What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 9, 2024 Recap
The Biden-Harris Administration is actively addressing Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene's ongoing recovery efforts. President Biden and Vice President Harris were briefed on the forecasts and preparations for Hurricane Milton and the impacts of Hurricane Helene. President Biden has communicated with local leaders in Florida regarding both hurricanes and assured them of continued federal support.
Federal resources have been deployed extensively, with over 8,000 personnel on the ground across the Southeast to assist in recovery and preparation efforts. FEMA and other federal agencies have mobilized to provide search-and-rescue operations, power restoration, and supply distribution. The Department of Defense, U.S. Coast Guard, and National Guard are engaged in both operations.
President Biden has also granted pre-landfall emergency declarations for Florida to allow FEMA to assist ahead of Hurricane Milton. Federal agencies are pre-positioning supplies, personnel, and resources to support the state’s response. Recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene continue, with financial aid, infrastructure repairs, and public health assistance being prioritized.
In their remarks about Hurricane Milton, President Biden, and Vice President Harris emphasized the critical preparations being made by the federal government to respond to the approaching storm. Biden highlighted the storm's severity, describing it as potentially catastrophic, and urged residents to follow evacuation orders. The administration has already deployed federal personnel and resources, including food, water, and medical aid, to the region. Biden also warned against misinformation, such as false claims about disaster relief and property confiscation, that could hinder rescue efforts.
Vice President Harris echoed the President’s warnings, stressing the need for communities to take the storm seriously and evacuate. She also focused on price gouging and fraud, noting that authorities would hold bad actors accountable during the crisis. Both leaders praised the coordination between federal, state, and local officials and emphasized that they would continue supporting affected communities through recovery efforts.
Experts like FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and the National Hurricane Center’s Mike Brennan provided detailed briefings, confirming the storm’s strength and discussing concerns about flooding, storm surges, and potential tornadoes. They all underscored that, despite possible changes in wind speeds, the storm remained extremely dangerous, and they urged people to evacuate while they still could. The briefing concluded with gratitude towards first responders and all involved in the ongoing preparations and responses.
Vice President Harris issued a statement warning against price gouging and fraud during crises, emphasizing that Americans affected by emergencies should not be exploited. Drawing on her experience as California’s Attorney General and Senator, Harris highlighted past efforts to combat price gouging during wildfires and the pandemic. She warned companies and individuals that attempts to overcharge people who had evacuated before Hurricane Milton or were recovering from Hurricane Helene would be monitored closely, and violators would be held accountable. The administration is committed to protecting those impacted by emergencies from such illegal practices.
President Biden, joined by Vice President Harris, held a call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm the United States' unwavering support for Israel’s security. During the conversation, Biden strongly condemned Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel that took place on October 1st, reinforcing the U.S.'s commitment to stand by Israel in the face of regional threats. On the situation in Lebanon, the President highlighted the critical need for a diplomatic resolution that would allow both Lebanese and Israeli civilians to safely return to their homes on either side of the Blue Line. This was especially important given the escalating tensions in the area.
Biden also affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself from Hezbollah, which has launched thousands of missiles and rockets into Israel over the past year. However, he urged Israel to take steps to minimize harm to civilians, particularly in the densely populated urban areas of Beirut. The discussion then turned to Gaza, where the two leaders focused on the urgent need to revive diplomatic efforts aimed at securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. Biden also raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of restoring access to the northern region by reactivating a humanitarian corridor from Jordan.
Throughout the call, Biden and Netanyahu agreed on the importance of maintaining close communication in the coming days, both directly and through their respective national security teams, to manage the complex challenges in the region.
President Biden welcomed Taoiseach Simon Harris of Ireland to the Oval Office to commemorate a century of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ireland. During the meeting, President Biden emphasized the longstanding and deep-rooted connections between the two countries, highlighting their shared cultural heritage, strong people-to-people relationships, and robust economic partnerships. He expressed confidence that the next 100 years will witness even greater collaboration and cooperation.
Both leaders underscored the importance of the historical ties that bind the U.S. and Ireland, pointing to their shared values and mutual respect. President Biden and Taoiseach Harris affirmed their commitment to further strengthening the bilateral relationship in the future, building upon their shared history, heritage, and aspirations. The conversation reflected the enduring friendship between the nations and a mutual desire to deepen the connection in the years to come.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell held a press briefing at the White House. They addressed the escalating security situation in Lebanon, emphasizing the U.S. government’s commitment to helping Americans depart safely. Since late September, over 4,000 airline seats have been secured for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and their families to leave Lebanon. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut remains operational, providing emergency assistance, and the administration is working to ensure diplomatic efforts bring stability to the Israel-Lebanon border.
Next, they covered the response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. For Hurricane Helene, FEMA has distributed $344 million in direct assistance, with over 8,000 personnel deployed across affected areas. As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, President Biden has pre-approved emergency declarations and coordinated a robust federal response. FEMA has pre-staged resources, including millions of meals, liters of water, and search and rescue teams. The President and Vice President are closely monitoring both storms.
FEMA Administrator Criswell also highlighted the dangers of misinformation, which is affecting recovery efforts by discouraging people from registering for assistance. She reassured the public that FEMA is fully prepared to handle Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Lastly, Jean-Pierre noted that President Biden is deeply involved in managing both domestic and international issues, including ongoing talks with Israel about its response to Iran's recent attack and security concerns in Lebanon.
In his remarks to Jewish faith leaders during the High Holidays, President Biden expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, emphasizing the importance of Israel’s security and the fight against antisemitism. He reflected on his upbringing, where his father instilled in him the need to stand up against persecution, particularly referencing the Holocaust. Biden reaffirmed his Zionist views, stressing that the existence of Israel is crucial for Jewish security globally. He condemned the rise of antisemitism, both in the U.S. and globally, and outlined steps his administration has taken to combat it, including increasing security funding for Jewish institutions and launching the first National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.
The President also addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, expressing support for Israel’s right to defend itself while acknowledging the tragedy of civilian suffering on all sides. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to securing the release of hostages and emphasized the need to confront hate speech and violence. Biden concluded by praising the resilience of the Jewish people and their ability to find joy amidst pain, wishing them a happy New Year.
The White House will open its gardens and South Grounds to the public for tours on October 12 and 13, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Media representatives can preview the tour on Friday, October 11, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Media must RSVP by 3:00 PM on October 10. Public tours are free, but attendees need a timed ticket, which will be distributed by the National Park Service at the White House Visitor Center starting at 8:30 AM each day on a first-come, first-served basis.
President Biden convenes administration leaders to strategize efforts for relief and recovery in the wake of Hurricane Milton
