Vice President Kamala Harris pledged ongoing federal support and praised the selfless efforts of individuals helping one another in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, during her visit to North Carolina on Saturday. This was her second trip in four days to the disaster zone, making her a prominent figure in this humanitarian crisis.
Harris began her day by attending a briefing with state and local officials, where she thanked those working tirelessly to respond to the disaster. She reassured the affected communities that federal assistance would continue to flow and commended the strangers who were offering aid, shelter, food, and friendship to those in need.
The federal response has been criticized by Republican candidate Donald Trump, who has claimed that it has been “lousy”. However, Democratic Governor Roy Cooper responded by stating that the state was “deeply grateful for the federal resources” provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Cooper pointed out that FEMA had been on the ground since the beginning of the disaster, and he commended the agency’s efforts.
Harris’ visit is part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to show empathy and support to affected communities. President Joe Biden himself visited the disaster zone earlier in the week, surveying the damage and meeting with farmers whose crops have been destroyed. The administration has also committed to covering the costs of rescue and recovery efforts across the southeast for several months.
Kamala Harris (Image via Getty)
In a letter to congressional leaders, Biden acknowledged that while FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund has the necessary resources to meet immediate needs, it faces a shortfall at the end of the year. He called on lawmakers to act quickly to restore funding to the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program.
The hurricane has caused devastating damage and loss of life, with over 200 people reported dead and billions of dollars in damage. Scientists have warned that such storms will only worsen in the face of climate change. Despite this, the disaster has become politicized, with Trump claiming that the Biden administration is not doing enough to help people in Republican areas.
Harris’ visits aim to step into a role typically filled by Biden, showcasing empathy and compassion during times of tragedy. However, Harris’ role in this crisis is still evolving, and she must navigate the challenges of being a newcomer to this kind of humanitarian crisis.
Harris’ visit to North Carolina demonstrates her commitment to supporting the affected communities and providing ongoing federal assistance. Her efforts aim to show empathy and compassion, and she is working to build trust with the public as the presidential election draws near.
