Biden says Hurricane Helene-hit states very happy about fed aid after expressing confusion about which storm

WASHINGTON — President Biden said after a second day of touring Hurricane Helene damage Thursday that those affected are “very happy” with the federal response despite widespread criticism — after pausing for a moment and saying he was trying to think of “which storm” a reporter was asking about.Republicans critics have panned Biden as aloof amid local concerns about the speed and breadth of the federal response to America’s deadliest storm since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.“What do the states in the storm zone — what do they need after what you saw today?” a journalist asked Biden, 81, as he returned to the White House after dark from a trip to Florida and Georgia.“Oh, in the storm zone? I’m thinking which storm you’re talking about,” replied Biden, who on Wednesday toured South Carolina and North Carolina.“They’re getting everything they need.

And they’re very happy across the board.”Critics have faulted the speed with which aid was deployed to ravaged areas of western North Carolina, the slow pace of approving Georgia counties for federal funds and the fact that initial direct aid for victims consisted of just $750 apiece for groceries and other necessities.“Biden didn’t know ‘which storm zone’ the reporter was asking about and then said ‘they’re very happy.’ Does anyone think he has the faintest clue about where he went and how those folks are doing?” Rep.Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas), who is dating storm-zone Rep.

Rich McCormick (R-Ga.), posted on X.“Are you kidding me?? He actually said ‘THEY ARE GETTING EVERYTHING THEY NEED, THEY ARE VERY HAPPY,'” wrote Rep.Ronny Jackson (R-Texas).“Unbelievable suffering, devastation, lack of federal assistance, and Biden thinks the people of North Carolina are HAPPY and well taken care of?? This Harris/Biden administration is the embodiment of America-Last.”Officials from the impacted states have given mixed reviews — with some Republicans applauding the response.So...