Biden visiting Puerto Rico because 'they haven't been taken very good care of'

President Joe Biden will survey storm damage and meet with families and community leaders in Puerto Rico on Monday, where he’s set to announce more than $60 million in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for disaster recovery and preparedness for future storms.

Before boarding Air Force One, the president said he’s visiting Puerto Rico because “they haven’t been taken very good care of.”

“They’re trying like hell to catch up from the last hurricane. I want to see the state of affairs today and make sure we push everything we can,” Biden said.

The recovery and ongoing search and rescue efforts after Hurricane Ian have threatened to overshadow the devastation in Puerto Rico, which was ravaged by Hurricane Fiona more than two weeks ago. More than 100,000 people continue to go without power as a result of the storm damage.

Once on the ground in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Biden will receive a briefing on the storm’s aftermath. He’ll then deliver remarks about the administration’s response efforts. The new round of funding will be used to shore up levees, strengthen flood walls and create a new flood warning system that will help Puerto Ricans prepare for future threats.

Biden and first Lady Jill Biden will meet with families and community leaders later Monday at Centro Sor Isolina Ferré Aguayo School, where they will participate in a community service project and speak with federal and local officials who have played a role in Puerto Rico’s recovery.