Island is already there. Access to education is a priority for the return to a normal life. Next week, we reopen classrooms. On his visit, he pledged aid to the island and its 35,000 french nationals. Heres a look. Hes been visiting st. Martin five days after the island was devastated by hurricane irma. At least 11 people were killed on the french part of the island which was left largely uninhabitable. Days after irma made landfall, the french president has also touched down. He landed close to the hurricane hit french caribbean territory with a message of hope and solidarity. Its all of france, the entire nation that stands along side those who have lost everything. Sometimes even their loved ones. Along side the victims. And their families. And those who are feeling anxious and tired. During the flight overnight, the president was briefed in detail on the grave humanitarian situation on the ground and on the levels of damage. Also on board, two tons of muchneeded aid, food, water, medicine and equipment for those affected by the storm. After a briefing, the french president then flew on to st. Martin to assess the damage there from the air. Roofs ripped off, buildings torn apart, and debris strewn across the ground. Scores of people have been waiting in the hope of being evacuated. The process is proving long and patience is wearing thin. The french government is already under fire for not doing enough to help. There are children here since 7 00 a. M. And have only eaten a banana and water. Its a shame on france. Zero organization. The french president has described the air lift off the island as one of the biggest since the second world war. 15 million ewe owes of fund are been freed up in aid. Hes also said hes in favor of a parliamentary inquiry into his governments handling of the disaster. Chris, we just saw that report and how a lot of residents are very angry about the french governments response. How was the president received . Not the warmest reception during his time in office. Nevertheless, he was able to meet those affected by the hurricane and able to fly over this island and witness firsthand the sheer scale of the destruction. All of this amid a raging debate here and metropolitan france over the authorities handling over hurricane irma. Not necessarily directed towards the president but towards the French Administration as a whole. Now its kind of a Divided Island in terms of wealth and weve been here four or five days now. In whatever neighborhood youre in the sense you get is this claim from people that theyve been abandoned by the government in paris. This small island that the government there doesnt care about. That theyve been left to fend for themselves. Along with the president , a lot of food water medical supplies also arriving in st. Martin. Are they getting to the people that need the relief the most . Over the last 24 hours, theres been a massive injection of supplies, food, water, and medical supplies and personnel. Fire service workers. Emergency personnel. Et cetera. Out on the streets, they cans are still a little bit chaotic in terms of getting food and water out to people. People complain about not having enough information and that kind of thing. Over the last 24 hours, weve seen more and more food parcels being handed out in neighborhoods. My impression is things will be less serious in the next couple of days but as you can see behind me here, this island was absolutely ripped apart by hurricane irma. The building stock, much of it is lying on the ground. Many people here lost everything. As you heard in this report, you heard him saying he wants a normal life to return as soon as possible. I dont think thats going to be very soon. Basic services will start reemerging in the coming weeks. Talking a week or so. Some dont really have the means to live elsewhere and they want to be evacuated. All those people who you met who do with the means to leave but are determined to stay here and help rebuild st. Martin. Whatever. Chris, thank you very much, indeed. Chris moore there in st. Martin. Today on capitol hill, the Senate Commerce committee looks at selfdriving trucks. The Technology Behind them. And the governments role in regulating them. Live coverage begins at 10 00 a. M. Eastern. Then a hearing on taxpayer disputes and how the irs can stream line the process. Well take you to that hearing live at 2 00 eastern. And then at 4 30, a conversation on the aftermath of hurricane irma. Ambassadors from the netherlands, antigua, and barbuda are scheduled to speak. Now, White House Legislative Affairs director mark short talks about the president s deferred action for childhood arrivals or daca. Yesterdays Christian Science monitor breakfast is about an hour. My friend good morning, im dave cook. Thanks for coming. Our guest today is mark short. Assistant to the president and assistant to the office of legislative affairs. This is his first visit
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