President Trump has not talked about eliminating FEMA as the emergency response agency helps with recovery efforts from the Texas floods.

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

Many victims of the recent flooding did not have flood insurance when water washed away homes, cars and belongings.

The homeland security secretary said a report that thousands of calls to a disaster hotline went unanswered because of staffing cuts was “false.”

"In church, I’ve heard people say 'God is in control' to dismiss the crisis – but my faith calls me to speak up, gently but firmly."

The federal response to the flash flooding disaster in Texas has come under scrutiny. President Trump, who has called for cuts to FEMA, praised the agency during his recent visit to Texas, but did not comment on his plans for its future.

Just weeks ago, President Donald Trump said he wanted to begin “phasing out” the Federal Emergency Management Agency after this hurricane season to “wean off of FEMA” and “bring it down to the state level.

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

Rachel Maddow introduces viewers to the unfamiliar image of Donald Trump's pick to lead FEMA, David Richardson, who finally made an appearance in Texas more than a week after flooding killed scores of people.

Some governors and mayors are concerned over how current or potential cuts to agencies will impact how the government can respond in the future to major weather events.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been exerting more direct control over the agency, which President Donald Trump has talked about "getting rid of."

Gov. Greg Abbott instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to request federal assistance for three additional Texas counties.