri.