Vice President Kamala Harris assessed the damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Georgia on Wednesday, reassuring residents that federal assistance was on the way.
“The president and I have been paying close attention from the beginning to what we need to do to make sure the federal resources hit the ground as quickly as possible,” she stated. Speaking in the Meadowbrook neighborhood of Augusta, where fallen trees obstructed homes, she announced that the federal government would cover all debris removal and emergency protective costs for three months, emphasizing the dire situation of many who had lost power and access to water.
Harris highlighted the extraordinary damage and devastating loss of life in the community, sharing the story of a woman who lost her husband in the storm.
Harris’s visit came amid significant political challenges, including a conflict in the Middle East and a historic labor strike, as she balanced her responsibilities as Vice President with the demands of a potential presidential campaign.
Originally scheduled for a campaign tour in Pennsylvania, her trip to Georgia carried additional weight as she aims to secure the state for the Democrats in the upcoming election, where polls show a tight race with former President Donald Trump.
Despite the administration’s quick response to the hurricane and plans for more aid, Trump has criticized Biden and Harris for their perceived absence during the crisis, seizing the opportunity to frame the situation as a failure of their leadership.
Peoplesmind