TAMPA, FLORIDA — President Joe Biden continued his verbal attacks on Senator Rick Scott’s plan to sunset all federal programs after five years. Speaking at the University of Tampa, the president continued framing the plan as a direct attack on Medicare and Social Security.
“They’re more than government programs. They’re a promise, a promise we made,” Biden said. “It’s been a sacred trust, a rock-solid guarantee. Generations of Americans have counted on it. And it works.”
Biden once again held up Scott’s 12-point American Rescue Plan and read directly from the brochure. He argued that the programs would be reduced if and when Congress were to vote them back after five years.
Scott has repeatedly called Biden a liar for what he considers to be a misrepresentation of the plan. Less than an hour before the president began speaking, Scott challenged him to a debate.
Welcome to Florida, @Joebiden.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) February 9, 2023
Since you can't stop talking about me and lying to Floridians about Social Security and Medicare, I'm sure you'll accept my invitation to debate the issue. I'll be back in Florida tonight. You pick the time and place.
“I’M YOUR NIGHTMARE”
The president said he doubts Congress would vote in favor of the plan, but promised to veto it if given the opportunity. He also pledged to veto any attempts to roll back the Affordable Care Act.
“I guarantee you it will not happen. I’ll veto it,” he said. “I know a lot of Republicans, their dream is to cut Social Security and Medicare. Well, look, if that’s your dream, I’m your nightmare.”
Biden also took a shot at Governor Ron DeSantis as he lamented that Florida was one of eleven states to decline Medicaid expansion.
“Over 1.1 million people in Florida would be eligible for Medicaid if Governor DeSantis just said ‘I agree to expand it.’ This isn’t calculus,” he said. “The only reason Medicare expansion hasn’t happened here is politics. It’s time to get this done!"
