Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke this afternoon with Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton about the severe winter weather situation facing central and southern parts of the United States. The President expressed his support to Acting Administrator Fenton for what FEMA has done to provide generators, water, blankets, and on-going support to the people of Texas, and all across the South. He also thanked him for FEMA's role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and the role it has played in assisting with vaccination deployment.

President Biden also let Acting Administrator Fenton know that he was ready to mobilize other federal agencies to bring additional support to the people of Texas and ensure that any critical needs are met. He also told the Acting Administrator that he intends to sign Texas's request for a Major Disaster Declaration as soon as FEMA sends over the formal request from Governor Abbott later today.

The President let Acting Administrator Fenton know that through senior administration officials the White House would continue to stay in close touch with FEMA, local officials, and organizations providing direct relief to monitor the impacts of the storms as they move across the United States.