Pres. Biden visited FEMA headquarters in Washington as search and rescue efforts were underway in Florida in the wake of Hurricane Ian.
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"This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida's history," Biden said. "Numbers are still unclear, but we're hearing early reports of what may be substantial loss of life." Before his visit to FEMA, Biden approved a major disaster declaration for the state, making federal funding available to impacted individuals in nine counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota.
"I just spoke with the president this morning and he offered support. I told them that thanks for this but because the storm has moved inland and caused a lot of potential damage in the center part of our state, that we are going to be asking for those counties to be expanded and included there," DeSantis said at a press conference at 9 a.m. Thursday.
"This is not about whether or -- anything having to do with our disagreements politically," Biden said. "This is about saving people's lives, homes and businesses. That’s what this is about."
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