Texas Lawmakers Begin Review Of Catastrophic Floods That Killed At Least 135

COMFORT, TEXAS – JULY 04: Boerne Search and Rescue teams navigate upstream in an inflatable boat on the flooded Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025 in Comfort, Texas. Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas with multiple fatalities reported. (Photo by Eric Vryn/Getty Images)

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas lawmakers are meeting for the first time to address the deadly July 4 floods that killed at least 135 people. A joint committee is expected to review local officials’ handling of the floods as well as flood warning systems. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and county authorities have largely evaded questions about local officials’ actions in the hours before disaster struck. Democratic lawmakers in the minority have also threatened not to engage in other legislation as the GOP works to redraw Texas’ congressional districts to obtain up to five additional seats in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 elections.