President Biden said on Friday that he is planning to visit Texas as the state faces a climate crisis that has left hundreds of thousands of residents without power, prompting him to declare an emergency statement.
Biden told reporters on Friday that he would visit Texas, but the timing of his visit was unclear.
BIDEN REITERA SUPPORT FOR TEXAS IN CALL WITH GOV. ABBOTT ON THE WINTER STORM CRISIS, SAYS THE WHITE HOUSE
“It depends – the answer is yes,” said Biden. “The point is, I planned to be in Texas early next week, but I don’t want to be a burden. When the president arrives in any city in America, the tail is long.”
Biden said, “If it is actually concluded that I can do this without creating a burden, I plan to continue.”
He added: “We will probably make that decision early next week.”
Temperatures this week have dropped to dangerous record lows in Texas and overloaded power grids, leaving millions without power. At least 30 people died in the United States as a result of the extreme winter, according to the Associated Press.
About 7 million people in Texas have been instructed to boil their water or stop using it entirely, as homeowners, hospitals and businesses have faced broken pipes and pipes, many in areas not used to dealing with constant cold temperatures.
The president spoke to Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Thursday after approving a federal emergency declaration in the state, moving resources and supplies to Texas amid the storm.
TEXAS NOW FACES A WATER CRISIS As energy returns to nearly 2 million homes
During the call, the president reiterated that the federal government will continue to work with Texas officials “to bring relief and meet the critical needs of affected families,” said a White House reading of the call.
Biden “also shared his intentions to instruct additional federal agencies to examine any immediate measures that could be taken to support Texans at this time,” said the White House, adding that the government is ready to provide further assistance to Texas and other states affected by the winter storm.
Biden wrote in a tweet after the call that told Abbott he would “work tirelessly” to get any assistance Texans needed.
In a previous tweet on Thursday, he wrote: “Jill and I are keeping Texas, Oklahoma and other states affected in our prayers. I have declared states of emergency, authorized FEMA to supply generators and supplies and am ready to respond to additional requests. . Please follow the instructions of the local authorities and be safe. “
The Associated Press contributed to this report.