The White House and Sen. Ted Cruz defended the National Weather Service following devastating floods in Texas, pushing back against criticism that federal cuts impacted forecasting. Cruz called for unity, saying, “this is not a time for partisan finger-pointing.”
Press Secretary Rejects Blame on Trump
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt forcefully denied claims that President Trump’s administration was to blame for the disaster. She criticized Democrats like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for what she called “falsehoods,” labeling the accusations as a “depraved lie.”
Schumer Calls for Investigation
Schumer urged the Commerce Department to investigate whether staffing shortages at NWS offices contributed to the loss of life and property damage. He raised concerns about potential impacts from budget cuts.
Weather Service Defends Response
The National Weather Service said it had extra staff in place before the storm. The Austin/San Antonio office doubled its usual staffing and issued flood watches and flash flood warnings well ahead of the event, providing several hours of lead time.
Leavitt Details Timeline of Alerts
Leavitt outlined the timeline of warnings, noting a flood watch was issued at 1:18 p.m. on July 3, with flash flood warnings following overnight. She said, “the National Weather Service did its job,” despite the tragedy striking while many people were asleep.
Cruz Urges Unity, Promises Future Review
Speaking in Kerr County, Cruz said there would be time later to analyze what happened but criticized those using the disaster for political attacks. He emphasized learning lessons without partisan bitterness.
Trump Rejects NWS Cuts as Cause
President Trump, set to visit Texas on Friday, dismissed suggestions that staffing cuts caused the disaster. He briefly blamed former President Biden but walked the comment back, calling the floods a “hundred-year catastrophe.”
For more updates on the deadly Texas floods, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.