Press Releases
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. announced the introduction of H.R. 2434, the Environmental Justice Act, to require federal agencies to consider and mitigate environmental justice impacts of agency actions, strengthen legal protections for those affected by environmental injustices, and consider the effects of cumulative impacts on communities during permitting decisions. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) is leading the companion bill in the U.S. Senate.
Washington, D.C. –Yesterday, veteran advocate Jon Stewart, U.S. Congressmen Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), 9/11 activist John Feal, and other veterans' advocates held a press conference announcing landmark legislation, the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act. The bill would streamline the process for obtaining VA benefits for burn pit and other toxic exposures.
Palm Desert, CA – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) announced over $1 billion in federal funding is coming to Riverside County as a result of the American Rescue Plan, which Democrats passed, and President Biden signed into law, last month. Dr. Ruiz voted to pass H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act, to help crush the COVID-19 virus and get the economy moving again.
Palm Desert, CA – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) announced that Walmart will open new COVID-19 vaccination sites in Riverside County in the cities of San Jacinto, Beaumont, Hemet, and Palm Desert. Today's announcement is the latest development in Dr. Ruiz's advocacy to bring more vaccines to residents of California's 36th Congressional District. Last month, Dr.
Palm Desert, CA –Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) called for an investigation into the handling of the ongoing situation at Oasis Mobile Home Park (OMHP) by the Southern California Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Since August 2019, the Oasis Mobile Home Park in Thermal has been under an Emergency Order from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after arsenic levels nine-times the legal limit were found in the drinking water system.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA) announced the introduction of H.R. 2163, the Safe Step Act – a bipartisan bill to improve step therapy protocols and ensure patients are able to safely and efficiently access the best treatment for them. Step therapy protocols can cause unnecessary delays in care, or worse, require patients to try ineffective or potentially dangerous medications before finding the treatment most suited to their needs.
Thermal, CA – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) administered the COVID-19 vaccine to constituents alongside Desert Healthcare District at a Rite Aid mobile vaccine clinic in Thermal, CA. The event took place at Desert Mirage High School and follows Dr. Ruiz's advocacy for retail pharmacies to prioritize hard-hit, medically underserved communities like those in California's 36th district.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) applauded the passage of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, and H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act—vital legislation to modernize and reform our immigration system. Dr. Ruiz voted for H.R. 6 to secure permanent protections against deportation and an earned pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders. Dr. Ruiz also voted to pass H.R.
Palm Desert, CA – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) announced that Inland Behavioral Health Services and Borrego Community Health Foundation have been included in the Federal Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program.