Dr. Ruiz Joins Congressional Delegation to Ukraine Border in Poland
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) will join a bipartisan Congressional Delegation led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory W. Meeks to the border of Poland and Ukraine to assess the developing humanitarian crisis following Russia's invasion into Ukraine. Dr. Ruiz, who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and is trained in humanitarian and disaster aid, will be the only member of the California delegation to attend.
"I am honored to have been selected by the House Foreign Affairs Committee to join a Congressional Delegation to Poland to assess the complex humanitarian crisis facing the Ukrainian people," said Dr. Ruiz. "Since Vladimir Putin's unprovoked and unjust attack, the Ukrainian people have shown immense resiliency and the strength of democracy. As they now seek certainty and refuge in this time, it is crucial that the United States rally international support and coordination to protect Ukraine's sovereignty, provide humanitarian assistance, ensure international humanitarian law is respected, and hold Putin accountable for his crimes. As an emergency medicine physician trained in humanitarian aid, I look forward to working with Chairman Meeks to evaluate the situation on the ground and bolster our nation's humanitarian response."
The delegation will meet with Secretary Blinken, Ambassador Mark Brzezinski, national and local and Polish officials, USAID's Disaster Assistance Response Team, and Ukrainian civil society activists. They will receive briefings from the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, meet with U.S. service members, and assess the needs at the Polish border which has received the largest influx of refugees fleeing Ukraine.
In addition to Chairman Meeks and Dr. Ruiz, the delegation includes Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul (R-TX) as well as Representatives Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA), Ann Wagner (R-MO), David Cicilline (D-RI), Brian Fitzpatrick, (R-PA), and Susan Wild (D-PA).
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