Government: Biden talks affordable health care during visit to Virginia Beach

President Joe Biden speaks about health care during remarks at Kempsville Recreation Center in Virginia Beach on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. Biden visited the city briefly, speaking at the recreation center to an audience of a few hundred people that included a section in which medical professionals were seated. [John-Henry Doucette/The Princess Anne Independent News]

Ed. — From the Sunday, March 5, print edition.

KEMPSVILLE— President Joe Biden visited Virginia Beach on Tuesday, Feb. 28, to push for greater access to affordable health care.

Biden’s speech before a few hundred people at Kempsville Recreation Center included thanks for medical professionals, some of whom were seated to his right, and a call to ensure care is within the reach of American families.

He thanked medical professionals, especially nurses, for their work, noting that they provide people with dignity in their time of need.

“That’s what all Americans deserve – peace of mind that comes from knowing that an illness, if it strikes, or an accident occurs, you can get quality medical care and recover and heal,” Biden said. “We all know that too many folks don’t have that peace of mind. Too many folks lie in bed at night staring at the ceiling, wondering what will happen is their spouse gets cancer, if their child gets sick or something happens to them.”

Biden said his administration is focused on bringing down costs and increasing access to affordable care to provide “breathing room” to citizens.

“And that’s exactly what happens when we protect and strengthen programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which millions of Americans rely on,” Biden said.

President Joe Biden salutes medical professionals workers during remarks about affordable health care at Kempsville Recreation Center in Virginia Beach on Tuesday, Feb. 28. [John-Henry Doucette/The Princess Anne Independent News]

Biden said some Republicans want to make “deep cuts” that could threaten access to care, and he talked about efforts to control the costs of prescriptions drugs, including those used to treat cancer and diabetes, and to empower Medicare to negotiate lower prices. And he criticized Republicans for threatening to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, has said House Republicans would avoid Medicare and Social Security benefits in negotiating about the federal debt ceiling, according to The Hill. The point has been echoed by former President Donald Trump, a likely opponent of Biden in the 2024 presidential election, The Hill reported.

“It’s a great honor and a privilege for him to be here to talk about affordable health care,” said state Sen. Aaron Rouse, a Democrat from Virginia Beach, following Biden’s remarks. “It’s something that’s needed here in Virginia, especially at a time when we have a governor who wants to give the most tax cuts to the top corporations instead of the people.”

President Joe Biden speaks at Kempsville Recreation Center in Virginia Beach on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. [John-Henry Doucette/The Princess Anne Independent News]

During his remarks, Biden pointed out Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer, a Republican, in the audience. Dyer had greeted Biden when he arrived earlier in the day at Naval Air Station Oceana. “He was very gracious with me, even though I’m one of those Democrats,” Biden said. “Bobby, where are you?”

Dyer waved. On Thursday, March 2, Dyer said he was proud to welcome Biden and of the efforts of city personnel, who had limited time to prepare for the visit and address issues such as traffic impacts felt while Biden was in the city.

As for the presidential ribbing?

“It was not only an honor, it was humbling,” said Dyer, who is a veteran. “As a Marine, to meet the commander-in-chief, let me tell you, it was a special day – not only for me, but for the people of Virginia Beach.”