Hello John, I wanted to devote some time today to address the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

President Biden and I are working around the clock to support the people who were impacted by this horrendous storm.

Our administration approved disaster declarations for several states prior to landfall. And we have coordinated a robust response in the days since -- deploying food, water, and generators, and working with the Federal Communications Commission and telecommunications companies on the ground to restore network services.

I continue to receive operational updates from the FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. I have reached out to the governors of North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, as well as other state and local officials.

I will travel down to Georgia today to meet with people in the affected communities, and to North Carolina once I know my visit will not impede emergency response operations.

It is essential that we stand together for as long as it takes to recover and rebuild.

At times of tragedy, we are reminded of how strong the bonds that unite us are, and it becomes even clearer that those seeking to divide us will not win the day.

I hope you will join me and send your best wishes and your support.

Thank you and take care,

Kamala