Dr. Ruiz Votes to Lower Costs for Seniors & Families, Sending Historic Legislation to President's Desk

Press Release

Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) voted to send H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act, to President Biden's desk. The historic legislation will lower families' kitchen table costs, create millions of good-paying jobs delivering the most significant climate action in history, and dramatically reduce the deficit. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare will be able to negotiate prescription drug prices for the first time, seniors' out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs will be capped to $2,000 a year, health care premiums will be reduced, the deficit will be lowered, and families will save money on home energy. Additionally, the legislation includes $4 billion to address drought -- particularly targeting the Salton Sea -- and investments in critical mineral development like lithium extraction at the Salton Sea.

"Today, I voted to send the Inflation Reduction Act to President Biden's desk to lower costs for seniors and families in our communities and across the country," said Dr. Ruiz. "The rising cost of living is weighing heavily on local families, and they are in urgent need of relief. The Inflation Reduction Act delivers the bold action we need to lower prescription drug costs for seniors, health care costs for working families, and energy costs for our communities."

"I am also thrilled that this historic legislation will help us address the environmental and public health crisis at the Salton Sea and invest in renewable energy development in our region," continued Dr. Ruiz. "With transformative investments in drought mitigation and critical mineral development, the Inflation Reduction Act will protect the health of frontline communities, bring crucial resources to Imperial County, and increase America's energy independence with the lithium at the Salton Sea."

The Salton Sea provisions in the bill were championed by Dr. Ruiz in the House and supported by the Salton Sea Authority and Imperial Irrigation District.

"Our Congressional delegation for years has steadfastly worked with us to secure federal funding to address the crisis at the Salton Sea," commented Salton Sea Authority Executive Director G. Patrick O'Dowd.

"I commend Congressman Ruiz for including this absolutely essential funding in the bill so that the impacts on the Salton Sea and surrounding disadvantaged and tribal communities of any future Colorado River water cuts from our region are fully mitigated by the federal government," O'Dowd added.

"The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) enthusiastically supports the Inflation Reduction Act for its forward-thinking investments into Colorado River drought relief and a more sustainable and resilient electric grid," said Imperial Irrigation District Board President James C. Hanks. "The legislation includes $4 billion in funding necessary to address the severe drought conditions on the Colorado River head-on, including investments in water conservation projects and environmental restoration at the Salton Sea. The act provides for energy infrastructure upgrades to better serve our customers, spurs additional renewable energy generation, and further supports domestic lithium development. We are thankful for the efforts to adopt this legislation that will directly serve the Imperial and Coachella Valleys, and look forward to aiding in prompt implementation of the legislation for the betterment of our water and energy customers and the communities IID serves overall."

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