A devastating flood is making national news, prompting people to wonder why Dan Patrick is acting governor of Texas while Greg Abbott is away.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday directed lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional map as part of a special session that kicks off later this month, as the GOP seeks to retain its narrow US House majority after next year’s midterm elections.

Abbott’s lengthy agenda for the Texas Legislature includes unfinished business, such as eliminating the STAAR test, and conservative priorities.