POTUS shares plans on key issues, Ruiz says he stands against repeal of Affordable Care Act

President Donald Trump in his address to Congress Tuesdayasked for political parties to come together.

“Republicans and Democrats can work together to achieve an outcome that has eluded our country for decades,” Trump said.

Working together is something local congressman, Dr. Raul Ruiz said won’t be happening on health care.

“He exposed old, failed ideas that are going to increase healthcare costs, reduce benefits and increase the amount of uninsured in our nation,” Ruiz said. “His cross-state lines insurance market will be a race to the bottom where people will want to provide the cheapest health insurance with the least protections.”

Ruiz said he extended his one invite Tuesday night to Desert Aids Project CEO David Brinkman because of the president’s plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Residents said they were interested in the president’s plans for infrastructure.

“I’m concerned about the increase in military spending and decreases in other areas of the budget,” Kelly Groves of La Quinta said.

On immigration, one local critic didn’t like the message.

“It was not a message that brought hope to Congress that one could come to a bipartisan immigration reform. It was a, ‘there are bad guys and you got to take them out’,” said Karan Kler of Coachella Valley Immigration Services.

The president covered a lot of ground in the address. Some people say they are hoping the president’s critics will give him a chance.

“I just want everyone to calm down and unite and be sensible and look out for the country and all the people that are here,” said Alice Nucci of Palm Desert.

Ruiz said he will work with the president on his plans for veterans, raising wages for the Armed Forces and protecting law enforcement.