Representative Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) signaled Tuesday that a sweeping Medicare for All bill is unlikely to pass in the next Congress, even with Democrats in control of both chambers, casting doubt on a key progressive priority.
“I don’t think it’s going to be realistic, and I don’t think there’s consensus right now,” Ruiz told NewsNation’s Washington Bureau Chief Mike Viqueira at The Hill’s “Health Next Summit.” The California Democrat, who is seeking the chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, pointed to President Trump’s veto power over any legislation passed by a Democratic-controlled legislature. Trump has previously threatened to become “Mr. Veto” if his party lost Congress.
Instead, Ruiz advocated for a “bite-sized” approach to address the immediate healthcare crisis while working toward universal coverage. “We need to do bite-sized approaches to remedy the current crisis while we work on legislation that will help us reach universal coverage for every American,” he said.
Healthcare emerged as a top voter concern in the midterm elections, with several newly elected progressives campaigning on single-payer promises. Party leaders vowed to prioritize health costs, and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has renewed his push for Medicare for All, expected to chair the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Sanders has proposed lowering the Medicare eligibility age to 55, expanding coverage, and guaranteeing coverage for children under 19.
However, Ruiz stressed the need to focus on the “emergency at hand,” echoing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ calls to reverse cuts under the GOP’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which trimmed nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid. He also urged reinstating expired Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and supporting rural hospitals.
“I think that the American people really sent a big message that they need some relief,” Ruiz said. He noted that some Republicans, having survived tough reelection fights, might be open to reversing Medicaid cuts, especially with Trump not on the ballot in 2028. “There are some Republicans that were willing to vote against the Medicaid — unfortunately none of them eventually did — but these are the sole survivors in their districts now that are looking for 2028, when President Trump’s not going to be on the ballot,” he added.
Ruiz also saw potential for bipartisan cooperation on nutrition policy, citing his April bill to expand federal “Food as Medicine” programs targeting nutrition-related illnesses and food insecurity. “Currently, our healthcare policy is about who’s going to pay for what services … We need to start doing actual health policy that will incentivize improved health,” he said.
The comments come as Sanders presses Democrats to enact Medicare for All amid shifting Senate dynamics. Meanwhile, California voters have recently rejected several progressive measures, including a billionaire wealth tax, signaling potential limits to bold policy pushes. Ruiz’s pragmatic stance may reflect broader concerns about legislative feasibility in a closely divided Congress.
