President Biden arrived in Houston on Friday, less than a week after declaring a disaster in Texas (watch above).
The President told officials at a Harris County Emergency Operations site, “Hell of an operation here. It’s probably the best one in the country… You’re saving peoples’ lives. As my mother would say, you’re doing God’s work.” The Harris County Emergency Operations Center has delivered more than 12 million bottles of water to Texans.
Air Force One has just touched down in Houston. @POTUS is in Texas where he will meet with @GovAbbott, Sen. @JohnCornyn, Mayor @SylvesterTurner, Harris County Judge @LinaHidalgoTX and emergency responders to talk about how the state is doing after last weeks winter storm.
— Jeremy Wallace (@JeremySWallace) February 26, 2021
As the president was briefed on the latest recovery efforts, First Lady Jill Biden volunteered at the Houston Food Bank, packing boxes of quick oats, juice, and other food for Texans still desperate for help. The first family had plans to end the day with a tour of a FEMA vaccination site at NRG Park.
President Biden @POTUS has made it to @HoustonFoodBank where he will meet up with his wife and your the facility that has helped truly been the lifeline for thousands and thousands of Houstonians during pandemic. #khou11 pic.twitter.com/ZiojoAOliY
— Melissa Correa (@MelCorrea_HOU) February 26, 2021
A winter storm crippled Texas earlier this month, leaving millions without power, running water, or food. Dozens of people died, including several Houston residents from hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Bidens were accompanied by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who has pushed for more federal relief for his state. On Friday, the Biden administration expanded the number of Texas counties that are eligible for federal disaster funds.
FEMA adds 18 more Texas counties to Major Disaster Declaration https://t.co/F0u9C3Sdpt
— FOX SA (@KABBFOX29) February 26, 2021
Several elected officials representing Texas spent time with the Bidens on Friday, including GOP Senator John Cornyn. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz spent the morning in Orlando, delivering a joke-laden speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference.
After touring the Harris County Emergency Operations Center and @HoustonFoodBank, President Biden is headed to NRG Park to speak at the FEMA mass vaccination site.
LIVE UPDATES HERE: https://t.co/CiMIoKhjjU#KHOU11 #HTownRush
— Brandi Smith (@BrandiSmithNews) February 26, 2021