FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2025
Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov
Steering and Policy Committee On-the-Road Kicks Off with Coachella Valley Town Hall with Co-Chair Barragán, Democratic Leader Jeffries, Congressman Dr. Ruiz, and Chair of Democratic Women’s Caucus Leger Fernández
(Left to right): Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Steering and Policy Committee Co-Chair Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03)
Coachella Valley, CA — Yesterday, the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee kicked off their On-the-Road series with a Coachella Valley Town Hall with Co-Chair Nanette Barragán (CA-44), host Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), and surprise special guest Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08).
This town hall was the first of a series of conversations the Committee will hold across the country, to speak to families who are affected by the policies of President Trump and House Republicans. Featured storytellers, community participants, and the Congress Members touched upon the potential cuts to affordable healthcare, cuts to services for veterans, and people’s right to due process.
“This Town Hall was just the beginning of a nationwide effort by the Steering and Policy Committee to meet people where they are and hear firsthand how Donald Trump and House Republicans’ reckless policies are hurting working- and middle-class families,” said Steering and Policy Committee Co-Chair Barragán. “From threats to affordable health care to cuts targeting veterans and basic rights, the stories we heard in Rancho Mirage reflect the stakes across the country. I’m deeply grateful to the residents who shared their experiences and trusted us with their voices. We’ll carry their stories to Washington as we continue to fight back against these dangerous, out-of-touch policies.”
“The House Republican budget is an attack on every single American, particularly children, families, seniors and those with disabilities. It is unacceptable, unconscionable and un-American,” said House Democratic Leader Jeffries. “House Democrats will continue to lift up the stories of everyday people in every corner of the country and do everything that we can to stop this budget in its tracks, bury it in the ground and make sure it never rises again.”
“This town hall gave our community a powerful seat at the table in Washington,” said Congressman Dr. Ruiz. “By connecting constituents with House leadership, we’re ensuring the voices of our region are heard and reflected in national policy. I’m proud to bring the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee to our district to listen, learn, and take action.”
“There are 96 Democratic women in the House of Representatives and it’s our job to stand up for the issues women face. We listen to and speak for women in our own districts, and for women everywhere, including the Coachella Valley, whether you’re represented by Raul Ruiz or Ken Calvert. It was moving to hear some of your stories today,” said Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Leger Fernández. “Women have lots of power, and when we raise our voices and our stories to protect our families and children, world, watch out. Because we will win those battles.”
For the live stream of the event, click here.
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