The Republican senator, who was on a preplanned family vacation, did not return to his state until 72 hours after the deadly disaster, which his office said was as quickly as possible.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is drawing heat for chasing the sun in Europe as his constituents back home dealt with a devastating crisis. Cruz was captured queuing up to visit the Parthenon in Athens, Greece,

The Texas senator was seen touring the Parthenon in Athens. His staff said the senator booked the earliest flight back to Texas when he learned of the disaster.