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Psaki: FEMA sending generators and supplies to Texas
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that FEMA is supplying power generators to Texas and shipping diesel, water, blankets and other supplies as part of an effort to provide relief in the event of a general power outage due to to winter storms. (February 17)
AP
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden said on Friday that he plans to visit Texas next week after the state’s brutal winter storm that left millions of people without power, but will only leave when he determines that his presence will not be a “burden” .
“The answer is yes,” said Biden of a visit to Texas, adding that originally his plan was to go in the middle of next week. “But I don’t want to be a burden. When the president arrives in a city in America, the tail is long.”
The president said he will make the trip when he decides it will not hinder the state’s recovery. The decision on the date is expected to arrive early next week, he said.
Biden, who this week passed a federal emergency declaration for Texas, did not say where in Texas he could visit. He said he plans to sign a major disaster declaration for Texas as well.
“As I said when I ran, I will be a president for all of America – for everyone,” said Biden, apparently a reference to Republican inclinations and leadership in Texas. “There is no red or blue. It is all a matter of commitment that the American people have with each other. “
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White House press secretary Jen Psaki pointed out the considerable resources needed for a presidential trip.
“It is a significant footprint for a president’s trip to a state, especially for a state that is still recovering from a disaster, so we are taking all of this into account before making specific plans.”
Biden spoke with the governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, on Thursday night. According to a reading of the White House call, Biden expressed “his support for the people of Texas at this difficult time” and reiterated “the federal government will continue to work hand in hand with state and local authorities in Texas. “
Biden made his first official presidential trip outside Washington, DC, Delaware or the Camp David presidential retreat on Tuesday, going to Milwaukee for a CNN-organized city hall. He will make his second trip on Friday to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he will visit a Pfizer factory.
Talk to Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.