WATCH: Biden delivers remarks at Hispanic Heritage Month reception at the White House

President Joe Biden said he, and the country, will “do whatever it takes, as long as it takes,” to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Ian as he delivered remarks at Hispanic Heritage month at the White House Friday.

Watch Biden’s remarks in the player above.

“We’re going to be there,” Biden said.

Biden formally designated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in a proclamation released on Sept. 14.Friday afternoon, the White House hosted a reception to celebrate it. Across the country, however, the Category 1 storm dominated the news.

“I know that all of our hearts are with those who are affected by the hurricanes,” Dr. Jill Biden said at the start of the White House event.

Officials in Florida fear the death toll from Hurricane Ian could rise substantially, given the wide swath of the state swamped by the storm. The storm came ashore in South Carolina Friday afternoon as rescue efforts continued in Florida.

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When he turned his attention to Hispanic Heritage Month, the president touted his administration’s efforts to boost the economy, alleviate childhood poverty and reduce gun violence and fund massive infrastructure projects.

Biden also said the contributions of women and Hispanics should be recognized in Washington with museums on the National Mall to mark their achievements.

“We are a nation of immigrants, a nation of immigrants,” Biden said. “And the possibilities that exist are no more evident anywhere than in the Hispanic community in the United States. I mean it, sincerely,” he said.