President Biden, during an update on hurricane recovery efforts, referred to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm as his “boss” and Vice President Kamala Harris as the “president,” while discussing the priorities for his administration, which include power restoration and debris removal. He expressed sympathy for those affected by the recent hurricanes that caused widespread damage and loss of life. Biden highlighted that he has been in communication with officials from affected states, and experts estimate that the damage caused by Hurricane Milton alone amounts to $50 billion.
In North Carolina, authorities confirmed at least 92 storm-related fatalities from Hurricane Helene, with a number of people still missing or unaccounted for. In Florida, at least eight people have died, with over 3 million people without power and many homes damaged due to flooding, wind, and fallen trees. Despite the immense challenges, efforts to restore power are underway, with 50,000 power line workers deployed by Governor Ron DeSantis having already restored power to 1 million customers. The federal government, including FEMA, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Army Corps, and the Florida National Guard, are fully engaged in rescue and recovery operations.
President Biden denounced online claims suggesting federal hurricane response has been ineffective as “disgusting,” reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing assistance. He also hinted at the need for additional funds from Congress for recovery efforts. During the press briefing, Biden humorously referred to Granholm as his boss and acknowledged Harris before yielding the floor to her. Harris, in turn, emphasized her involvement in coordinating resources and recovery efforts with the Cabinet, addressing alleged price-gouging and promising ongoing support for affected communities.
Recent tensions arose between Vice President Harris and Governor DeSantis after he declined her call regarding hurricane response, stating that she has no role in the process. DeSantis reiterated his collaboration with the president and disaster response agencies over the past weeks. Harris, on the other hand, emphasized her role in assisting with recovery efforts and coordinating resources with local and state authorities. She assured affected communities in various states that they will receive the necessary support to respond to the storm and recover, emphasizing a long-term commitment to their well-being.
The incident during the press briefing where Biden playfully referred to Granholm as his boss and Harris as the president added a lighthearted moment to the serious discussion on hurricane recovery efforts. Biden’s remarks about the need for additional funds from Congress implied the ongoing challenges in addressing the aftermath of the hurricanes and ensuring affected communities receive the assistance they require. The differing perspectives of Harris and DeSantis regarding the hurricane response underscored the complexities of disaster management and intergovernmental coordination during such crises.
Overall, the updates on hurricane recovery efforts highlighted the complexities and challenges involved in responding to and recovering from natural disasters. President Biden, Vice President Harris, and various officials reiterated their commitment to supporting affected communities and coordinating resources to address the aftermath of the hurricanes. Despite differences in approach and perspective, the focus remained on providing assistance, restoring power, and ensuring long-term recovery for those impacted by the recent storms. The role of federal agencies, state governments, and local authorities in these efforts underscores the need for effective coordination and collaboration in managing such emergencies.
