JD Vance Announces $858 Million in North Carolina Disaster Relief

Vice President JD Vance announced $858 million in additional federal disaster relief funding for the U.S. Department of Transportation during a campaign visit to Hendersonville, North Carolina, on Monday. The funds are designated to rebuild eight major transportation corridors destroyed by Hurricane Helene, including I-40 and the Pigeon River Gorge.

Speaking at the Hyder Warehouse, Vance campaigned for Republican candidates ahead of the November midterm elections. He urged voters to support Michael Whatley, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, and Jennifer Balkcom, who is running for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District. During the rally, Vance addressed immigration, taxes, and crime, while criticizing Democrats for high oil prices.

Whatley pledged continued support for storm recovery in Western North Carolina, while Balkcom emphasized the need to protect the state's farmland. The event combined immediate infrastructure recovery efforts with political campaigning focused on shaking up the establishment and prioritizing local interests.