President Joe Biden announced the allocation of over $600 million in federal funding to states impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton during a visit to storm-damaged Florida. Nearly $100 million will be used to improve Florida’s power system following the devastation caused by the storms. Biden praised the resilience of the people of west Florida and highlighted the efforts of local officials to support their communities in the aftermath of the storms.
Florida officials reported 17 deaths and over a million residents without power in the wake of Hurricane Milton. The Biden administration worked to dispel misinformation about the emergency funds, particularly regarding false claims that FEMA money was being diverted to support illegal immigrants instead of hurricane victims.
Former President Donald Trump and Rep. Jim Jordan were among those spreading misinformation about FEMA funding. The agency clarified that Disaster Relief Fund money is dedicated solely to disaster response efforts and is not being diverted to other causes.
Lawmakers in Florida are advocating for additional disaster aid for affected communities, but House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed reluctance to reconvene early from recess, citing existing funding and the need for efficient distribution of resources already allocated.
Overall, Biden’s visit highlighted the ongoing efforts to support communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and emphasize the importance of accurate information and effective distribution of resources to aid recovery efforts.
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