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President Biden humorously remarked on Friday that Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm is his “boss,” while also referring to Vice President Kamala Harris as the “president.” This light-hearted comment came during his briefing on hurricane recovery efforts from the White House.
Gathered in the Roosevelt Room with key Cabinet members, including Granholm and Harris—who participated via teleconference—Biden outlined his administration’s primary focus: restoring power and clearing debris.
“Our thoughts are with those who have suffered tremendous losses, including their homes and loved ones, following the devastation caused by tornadoes, severe winds, record rainfall, and unprecedented flooding,” Biden expressed.
The president shared that he has been in contact with numerous officials from North Carolina, Florida, and other states affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton over the past two weeks. He noted that experts estimate Hurricane Milton alone inflicted around $50 billion in damages.
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“We are committed to doing everything possible to assist you in rebuilding your lives,” he assured those affected.
Authorities in North Carolina reported at least 92 fatalities linked to Hurricane Helene, though they could not confirm how many individuals remain missing or unaccounted for. In Florida, at least eight deaths have been confirmed due to Hurricane Milton’s impact which included multiple tornadoes devastating St. Lucie County as reported by The Associated Press.
Currently, over 3 million residents in Florida are without electricity due to extensive damage from flooding and fallen trees caused by strong winds. Nevertheless, approximately 50,000 utility workers pre-deployed by Governor Ron DeSantis have successfully restored power for about 1 million customers so far.
Biden emphasized that federal agencies such as FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), U.S. Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and Florida National Guard are fully engaged in rescue operations and recovery efforts while condemning misleading online narratives suggesting inadequate federal response during this crisis.
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The 81-year-old president appeared momentarily distracted towards the end of his address when Granholm gently reminded him to pass the microphone to Harris.
“I know,” Biden replied before adding playfully while holding her hand: “She’s my boss here.”
As Harris attempted to interject her comments into the discussion about recovery funding needs from Congress for ongoing efforts post-disaster,
Biden stated emphatically: “We’re going to require substantial assistance moving forward.” He continued expressing urgency regarding additional financial support needed for recovery initiatives.
“So I’m making it clear now; this won’t be our last request.” He then turned over speaking duties back to Harris saying,
“I will yield now…to our vice president.”
The vice president has recently had a contentious exchange with DeSantis after he declined her call concerning hurricane relief efforts.
He asserted on Thursday that she plays no role within this process while noting she hadn’t reached out during previous storms affecting Florida either.
“I am collaborating closely with President Biden along with FEMA’s director—we’ve been actively engaged nonstop these past two weeks,” DeSantis stated Thursday.
Speaking remotely via video link-up screen,Harris aimed at demonstrating her involvement within cabinet discussions surrounding disaster response measures,
highlighting conversations held regarding combating price-gouging practices following these calamities alongside Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
“We continue coordinating resources alongside local/state authorities—including food supplies water medical aid generators—to restore essential services swiftly throughout upcoming days/weeks,” said Harris.
“President Biden & I will ensure communities impacted receive necessary resources not just responding but recovering effectively post-storms across regions like Florida Georgia North/South Carolina Southeast overall.”
“The bottom line is we’re committed long-term,” she concluded.
This report was contributed by Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz & Anders Hagstrom.
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