LAC: What are the key legislative issues that you are focusing on this session?

RR: My primary work this session has been on veterans’ health care access through the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. I believe we can transform the culture of the VA medical center system so that we put the veterans’ health and their health care outcomes at the center of the VA system. I also have continued the fight to protect Medicare, as we have to ensure that the Medicare system remains viable for our next generation of senior citizens. Lastly, I have been working to ensure that women have access to reproductive care and that physicians who provide that care are protected from any law that would interfere with the physician-patient relationship.

One of the very real programs that makes me very proud is the creation of a “Veterans University” in my district. This project is a collaboration of public and private companies and agencies that work together to make sure that veterans and their families have access to all the benefits that they have earned. —U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz, MD

LAC: What do you see as potential solutions to the hyper-partisanship that exists within Congress?

RR: First, there has to be a change in how Congress behaves. We have to push for a culture of civility and statesmanship and reduce the level of childish “gotcha” rhetoric. My approach in working to do “the right thing” is to look for the common ground as I work with other members of the House on both sides of the aisle. I may disagree with someone on 80 percent of the issues that come before us in Congress, but I choose to focus on the 20 percent that I do agree with someone on and work with them on those issues. A great example of this is my work with Rep. Joe Heck on legislation that would help educational institutions that serve Hispanic populations foster and increase the number of students choosing the premed track. This program would not only help individual students but would strengthen the diversity of our health care workforce. The added bonus is that each of the graduates from these programs becomes a role model and mentor for future students to look up to and emulate.

LAC: What are you most and least proud of in your political career?

RR: I would have to say that I am most proud of my work in serving on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and my service to our veterans and their families. One of the very real programs that makes me very proud is the creation of a “Veterans University” in my district. This project is a collaboration of public and private companies and agencies that work together to make sure that veterans and their families have access to all the benefits that they have earned. This program is a first of its kind and didn’t require any federal funds to make happen. It’s a great example of just taking care of each other right at home. I truly believe that, as a leader, you don’t have to wait for Congress to act or for Congress to get its act together. As far as my least proud moment, I would have to say that it was being associated with an organization (Congress) that shut itself down when we had an obligation to continue to do the work of the people of this country.