Remarks by President Biden on Hurricane Ian and Ongoing Federal Response Efforts

FEMA HeadquartersWashington, D.C.

12:58 P.M. ET

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, first of all, excuse my back.  (Laughter.) 

(Addresses FEMA staff.

You’re doing a hell of a job.  You really, truly are.  And I’ve just been up in the other room with, quote, “the bosses.”  And, you know, one of the things that I think is so important is that there’s a lot over the last 6, 8, 10 years — there’s been a loss of faith in government along the way; it just keeps eroding.  Because they are unsure if the institutions will work.  

And you’re coordinating all these institutions.  People understand exactly what’s going on.  They look on the television — they’re there in the middle of the eye of the storm — and they wonder — they wonder can we make it work, can we coordinate.  You all are doing it.

You are reinforcing people’s faith in the institutions that everything — not — that’s not how they think about the institutions, but in “Can it work?  The government is here for me.  Is it working?” 

And you’re busting your neck, and there are a lot of people out there on the line who are risking their lives.  So, thank-you, thank-you, thank-you.

Okay, now I’m supposed to speak.  (Laughter.) 

(Addresses to the press.

Well, folks, I’m here at FEMA headquarters to thank Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas; Commandant of the Coast Guard Fagan; and the Commanding General of the Army Corps of Engineers, Lieutenant General Spellmon; and the FEMA Administrator, who’s become the MVP here these days — I spend a lot of time in this room — Criswell of FEMA and the entire workforce; and many other federal agencies that are working together here.

You know, they’re always going to be above and beyond; they’re running toward danger and — to save lives.  People want to flee from it, but these guys are determined to make it happen.  It really does matter.  It really does matter.  And they’re helping survivors that are really in desperate need.

And, you know, that’s what we’re doing as we focus on delivering help to the people who are directly impacted by Hurricane Ian.

I’m going to use this.  (Inaudible) my voice.  (Switches to handheld mic.

It made landfall yesterday and it is still — still moving across the state today.  This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida’s history.

The numbers of still — are still unclear, but we’re hearing early reports of what may be substantial loss of life.  But parenthetically, I should note I’ve spoken with the governors and the mayors and the commissioners.  I’ve been on the phone with the governor this morning.  I spoke with the commissioners and mayors, and they are — they are worried, but they are — every one of them are telling me what an incredible job is being done to save their cities, their towns, their counties, their ports, their bridges, et cetera.

In the face of grave danger, rescue operations began before dawn this morning to assist people who were stranded or in critical condition.

Water rescue is crucial.  The Coast Guard deployed 16 rescue helicopters and 6 fixed-wing aircraft as well as 18 rescue boats and crews.

That’s just one element of the many federal search and rescue teams that pre-staged in Florida.  The governor spoke about how impressed he is with the Coast Guard's work this morning.

These are dangerous missions, and I’m grateful for the brave women and men in federal, state, and local government working as one team, risking their lives to save others.

And we’re going to learn a lot more in the coming hours.  But we know many families are hurting — many — many are hurting today, and our entire country hurts with them, because it’s been — all over the country have seen so many crises.  But in Florida today is a — is a — is the epicenter.We’re continuing to see deadly rainfall, catastrophic storm surges, roads and homes flooded.  We’re seeing millions of people without power and thousands hunkered down in schools and community centers.

They’re wondering what’s going to be left — what’s going to be left when they get to go home — quote, unquote, “home” — or even if they have a home to go to. 

Some of the folks have been through this before, but that doesn’t make it any easier.  It actually makes their anxiety worse, according to my opinion.

To the people of Florida, and to the nation: America is stronger when it comes to times like these.  We’re going to pull together as one team, as one America.

This morning, I spoke to Governor DeSantis first thing in the morning. I again offered federal support. 

I granted his request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration earlier this week to provide direct federal assistance for the state to take emergency protective measures to save lives.

Early this morning, I approved the governor’s most recent request for an expedited major disaster declaration.  That means the federal government will cover 100 percent of the cost to clear debris and for all the costs that the state has to do — has to engage in and expend to save lives.

The majority of the costs for rebuilding public buildings such as schools and fire stations will be covered by the federal government.

And folks in Florida who have destroyed or damaged homes — if you don’t have enough insurance, it means the federal government will provide individual assistance of [up to] $37,900 for home repairs, another $37,900 for lost property — everything from an automobile to a lost wedding ring.  And that’s what we mean by “lost property.”

I’ve also spoken with mayors across the state, both Republican and Democrat.  And I’ve told them the same thing: We are here, whether you need — and whatever you need, I indicated to call me directly at the White House.  They are experts in this field.  And we’re going to do everything we can to provide whatever they need.

We’ve dispatched over 1,000 FEMA personnel and pre-positioned major federal capacities and capabilities and supplies.  That includes millions of liters of water, millions of meals, and hundred — hundreds of generators.

I deployed dozens search and rescue teams and high-water vehicles, as well as rescue helicopters, to assist survivors to safety.  Thousands — thousands of National Guard members have been activated.

And at my direction, the Department of Defense is providing surge capacity on multiple fronts in support of FEMA’s efforts.

I also want to say again to everyone in Ian’s path: The danger is real, to state the obvious.  All warnings and directions given by emergency officials must be complied with.  And while the water is receding, don’t go outside unless you absolutely have to.  It’s risky for you, and it impedes first responders from doing their job.

I also want to say again to the oil and gas executives: Do not — do not — do not use this storm as an excuse to raise gasoline prices or gouge the American public.

In recent weeks, oil prices have dropped.  The price of gas should be going down as rapidly; it’s not.  According to my experts, this storm has impacted the production of just 160,000 barrels per day.  That’s less than 2 percent of our country’s prod- — daily production.  Its small and temporary impact on oil production provides no excuse — no excuse for price increases at the pump.  Period.

If a gas station companies try to use this storm to raise prices, I’m going to ask — I’m going to ask officials to look into whether or not price gouging is going on. 

America is watching and the industry must do the right thing.  I expect them to do right. 

And while we’re seeing the devastating images in Florida, I want to be clear: To the people of Puerto Rico, we’re not gone away; I am committed to you and the recovery of the island.   We’ll stand by you for however long it takes to get it done.I know the folks here at FEMA and across the federal government are working nonstop around the clock.  That’s why — that’s why, finally, I want to thank the first responders, the National Guard, the Coast Guard service members, and the search and rescue personnel who are working to get people to safety and to restore power, water, and phonelines.

And I want you to thank FEMA and all federal personnel.  I’ve seen you in action all across the country, from the West Coast to the Northwest to the Northeast to down in Louisiana — all across this country.  And just in the last two weeks, you’ve been working 24/7.  No matter what, in what emer- — no matter what, and when emergencies happen, FEMA is always there.  You deserve the nation’s gratitude and full support.

And right now, if you’re in the National Guard and you get called up, you can still keep your job.  But if you’re in the FEMA Reserve, that’s not the case.  That’s why earlier this morning, I signed into law the bipartisan CREW Act championed by the — in the Senate by Gary Peters and Rob Portman, in the House by Dana Titus and John Katook [sic] — excuse me, Katko.  It was signed. 

And that law will ensure that FEMA reservists have job protection just like military reservists — just like military reservists. 

So when you’re called up to help with a disaster, you can now focus on that mission without worrying you might lose your job — your day job — or receive some other penalty at work because of this national service.  That’s what the CREW Act guarantees. 

And it’s going to help people become more civilian — gain more civilian reservists out there.  And it’s going to make FEMA stronger.  It’s going to make America stronger.  That’s who we are.

Every time disaster strikes, emergency crews from all over the country — all over the country, from across the federal government, show up to help like they’re doing right now in Florida. 

That’s America.  A country of women and men willing to serve, willing to leave their own families to help a stranger’s family. We are grateful to everyone who is working in Florida right now. 

And when the conditions allow it, I’m going to going to Florida to thank them personally so we don’t get in the way.  I’ll do our best — we’re going to do our best to build Florida back as quickly as possible.  But we’re not going to be leaving. 

We’re going to build it back with the state and local government.  However long it takes, we’re going to be there.  That’s my commitment to you.

And now I want to turn it over Sectary Mayorkas.

Q    Mr. President, do you plan to meet with Governor DeSantis when you’re down there? 

THE PRESIDENT:  I’ll meet with anybody who’s around. 

The answer is yes, if he wishes to meet.

Q    Do you plan to go to Puerto Rico as well?

THE PRESIDENT:  That’s my intention. 

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  Thank you very much, Mr. President.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected. 

Our highest priority at DHS is safety and the preservation of human life.  DHS is working together with federal, state, and local partners to support the needs in the areas that have been or may be affected by Hurricane Ian. 

I want to thank the President for his leadership in signing the major disaster declaration that unlocks critical assistance to help jumpstart impacted Floridians’ road to recovery. 

FEMA and the United States Coast Guard have been focusing on lifesaving and life-sustaining operations and are now launching the recovery mission. 

The Coast Guard has made extensive preparations ahead of Hurricane Ian to minimize the impact on maritime commerce, ensure public safety and prepare for a swift response. 

The Coast Guard currently has cutters, aircraft, flood-response equipment, response personnel, and cutters in Florida, ready for immediate deployment. 

FEMA has teams ready to assist those in greatest need.  We have thousands of our personnel deployed throughout the Department of Homeland Security — not only from FEMA and the United States Coast Guard, but also from our cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency and from TSA. 

Today, I will activate the DHS Surge Capacity Force to bring additional personnel from the department to Florida's disaster survivors. 

DHS responds to a disaster with all of its resources and capabilities. 

In the coming days, weeks and months, we will continue to support those who have been affected by Ian.  This is not just a “here today and gone tomorrow.”  We are here, as the President has articulated, throughout the need for full recovery.

As the President mentioned yesterday, I approved an emergency waiver of the Jones Act to Puerto Rico to ensure that Puerto Rico has enough diesel to power generators and other critical facilities during recovery from Hurricane Fiona. 

We are in it for the long har- — haul. 

Now it’s my pleasure to turn it over to Administrator Deanne Criswell of FEMA.

ADMINISTRATOR CRISWELL:  Thank you, Mr. Secretary.  I would first like to, again, begin by thanking the President for being here in FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center.  This is where the heartbeat of our work right now.  This is where the federal family comes together.  These are some extraordinary public servants. 

I’d also like to thank the President for signing the CREW Act earlier this morning. 

Behind us, Mr. President are dedicated public servants from all parts of the federal family.  Behind us are dedicated public servants who work tirelessly, every day, to help those who most need it. 

These are dedicated public servants who put others' needs before their own.  And these are the public servants that we count on to respond to America’s worst day.

This is the full force of federal family, right behind me.  I’d like to recognize every single person here, as well as those on the ground in Florida and those supporting from our Region 4 office in Atlanta, for the extraordinary efforts that they have put forth during this historic emergency response. 

So we have been brought together here in a moment when millions of Floridians are navigating the aftermath of what is going to be one of the most catastrophic events they’ve experienced.

My heart breaks for those who were in the path of Hurricane Ian. It is a terrible storm that has changed lives and will forever change communities. 

America woke up this morning to images like Naples, Punta Gorda, and Cape Coral submerged underwater; homes across Fort Myers that have been torn from their foundations; and boats that have been found blocks away from their — where they were moored.

Hurricane Ian remains a life-threatening storm.  We expect the storm to continue to move through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and possibly into Georgia. It will maintain tropical storm force winds, storm surge and heavy rainfall up to 12 inches.

Many have said that Hurricane Ian will be a storm we talk about for many decades.  We had the right teams ready to respond to the needs of those who needed us most, even before Hurricane Ian became a danger.

To the first responders and search-and-rescue teams who risk their lives to save lives; the medical teams who provide lifesaving and compassionate care; the emergency managers from the local, state and federal levels who work side by side to tackle every challenge; our meteorological partners who provide us with crucial weather data hourly; and the voluntary partners who provide food and shelter for those who have lost everything: I thank all of you.  We are grateful to you and our nation is thankful for you.

We know that the next few weeks will be challenging.  We are facing complex problems that will require us to solve them.  We have the right teams, ready to help those who most need us.

As I shared with President Obama just moments ago, there are already search and rescue operations taking place in the affected areas by air, land, and sea.  We have teams that ensure critical health facilities such as hospitals and adult care facilities have the support needed to care for patients or evacuate them if necessary.

We have power restoration teams making their way into devastated communities that help — to help bring communities back online. 

While we are focusing on life-saving and life-sustaining operations, we are also launching our recovery mission.  An interagency recovery team is already planning for long-term recovery needs like housing, debris removal and critical infrastructure repair.  This is going to be a complicated recovery, as we all know.

As you know, the President signed overnight a major disaster declaration which unlocks crucial assistance to these communities to jumpstart their recovery.  Individuals and families right now in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota — they can now register for assistance and begin their recovery process.  You can register by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov through our FEMA app or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA; 1-800-621-3362.

Now that the sun is up, we continue to do our assessments, and we will add counties for individual assistance.

They will be challenging over the next few days.  There are many complex problems that we need to solve.  We have the right teams, ready to help those who most need us.  It doesn't matter how difficult it is, I pledge to everyone that FEMA and all of our partners at the federal, state and local levels will continue to be ready and available to help these communities in times of greatest need. 

We are grateful.

(Cross-talk by reporters.

THE PRESIDENT:  Let me add one more thing.  We didn’t mention the Red Cross.  The Red Cross is always there.  And they’re always there.  They were there when I needed them, and they are still there.  We are grateful. 

Q    Mr. President, how would you describe your relationship and your conversation with Governor DeSantis?

THE PRESIDENT:  It’s totally irrelevant, but I’ll answer it.  Okay?  Actually, it's very fine.  He complimented my work.  He thanked me for my prompt response.  He expressed his gratitude for the prompt response.  He said he was extremely happy with what’s going on.

This is not about whether or — anything having to do with our disagreements politically.  This is about saving people’s lives, homes, and businesses.  That’s what this is about. 

And so, I’ve been — I’ve talked to him four, five times already.  And it’s not a matter of my disagreements with him on other items.

Q    Do you hold Russia responsible for the rupture of the Nord Stream pipeline?

THE PRESIDENT:  Let’s stick with this, okay?

Q    But it’s an important international issue.  We have —

THE PRESIDENT:  There’s a lot of important international issues, but we’re here to talk about America.  Okay?  We are grateful.

Q    Do you need more money from Congress for this response?

THE PRESIDENT:  We may. 

We are grateful.  (Applause.) 

1:17 PM EDT