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, 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.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) introduced H.R. 3286, the Emergency Order Assurance, Safety, and Inspection of water Systems (Emergency OASIS Act), which would strengthen the ability of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect communities from drinking water contamination and help ensure that residents have access to clean drinking water while their systems are being repaired.
Hemet, CA – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) and the Independent Living Partnership announced a $1,519,972 grant to improve access to transportation for individuals with mobility issues throughout Riverside County. Over the next three years, the grant will help individuals with mobility issues access free rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential services through the Independent Living Partnership’s Transportation Reimbursement and Information Project (TRIP).
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) announced that the Department of Treasury will send over half a billion dollars to Riverside County and cities throughout the 36th District through the American Rescue Plan. Riverside County will receive $479,874,599 from the Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Fund to strengthen public health efforts, support vital public services, and fund relief programs for households and businesses. Dr. Ruiz voted in support of the American Rescue Plan to secure these critical relief funds for local governments.
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.