DAMASCUS, Va. (WDBJ) – In his first official trip since becoming Vice President, JD Vance was in our region Monday to tour the leftover damage from Hurricane Helene.
It’s been four months since Hurricane Helene came through and decimated parts of Southwest Virginia, like Damascus. leaving twisted metal off the banks of Laurel Creek and a bridge smashed by debris.
Vice President JD Vance and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin were talking with residents and promising the federal government and local governments will be there to help soon.
“We love you and we’re rooting for you and we want to be part of this recovery here in Southwest Virginia.” Vance said.
Vance stood in solidarity with Youngkin and vowed to help the people who lost everything to the raging floodwaters September 27, 2024 in Damascus.
“We find ourselves now looking back in awe of the heroes that had over 100 swift water rescues, of the communities that came together and said we’re going to rebuild together,” Youngkin said.
The damage is unavoidable when driving through the town. The vice president laid the blame at the feet of the previous administration and government red tape they hope to soon cut through.
“Every single day after today is too long. We recognize these things don’t always happen as quickly as they can, but the big difference compared to now than a week ago is the people actually have an administration that will help them power through the bureaucracy and fight for them every single day and get that money to them as soon as physically possible.” Vance said.
“I have a $127 million budget amendment in to supplement what has already been appropriated by the federal government; now it needs to come out. Folks can’t wait. They’ve been waiting for four months, and they don’t need to wait another day.” Youngkin said.
The two held a roundtable discussion with local leaders for about an hour; they laid out exactly what they need to get back on their feet in Damascus.
“I’m going to go back to Washington with that message and that directive from the people here on the ground here in Damascus.” Vance said.
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