Cruz workplace says he returned from Greece 'as quick as humanly attainable' when floods hit Texas

[ad_1] Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on Tuesday responded to backlash for vacationing in Greece whereas flooding killed dozens in his dwelling 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 belongings have been out there for search and rescue,” Cruz’s workplace stated in a press release to The Hill.

“He and his workforce labored intently with native officers and with households of lacking ladies all through that point. He promptly booked a flight again dwelling. 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 straight impacted by this pure catastrophe. We thank President Trump for shortly approving Governor Abbott’s catastrophe declaration, and Secretary Noem for being on the bottom and sending further personnel to help Texans,” Cruz stated in a press release on Sunday as a number of lacking younger ladies and counselors at Camp Mystic have been pronounced useless.

In a later interview with Fox Information, he urged one thing "went incorrect" with the state's flood warning techniques 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 means. 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 at all times do greatest."