President Joe Biden visited areas impacted by Hurricane Helene on Oct. 3, touring Florida and Georgia to assess the damage caused by the deadly storm. After surveying the destruction in Ray City, Georgia, Biden addressed the public and defended the federal government‘s response efforts. He emphasized the importance of setting aside politics during times like these and called for unity among Americans during disaster recovery. Biden also highlighted that his administration’s spending initiatives have benefited both red and blue states over the past 3.5 years.
Before arriving in Georgia, Biden took an aerial tour of Florida’s coast to observe the flooded areas near Perry, a small town located about an hour away from Tallahassee. Later on, he embarked on a driving tour of Keaton Beach community where severe wreckage was evident, including collapsed power lines and demolished homes.
The day prior to his visit to Florida and Georgia, President Biden traveled to North and South Carolina while Vice President Kamala Harris surveyed damage in Georgia. Interestingly, both Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declined invitations to join Biden’s tour.
During his remarks in Ray City, President Biden expressed gratitude towards Governor Kemp but made no mention of Governor DeSantis who was holding a press conference at Anna Maria Island simultaneously with regards to hurricane relief efforts in Florida. DeSantis has been emphasizing that Florida’s response has been faster than that of the federal government.
Accompanied by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.), President Biden engaged with first responders and local officials during his visit to Florida. He received updates on response efforts as well as embarked on a walking tour where he spoke with a couple who lost their home due to Hurricane Helene.
In Georgia, Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Representative Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) accompanied President Biden during his visit.
When asked about comments made by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) regarding supplemental funding for hurricane relief waiting until after elections, President Biden stressed that immediate help is needed without delay.
Congress had previously authorized disaster relief funds required for immediate response according to Johnson; however lawmakers from affected states are urging Congress to reconvene before November elections for additional disaster relief measures.
Over 50 counties across Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina including land owned by Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have been designated as major disaster areas by President Biden.
Recovery efforts at federal,state,and local levels have been ongoing for nearly one week with over $10 million already provided directly towards those affected by Hurricane Helene according White House statement released on Oct 2nd
During his speech in Georgia,Biden criticized partisan divisions stating “Our job is help many people as we can.And when we do that,I hope break down this rabid partisanship exists.I mean sincerely.There’s no rationale it.”
