President Biden
Joe BidenHouse Democrats succeed overwhelming .9T COVID-19 minimum wage relief bill Biden to hold virtual bilateral meeting with Mexican president More than 300 are charged in connection with Capitol riots MORE received a briefing in Texas on Friday about the recent winter storm and investigated a local food bank, promising to help the state recover from the effects of severe weather and power outages.
“Our prayers are with you in the wake of this winter storm,” Biden said at the NRG Stadium in Houston. “We will be true partners to help you recover and rebuild from these storms and this pandemic and this economic crisis. We are in the long run.”
Biden spent most of the day with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and was briefed on ongoing recovery efforts at the Harris County Emergency Operations Center. Biden was told of the ongoing efforts to repair water systems in Harris County, where 57,000 residents remain under notice over boiling water.
He and first lady Jill Biden
Jill BidenBiden promises support for Texas amid recovery from winter storm The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by the AIDS Institute – Senate refers to minimum wage, House votes today on Biden’s bill focusing on winter storm with Texas trip MORE later toured the Houston Food Bank, where they met local volunteers.
Pray it too with Sen. John Cornyn
John CornynBiden promises support for Texas amid recovery from winter storm Partisan headwind threatens Capitol Biden riot commissioners turn focus to winter storm with Texas trip MORE (R-Texas), Democratic Representatives. Sylvia Garcia
Sylvia GarciaBiden promises support for Texas amid recovery from winter storm Biden focuses on winter storm with Texas trip K Street navigates virtual inauguration week MORE, Sheila Jackson Lee
Sheila Jackson LeeBiden promises support for Texas amid recovery from winter storm. Biden focuses on winter storm with the trip from Texas. Obama says compensation is “justified” MORE, Al Green
Alexander (Al) N. GreenBiden promises support for Texas amid winter storm recovery Biden focuses on winter storm with Texas trip LIVE COVERAGE: Senate opens Trump’s second indictment MORE and Lizzie Pannill Fletcher, and the Mayor of Houston Sylvester TurnerSylvester TurnerBiden concentrates on winter storm with Texas mayor in Houston: Biden visit ‘would not be a distraction’ Sunday shows preview: CDC school’s reopening of leadership raises debate; Texas fights freeze MORE (D) during the visit.
Biden used his remarks to convey his message of unity, describing those affected by the icy weather and the coronavirus pandemic, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as ‘fellow Americans’.
‘When a crisis hits one of our states like the one hitting Texas, it’s not a Republican or Democrat who hurts. leave no one behind, ”said Biden.
Biden spoke at the NRG Stadium, a mass vaccination center in the state of Texas. He was quick to point out his government’s efforts to work with states to vaccinate the U.S. population, noting that the country surpassed the 50 millionth coronavirus vaccine shots earlier this week.
Biden also celebrated the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) advisory panel’s approval for the vaccine manufactured by Johnson & Johnson. Yet he warned that it would be a difficult process to vaccinate the entire U.S. population and encouraged individuals to continue to follow public health guidelines.
“Wear your masks. It’s not a political statement, it’s a patriotic thing you can do,” Biden said.
The president also called for dual action to address the pandemic, noting his commitment to Cornyn and Abbott on Friday. His remarks came when House Democrats wanted to pass Biden’s $ 1.9 billion relief package, which is not expected to garner Republican support.
“We disagree on many things and there is nothing wrong with that, but there are many things we can work on together, and one of them is represented here today: the effort to speed up vaccinations,” Biden said.
The trip was Biden’s third official outing since becoming president. Last week, he traveled to Wisconsin to attend a CNN City Hall and toured a Pfizer coronavirus vaccination facility in Michigan.
Biden signed emergency declarations for Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma after the storm and also approved major disaster declarations for Texas and Oklahoma to make more federal resources available to the states and their residents. The Federal Emergency Management Agency sent supplies, including water, blankets, generators, diesel and meals.