The President spoke to Californians during a recent trip, focusing on infrastructure and prescription drugs.
Air Force One arrived at LAX on Oct. 12 bringing President Joe Biden to Southern California for a two day visit. The President’s itinerary combined fundraising with work and touring. Biden gave two public speeches in Southern California.
Last Friday the President travelled to Orange County, flying from Santa Monica Airport to John Wayne Airport. Prior to his trip, he signed an executive order for the Department of Health and Human Services requiring them to explore cost-saving measures for prescription drugs and access to “innovative drug therapies” for Medicare recipients. A report on the exercise is expected in ninety days.
At Irvine Valley College, Biden spoke about the Inflation Reduction Act, spotlighting the cost saving measures for seniors on prescription drugs, a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket expenses on prescription drugs, and a reduction of health insurance premiums. Biden warned that Republicans would repeal the Act if they win the majority in the House and Senate.
The President spent Thursday visiting the Metro construction site of the soon-to-be Metro D (Purple) Line connecting downtown LA to West Los Angeles. In a 20-minute speech Biden remarked on the need for the line in Los Angeles, the bipartisan Infrastructure Law that helped to fund the line construction, and the time saving benefits travellers of the Metro would gain from the new line.
“This project, the extension of the Metro Purple Line, it’s gonna cover one of L.A.’s busiest areas and job centers,” Biden said. He also commented on the ongoing renovations at LAX and the eventual rail connection there.
Other projects mentioned by the President include rebuilding LA’s roads and bridges and transportation improvements connecting the Los Angeles-Long Beach Port Complex, which include deepening the Channel in Long Beach and a four lane road to the Port of Los Angeles.
Reps. Ted Lieu, Brad Sherman, Maxine Waters and Nanette Barragan, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Mayor Eric Garcetti were all in attendance posing for photos at the end of the speech.
Following the tour of the Metro site, Biden stopped on Kinross Avenue for a Bass taco at Tacos 1986.
Thursday night saw the President at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee fundraiser with Nancy Pelosi in attendance.
In response to Biden’s visit to Southern California, Republican Party Chair Jessica Millan Patterson released a statement saying ”Californians are struggling thanks to Joe Biden, (Democratic Rep.) Katie Porter and California Democrats’ reckless and radical policies. Voters know who’s responsible for the strain on their wallets today, and no amount of Southern California photo ops, fundraisers, chicken quesadillas or victory laps will save Democrats at the ballot box this November.”
