President Joe Biden visited south Georgia on Thursday, reaffirming federal support to communities ravaged by Hurricane Helene.
"I want you to know: I see you, I hear you, I grieve with you and I promise you, we have your back," Biden said. "We're going to stay until you're restored."
During a speech in Ray City, Ga., which is 30 minutes outside of Valdosta, Biden urged bipartisanship and unity in the response to Hurricane Helene.
Biden expressed support for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and touted collaboration crossing party lines to get people recovering from the storm the support they need.
"I hope we begin to break down this rabid partisanship. I mean that sincerely. There's no rationale for that," Biden said. "It doesn't matter who we help; It's who needs help. And we look to help as many people as possible."
The visit to Georgia came after trips to Florida and North Carolina. Earlier this week, Donald Trump also visited Valdosta and, on Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris surveilled damage in Augusta.
Biden, who largely stuck to a printed-out script and spoke rather monotone, highlighted the federal government's efforts to help states and communities recovering from Hurricane Helene.
During a press conference earlier on Thursday, Kemp highlighted the support Georgia received from Washington, including freeing up federal resources to 41 counties still recovering from Helene and approving a federal emergency declaration for the state ahead of the storm.
Kemp said he spoke with Biden on the phone moments before the afternoon press conference.
While Kemp did thank Biden for the federal support, he is urging the White House to add more Georgia counties to the list eligible for additional resources.
“I did tell him I felt certain he would hear on the road that there are a lot of counties expressing their frustration that they haven’t been added to that list,” Kemp said. “So he’s aware of that situation on the ground.”
While 41 counties were added to the list, the state requested 90 counties receive additional aid.
But Biden highlighted other efforts to support state governments.
He says that the federal government has agreed to cover 100% of the cost of debris removal and emergency protective measures in Georgia for the next 90 days. FEMA also issued the same promise for North Carolina and Florida.
"This is going to pay for those who clear the mud, remove the downed trees, provide temporary housing," Biden said.
But because of the number of states the storm has caused damage to, Biden says the recovery will cost billions. He urged Congress to take more action, utilizing their so-called "power of the purse" to allocate more resources to Helene's recovery.
"Congress has an obligation, it seems to me, to ensure the states have the resources they need," Biden said.
The call for additional funding comes after Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warned that FEMA is running out of funds. While Mayorkas says they have enough funds for "immediate needs," he warns that they may run out through hurricane season.
But despite the challenges ahead, Biden struck a confident tune, suggesting that the U.S. will come together to provide support to those who need it most.
"We're going to preserve and persevere, because folks, this is the United States of America," Biden said. "There is not a damn thing we can't get done — nothing beyond our capacity — when we work together and put politics aside."