Vice President-Elect JD Vance recently visited Western North Carolina, bringing attention to storm damage and federal response inefficiencies.
Queen City News reported that during his tour, Vance expressed significant concerns about FEMA's policies and the need for substantial federal aid in the region.
Following his election victory, JD Vance chose Western North Carolina for his first official visit.
The area, known for its rugged terrain, was recently struck by severe storms, leading to widespread damage.
Accompanied by North Carolina's senators, Vance toured affected areas, including Fairview, to personally observe the devastation. This visit aimed to assess the impact and evaluate the ongoing response efforts.
During his inspections, Vance noted the reluctance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to place mobile homes in areas vulnerable to flooding. This policy, he argued, has left many locals without feasible temporary housing options.
Vance openly criticized FEMA for its slow and inadequate response to the disaster. He highlighted the urgent need for a more effective and timely government reaction to such crises.
"You’re effectively telling people they’ve got to move hundreds of miles away and do it two weeks before Christmas. It’s ridiculous; it’s atrocious, and we need a government that responds quickly to the needs of its citizens," Vance stated during a press briefing.
Amidst his criticism of FEMA, Vance also addressed rumors regarding the Trump administration’s handling of hurricane relief funds. There were concerns that funds meant for storm recovery might be redirected to border operations.
Vance reassured the public, asserting that the administration was capable of managing both border security and disaster response effectively.
"I happen to believe that we can walk and chew gum at the same time in the Trump administration. Yes, we’re going to secure the southern border and take that concern very seriously. We can do that while simultaneously looking after the people of Western North Carolina who have had this terrible storm, and now they’re trying to rebuild from it," he explained.
Support for further aid was echoed by North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, who argued that the current federal funding proposals were insufficient to meet the state’s needs. "That’s why we’re trying to explain to some folks, that are saying we got to start at $30 billion, that doesn’t even cover 2/3 of what North Carolina needs," Tillis remarked.
Meanwhile, a potential solution in the form of new legislation awaited in Raleigh, promising additional relief for storm victims. However, this bill faced a setback as it was vetoed by Governor Cooper.
An override vote concerning the vetoed legislation is scheduled in the House next week, which could play a crucial role in determining the extent of aid that will be available to the storm-ravaged communities.
