Press Releases
Thermal, Ca. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. called on the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to produce a plan and timeline to clean up the land in Thermal where recurring mulch fires have presented an environmental and public health hazard to area residents. In a letter to the Director of the BIA, signed also by Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, Dr.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) convened members of Congress, physicians, and public health experts for a problem-solving discussion regarding the epidemic of gun violence facing the nation. Dr. Ruiz led the discussion centered on approaching gun violence as a public health epidemic. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05), Chairman of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, participated in the discussion as well.
Thermal, Ca. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. announced the pending closure of Sun Valley Recycling Center, the facility at the center of recurring mulch fires that are posing a public health hazard to nearby schools and the surrounding community. The Bureau of Indian Affairs issued a Cease and Desist order to the facility Wednesday morning stating that if the dumping operations are not immediately halted, the owner will face an injunction and be held liable for damages and all costs associated with enforcement action.
Thermal, Ca. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. held a problem-solving roundtable with representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, and other county and state officials and called for immediate action to remedy the bad practices at the Oasis Mobile Home Park in Thermal.
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. is calling attention to the children in California's 36th District and across the country who are forced to ride in school buses without A/C during extreme heat temperatures. Citing accounts of children overheating on school buses and the severe heat in Riverside County which reaches over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for four months out of the year, Dr.
Thermal, CA – Today, Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-36) is calling for an investigation into the recurring mulch pile fires from waste disposal sites in Thermal. The burn piles, which allegedly consist of agricultural waste, tires, and PVC pipes, are emitting white, odorous smoke, and have drawn concerns from the community about the air quality in the area.
Washington, D.C. – Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-Palm Desert) and Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) introduced bi-partisan legislation to provide the Indian Health Service with authority to acquire land and build an access road to the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center outside of Hemet, California. The facility is the only Indian Health Services Youth Regional Treatment Center in California and is currently accessed by a dilapidated dirt road that is frequently washed out by heavy rains and often in great disrepair.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) introduced two bills to address health disparities in Native American communities. Far too many tribal members still do not have access to the health care they need to stay healthy, and far too many tribal communities don't have the resources required to support a robust and comprehensive public health infrastructure. These bills work to address that gap and achieve healthier outcomes for native communities.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) released the following statement on the House Judiciary's official impeachment inquiry.
Statement from Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D:
Washington, D.C. – Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-Palm Desert) continues to sound the alarm that federal agencies must be held accountable for and fully engage on the imminent public health crisis at the Salton Sea. Dr. Ruiz and Rep. Juan Vargas (D-Imperial) sent a letter to the Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources requesting a Congressional hearing on the federal responsibility for managing and mitigating the declining water levels and dust exposure at the Salton Sea.