The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s acting leader has adamantly defended the federal government’s response to historic flooding in Texas earlier this month, saying lawmakers’ attacks on the agency’s actions were unwarranted.

Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management and representatives from the Upper Guadalupe River Authority are expected to testify.

On the first day of the special legislative session, a group of state representatives and community leaders rallied at the Texas State Capitol to push for legislation they believe could save lives during severe weather.