President Joe Biden announced the allocation of over $600 million to states affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton during a visit to storm-damaged Florida. Nearly $100 million of the funds will go towards improving Florida’s power system. Biden praised the resilience of the people of west Florida and acknowledged the devastation experienced by those who lost their homes and loved ones.
Florida officials have confirmed 17 deaths following Hurricane Milton’s landfall near Tampa, with over a million residents still without power. The Biden administration has worked to combat misinformation about emergency funds, including false claims that FEMA money was being diverted to support illegal immigrants, leaving hurricane victims without resources. FEMA clarified that disaster relief funds are dedicated solely for disaster response efforts.
As former President Donald Trump spreads false claims about the federal response to the hurricanes, lawmakers in Florida are pushing for more disaster aid. House Speaker Mike Johnson, however, believes it is unnecessary for the House to return early from recess, as Congress has already allocated funds for disaster relief. He emphasized the importance of distributing these funds to support communities in need.
Overall, Biden’s visit to Florida highlights the ongoing recovery efforts following the hurricanes and the need for continued federal support for affected areas. The administration is addressing misinformation and working to ensure that resources are efficiently distributed to assist those impacted by the storms.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com