The president also called on lawmakers to “move as rapidly as they can” on emergency funding, particularly for small businesses because the disaster relief fund for loans for these businesses is running precariously low. However, the president said he hasn’t spoken with House Speaker Mike Johnson or asked him to bring Congress back before Election Day. Johnson said Wednesday in North Carolina that FEMA and the administration “have the resources necessary right now to address the immediate needs.”
Members of Congress, particularly those in key battleground districts, are spending October campaigning in the home stretch of the campaign.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Thursday that 10 people are confirmed dead so far, as a result of tornadoes that spun off from Milton, but federal, state and local authorities are still assessing the situation. More than 3 million people in Florida are without power as of Thursday, he said.
Mr. Biden said he and Vice President Harris “have been in constant contact with the state and local officials, and we’re offering everything they need. I must have spoken to somewhere between 10 and 15 mayors and county executives, and all of the governors.” He thanked military first responders on the ground “for your professionalism, your dedication to every mission you’re given.”
As he did in an remarks to the nation Wednesday night, the president warned against the spread of misinformation surrounding both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
“Vice President Harris and I said yesterday, and we’ll say it again: To anyone who seeks to take advantage of our fellow Americans’ desperation, whether you’re a company engaging in price gouging or a citizen trying to scam your neighbors, we will go after you and we will hold you accountable,” he said.
On Wednesday, Mr. Biden criticized former President Trump for leading the “onslaught of lies” about government hurricane aid. Asked if he’s spoken to Trump about spreading misinformation, the president said he hasn’t. But he had a message for Trump.
“Former President Trump, get a life, man,” he told the camera. “Help these people.”
