President Trump Donald John TrumpObama calls on Senate not to fill Ginsburg's vacancy until after election Planned Parenthood: 'The fate of our rights' depends on Ginsburg replacement Progressive group to spend M in ad campaign on Supreme Court vacancy MORE on Friday praised the "heroic" recovery efforts being conducted in Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, saying the storm has "profoundly affected our entire nation."

"At this very moment, heroic efforts continue to keep safe those threatened by this natural disaster," Trump said in his weekly address, thanking federal, state and local groups and authorities aiding in recovery efforts.

"Thousands of people have come together to prevent loss of life and ensure safety, and we are incredibly grateful for their courage, their professionalism, and their sacrifice. They are an inspiration to all of us," he said.

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Trump made a formal disaster declaration as the storm made landfall in Texas Aug. 25, allowing for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to supply emergency aid and coordinate disaster relief efforts in the state. The president later made a declaration for Louisiana, which was also hit heavily by the tropical storm.

"To the people affected by Hurricane Harvey, we are with you every single step of the way. We will help you recover, we will help you rebuild, we will support you today, tomorrow and the day after," Trump said.

The storm is on track to be one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history, with a potential $190 billion in damages from extensive flooding, according to a preliminary estimate from the weather firm AccuWeather.

Trump traveled to Texas to meet with state and local authorities earlier this week and plans to return to the area on Saturday as tens of thousands of people continue to grapple with flooding in the Houston area.

The president's initial visit drew some criticism for not meeting individually with victims of the disaster, like his predecessors had in past events.

Congress is currently in talks to potentially attach a measure increasing the government debt ceiling onto the White House's request for $5.9 billion in initial emergency FEMA funding, to expedite the vital funding bill's passage.

"When one part of America hurts, we all hurt. When we see neighbors in need we rush to their aid, we don't ask their names, or where they're from, we help our fellow Americans every single time," Trump said.

"This is the spirit of America. It's exactly what I saw while in Texas this week, a spirit of love, determination and resolve."