Obama to Travel to Alabama

JUST IN: Tomorrow, President Barack Obama will travel to Alabama to meet with Gov. Bently, state and local officials, and the families who have been affected by the storms.

He received a phone briefing today from Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.  The White House says Obama instructed Napolitano and Fugate to be "aggressive and comprehensive" in meeting recovery and cleanup needs.

Last night, President Obama signed an Emergency Declaration for the State of Alabama, authorizing the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to coordinate disaster relief efforts.

Today, FEMA has been working closely with state and local officials in Alabama and other states impacted by the deadly tornadoes that struck the Southeast.

"As President Obama has made clear, this administration stands with the impacted states and is bringing our full resources to bear to support them in any way needed. Throughout this storm, the heroes have been the first responders, neighbors, volunteers and many others who have been working day and night to protect the public’s health and safety. 

 At FEMA, we’re just one part of this team, and we’re continuing to work closely with our state and local partners and tribal governments to make sure they have all the support they need for the duration of this storm," FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said.