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 U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bipartisan infrastructure package focused on creating millions of American jobs, rebuilding our nation’s roads and bridges, and combatting the climate crisis. Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D.
Palm Desert, CA – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) announced that John, a 70-year-old Palm Springs resident, finally received his Survivor Benefits 16 years after the death of his husband. The news comes after Congressman Ruiz’s office stepped in to resolve a long-standing dispute with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that had continued even after the U.S. District Court ruled that same-sex couples were eligible for SSA Survivor Benefits.
Washington, D.C. – Today, on National First Responders Day, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) is calling for the House to take up his legislation, the Heroes Lesley Zerebny and Gil Vega First Responders Survivors Support Act and voted to pass additional bills to support first responders. On Wednesday, Ruiz voted to pass two bills that deliver on his long-standing commitment to support the mental health needs of law enforcement officers and ensure families of fallen or injured first responders receive the benefits they deserve.
The Board of Supervisors approved the use of a $30 million state grant for efforts to relocate hundreds of people from the hazard-plagued Oasis Mobile Home Park in Thermal, though the process of clearing the 60-acre space is already facing potential hurdles.
"There's nothing to stop the current owners and operators from allowing other people to move in there," County Counsel Greg Priamos told the board ahead of its 4-0 vote. "We may never get off this merry-go-round."
Nearly $19 million in American Rescue Plan Funds have been distributed to theater venues and small businesses in the Coachella Valley area, it was announced Thursday.
Theaters and event sites in the 36th District of California were among 28 venues that received a portion of the nearly $19 million, Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Coachella, said.
Ruiz secures $1.85M toward three Blythe projects: Plans to bolster healthcare, drinking water access
July wrapped a busy month of wins for the Blythe constituency, with California 36th District Congress Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz further securing $1.85 million in Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriation bills toward area projects.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4502, a government funding package, that included numerous high-priority provisions he secured. The spending bills included $10 million in federal funding specifically designated for ten Community Projects spread across the 36th District. The local projects supported by Rep.
Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA) and Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) introduced H.R. 4580, the American Seasonal and Perishable Crop Support Act, which would help level the playing field for Coachella Valley growers who compete against below-market foreign imports. The legislation was drafted in concert with local growers who have seen drastic drops in production as foreign imports have driven prices below a sustainable level.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) joined DPCC Co-Chair Ted Lieu (CA-33) and Representatives Judy Chu (CA-27) and Mark Takano (CA-41) to urge passage of the Invest in America Act ahead of the House vote on the legislation this week. The Invest in America Act, which includes investments for infrastructure projects in the 36th District, will create good-paying jobs rebuilding roads, bridges, transit, rail, and wastewater and drinking water infrastructure.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) announced that a major infrastructure project for the 36th District was selected for authorization and funding in the INVEST in America Act. This legislation includes $20 million specifically for the Monroe St. Interchange Project in Indio to reconstruct and widen the on- and off-ramps at the I-10 / Monroe St. exit. The new overpass would include additional through and turn lanes, and it would accommodate the CV Link pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.