Reporters asked Joe Biden if he had “any words to the victims” of Hurricane Helene.

“Yes, it’s tragic. As a matter of fact, we’re trying to get the exact number. My FEMA advisor is on the ground in Florida right now,” Biden said.

“It really is amazing. You saw the photographs, it’s stunning,” he continued.

“We’ve given everything that we have. We were on the ground ahead of time, so we’re working hard,” he added.

“Are there any more resources the federal government could be giving them?” a reporter asked.

“No,” Biden answered.

“We planned a significant amount even though they didn’t ask for it yet,” he added.

WATCH:

X users reacted to Biden’s message to those across the Southeastern United States impacted by the devastating hurricane.

“Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden approved Major Disaster declarations for Florida and North Carolina. These designations help individuals so they can start their recovery. These declarations also provide federal assistance to help communities clean up and start the rebuilding process,” FEMA stated Sunday in a press release.

Last week, the United States government sent Ukraine and Israel a combined $16 billion.

There are plenty of fiat notes for war abroad but never enough to rescue Americans on the home front.

Per Reuters:

The United States plans to announce more than $8 billion worth of military assistance for Ukraine on Thursday during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s visit to Washington, two U.S. officials said on Wednesday.

President Joe Biden’s administration has been engaged in urgent discussions with Congress to allow it to use up $5.6 billion in military aid for Ukraine before Sept. 30 – the end of the federal fiscal year – when the authority was set to expire.

On Thursday, U.S. officials said, the White House intends to notify Congress it will move forward with the announcement of a $5.6 billion drawdown from U.S. weapons stocks. The contents of that package are still in flux, the officials said.

From The Times of Israel:

Israel has secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the United States to support its ongoing military efforts and to maintain a qualitative military edge in the region, the Defense Ministry announces in a statement.

The package includes $3.5 billion for essential wartime procurement, which has already been received and earmarked for critical military purchases, and $5.2 billion designated for air defense systems including the Iron Dome anti-missile system, David’s Sling, and an advanced laser system.

Israel is currently fighting on two fronts, against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Per FEMA:

At the direction of President Biden, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Georgia today and will be in North Carolina tomorrow to survey damage and assessing the need for federal resources.

FEMA has more than 800 deployed staff supporting states affected by the hurricane. Our distribution centers are fully stocked and ready to provide commodities and equipment to any impacted state as requested. FEMA is coordinating a federal force of more than 3,200 personnel each contributing their expertise and manpower to this mission.

Emergency declarations are still in effect for Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. Under an emergency declaration, FEMA can provide support for urgent disaster response activities. FEMA and state partners continue to assess affects from the hurricane in these states to determine if further federal assistance is needed.

Biden said he hopes to visit North Carolina, which sustained catastrophic flooding and has dozens killed in one county alone.

ABC 11 reports:

President Joe Biden says he will visit Hurricane Helene-impacted areas this week as long as it does not disrupt rescue and recovery operations.

Biden was briefed again on Sunday evening about the impact of the devastating storm on an enormous swath of the Southeast.

The president in a brief exchange with reporters described the impact of the storm as “stunning” and said that the administration is giving states “everything we have” to help with their response to the storm.

A North Carolina county that includes the mountain city of Asheville reported earlier Sunday that 30 people were killed due to the storm, pushing the overall death toll to at least 84 people across several states.

Biden on Sunday evening made calls to several state and local government officials in areas impacted by the hurricane, including Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp; North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper; Valdosta, Georgia Mayor Scott Matheson; and Taylor County, Florida Emergency Management Director John Louk.

Biden told the officials the administration “will continue providing support to impacted communities – for as long as it takes,” according to the White House.

The outlet noted that Biden spent most of the weekend at his beach house in Delaware.

In contrast, President Trump will give remarks and help distribute supplies in Georgia on Monday.

Trump Campaign Announces Visit To Receive Hurricane Helene Briefing, Distribute Supplies

 

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