Biden Expresses Gratitude for Minimal Damage

President Joe Biden visited a home in Live Oak, Florida, which suffered damage from a fallen tree. While standing in front of the damaged property, Biden expressed his relief, saying, “but for the grace of God,” the damage wasn’t worse.

Glimpse into Historical Storm Strength

Biden also highlighted the unprecedented strength of the winds, stating that “No winds this strong hit this area in one hundred years.” He added, “Pray God it will be another hundred years before this happens again.”

Biden and First Lady Assess Hurricane Damage

President Biden and first lady Jill Biden traveled to Florida on Saturday to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Idalia. During their visit, they met with local residents and recovery personnel, and Biden emphasized his directive to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide maximum assistance for rebuilding efforts.

Hurricane Idalia Devastates Florida’s Big Bend Region

Idalia, classified as a Category 3 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on Wednesday. The storm resulted in widespread power outages and significant flooding.

Request for Urgent Funding

The White House has urged Congress to allocate $16 billion in stopgap funding to replenish FEMA’s disaster relief fund. Without additional funding, FEMA predicts depletion of its resources by mid-September. President Biden reinforced the call for action during his address in Florida.

Praise for FEMA’s Essential Role

Biden acknowledged the increasing impact of various crises on Americans, emphasizing the crucial role played by FEMA. He called on both Democrats and Republicans in Congress to ensure adequate funding.

Potential Meeting with Florida Governor

Initially, President Biden expressed his intention to meet with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, praising their ongoing communication. However, the governor’s office later announced that security concerns would hinder such a meeting.

Coordination Discrepancies Addressed

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell clarified that the White House and the governor’s office mutually agreed on the visit location beforehand. No security concerns were raised until the governor’s office released its statement.

Past Collaboration Amidst Political Differences

Biden noted his frequent contact with Governor Ron DeSantis during and after Hurricane Idalia. Despite political differences, the two leaders previously came together following Hurricane Ian last year.

Governor’s Vigilance Praised

Appreciating DeSantis’s prompt actions, Biden commended the governor for effectively managing the situation.