Closing summary
That’s it for the US politics blog today! Here’s a rundown of everything that happened:
Biden spoke in Ponce, Puerto Rico this afternoon, pledging future support for the island as it still deals with the impact of Hurricane Fiona. Biden also announced $60mn in federal funding that will come from the bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed last year.
The White House did not confirm if Biden will be meeting with Florida governor Ron DeSantis, given the frayed relationship between the two politicians. Biden is scheduled to visit Florida on Wednesday to assess damage the state sustained from Hurricane Ian, but partisan tensions have been mounting as Republicans face backlash for previously downvoting federal assistance for states dealing with natural disasters.
A jury heard arguments in seditious conspiracy charges against the founder of the far-right group Oath Keepers and four of its associates. The trial is the most serious case so far stemming from the 6 January capitol attack.
The Supreme court started its new term today, hearing arguments about a case dealing with social media companies being held financially responsible for terrorism and enforcement of the Clean Water Act. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson sat on the bench for the first time, the first Black woman to serve on the highest court.
That’s it for today; thank you for reading!
'All of America is with you': Biden pledges support and funding post-Hurricane Fiona
Biden just wrapped up remarks in Puerto Rico, where he discussed past failures to support the island during previous natural disasters and future initiatives to ensure proper storm preparation.
Biden acknowledged previous shortcomings in aiding Puerto Rico during intense storms, including Hurricane Maria: “You haven’t gotten the help in a timely way,” said Biden.
"You haven't gotten the help in a timely way," @POTUS, in Ponce, says of #PuertoRico and disasters in recent years. pic.twitter.com/T4NCjjD9TG
— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) October 3, 2022
Biden added: “We came here in person to show that we’re with you. All of America is with you.”
“I’m committed to this island,” said Biden, adding that he is “confident” the US can meet asks from governor Pedro Pierluisi for the US to extend the disaster declaration in Puerto Rico, cover 100% of the cost to move debris, and provide other federal assistance.
Biden noted that more has to be done to help prepare Puerto Rico for future storms, announcing the $60mn that the island will receive in federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed last year.
“We have to ensure when the next hurricane hits Puerto Rico, we are ready,” said Biden.
Biden added: “We are not leaving here as long as I am president until everything - I mean this sincerely - until every single thing we can do is done.”
"We are not leaving here as long as I am president until everything - I mean this sincerely - until every single thing we can do is done," Biden says in Puerto Rico.
— Joey Garrison (@joeygarrison) October 3, 2022
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