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Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement on last night’s flash flooding in Ruidoso: 

“Two of the victims of last night’s catastrophic flash flooding in Ruidoso were the children of a service member stationed at Fort Bliss. My heart is with them, their loved ones and the entire Fort Bliss family as they go through this incredibly difficult time. It’s also with the community of Ruidoso that only a year after devastating fires is now facing more tragedy.

“We’ve seen the havoc wrecked by nature and the deadly consequences of climate change across the country, most recently in Kerr County and again in Ruidoso. Signs of the climate crisis are all around us, and our country’s attempts to face this existential crisis have fallen woefully short. We cannot – and should not – normalize these catastrophes.

“Words and social media posts remain hollow as lives are lost and communities face costly reconstruction. Republicans in Congress cannot simply offer thoughts and prayers. We need meaningful actions from our federal government to ensure we’re preventing further loss of life and fighting back against climate change with the seriousness it deserves.”

Congresswoman Escobar has been a staunch advocate in the fight against climate change. In addition to holding a 98% favorable lifetime voting record from the League of Conservation Voters, she has introduced legislation like the Climate Adaption Plan Act which would help communities prepare and adjust for the current and projected impacts of climate change. She was also a proud member of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis until Republicans dismantled it in 2023.