PALM DESERT, Calif.- – A Coachella Valley lawmaker was recognized by a nonprofit group for his efforts to seek bipartisan solutions in Congress, the representative’s office announced today.
Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Palm Desert, was the only Democrat out of four recipients of the 2018 Legislative Action Award from the Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit that “engages in aggressive advocacy and strategic outreach to unite Republicans and Democrats on polarizing issues,” according to the organization’s website.
According to the BPC, the award is “presented annually to members of Congress within their first six years in office who work to build consensus, elevate the tenor of the debate, practice civility, and advance legislation on pressing issues.”
Ruiz was presented with the award Wednesday during a reception at the BPC offices.
“Since my first day in Congress, 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,” Ruiz said. “I am truly humbled that this problem-solving approach has been recognized by
the Bipartisan Policy Center and I look forward to continuing to serve my patients and my constituents through thoughtful bipartisan solutions.”
The other recipients were Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colorado; Sen. Angus King, I-Maine; and Rep. Susan Brooks, R-Indiana.
Brooks said, “It means a lot to me to be recognized with Dr. Ruiz, a colleague of mind in the Energy and Commerce Committee. We work very hard in that committee to try and find bipartisan solutions for the American people, whether it has to do with health policy, energy policy, communications policy, we work very hard. It’s an honor to receive this award with him.”
Former Republican National Committee Chairman and BPC board member Michael Steele, who presented Ruiz with the award, said, “I just wanted to give a shout out and congratulations to Congressman Ruiz on his award and the work that he’s doing to bring members of both parties together in the House around big issues with the idea to solve problems. We need more leaders like him who are willing to take risks and to take some of the slings and arrows that you know come with reaching out across the aisle to make a difference for the constituents in his district and his community, but most importantly for the country as a whole.’
