“I just wanted to come and thank you all today for keeping me and my family safe,” Biden said. worn on inauguration night.
“I know you have left home states,” said the first lady, noting that son Beau Biden had served in the National Guard. “The national guard will always occupy a special place in the hearts of all the Bidens.”
Biden holds a basket of treats tied with red, white and blue ribbon, which she handed out as a sign of gratitude.
The first lady stopped her unplanned stop at the Capitol after a planned visit to Whitman-Walker Health in downtown Washington, just a handful of blocks north of the White House.
Whitman-Walker is a non-profit, federally qualified health center that provides community-based health and wellness services, specializing in LGBTQ and HIV care, according to a statement from the East Wing. The clinic also provides cancer support and navigation services to patients and caregivers. Biden was given a tour of the facility and listened as administrators outlined what worked for them during the pandemic to reach patients, and what did not.
“Everyone needs more mental health work,” says Biden, noting the overwhelming challenges facing healthcare providers and patients, which are outlined by a Whitman-Walker staff.
“We’re in your corner,” she adds.
“The first thing we need to do is address this pandemic,” she said, clapping her hands for emphasis. Shortly afterwards, she went to the Capitol to greet the troops and hand out the homemade cookies.
“You guys are some of the best, thank you very much,” says Biden, posing for a group photo. The troops greeted her back and shouted “hoo-ah!” in appreciation.