Bill Summary
This resolution commends the United States Coast Guard, specifically the crew of Air Station Corpus Christi and their helicopter CG-6553, for their heroic efforts during a catastrophic flooding event in central Texas that began on July 4, 2025. The flooding, caused by heavy rainfall, resulted in significant devastation and loss of life in communities across the Texas Hill Country, particularly affecting the Guadalupe and Colorado Rivers.
The resolution highlights the rapid rise of these rivers and the immediate danger posed to thousands of residents. In response, the Coast Guard launched a search and rescue mission despite challenging weather conditions. The crew, led by aircraft commander Lieutenant Ian Hopper, successfully executed multiple rescue operations, including the coordination of efforts that saved 165 lives, demonstrating exceptional bravery and commitment.
The resolution expresses the House of Representatives' appreciation for the Coast Guard's swift response and honors all first responders and volunteers who assisted during this disaster, recognizing their selflessness and professionalism in the face of adversity.
Possible Impacts
The resolution commending the Coast Guard and its personnel for their response to catastrophic flooding in Texas can have various effects on individuals and communities. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Trust in Emergency Services**: The resolution highlights the heroic efforts of the Coast Guard and other first responders, which can enhance public trust and confidence in emergency services. Individuals in affected communities may feel more secure knowing that there are dedicated personnel ready to respond in times of crisis, potentially leading to greater cooperation during future emergencies.
2. **Community Resilience and Solidarity**: By acknowledging the bravery and selflessness of rescuers, the resolution can foster a sense of unity among community members. Individuals may be inspired to engage in volunteer work or support local disaster preparedness initiatives, strengthening community ties and resilience in the face of future disasters.
3. **Recognition and Support for First Responders**: The resolution brings attention to the sacrifices made by first responders, potentially leading to increased support for funding and resources necessary for their operations. This could mean better training, equipment, and mental health resources for responders, which ultimately benefits the communities they serve by ensuring that they are better prepared for future emergencies.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 618 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 618
Commending the Coast Guard, Air Station Corpus Christi, and the crew of
CG-6553 for their heroic efforts and courageous response to the
catastrophic flooding across central Texas.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 29, 2025
Mr. Cloud (for himself, Mr. Crenshaw, Mr. Graves, Mr. Williams of
Texas, Mrs. Fletcher, Mr. Lawler, Ms. Johnson of Texas, Mr. Tony
Gonzales of Texas, Mr. Carter of Texas, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Higgins of
Louisiana, Mr. Babin, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Green of Texas, Mr. Veasey, and
Ms. Crockett) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Commending the Coast Guard, Air Station Corpus Christi, and the crew of
CG-6553 for their heroic efforts and courageous response to the
catastrophic flooding across central Texas.
Whereas, beginning in the predawn hours of July 4, 2025, heavy rainfall resulted
in catastrophic flooding that devastated many Texas Hill Country
communities, resulting in the tragic loss of life;
Whereas the Guadalupe and Colorado Rivers, and their surrounding waterways, rose
rapidly and perilously, immediately endangering the life of thousands as
they slept;
Whereas nearly 12 inches of rain fell in the headwaters of the South Fork of the
Guadalupe River, upstream of Camp Mystic, Kerrville, Hunt, and Comfort,
Texas, resulting in the river rising over 26 feet in 45 minutes;
Whereas, at 5:30 a.m., Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi launched a search
and rescue crew aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, call sign CG-6553;
Whereas the crew of CG-6553 consisted of aircraft commander Lieutenant Ian
Hopper, copilot Lieutenant Blair Ogujiofor, flight mechanic AMT3 Seth
Reeves, and rescue swimmer AST3 Scott Ruskan;
Whereas CG-6553 was unwavering in their response despite severe weather and poor
flying conditions that caused 3 aborted landing attempts due to
inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions;
Whereas, on the fourth landing attempt, the crew of CG-6553, with their unique
weather radar capabilities, successfully led numerous rotary-wing assets
into the disaster zone;
Whereas, during his first rescue mission, AST3 Scott Ruskan became the only
first responder on scene when he was inserted into the flood zone at
Camp Mystic, and for over 3 hours, he triaged and coordinated the rescue
of 165 lives, working with local, State, and military airframes across 3
landing zones;
Whereas Lt. Ian Hopper, Lt. Blair Ogujiofor, and AMT3 Seth Reeves continued to
airlift and evacuate 15 lives from the disaster area aboard their MH-65
Dolphin helicopter;
Whereas the Coast Guard aggressively sustained continuous operations through the
deployment of 54 Coast Guard personnel, numerous air assets consisting
of 8 MH-65 Dolphin helicopters and 2 HC-144 Ocean Sentry fixed-wing
aircraft, and resources from Coast Guard Air Stations Corpus Christi,
Houston, and Miami;
Whereas the crew of CG-6553 and the Coast Guard carried out one of the most
consequential rescue operations this country has ever seen, bringing
hope to the helpless;
Whereas, in the face of tragedy, our Coast Guard servicemembers reminded Texas
and the Nation of what makes this country strong: selflessness, courage,
and professionalism by those willing to step into danger to protect
others; and
Whereas the actions of aircraft commander Lieutenant Ian Hopper, copilot
Lieutenant Blair Ogujiofor, Aviation Maintenance Technician Petty
Officer Third Class Seth Reeves, Aviation Survival Technician Petty
Officer Third Class Scott Ruskan, and all of the Coast Guard personnel
who deployed into the disaster zone exemplified the courage and devotion
to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the Coast Guard: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) commends the Coast Guard for its courageous and swift
response to the flooding disaster in Texas;
(2) expresses its profound and deep appreciation for the
extraordinary Coast Guard members who risked their lives to
save hundreds from the floods; and
(3) extends its deepest gratitude to all of the Federal,
State, and local first responders and volunteers who have
responded to this horrific tragedy to help Texas in its time of
need.
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