Biden to visit Texas as thousands struggle to return to normal in wake of power blackouts
Record-breaking cold spell leaves millions in region without power
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Your support makes all the difference.Joe Biden is set to visit Texas, as thousands of people struggle to return to normal in the wake of the winter storm power blackouts.
The president and first lady will fly to Houston on Friday to see the situation on the ground and discuss recovery efforts with state officials, the White House has confirmed.
“On Friday the president and the first lady will travel to Houston,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki at her daily briefing.
“The president will meet with local leaders to discuss the winter storm relief efforts, progress towards recovery and the incredible resilience shown by the people of Houston and Texas.”
It will be Mr Biden’s first trip to Texas as president.
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During the visit, the president will also go to a Covid health centre where vaccines are being distributed, said Ms Psaki.
Hundreds of vaccine doses were reportedly wasted because of power outages during the storm.
The Biden administration also announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had added another 31 counties to the 77 where homeowners can apply for individual disaster assistance from the government.
The federal money can be used by people dealing with issues like damage caused by burst pipes.
“In Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma sheltering operations continue to decrease, power and transportation are back to normal, and water restoration continues,” added Ms Psaki at the Tuesday briefing.
“However 9.8 million people are affected by water system outages and remain under boil water notices.
“We of course remain in close touch with state and local elected officials to monitor the recovery.”
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