Press Releases

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. released the following statement on the California State Legislature's passage of a water bond, which will be designated as Proposition 1 on the November ballot:

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. joined a group of 116 lawmakers calling on Congress to stay in session until the passage of a compromise bill to help our nation's veterans get access to the timely and quality healthcare they have earned and deserve. In a letter, the lawmakers urge Congressional leadership to delay the August district work period until a deal is reached. Both the House and Senate have passed bills to address the crisis within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and have been in negotiations for more than five weeks while veterans wait for a solution.

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. participated in a House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific hearing yesterday to examine the future of the U.S.-India relationship. Officials from the State Department and the Department of Commerce testified at the hearing entitled, "U.S. India Relations Under the Modi Government." Bera offered the following comment:

SACRAMENTO, CA – Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. applauds California Capital Financial Development Corporation for their new designation as a Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) by the Defense Logistics Agency. This designation will provide federal funds to California Capital, allowing them to provide training, counseling, and resources for businesses to build their capacity and pursue government contracts.

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on news that the bodies of Israeli teenagers Naftali Frenkel, Eyal Yifrach, and Gilad Shaar have been found:

"I am deeply saddened by the news from Israel today that the bodies of three kidnapped teens were found. As a parent, I cannot imagine what the families of Gil-ad, Naftali, and Eyal are going through and my thoughts and prayers are with all their loved ones. We must make sure that those responsible are brought to justice."

Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. provided the following comment after the Supreme Court announced their decision regarding the Hobby Lobby case:

"The Supreme Court's decision today in the Hobby Lobby case sets a dangerous precedent by putting employers in charge of health care decisions for the people who work for them. As a doctor, I believe no one belongs coming between doctors and patients, not bosses, and not politicians. I'm very disappointed by today's decision and I will continue to fight against interfering in the exam room."

Today, Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-7) and Rep. Mark Meadows (NC-11) introduced The Doctors Helping Heroes Act, bipartisan legislation to help shorten wait times at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals across the country by dealing with the serious shortage of doctors that they're facing. The bill would allow foreign doctors trained in the U.S. to get visas to practice at VA hospitals where they are sorely needed.

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D., a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement about the U.S. response to the crisis in Iraq:

"The rapidly shifting situation in Iraq is deeply concerning and very complex. As a House Committee on Foreign Affairs member, I urge the President to remain extremely cautious and consult with members of Congress as we assess the situation. I remain extremely concerned and skeptical about sending any troops to Iraq unless it is to protect U.S. citizen lives and assets."