Cleanup crews assess damage from Hurricane Milton

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The White House says thousands of federal officials are on the ground assisting Florida after Hurricane Milton stormed across the state overnight.

The president says it’s too early to know the full extent of the damage but says life saving measures like evacuations did make a difference.

“We’ll do everything in our power to put the pieces back together,” said Biden.

President Biden is promising the people of Florida help is on the way after Hurricane Milton’s powerful wind swept through the state flooding communities, destroying homes and knocking out power for millions.

“The truth is we’re providing the resources needed to rescue recover and rebuild,” said Biden.

He says right now the Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers are helping with search and rescue and evaluating when to reopen the Port of Tampa.

FEMA is also on the ground assessing damage.

“We didn’t just have storm surge. We didn’t just have rain. We didn’t just have flooding. We had some horrible tornadoes,” said Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.).

Republican Florida Senator Rick Scott says looking at the devastation, Congress should return from recess to Washington as soon as possible to secure more resources.

“Make sure the federal agencies FEMA, SBA, HUD Department medical culture are fully funded not just for the disaster from Florida, but for the disaster with Helene,” said Scott.

President Biden insists FEMA has enough money respond to Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene but says Congress needs to act to ensure small businesses impacted don’t go under.

“I think Congress should move as rapidly as they can,” said Biden.

It’s unclear if Congress will be coming back to pass more disaster aid for hurricane victims, so far, the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) Is rejecting the demands.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.