NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Sen. Tim Kaine joined U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott at Gethsemane Baptist Church in Newport News Friday.
From concerns about immigration -- to health care -- to national security, Sen. Kaine and Rep. Scott
tackled a number of issues at a forum that initially started as a conversation about the affordable care act and civil rights.
Both lawmakers saying they don't want to see the ACA repealed without a replacement and they're talking with Republicans about improvements.
"Health care is one-sixth of the economy, you're not only going to hurt providers and patients. You also inject uncertainty in one-sixth of the economy and that's not gonna work out well," said Kaine.
But when it came time for questions many brought up President Donald Trump, his decision-making and his relationship with Russia.
Vanda Jaggard has two sons in the military. "I don`t want my son to have to respond if there`s some type of conflict that could`ve been avoided," said Jaggard.
Kaine said working with the new administration has been a test.
"I think we have a system that is stronger than any individual. I think the checks and balances in this system are being tested. There are some people who are part of the White House team who scare me -- one left this week, General Flynn," he said.
Looking ahead -- both say another big test will be the president's budget.
"I would like to see an increase in defense spending but you have to do it in the context of a budget," said Scott. "You can't have increases in defense spending, tax cuts and think you're going to deal with budget deficit."
