Dr. Ruiz Statement on Vote for Bipartisan Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-Palm Desert) released the following statement on the House vote for passage of the bipartisan appropriations agreement that funds the government for FY 2014.

"This bipartisan agreement to fund the government through 2014 is a workable bill that prevents the irresponsible practice of governing crisis to crisis, avoids a government shutdown, and provides needed certainty to businesses, seniors, and middle class families in the Coachella Valley and across the country.

"The bill also provides relief from reckless, job killing sequester cuts to defense, medical research, and other high priority programs as well as a fix for last year's cut to the cost of living adjustment for veterans and their families ensuring their benefits keep up with inflation.

"Furthermore, I am encouraged to see that this legislation makes the Salton Sea eligible for an Army Corps of Engineers restoration initiative that I have advocated for in the past.

"As with any negotiated agreement, it required both democrats and republicans to find common ground and understand that this bill will not reflect the sole priorities of one party or another. I am pleased to see substantial bipartisan cooperation and will continue to work to find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing issues."

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