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

Noem and others have faced criticism for their response to the tragedy in which more than a hundred are dead or missing.

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.