Biden was able to see firsthand the devastation caused by last weekend's tornadoes from a helicopter above Mayfield. At least 88 people were killed when more than 30 tornadoes ripped through Kentucky and seven other States. Many residents are now without power or have lost their homes.
The president spoke out after his aerial tour and assured local officials that he was available to listen. He also promised federal aid would continue flowing, and described the damage from the tornadoes as the worst he'd ever seen. Biden stated that this type of tragedy can either bring people together or break them apart.
He said, "There are no red tornadoes or blue tornadoes."
Michelle Anderson, 68 years old, took refuge in her bathtub and her cat, when the tornado tore through her apartment's second floor. She hoped to catch Biden at Mayfield.
She said, "I want him to see if it's going to assist individuals who have been affected." "I wish he does."
The president was joined by Homeland Secretary Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and federal disaster agency head Deanne Kriswell. Andy Beshear
While he was on congressional business, the U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell leader spoke about his appreciation of Biden's response. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), U.S. House Speaker, stated that she was talking with Kentucky legislators about what's needed for the state, a nod towards a possible disaster relief legislation with supplemental funds to recover.
Jeff and Tara Wilson from Mayfield were married and present at Graves County Fairgrounds on the previous day. There food, water, and clothing are being handed out. According to the Wilsons, their home was not damaged and they were creating a mobile site where storm victims could receive counseling.
Tara Wilson was asked about Biden's visit to the region and whether he will be receiving a reception in the area, but she said that she didn't know. As long as everyone's hearts are in the right places, I believe we should not be focusing on politics right now. She stated that it was a positive thing that Biden was visiting, and that she hopes the president will help unify the community.
It's been an unusually hot year in the United States. This is largely due to climate change. Biden visited Houston just a month after being sworn in as president to assess the destruction caused by a historic storm. Biden was in Idaho, Colorado, and California to assess wildfire damage that occurred during the summer. Biden travelled to Louisiana and New Jersey in September after Hurricane Ida.
Biden argued that the disasters have shown him evidence that America must do more to combat climate change, and be prepared for future disasters. He made this argument to push for his spending plans.
Last month's $1 trillion infrastructure bill was signed into law. It includes billions of dollars for climate resilience projects that will better protect people and property from future hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. The Congress is still considering his $2 trillion social spending package. It includes billions to shift the country away from oil, coal, and towards widespread clean energy.
The White House spent much of this week engaging with legislators on the subject. Biden met with Joe Manchin from West Virginia, a key Democratic senate member, to try and resolve some of his issues so that he can pass a package by year's end.
Authorities said five tornadoes struck Kentucky, one of which had a path that was more than 200 miles (322 km) long.
Other than the Kentucky deaths, at least six others were killed by the tornadoes in Illinois. The Amazon distribution center in Edwardsville was also hit. Four people died in Tennessee. Two in Arkansas. Arkansas workers saved residents from the destruction of a nursing home. Missouri had two.
