Biden Hammers Republicans On Health Care On Affordable Care Act Anniversary

Biden celebrates 13 years of the Affordable Care Act

AFTER

President Joe Biden celebrated the 13th anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act in the same room where he once whispered in President Obama's ear that passage of the law was "a big deal."

Biden shamelessly recalled Thursday's impassioned mic moment and said he stood by what he said years ago when he outlined sweeping healthcare reform.

"A lot of you joined us that day after fighting for decades, and I remember the three words I used back then, I thought —" Biden said as he greeted the guests in the room from the smiled at the house. White. "I thought it was a big deal. And I would argue that it was a big deal."

The landmark health care law was passed in 2010 when Biden was vice president, and he commended former President Barack Obama for his leadership in achieving this "remarkable achievement."

"While the Affordable Care Act has many different names, 'Obamacare' is the most appropriate description," Biden said to applause.

© Win Mcnamee/Getty Images, FILE - President Barack Obama is applauded after signing the Affordable Health Care Act for America during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House March 23, 2010 in Washington, DC.

But Biden took the opportunity to attack Republicans on health care policy, making it sound more like a campaign speech than a birthday party.

"My friends, our Republican MAGA friends — and by the way, let me be clear: there are good, good Republicans out there," Biden said. "But this new mob, it's not your father's Republican Party."

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The president defended his administration's moves to push health care policies with legislation like the Affordable Care Act and the Cut Inflation Act, and warned that congressional Republicans do not support the same policies in a divided Washington.

"Dude, look, we're making healthcare more affordable in so many other ways. Last year I proposed and Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which no Republican voted against, not even the good ones. In the moral feeling 'good'. means a regular Republican,” he said.

© Jonathan Ernst/Reuters US President Joe Biden delivers a speech marking the 13th anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, at the White House in Washington March 23, 2023.

Biden pointed to recent moves by some drug companies to cap the price of insulin -- something he called for during his State of the State speech -- as well as provisions in the Inflation Act to reduce inflation, allowing Medicare to negotiate the price of certain prescriptions. drugs.

He also noted that Republicans have yet to release their budget proposals, saying the release of the White House proposal earlier this month shows where they stand.

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"Don't tell me what's important to you. Show me your budget and I'll tell you what's important to you," he said. "Well, I appreciate that everyone has a fair chance. It's about fairness. It's about dignity. My budget builds on the advances we've made in affordable care.”

"We haven't seen the House Republicans' budget yet. You want to negotiate. I say, 'I submitted my budget on the 9th, you submitted your budget, let's negotiate.' No, I'm serious, Biden added with a laugh.

© Susan Walsh/AP President Joe Biden holds Rep.'s son Hodge. Jimmy Gomez after Biden's speech at an event marking the 13th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act in the East Room of the White House on March 23, 2023 in Washington. MORE: Democrats launch dads caucus to focus on family issues and urge paid time off

Following his remarks, Biden took time to work with Hodge, the son of Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who has become a familiar face in Washington, including a television appearance during House Voting week.

The President held Hodge close for several minutes and placed his seven-month-old baby's hands on Biden's face.

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