The Department of Homeland Security secretary defended the federal government's response and denied that policy changes slowed the agency's deployment.

By Ted Hesson and Nathan Layne WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Sunday defended FEMA's response to deadly floods in Texas last week, saying her agency acted swiftly and that Texas officials had praised the administration's actions.

Sources have said FEMA wasn’t authorized to launch search and rescue teams until 72 hours after flooding began.