<h1>President tours flood damage, approves disaster declarations for eight counties amid FEMA elimination pledge complications</h1> A President toured Texas flood damage that killed at least 120 people and left over 170 missing following July 4 catastrophic flooding. The President praised local officials and first responders despite criticism over delayed warnings to residents. During the visit to an emergency operations center, the President approved extending major disaster declarations to eight additional counties for federal assistance. The disaster has complicated the administration's previous pledges to eliminate FEMA, with officials now avoiding questions about the agency's future while emphasizing reform needs. Local officials requested improved early warning systems and communication infrastructure repairs.