Dr. Ruiz Statement on Opposing Repeal of Health Care Legislation

Statement

Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-Palm Desert) today released the following statement regarding his vote against H.R. 45, legislation to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act:

"The 2010 health care legislation is an imperfect bill that does not adequately address the issue of rising health care costs or the physician shortage crisis in our local communities. However, it is critical that children with cancer can't be denied access to health care insurance, that young adults can stay on their parents' insurance plan until age 26, and that prescription drugs are affordable for our seniors.

"Clearly, there are many issues that need to be addressed in order to make the health care bill work for all families, small businesses, and employers. We must continue to focus on driving down the cost of health care and expanding pipeline programs to address the growing physician shortage in my District and across the country.

"In order to fix these problems and achieve the long-term reforms our health care system needs, it is time for Congress to stop the petty partisan gamesmanship and start working together to reach pragmatic, bipartisan solutions that are right for the American people. I stand ready to work with my colleagues in both political parties toward that end."

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