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.
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.”
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.”
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