Commending Petty Officer 3d Class Scott Ruskan for his heroic efforts to rescue victims during the devastating flooding in central Texas.

Bill Number

H.Res. 570

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-07-11: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Last Updated

2026-04-03T17:00:53Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 570) aims to formally commend Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard, for his bravery in rescuing victims during catastrophic flash flooding in central Texas in July 2025. It also expresses gratitude to broader response efforts. As a resolution, it is a symbolic gesture of recognition rather than enforceable legislation.

Key Provisions

• Background on the Flooding: Describes severe flash flooding starting July 4, 2025, in the Texas Hill Country, especially Kerr County, caused by heavy rainfall that rapidly raised the Guadalupe River and nearby waterways, leading to widespread damage, loss of life, and threats to thousands of residents.
• Response Efforts: Notes the involvement of federal, state, and local authorities, including Coast Guard deployments from air stations in Corpus Christi, Houston, and Miami for search and rescue operations.
• Petty Officer Ruskan's Background and Actions:
• Originally from Oxford, New Jersey; enlisted in the Coast Guard on September 28, 2021.
• Graduated as Honor Graduate from Basic Training; completed Aviation Survival Technician training in July 2024.
• Serves at Air Station Corpus Christi as an Aviation Survival Technician Third Class.
• On his first rescue mission, he saved 165 individuals from floodwaters, acting as the sole triage coordinator at Camp Mystic to provide medical care under hazardous conditions.
• Resolution Actions:
• Commends Ruskan for his courage, selflessness, and professionalism, which uphold Coast Guard traditions.
• Extends thanks to all Coast Guard members, federal and state agencies, first responders, and volunteers for their life-saving efforts during this deadly disaster.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a non-binding resolution that does not amend, repeal, or introduce any new laws, regulations, or policies. It serves solely as an expression of congressional appreciation.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Provides symbolic recognition that may boost morale among Coast Guard and other emergency response personnel, potentially encouraging future participation in disaster relief.
• On Citizens: Highlights individual heroism and collective response efforts, fostering public appreciation for first responders and raising awareness of flood risks in affected areas like central Texas.
• On International Relations: No impact, as the resolution is domestic in scope.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Primary: Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan (direct honoree) and the U.S. Coast Guard (his service branch).
• Secondary: Residents and victims of the Texas flooding (beneficiaries of the rescues); federal, state, and local emergency agencies (e.g., Coast Guard air stations); first responders and volunteers involved in the operation.
• Broader: Members of Congress who co-sponsored the resolution (from Texas and other states), reflecting bipartisan support.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: No binding legal effects; resolutions like this fall under Congress's power to express opinions (Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution allows each chamber to determine its rules and proceedings). It does not require presidential approval.
• Political: Demonstrates cross-party unity (over 30 co-sponsors from both parties) on honoring military and emergency service, which could enhance public trust in government response to natural disasters. It underscores the Coast Guard's role in domestic crises, potentially influencing future funding or policy discussions on disaster preparedness without creating controversy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23]

Cosponsors (55)

Rep. Cloud, Michael [R-TX-27], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28], Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12], Rep. Hunt, Wesley [R-TX-38], Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21], Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6], Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1], Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3], Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15], Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4], Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5], Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7] and 5 more

Recent Actions

• 2025-07-11: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
• 2025-07-10: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2025-07-10: Submitted in House
• 2025-07-10: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Commending Petty Officer 3d Class Scott Ruskan for his heroic efforts to rescue victims during the devastating flooding in central Texas. — issued 2025-07-10 — PDF (3 pages)