After spending Monday touring flood damage, Jill Biden assisted President Joe Biden in putting on his navy blue blazer as they prepared to travel from Kentucky to Washington, D.C.
After he got off Marine One, the first lady assisted her husband in putting his coat back on by assisting him in finding his sleeve. The two were departing from the 90+ degree heat of Lost Creeek, Kentucky for the air-conditioned coolness of Air Force One after finishing a tour of the town.
Additionally, the president misplaced his trademark aviator sunglasses and stopped to pick them up before continuing. They showed up intact.
Additionally, Biden’s dress shirt showed sweat stains after spending the whole day outdoors.
At his final event, he deviated from the script and promised the Kentuckyns that he would return to see how they were recovering from the flood damage that had destroyed their homes and killed at least 37 people.
This was how he ended his day of inspecting the flood damage.
He concluded his tour of the storm damage by saying, “The bad news for you is I’m coming back because I want to see it,” amid laughs and applause.
After spending Monday afternoon visiting with flood victims and learning about volunteer efforts, Biden skipped his prepared remarks in favour of making an impassioned speech.
He commended the people of Kentucky for their spirit and promised that the government will support them.
I’ll keep my word. Along with the state, county, and city, we will continue to be part of the federal government.
Not a joke, we’re staying till everyone has returned to their original positions,’ he said as he entered the room with the microphone in hand.
The newly approved Inflation Reduction Act, according to him, would “take care of everything from health care to god knows what else.”
Without the support of a single Republican senator, the Democrats’ landmark piece of legislation—which addresses both healthcare and environmental issues—passed the Senate on Sunday. This week, the House will vote on it.
When he said that the weather was “out of our control for the time being,” but “not beyond our control,” Biden also appeared to stumble a little.
“Everyone has a responsibility to assist.” We have the ability to accomplish this. Not like it’s out of our hands.
We might not be able to control the weather right now. But it’s not out of our hands,’ he added.
On a hot day in Kentucky, where more storms were predicted for later in the week, Biden gave his speech.
He was sporting his trademark aviator sunglasses and a sweat-stained shirt. In addition to rolling up his sleeves, he had taken off his blue sports jacket. Water bottles were distributed by Jill Biden.
He inspected wrecked structures and junk-filled yards in Lost Creek, Kentucky, with first lady Jill Biden.
During a stop in a neighbourhood where many homes had been flattened and caked in mud, the president high-fived a toddler and introduced himself to a young boy.
The first couple witnessed the aftermath of flooding and mudslides, which resulted in 13 counties being designated as federal disaster areas, which left piles of debris, damaged homes, and demolished buildings.
These are fragments of everyone’s homes, I said. They were both facing a school bus when Democratic Governor Andy Beshear said to the president, “That’s all that’s left.”
Just incredible, Beshear remarked, “It took out power.”
The president’s motorcade passed by Lost Creek, which has flood debris like clothing, guilding supplies, and a plastic laundry basket high in a tree littering its banks.
Following July’s massive storm, which dumped 8 to 10 1/2 inches of rain in just 48 hours, at least 37 people have died and two are still missing.
Many people have lost their homes, while others have been left stranded without supplies like water or electricity.
There could still be more harm. Flooding is still a concern, according to the National Weather Service, which also issued a warning for additional thunderstorms through Thursday.
The president described the damage to Kentucky as “incredibly heartbreaking” and pledged federal assistance, saying it would cover “100% of the costs for the next few months.”
People don’t realise that removing those large, heavy piles of debris costs a lot of time and money, Biden said.
After receiving a briefing, he visited Jill Biden at Marie Roberts-Caney Elementary School, where she was working with volunteers to sort and fold donated clothes.
Biden greeted numerous volunteers with a handshake, fistbumped a few, and shook hands with others.
He mentioned flying over the region during the official briefing.
The president said, “It’s a beautiful state.”
Additionally, he highlighted his collaboration with Kentucky’s Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell as an example of how lawmakers of both parties come together to support a state in need.
While Biden emphasised that they came together during the state’s moment of need, McConnell and Biden have often sparred over the president’s legislative agenda.
Everyone rushes to the rescue when there is crisis, he remarked. “Mitch McConnell and I often disagree on topics, but fortunately, we work as a single team on these problems,” she said.
Last Monday, Biden gave his approval for a major disaster designation for Kentucky, releasing federal cash for emergency efforts.
It’s my second time travelling to Kentucky for a crisis or emergency. It’s going to take some time to finish this, as I already said. We’re staying, I assure you, he said.
Biden cited climate change as the cause of the harm.
As a result of climate change, there have been several severe weather events around the country. I have flown over thousands of acres of fire during my one and a half years in office.
There is a forest fire.
He said that more forest had burnt down, including in the West, the whole state of New Jersey, and New York all the way south.
On Sunday, Biden achieved a significant success when the Senate enacted a massive $430 billion measure that includes a renewable energy package meant to combat climate change.
The law aims to reduce carbon emissions and encourage customers to switch to renewable energy.
Biden’s trip on Monday marks his second to the region since assuming office a year ago. He had already been there in December, just after tornadoes had ripped through Kentucky, killing 77 people and left a path of devastation in their wake.
Beshear thanked Biden for his assistance.
For “Team Kentucky,” he “came through,” the speaker remarked.
Beshear said, “The world has rushed to our help with more contributions and funds than you’ve ever seen,” but he highlighted that money is now far more beneficial.