Vice President Kamala Harris is cutting her West Coast campaign swing short to travel from Las Vegas to Washington, DC, to be briefed on the impacts of Hurricane Helene at FEMA Headquarters. The briefing will cover federal actions taken to support emergency response and recovery efforts in the Southeast region, which has faced widespread devastation after Helene made landfall as the strongest hurricane on record in Florida’s Big Bend region. At least 95 people have been killed, and millions are without power as a result of the storm.
Originally scheduled to make campaign stops in Nevada, Harris altered her plans to prioritize receiving the briefing on Hurricane Helene. Former President Donald Trump criticized Harris for continuing to fundraise on the West Coast after the hurricane struck the Southeast. Harris expressed solidarity with the impacted communities, stating that the Biden administration will support them throughout the recovery and rebuilding process. She was briefed by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell while en route from California to Nevada and spoke with several governors from affected states to assure them of the administration’s commitment.
Harris has indicated her intention to visit the impacted communities as soon as possible, while ensuring that her presence does not disrupt ongoing emergency response operations. She reiterated the administration’s commitmentto providing whatever assistance is needed in the coming days and weeks. Meanwhile, Trump is also planning to visit Valdosta, Georgia, to receive a briefing on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and to aid in the distribution of relief supplies. Both Harris and Trump are emphasizing their support for the affected communities during this challenging time.
The briefing at FEMA Headquarters will provide Harris with information on the federal government’s efforts to assist in the recovery process and address the immediate needs of those impacted by Hurricane Helene. With a focus on emergency response and rebuilding, the briefing will offer insights into the ongoing support being provided to the Southeast region in the wake of the devastating storm. Harris’s decision to prioritize the briefing over campaign stops underscores the seriousness of the situation and the administration’s commitment to assisting affected communities.
As the cleanup and rebuilding efforts continue in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Harris’s visit to impacted communities will serve as a demonstration of support and solidarity from the federal government. By engaging directly with those affected by the storm, Harris aims to assess their needs and ensure that they receive the necessary assistance to recover and rebuild. Trump’s visit to Valdosta, Georgia, also underscores the importance of providing relief and support to communities facing the challenges brought about by the hurricane. Both Harris and Trump are responding to the crisis with a focus on aiding those in need and facilitating recovery efforts in the Southeast region.
