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During a visit to St. Pete Beach, Florida on Sunday, President Joe Biden announced a significant federal aid package worth $612 million aimed at enhancing the electric grid in regions severely impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene.

Standing before homes devastated by Hurricane Milton, Biden acknowledged the hardships faced by those who lost homes, businesses, or loved ones. He noted, "Thankfully, the storm's impact was not as cataclysmic as they predicted. But for some individuals, it was truly cataclysmic. Not only for those who lost their homes, but more importantly for those who lost their lives, lost family members, and lost all their personal belongings."

The President conducted an aerial survey of the damage that showcased the enormity of the destruction. His observations included shredded rooftops, like that of Tropicana Field baseball stadium, and large piles of debris lining the roads. Addressing the considerable losses, Biden described how entire neighborhoods were flooded and millions were left without power.

Biden's visit also served as an opportunity to announce federal initiatives to bolster the region's infrastructure. Part of the $612 million in aid will specifically support six Energy Department projects designed to improve the electric grid. Notably, nearly $100 million of this fund is earmarked for Florida. Prior to his visit, Biden had declared a major disaster for the communities affected by Hurricane Milton.

The President called for bipartisan unity to assist the recovery efforts. During his visit, he met with Representative Anna Paulina Luna and Senator Rick Scott, both Florida Republicans known for their frequent criticism of the Biden administration. He emphasized the necessity of coming together beyond party lines, stating, "We are one United States."

However, not all responses were collaborative. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, did not join Biden during the visit, nor did he respond to an invitation to do so. This absence underscores the ongoing partisan tensions even amidst disaster relief efforts.

Before heading to Florida, Biden had criticized former President Donald Trump for spreading false information regarding the federal response to the disasters. Moreover, he highlighted the need for Congress to return from recess to pass additional funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support long-term recovery, despite FEMA currently having adequate resources for immediate needs.

FEMA has already approved $441 million in assistance for survivors of Hurricane Helene and over $349 million for rebuilding efforts. Meanwhile, the Small Business Administration has cautioned about the impending exhaustion of funds for offering loans to affected homeowners and businesses.

Despite the challenges, Biden aimed to maintain a hopeful outlook during his visit. He remarked, "We're making real progress. Everybody seems pretty happy with the way it's going. The next thing is to make sure we get money in there for small businesses."