President Biden traveled to Florida and Georgia Thursday to witness firsthand the damage Hurricane Helene has had on the southeastern U.S. and provide an update on recovery efforts in the wake of the storm’s 500-milelong path of destruction.
His visit comes a day after the White House instructed the Defense Department to send up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to areas impacted by the storm to help with with the distribution of food, water and other supplies.
Helene touched down in rural Florida last week as a Category 4 storm, leaving more than 130 people dead and millions without power. It has also scrambled the politics of three battleground states, including pulling Vice President Harris off the campaign trail to address the federal response.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) expressed his appreciation for the federal aid.
Biden’s remarks from Ray City, Ga., are scheduled to begin at 4:15 p.m. EDT.
Watch the live video above.
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