Ruiz’s Public Health Priorities Advance in COVID Relief Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed budget reconciliation recommendations that included a number of Rep. Raul Ruiz's public health priorities. Rep. Ruiz (CA-36) fought to include language to provide major funding for environmental justice grants, expand physician training health centers, and fund Tribal health programs.

"I am thrilled to secure these major victories for my constituents as my priorities passed out of committee today," said Dr. Ruiz. "These outcomes will help promote public health by creating a healthier environment, strengthening the physician workforce, and expanding Tribal health programs around the country. I will continue advocating for my constituents and to ensure Congress passes robust COVID relief for struggling American families."

The bill included the following priority issues for Dr. Ruiz:

• Support for the Home Classroom: Through the FCC's E-Rate program, Energy and Commerce Democrats included $7.6 billion to help local school districts provide devices like laptops and wifi-hotspots to students who lack internet access.
• Federal Funding for Tribal Health: The legislation included Dr. Ruiz's priority to provide $2 billion for Tribal health programs to replace lost third party billing revenue.
• Fighting for Environmental Justice: The Committee included $50 million for environmental justice grants based on Dr. Ruiz's bill, the Environmental Justice for Coronavirus Affect Communities Act.
• Expanding Teaching Health Centers: The bill includes $331 million for the Teaching Health Center Program. Dr. Ruiz has long been an advocate for the expansion of the program, including in his bill, H.R. 949.
• Securing Urban Indian Health Programs: The bill includes two years of 100% FMAP for Medicaid services provided at Urban Indian health programs. Dr. Ruiz's Urban Indian Health Parity Act would permanently extend this provision.

BACKGROUND:

This week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee met virtually for the markup of the Committee's legislative recommendations for budget reconciliation. The Committee will consider four committee prints drafted as individual subtitles relating to: (1) Public Health; (2) Medicaid; (3) the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); and (4) Other Provisions.

• $600 million for vaccines in Indian Country
• $1 billion for the CDC for vaccine awareness and engagement
• $7.6 billion to expand the public health workforce
• $250 million for a nursing home strike team to protect seniors
• Expanded Medicaid support for states to reduce maternal mortality and for incarcerated individuals.

The House of Representatives is expected to take up and vote on the COVID relief package by the end of the month.

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