Problem Solving and Bipartisanship
People in the 36th District are sick of the partisan bickering and political gamesmanship that has led to extreme gridlock in Washington. As a doctor, I have always put people above partisanship and solutions above ideology, and those are the values I’ve brought with me to Washington.
I have made it a top priority to work with anyone who has a good idea, Republican or Democrat, to find pragmatic solutions to the challenges facing my constituents and our nation. Just recently I worked together with Representative Phil Roe to co-lead the Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act, which eliminated the Independent Payment Advisory Board, a well-intentioned but misguided attempt to control rising medical costs, it threatened to put an unelected and unaccountable panel in charge of making cuts to Medicare. Dr. Roe and I gathered 270 cosponsors, worked it through the process, and it was signed into law as part of a larger legislative package. This is how we, working together on bipartisan solutions, can start making government work for the people.
Over the years I am proud to have sponsored 5 and been the Democratic lead for 5 Republican bills that have become law. My bills aimed at getting veterans the benefits they have earned and deserve more quickly and efficiency, reducing the appeals backlog, recruiting the best doctors to give veterans the best care, and most recently a bill which protects communities in the wake of a severe wildfire.
The fact is, it doesn’t matter whose name is on the bill, or what party it comes from, if it’s a good idea we have a responsibility to come together and support it.
More on Problem Solving and Bipartisanship
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passed Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D.’s (CA-36) legislation, H.R.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) introduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) to increase the financial assistance provided to the families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. In addition to substantially increasing the death and disability benefit for families of fallen officers, H.R.
Washington, D.C. – This week, Congress passed H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which included several measures championed by Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. From additional funding for projects at the Salton Sea, to closing the coverage gap for seniors enrolling in Medicare Part B; from ending surprise billing to making major investments in cybersecurity education, Rep. Ruiz secured key victories for constituents in California’s 36th Congressional District in this year’s government funding bill.
While lawmakers wrangle over a fresh relief package and a second round of stimulus checks, some Americans are still waiting for their first payments nearly nine months after the CARES Act was signed.
The act granted $1,200 payments to millions of eligible individuals to help with the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Standing Up for USPS
Last week, I spoke out about how Postmaster DeJoy’s sabotage has harmed the USPS and our community.
Congressman Raul Ruiz held a news conference outside the U.S. Post Office in La Quinta to denounce the changes to the service implemented by Postmaster Louis DeJoy.
DeJoy reversed course on the actions that have caused concern, saying in a statement he will suspend the changes until after the election.
Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Palm Desert, discussed a bill pending aimed at modified funding for the U.S. Postal Service on Tuesday, August 18, 2020.
Issues with delivering stimulus checks issued under the CARES Act have been branded outrageous, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) facing calls to expedite delayed payments.
Payments of up to $1,200 per person began being sent to eligible individuals after President Donald Trump signed the bill in March, though lawmakers have complained of people still awaiting their money months late
Washington, DC – Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) is calling on the IRS to expedite stimulus checks to people who still have not received their Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) and to be more responsive in answering inquiries about the status of pending checks. In a letter to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Charles Rettig, Dr. Ruiz said his office had submitted 80 inquiries and received fewer than 20 responses from the IRS.
Washington, DC – Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) is putting pressure on companies to ensure vulnerable populations and frontline workers have access to COVID-19 vaccines. During a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing, Dr. Ruiz questioned executives on their vaccine distribution plans to address health disparities.