Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) announced H.R. 5827, the Protecting Outdoor Concerts Act, to keep workers, concertgoers, and Valley residents safe at major concert events. This common-sense legislation directs the FAA to authorize large outdoor concerts and music festivals to seek temporary flight restrictions to secure their airspace, providing them the same protections that major sporting events already have.

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation authored by Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) to take more than 2,500 acres of land in the San Jacinto Mountains into trust for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. H.R. 897, the Agua Caliente Land Exchange Fee to Trust Confirmation Act, would allow the Tribe to further their conservation efforts and practice consistent forest management.

Palm Desert, CA – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) sounded the alarm on the need to address the opioid epidemic plaguing the nation. Today, during a hearing with the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Health Subcommittee entitled, "The Overdose Crisis: Interagency Proposal to Combat Illicit Fentanyl-Related Substances," Ruiz told the story of a local constituent, Jennifer Loza of Bermuda Dunes, who lost her son to a fentanyl poisoning.

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act, historic legislation that builds on the success of the American Rescue Plan by delivering once-in-a-generation action to lower the everyday costs that burden working families in the 36^th District – from health care to child care to housing. Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) voted to pass the legislation, which includes his provision to invest $100 million for the Bureau of Reclamation that can be used at the Salton Sea.

Washington, D.C. – This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2433, the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation authored by Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) and co-led by Republican Rep. Brad Wenstrup (OH-02) to improve the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. The VA uses entries from the registry to assess the negative health effects of toxic burn pit exposure.

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.