As natural disasters like flooding, tornadoes and landslides piled up this spring, FEMA accumulated a backlog of disaster requests going into the Gulf of Mexico's hurricane season.

The first bills related to revamping disaster preparedness in the aftermath of the deadly flooding have been filed.

Governor Greg Abbott has updated his disaster declaration to include 26 counties in Texas, added FEMA to the Public Assistance program for three additional counties, and directed the state's ongoing flood response and recovery efforts.

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.

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.

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

Williamson County and FEMA announced they will soon open a Disaster Recovery Center for residents impacted by floods in early July.

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