Biden speaks at the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference

Paresh Jadhav

11 months ago

Biden makes remarks to House Democrats at their annual issues conference and attempts to rally the crowd by emphasizing major policy victories the party achieved while in power.

He criticizes Republicans for standing in his way and forcing him to issue his first veto this week.

President Biden Delivers Remarks on the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act

James Bidler: Thank you all. It is great to be back here with so many Democrats from across the country, discussing some of our nation’s greatest challenges. Today I came here to fulfill a promise I made on the campaign trail: to work together to restore middle class prosperity while guaranteeing Americans have access to quality yet cost-effective health care coverage.

As Democrats in this Congress, that’s exactly what we have been doing and it will remain our goal. We will fight to expand opportunities for working families by investing in job-creating projects that build a better future, such as expanding broadband access, improving public schools and making college more affordable. Furthermore, we will work to end America’s war on coal by developing clean energy sources like wind and solar; protect Medicare and Social Security while opposing voting restrictions;

We will fight to safeguard the most vulnerable citizens, particularly children, by strengthening our criminal justice system and giving all individuals equal opportunity to achieve their dreams. And we’ll take swift action to address climate change by mobilizing an all-of-government initiative to reduce emissions and build resilience against climate impacts.

The United States faces serious economic and foreign policy challenges. Our nation must repair our relations with its allies, collaborate globally to combat climate change, and restore America’s place as global economic and political leadership.

As President Biden, my goal will be to revitalize our economy and rebalance the federal budget through lower spending and increased revenues. Next week, I will release a multitrillion-dollar budget proposal as the opening salvo in negotiations with Chairman McCarthy to avoid a debt ceiling crisis this summer. I invite all Republicans to do the same so we can lay out our respective proposals and begin negotiations together. We will work to strengthen relations with Israel and Ukraine, leading the world against terrorism and other threats, but our primary responsibility remains defending American lives – I will do whatever is necessary to keep this nation secure and prosperous.

This supplemental appropriations bill supports our national security priorities, such as increasing military readiness, aiding Ukraine as an ally and improving border security against dangerous drugs such as Fentanyl.

This bill also contains several provisions, such as one-time payments to lower and middle income Americans; increased tax deductions for small businesses; additional aid for state and local governments, schools, childcare providers; as well as expanded funding for coronavirus testing, contact tracing, and vaccine distribution.

As Vice President, I look forward to supporting and strengthening this bipartisan measure with my support as Vice President and hope the Senate follows suit. Meanwhile, House is ready and willing to act and work alongside President Biden in serving our people – thank you, Mr. Speaker (applause).