TEXAS (KAUZ) - On Thursday, July 17, Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources as tropical weather is expected to impact Southeast and East Texas.

The Department of Homeland Security secretary defended the federal government's response and denied that policy changes slowed the agency's deployment.

There are questions over why oversight was eased at Mystic Camp as it expanded in a hazardous floodplain, the AP reported.

Weeks before flash floods devastated the Texas Hill Country, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) participated in the first meeting of a new council to overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He criticized FEMA as “slow and clunky,” arguing that states are able to respond “more nimbly, more swiftly, more effectively” to disasters.

Texas lawmakers start a 30-day special session July 21. They will tackle consumable THC, flood dangers, redistricting, abortion pills and other conservative priorities.

With the Texas Hill Country still recovering from flooding, Gov. Greg Abbott has activated emergency teams ahead of more potential heavy rain.