The White House is defending the National Weather Service and accusing some Democrats of playing politics in the wake of devastating floods in Texas.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had to explain to Hearst Television White House correspondent Kalyn Norwood on Monday why

The White House slammed critics who said cuts made to the National Weather Service contributed to key forecast warnings ahead of deadly flooding in Texas last week.

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.

President Donald Trump is expected to visit Central Texas this week. Local officials and forecasters have defended their actions before and after flash floods killed dozens in the region.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is expected to implore his colleagues this evening — for the 300th time — “to wake up” and start addressing climate change.The Rhode Island Democrat in April 2012 began one of the longest-running regular speaking spots in the legislature’s history.

Kerr County repeatedly failed to secure a warning system, even as local officials remained aware of the risks and as billions of dollars were available for similar projects.