Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2021

January 29, 2021

Q. Mr. President, why are you going to Walter Reed?

The President's Visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland/Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution

Q. Mr. President, why are you going to Walter Reed?

The President. I'm going out to visit some of the soldiers and sailors that areâbeen wounded and look at the vaccination procedure.

I've been at Walter Reed a lot. I spent almost 6 months there myself as a patient. And in addition to that, as Vice President, every single Christmas, we spent all of Christmas Day at Walter Reed. These kids are amazing.

And thank God there's not as many people to visit, so all the people I'm seeing today, who are being treated, orâfour of them amputeesâare people who, in fact, are retired andâbut they're real heroes.

And then, we're going to go see the vaccination distribution. So they'reâI spent a lot of time at Walter Reed. They're great Americans. They're great people.

Nice to see you all.

Q. Any progress on your COVID bill?

Q. Do you support passing COVID relief through budget reconciliation?

The President. I'm sorry?

Coronavirus Relief Legislation

Q. Do you support passing COVID relief through budget reconciliation?

The President. I support passing COVID relief with support from Republicans if we can get it. But the COVID relief has to pass. There's no if, ands, or buts.

Thank you.

Q. And if it doesn't have Republican support, Mr. President?

NOTE: The President spoke at 1:47 p.m. on the South Lawn of the White House.

Categories: Interviews With the News Media : Exchanges with reporters :: White House. Locations: Washington, DC.

Subjects: Armed Forces, U.S. : Servicemembers :: Casualties; Armed Forces, U.S. : Servicemembers :: Service and dedication; Communications : News media :: Presidential interviews; Congress : Bipartisanship; Defense, Department of : Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD; Diseases : Coronavirus, domestic prevention efforts; Economy, national : Strengthening efforts; Maryland : Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda.

DCPD Number: DCPD202100102.