President Joe Biden announced during a visit to storm-damaged Florida that over $600 million would be allocated to states affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with nearly $100 million going towards improvements to Florida’s power system. Florida officials have confirmed 17 deaths after Hurricane Milton hit near Tampa, leaving over a million residents without power. Biden praised the resilience of the people of west Florida and emphasized the importance of community support during times of crisis.
The Biden administration has worked to combat misinformation regarding the emergency funds, including false claims that FEMA money was being used to support illegal immigrants rather than hurricane victims. FEMA clarified that Disaster Relief Fund money is dedicated solely to disaster response efforts and is not diverted to non-disaster related needs. Lawmakers in Florida are advocating for more disaster aid for affected communities, but House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., believes it is unnecessary for the House to return from recess early to address this issue.
During his visit, Biden also addressed false claims made by former President Donald Trump regarding the federal response to the storms. Trump alleged that aid was not being provided to certain areas, but Biden reassured the public that the government was working to distribute the funds appropriated for disaster relief. Overall, the focus remains on supporting those affected by the hurricanes and ensuring that necessary resources are provided to help communities recover.
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