WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

“As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”

“More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”

 “This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”

 “When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”

“I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.” 

“As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.” 

“While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”

 “Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.” 

“We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”

“One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”

“As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.” 

“I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.”