President Biden criticized climate change deniers on Wednesday after surveying the damage from Hurricane Helen, warning that the storm will get worse.
Biden toured Asheville, North Carolina, from the air, then traveled to Raleigh to receive a briefing on hurricane relief efforts with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, during which he slammed those who doubt the effects of climate change. did.
“No one can deny the effects of the climate crisis anymore. At least I hope they don't, but if they do, they must be brain dead,” Biden said. “Scientists report that warming oceans are making rain heavier and storms like Helen getting stronger. They're not going to get any weaker, they're going to get stronger.”
The president said he approved Cooper's request for the federal government to pay for six months of debris removal and emergency protective measures. He said the federal government will send 1,000 troops to assist with Hurricane Helen recovery efforts.
Biden also urged people not to politicize the hurricane and spread a message of unity. He noted that Cooper is a Democrat, and noted that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is also a Republican, and said he worked with both.
“At times like this, we put politics aside. At least, we should put everything aside — we're here,” Biden said. “There are no Democrats or Republicans, there are only Americans. And our job is to help as many people as possible, as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.”
Former President Trump visited Georgia on Monday and criticized the Biden administration's response to the hurricane, falsely claiming that Gov. Brian Kemp (R) was “having a hard time calling the president” after they had already met. He made the following statement.
While Biden was in North Carolina, Vice President Harris traveled to Georgia on Wednesday to hold a press conference and survey the damage in Augusta. He announced that Biden would approve Kemp's request for 100% federal reimbursement of local costs, making the federal government pay for food, water and housing for local governments.
“I think during this difficult time, one of the beauties of this country is that in moments of crisis, people really come together and show the best of themselves,” Harris said.
Mr. Biden is scheduled to visit Georgia and Florida on Thursday, and Ms. Harris is scheduled to visit North Carolina in the coming days.
