Joe Biden Tells Colorado Flood Victims Government Shutdown Won't Affect Aid

Biden Tells Flood Victims Government Shutdown Won't Affect Aid
CHARLESTON, SC - SEPTEMBER 16: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a visit to Columbus Container Terminal on September 16, 2013 in Charleston, South Carolina. Biden spoke about the need to improve America's transportation infrastructures for exports and economic growth. (Photo by Richard Ellis/Getty Images)
CHARLESTON, SC - SEPTEMBER 16: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a visit to Columbus Container Terminal on September 16, 2013 in Charleston, South Carolina. Biden spoke about the need to improve America's transportation infrastructures for exports and economic growth. (Photo by Richard Ellis/Getty Images)

Vice President Joe Biden assured Colorado flood victims on Monday that the looming government shutdown would not cause them to lose federal aid.

During a visit to a Federal Emergency Management Agency resource center in Greeley, Colo., Biden promised cuts would not be made to such resource centers as a result of the "dysfunction of Congress."

“I don’t want folks that are here in shelters or watching on TV seeing the dysfunction of Congress and thinking that all the relief efforts that they’re now betting from … are going to shut down," Biden told flood victims. "They will not shut down, even if the Congress doesn’t fund the federal government.

The flood, caused by torrential rain beginning on Sept. 9, killed at least 10 people, caused around $200 million in property damage and led to the evacuation of more than 10,000 residents.

The vice president toured the damage with Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) and FEMA administrator Craig Fugate by helicopter, and met with Colorado's congressional delegation after the ride.

Biden thanked volunteers for helping the flood victims, and applauded the FEMA for its efficiency.

"You've done an incredible job in terms of one-stop shopping. That's how it is supposed to work," he said. "You guys are the ones making it happen."

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