### Biden Surveys Hurricane Helene Damage in Florida and Georgia, Increases Federal Aid

President Joe Biden is set to visit Florida and Georgia today to assess the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene. Nearly 200 lives have been lost due to the catastrophic event, leaving many communities in desperate need of aid.

The president's tour follows his visit to the Carolinas, where he met with local and state officials as well as first responders. During his visit, Biden amended disaster declarations for North Carolina and Georgia, significantly increasing federal funding for emergency services. According to the White House, federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures have been raised to cover 100% of eligible costs for a 90-day period.

The Biden administration has announced almost $4 million in direct financial assistance to individuals and families severely affected by the hurricane. The White House has also committed to covering 100% of the costs associated with emergency response activities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. This includes expenses for debris removal, first responders, search and rescue, shelters, and mass feeding programs.

The disaster declarations issued by the governors of Florida and Georgia have unlocked additional federal support, aiding residents on their path to recovery. Meanwhile, Biden’s itinerary includes an aerial tour of the most severely affected regions in northwestern Florida, followed by a briefing at Keaton Beach, Florida. From there, he will travel to Georgia for further assessments.

In a separate but significant international development, Iran has cautioned Washington that any large-scale Israeli strikes on its infrastructure will elicit reprisal attacks, potentially targeting allies of Israel. This stern warning follows Biden’s discussions about possible Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities, further intensifying tensions in the Middle East.

Biden's visit underscores the federal government’s commitment to support recovery efforts for communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, while also navigating complex international dynamics.