Hurricane Helene: Biden delivers remarks on devastation
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden delivered remarks on the continued response efforts to Hurricane Helene shortly after 11:10 a.m. today in the White House Roosevelt Room. The address, including questions, lasted just over seven minutes, ending when the President exited after a reporter asked about why he and Vice President Harris were not in Washington this weekend.
President Biden began the address recapping discussions yesterday with officials from states affected by the storm. He said he approved requests for a disaster declaration from governors of impacted states, and that he plans to continue providing aid to the states in need.
He added that FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in North Carolina, and that FEMA is working with the Small Business Administration to assist aid efforts.
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President Joe Biden meets with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Homeland Security Adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall to discuss the current situation with Hurricane Helene in the Gulf of Mexico, Thursday, Sep
In response to the struggles those impacted are going through, President Biden said, "My first responsibility is to get all the help we need to those impacted areas."
He thanked first responders for their efforts, and said he has heard reports of over 100 dead and up to 600 people unaccounted for because they are unable to be contacted. He said, "I will not rest until everyone is accounted for."
The President ended his speech with a message to the impacted survivors. He said, "we will be there with you as long as it takes," and urged them to "listen to local officials and follow all safety instructions."
Hurricane Helene: Biden delivers remarks on devastation
Following his address, President Biden took questions. He said a decision has not yet been made if Congress will convene for a session regarding the disaster. He added that he plans to be in North Carolina on Wednesday or Thursday this week, and said he does not know about Trump's plan to visit Georgia.
The press conference concluded shortly after a reporter asked about why he and Vice President Harris were not in Washington this weekend. Just before, he responded to a question about Israel launching an operation into Lebanon, and stated that there should be a ceasefire now.
He was asked the question, "On the hurricane, Mr. President, why weren't you and Vice President Harris here in Washington commanding this?"
President Biden said, "This weekend I was commanding. I was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday and the day before," just before exiting.
READ MORE: Helene aftermath latest: Death toll rises to nearly 100, NC communities still isolated