WASHINGTON – President Biden concluded his second day of touring the damage from Hurricane Helen on Thursday, saying those affected were “very satisfied” with the federal government's response despite widespread criticism. . He then paused for a moment to ask about what the reporter said was trying to figure out “which storm.”
Republican critics have slammed Biden as aloof amid local concerns about the speed and breadth of the federal government's response to the nation's deadliest storm since 2005's Hurricane Katrina. are.
“What do storm zone states need? After what you saw today, what do they need?” Biden returned to the White House after dark from a trip to Florida and Georgia. (81 years old) was asked by a journalist.
“Oh, a storm system? I'm wondering which storm you're talking about,” said Biden, who toured South Carolina and North Carolina on Wednesday.
“They're getting everything they need, and they're overall very happy.”
Critics have criticized the speed with which aid was deployed to devastated areas in western North Carolina, the slowness of approving federal funds to counties in Georgia, and the limited amount of initial direct aid to victims as food and other necessities. They blame the fact that each case cost only $750.
“Biden didn't know which storm zone the reporter was asking about, but said, 'They're very happy.'” Where did he go and what's going on with those people? Does anyone think they have the slightest clue as to what that is? ” said Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas), who is dating Storm Zone Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.). Posted At X.
“Are you kidding me?? He actually said, 'They have everything they need and are very happy.' I wrote Congressman Ronnie Jackson (R-Texas).
“Incredible suffering, devastation, lack of federal aid, and does Biden think the people of North Carolina are happy and well-cared for?? This Harris/Biden administration is America's last It is an embodiment.”
Officials in affected states have voiced mixed opinions, and some Republican lawmakers have praised the response.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Tuesday the speed and distribution of federal aid to the state is “amazing.”
Some have criticized the federal government's response after at least 214 people died in six states between late last week and the end of last week.
Gov. Brian Kemp (R-Ga.) said Wednesday he was “outraged” that Biden included just 11 Georgia counties in an emergency designation Tuesday that would allow federal aid. He said about 90 of the country's 159 counties should have been designated as emergency. Included.
Thirty more Georgia counties were added late Tuesday after Kemp called the White House to protest.
“We talked to the FEMA administrator, the president's chief of staff, and said, 'Look, you're sending a signal that you're not paying attention to some of these rural areas,'” Kemp said. he said.
Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), whose district includes some of the hardest-hit areas, expressed disappointment Monday with the federal government's initial on-the-ground recovery efforts. He said there was.
“The people of Western North Carolina are disappointed, and rightly so. The reaction was disappointing,” Edwards told NewsNation.
“Today, some resources are starting to come in, but the storm ended about 80 hours ago. The storm stopped around 10 a.m. Friday. We knew, but it wasn't until today that we started seeing the first FEMA personnel, trailers and helicopters arrive.”
