Biden stands up for the federal government’s actions regarding the Maui wildfires and reveals a $95 million aid package.
President Biden defended his administration’s handling of the Maui wildfires, despite growing criticism regarding the delayed response and inadequate assistance provided to those impacted.
Mr. Biden highlighted what he said was an immediate response to the blaze, which incinerated the historic Maul resort town of Lahaina, leaving 115 people dead and 338 missing.
However, he cautioned the inhabitants that it might take a while before they are able to go back to their houses due to the necessity of eliminating dangerous substances and repairing the destruction.
“I understand the pain. Is there anything I can say to you?” Mr. Biden expressed. “The only assurance I can provide is that we will support you throughout the entire journey. We will not abandon you.”
The government’s plan to enhance Hawaii’s electrical grid was revealed by the White House on Wednesday. A total of $95 million will be allocated for this purpose, which will be sourced from the bipartisan infrastructure law signed by Mr. Biden in 2021, amounting to $1.2 trillion.
The White House announced that the funds will be used to enhance the resilience of vital power transmission lines, reinforce utility poles that provide support to important facilities such as hospitals, substitute wooden utility poles with a fire-resistant material, eliminate trees deemed dangerous, and relocate Maui’s control center.
Mr. Biden said the spending will “make sure electricity can continue to reach homes, hospitals, water stations even during intense storms and extreme weather.”
The president emphasized that his administration acted swiftly and with great determination in addressing the wildfires.
The president stated that every possible effort is being made to assist in your recovery, rebuilding, and return to normalcy.
Mr. Biden’s remarks come amid withering criticism from some Maui residents and Republicans who have blasted both the administration’s response and the president’s public comments on the blaze. Critics have seized on Mr. Biden telling reporters “no comment” when asked during a vacation in Delaware about the deaths, and the fact that he waited 13 days after the wildfires began to travel to the state.
The administration’s disregard for the devastating wildfire is evident in their examples of White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre incorrectly identifying Hawaii’s two Democratic senators and mistakenly referring to Sen. Mazie Hirono, the state’s first female senator, as a “he.”
On Tuesday, the Republican-led House Oversight and Accountability Committee launched an investigation into the administration’s response to the wildfire.
Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, expressed concerns about the administration’s actions, stating that it brings up significant inquiries.
Mr. Biden said he welcomes the House probe, saying he encourages investigators to speak with Hawaii’s elected officials about the government’s response.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California, has also suggested the possibility of visiting Maui and personally witnessing the destruction.
“I have significant worries regarding the reaction,” expressed Mr. McCarthy earlier this month. “In this day and age, how is it possible to have such a substantial loss of American lives? I intend to collaborate with committees in order to thoroughly examine the events that transpired, ensuring that such a tragedy is prevented in the future.”
On Wednesday, Mr. Biden acknowledged that he had issued a significant declaration of a disaster on August 10th in response to an urgent request from lawmakers in Hawaii. Additionally, he directed the deployment of all accessible federal resources to support the efforts of first responders just one day after the fire started.
