Biden will head to Florida to see Hurricane Idalia devastation

President Biden stated he’ll journey to Florida on Saturday to tour the destruction wrought by Hurricane Idalia.

Speaking at FEMA headquarters in Washington Thursday, Mr. Biden introduced the journey however didn’t present particulars. The White House has not formally introduced the journey.

“I’m going to Florida Saturday morning,” Mr. Biden instructed reporters.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stated Thursday that the state has suffered important injury from the hurricane and that rescue efforts have been ongoing.

Mr. Biden stated he known as Mr. DeSantis earlier than his journey to FEMA on Thursday and had spoken with the governor day by day this week in preparation for, and through, the storm.

While the White House has not introduced journey particulars, it’s possible Mr. Biden will meet with Mr. DeSantis in Florida. Mr. DeSantis is in search of the 2024 Republican presidential nominee and is likely one of the president’s fiercest critics.

The two have met twice in particular person — as soon as final 12 months to tour the storm injury after Hurricane Ian, and in 2021 following the collapse of the Surfside condominium. 

Homeland Security Adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall instructed reporters on the each day White House press briefing that she expects Mr. Biden and Mr. DeSantis to fulfill.

“Every time I have been to Florida with the president, he has met, of course, with Gov. DeSantis and traveled to the disaster zone — whether it was last year’s hurricane or the Surfside collapse,” she stated.

“They are very collegial when we have to work together helping Americans in need, citizens of Florida in need,” Ms. Sherwood-Randall stated.

Idalia made landfall Wednesday morning because the Category 3 storm hit Keaton Beach on the Gulf Coast, with winds as much as 125 mph.

On Thursday, Mr. Biden declared a serious catastrophe for Florida, authorizing federal assist to complement state and native restoration efforts. Federal help can embody grants for momentary housing and residential repairs, low-cost loans to cowl property losses, and different packages to assist people get better from the catastrophe.

He additionally known as on Congress to behave and approve extra assist for Florida.

“We’re going to need a whole hell of a lot more money,” Mr. Biden stated.