Raul Ruiz
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This is another dangerous attempt by the Trump administration to undermine our elections. Every Californian deserves to know that their vote is safe, secure, and going to count. We must protect every eligible voter’s right to vote and make sure every voice is heard. https://t.co/768bcYjyRT
Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day! https://t.co/MKmraUvRGq
Heads-up, showers are expected tonight, and the storm is forecast to move in early Sunday morning. Take some time today to get ready. Make sure you have food, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries on hand, and charge your phones in case the power goes out. Stay safe and keep an eye on the weather updates. 📞 Emergency: 911 📞 Help and shelter information: 211 📱 Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 for shelter information 🌐 Weather updates: https://t.co/WMJdSKs5dE Este atento! Hoy sábado se esperan lluvias esporádicas y la tormenta llega temprano este domingo. Tómese el tiempo para preparase el día de hoy. Asegúrese de tener comida, medicamentos, linternas, y pilas o baterías a la mano. No olvide cargar sus celulares y tabletas, en caso que haya un corte eléctrico. Cuídese y manténgase informado con los canales locales, acerca del estado del tiempo. 📞 Emergencias: 911 📞 Información y refugios: 211 📱 Refugios: envíe SHELTER y su código postal al 43362 🌐 Alertas: https://t.co/WMJdSKs5dE
A storm arrives late Saturday and stays with us through Sunday. As a doctor, I know a little preparation goes a long way. Please stock up on water, food, medications, and batteries. Remember to charge your phones and check on your neighbors and seniors. 📞 Emergency: 911 📞 Info and shelters: 211 📱 Shelters: text SHELTER + your ZIP to 43362 🌐 Alerts: https://t.co/WMJdSKs5dE Stay safe, our communities look out for each other. Una tormenta llega a nuestra región este sábado y se queda con nosotros hasta el domingo. Como doctor, sé que un poco de preparación hace una gran diferencia. Tenga a mano agua, comida, medicinas y baterías, cargue sus teléfonos y revise a sus vecinos y adultos mayores. 📞 Emergencias: 911 📞 Información y refugios: 211 📱 Refugios: envíe SHELTER y su código postal al 43362 🌐 Alertas: https://t.co/WMJdSKs5dE Cuídese. Nuestras comunidades se cuidan entre sí.
The brutal behavior of ICE agents have shown a complete disregard for human life. In New York, they shot into a car with a five year old child. In our backyard, Oasis, they pushed a woman to the ground, hospitalizing her and then detained her. The brutality must stop. We need common sense guardrails: body cameras, clear rules, real oversight.
The brutal behavior of ICE agents have shown a complete disregard for human life. In New York, they shot into a car with a five year old child. In our backyard, Oasis, they pushed a woman to the ground, hospitalizing her and then detained her. The brutality must stop. We need common sense guardrails: body cameras, clear rules, real oversight.
A storm arrives late Saturday and stays with us through Sunday. As a doctor, I know a little preparation goes a long way. Please stock up on water, food, medications, and batteries. Remember to charge your phones and check on your neighbors and seniors. 📞 Emergency: 911 📞 Info and shelters: 211 📱 Shelters: text SHELTER + your ZIP to 43362 🌐 Alerts: https://t.co/WMJdSKs5dE Stay safe; our communities look out for each other. Una tormenta llega a nuestra región este sábado y se queda con nosotros hasta el domingo. Como doctor, sé que un poco de preparación hace una gran diferencia. Tenga a mano agua, comida, medicinas y baterías, cargue sus teléfonos y revise a sus vecinos y adultos mayores. 📞 Emergencias: 911 📞 Información y refugios: 211 📱 Refugios: envíe SHELTER y su código postal al 43362 🌐 Alertas: https://t.co/WMJdSKs5dE Cuídese. Nuestras comunidades se cuidan entre sí.
WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), joined by Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL), and Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández (D-PR), introduced the Puerto Rico Medicare Advantage Fairness Act. This bipartisan bill would correct a long-standing formula gap that underpays Medicare Advantage in Puerto Rico. How it works Medicare Advantage plans receive a fixed monthly payment from the federal government for each senior they enroll. Part of that payment is based on the local cost of care, which is measured by the average geographic adjustment (AGA). Puerto Rico's AGA is much lower than it should be. The formula relies on spending in traditional Medicare (fee-for-service), but very few beneficiaries in Puerto Rico use fee-for-service, since most are enrolled in MA. Basing the AGA on such a small population understates what care actually costs on the island, and MA plans receive a lower benchmark payment for each senior as a result. This bill would set Puerto Rico's AGA equal to that of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a territory with similar socioeconomic circumstances, so that payments reflect the true cost of delivering care. The problem Over 650,000 Puerto Rico beneficiaries rely on Medicare Advantage, over 90 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries on the island. Puerto Rico receives about 40 percent less per beneficiary than the U.S. average. Benchmark rates run roughly 20 percent below those in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The payment gap has led to smaller provider networks and reduced benefits, and doctors and hospitals absorb lower reimbursements. This threatens the quality and availability of healthcare services in Puerto Rico. "As an emergency physician, I know that when care is out of reach, seniors pay the price," said Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. "Puerto Ricans pay into Medicare on the same terms as every American, yet their Medicare Advantage plans are paid about 40 percent less. That gap has shrunk provider networks, cut benefits, and strained doctors and hospitals. This bill is a targeted, common-sense fix. I thank Representatives Bilirakis and Soto and Resident Commissioner Hernández for working with me to give seniors the fair coverage they have earned." "Seniors deserve reliable access to the high-quality health care they have earned through Medicare, regardless of where they live," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. "Medicare Advantage plays an important role in delivering care to beneficiaries across Puerto Rico, and we must ensure the program is funded fairly and sustainably so seniors can continue accessing the doctors, treatments, and benefits they rely upon. I'm proud to join Representatives Ruiz and Soto in introducing the bipartisan Puerto Rico Medicare Advantage Fairness Act to address longstanding disparities, strengthen access to care and provide greater stability for patients and providers." “I am proud to join Reps. Bilirakis and Ruiz in introducing the bipartisan Puerto Rico Medicare Advantage Fairness Act to make geographic adjustments to Medicare Advantage benchmarks in Puerto Rico to match those of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This takes us closer to achieving full parity between the Island and the mainland. Puerto Ricans are American citizens, and they deserve access to the same healthcare benefits as all Americans." said Congressman Darren Soto. “We are prioritizing the basics: ensuring that our seniors have access to the doctors and healthcare services they need. This year, we secured a significant increase in Medicare Advantage funding for Puerto Rico. Now, we are taking the next step to fix a longstanding funding disparity that has affected the Island for years,” said Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández. “This legislation represents an important step toward addressing a longstanding structural challenge in Medicare Advantage payments in Puerto Rico. With approximately 96% of Medicare beneficiaries on the Island choosing Medicare Advantage, the methodology used to establish Puerto Rico’s benchmarks must reflect the reality of the market it serves. We thank Congressman Ruiz, Representatives Bilirakis and Soto, and Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera for coming together on a bipartisan solution that would use the U.S. Virgin Islands as a comparable geographic reference and help strengthen access to care for hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries in Puerto Rico. MMAPA strongly supports this effort and looks forward to continuing to work with Congress and CMS to advance a more stable and sustainable Medicare Advantage program for Puerto Rico”, said Solage De Lahongrais, President of the Medicaid and Medicare Advantage Products Association of Puerto Rico (MMAPA) The legislation would create a self-adjusting link: if the U.S. Virgin Islands' adjustment changes, Puerto Rico's would move with it. It is a targeted fix for a formula that has never reflected the true cost of care on the island. Bill text is available: LINK
I met with CEOs from Community Health Centers across our district to discuss the pressing challenges facing their centers and the patients who depend on them. These centers are essential to our community's health infrastructure, and I remain committed to fighting for affordable and accessible health care.
Image WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On September 24, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) introduced H. Res. 1583 expressing support for the designation of October as National Promotoras Month. This is the first time the resolution has been introduced at the federal level. Promotoras, sometimes known as community health workers, peer educators, health advocates, patient navigators, and cultural liaisons, are trusted messengers who connect families to the care they need. They serve rural towns, farmworker families, Tribal nations, border communities, and immigrant neighborhoods, delivering health education and prevention in the language and culture of the people they serve. "As an Emergency Physician, I saw too many patients arrive when it was already too late. Promotoras change that. They knock on doors, speak our language, and earn the trust that keeps families healthy before a crisis hits. This resolution recognizes their work and thanks them for everything they do for our communities," said Congressman Raul Ruiz M.D. Promotoras help reduce emergency room visits, increase preventive care, and improve management of chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, lowering health care costs for everyone. Yet many remain underrecognized and underpaid, with limited training pathways and support. The resolution: Recognizes the essential contributions of promotoras and community health workers to the health of our communities Acknowledges the need for sustainable funding, workforce development, and fair compensation for the promotora workforce Encourages federal, state, Tribal, and community partners to invest in and expand promotora-led programs, especially in rural areas "Promotoras are trusted community leaders whom families turn to for resources, information, and support. They show up during emergencies and celebrations alike, guided by the same deep commitment to provide “servicio de corazón”, service from the heart,” said Maria Lemus, Executive Director, Vision y Compromiso. “We are profoundly grateful to Congressman Ruiz for his leadership in presenting this federal resolution recognizing the vital contributions of Promotoras. Community members, as well as federal and state agencies, rely on Promotoras to advance the health, well-being, and resilience of communities across the country. Designating October as National Promotoras Month honors their leadership and ensures that their work receives the recognition it deserves."
I joined Leader Jeffries and House Democrats to demand that the Republican majority focus on lowering costs, expand health care, and create jobs for working people. We heard directly from Americans struggling with the cost of living, including John Hansen, President of the Nebraska Farmers Union for more than 20 years, who laid out how rising diesel prices, caused by Trump's war in Iran, are hurting farmers nationwide and driving up grocery bills for American families. I will keep fighting in Congress to end this war, bring down costs, and put more money back in the pockets of working people.
It was great to connect with employers, workforce professionals, and job seekers across the Coachella Valley yesterday at the 31st Annual Valley-Wide Employment Expo. With unemployment rates far too high in our district, creating real pathways to good job opportunities is not optional, but rather essential. I am proud to stand with local partners working every day to put people to work.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On September 28, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), joined by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), introduced a bipartisan resolution designating October 1st as National Latino and Latina Physician Day. Latinos make up nearly one in five Americans, yet only 6.7 percent of U.S. physicians are Latino or Latina, and just 2.8 percent are Latina. By 2050, Latinos are projected to represent more than one in four people in the United States and one in three children. At the same time, the nation faces a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Research shows that when patients share the language and culture of their doctors, care and outcomes improve. Growing the Latino and Latina physician workforce means better health for our communities and for the nation. "Growing up in a farmworker family taught me what it means to go without care, so I became an Emergency Physician to serve under resourced communities," said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. "Today, too many Latino families still can't find a doctor who speaks their language or understands their cultures. This resolution recognizes the Latino and Latina physicians working to close that gap, and it challenges us to open more doors for the next generation." "Trust in medical care is essential. Physicians that understand their community and are a reflection of it are critical when building and establishing that trust," said Rep. Salazar. "As our nation faces a healthcare workforce shortage, I am proud to co-lead this resolution that supports Latino and Latina physicians, who are helping to close gaps in care and serve as a trustworthy pillar of their community." The resolution supports increasing the number of Latino and Latina physicians and expanding diversity in the medical field. It has earned the support of leading national medical organizations. "The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) is proud support National Latino and Latina Physicians Day and thank Rep. Ruiz and Rep. Salazar for their bipartisan work in highlighting the work of physicians critical to improving the health of patients and communities nationwide. As the nation faces a persistent physician shortage, we must support policies that increase to access to careers in medicine for future Latino and Latina physicians, and everyone in the next generation of doctors," said Danielle Turnipseed, JD, MHSA, MPP, chief public policy officer, AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) "The National Hispanic Medical Association supports H.Res. 1589, introduced by Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., recognizing October 1 as National Latino and Latina Physician Day. We need more Latino physicians serving our communities. This day not only highlights the significant underrepresentation of Latinos in the physician workforce but also recognizes the tremendous work Latino physicians do every day to care for patients and communities across our nation. We are proud to support this resolution and its recognition of the Latino physicians who serve our country," said Gilbert Burgos, M.D., MPH, President of the National Hispanic Medical Association.
I met with physicians in the San Jacinto Valley and discussed our efforts to address the physician shortage and expand access to health care. Great meeting! https://t.co/KUFHOgLFB3
Sherrif Bianco lost his election and in court. The message is clear, his attempt to take election ballots to win Trump’s endorsement failed and was illegal. He is not above the law. We must always protect the integrity of our elections, defend our democracy, and fight against lawlessness. https://t.co/jHnj2Ghl5K
Washington, D.C. — On May 21, 2026, Reps. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) and Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39) filed a discharge petition forcing a vote on the Major Richard Star Act. After months of work to build majority support in the House, the petition reached the 218 signatures needed to guarantee a floor vote, a milestone made possible by sustained pressure from veteran service organizations, combat-injured veterans, and lawmakers who refused to give up on the legislation.c "It's official, we did it! We reached 218 signatures, and veterans just won a floor vote on my bipartisan Major Richard Star Act. I want to congratulate my partner in this fight, Ranking Member Mark Takano, for his tireless leadership in getting us here," said Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25). Reaching 218 signatures freezes the petition and places the discharge motion on the House Calendar, where it must sit for seven legislative days before it can be called up. But with the House now in recess, that window will not open until Members return in November. When it does, a signer can bring the motion to the floor, and if adopted, the House proceeds directly to a vote on the Major Richard Star Act. "While this is a victory worth celebrating, the fight continues to deliver justice for our veterans, who for years have lived with the injustice of being forced to medically retire due to combat-related injuries, penalized and unable to receive both their disability compensation and their retirement pay in full. With this bipartisan bill, it is time for Congress to show our veterans that their sacrifice was not in vain and that we are here to support them." said Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25). "218 signatures mean the House has spoken. A majority of Members, Democrats and Republicans, said enough is enough," said Ranking Member Takano (CA-39). "Combat-injured veterans shouldn't have to choose between the retirement they earned and the disability compensation they're owed. The time for that debate is over." "It's past time to eliminate the 'wounded veteran tax' that reduces the benefits that our veterans earn with their service and sacrifice," said Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01), a resolution cosponsor and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. "We're working hard to get this across the finish line and see it become law before the end of the year, and I'm thrilled to see our discharge petition reach 218 signatures. I thank our veterans for speaking out and for their leadership on this issue. We're making sure Congress steps up and does our part by forcing a vote in the House, and we'll keep fighting until this bill finally becomes law." Veteran service organizations have pushed for years for the bill's passage, calling the current offset an injustice that punishes veterans for the severity of their combat injuries. "This milestone is the result of veterans and their advocates refusing to let this issue fade away," said VFW National Commander-in-Chief Cory Geisler. "The VFW thanks Ranking Member Mark Takano for introducing this petition, every Member who signed this bipartisan effort, and Representative Nancy Mace for providing the 218th signature. The VFW will continue working with Congress until the Major Richard Star Act reaches the finish line." "This is what veterans' advocacy looks like, not a bill developed behind closed doors, with harmful and unacceptable trade-offs," said Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America CEO Dr. Kyleanne Hunter. "We are looking forward to the House bringing the Major Richard Star Act to the floor as a clean stand-alone bill that will provide long-overdue benefits to tens of thousands of veterans." "With 340 bipartisan cosponsors, it's clear the bill has enough support to pass," said DAV (Disabled American Veterans). "No more delays. It's time for action." Background: The Major Richard Star Act H.R. 2102 was introduced on March 14, 2025, by Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). The bill now has 340 cosponsors in the House and 80 in the Senate. The bill amends federal law to eliminate the dollar-for-dollar offset for Chapter 61 disability retirees with combat-related disabilities, allowing them to receive both their military retired pay and VA disability compensation in full, just as all other retired veterans do. Tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans who were medically retired before completing 20 years of service currently forfeit part of their retirement pay to receive VA disability compensation under this offset. The bill is named for Major Richard A. Star, a decorated Army combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was medically retired due to combat-related injuries. When Major Star was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, he devoted his remaining time to fighting for the tens of thousands of veterans impacted by this offset. Before he passed on February 13, 2021, he asked his wife Tonya to carry on that fight alongside Congress. This legislation honors his courage, his family's sacrifice, and his enduring commitment to his fellow veterans. The bill is endorsed by a broad coalition of veteran service organizations, including the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, the VFW, The American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and The Military Coalition. ###
218 signatures. We did it! The Major Richard Star Act has reached the threshold of signatures on the discharge petition needed to force a vote in the House. The Speaker must now bring it for a vote after 7 legislative days and I’m very hopeful it will pass the House! This is a major step toward ensuring combat-injured veterans can receive the full retirement and disability benefits they earned. The fight isn’t over. We’ll keep pushing until our veterans get the relief they deserve.
Trump's latest $5K "bribe" is just the newest empty promise while working people pay higher grocery, gas, and utility bills. Time for Trump to stop the bribes and start lowering costs, expanding health care access, and creating jobs for the American people. https://t.co/KpBu9PTn95
Today is National Voter Registration Day! Voting is a constitutional right, and every American deserves a safe, convenient way to make their voice heard. That's why I introduced the Vote Without Fear Act making voting even safer. Voting by mail is secure and convenient, letting you cast your ballot on your own time, from home. Your ballot only reaches you if your registration is accurate, so take a minute today to confirm that your information is correct and up to date.
On the 25th anniversary of September 11th, I pause in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 lives we lost, for the families who lost their loved ones, and for the first responders who ran toward danger without a second thought. I have seen what it means to show up for someone in their darkest moment, and I hold deep respect for those who did that on the worst day many of us will ever remember. Twenty-five years later, I remain committed to standing with the survivors, the families, and the first responders who still carry that day with them, and to helping ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya is a pediatrician who has been detained by the Israeli government for nearly two years without being charged or a trial. I’m very concerned about reports by Amnesty International and other human rights monitors that he has suffered severe abuse and has not received appropriate care for his deteriorating and life-threatening health conditions. I am calling on Secretary Rubio to work with the Israeli government to release Dr. Abu Safiya so he can get the urgent medical care that he needs READ MORE: https://t.co/N04vjwU9aR
Happy Labor Day! Today, I honor the working people whose skill, dedication, and sacrifice built this country and keep it running. I'm especially grateful to the organized labor movement — it was union advocacy that won us minimum wage protections, safer workplaces, the right to collectively bargain for fair pay and so much more. Generations of working families are better off because unions fought for them. I will continue advocating for job creation and fighting for strong worker protections, so that hard work keeps paying off for everyone in our communities.
During Suicide Prevention Month, I pause to remember those we've lost and support those who are struggling. As a physician, I know how critical it is to expand access to mental health care in our communities. No one should face this alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 988 the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 988 is a free and confidential emotional support lifeline that’s available 24 hours a day to support people in crisis. The service is secure and confidential.
Thank you to the firefighters, first responders, and emergency personnel putting in the hard work around the clock to keep our communities safe. Emergency responders have successfully stopped the #AirportFire's forward spread across approximately 50 acres and will remain on scene conducting extensive clean-up operations. There are currently no evacuations or reported injuries though I encourage everyone to remain informed and monitor official emergency alerts for the latest updates. https://t.co/McjqExHhHs