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Rep. Bera announces launch of Congressional Doctors Caucus

The caucus is a new initiative aimed at leveraging medical expertise to shape healthcare policy and advocate for patient-centered reforms.

Ami Bera / File Photo

Indian American Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA), along with five other Democratic physicians in the U.S. House of Representatives announced the formation of the Congressional Doctors Caucus. 

The caucus is a new initiative aimed at leveraging medical expertise to shape healthcare policy and advocate for patient-centered legislative reforms.

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Bera, an internal medicine physician and the most senior doctor serving in the House, emphasized the importance of having medical professionals at the policymaking table. “As physicians, we bring firsthand experience with the challenges facing patients and providers every day,” he said. “This caucus will harness our collective expertise to advance practical, evidence-based solutions that lower costs, expand access, and strengthen care delivery.”

The newly formed caucus includes Representatives Herb Conaway Jr. of New Jersey, Maxine Dexter of Oregon, Kelly Morrison of Minnesota, Raul Ruiz of California, and Kim Schrier of Washington, all of whom have backgrounds in various medical fields. 

The launch of the Democratic Doctors Caucus comes at a time when healthcare policy is increasingly a focal point of national debate. With a Republican majority in Congress and a Trump-Vance administration advancing policies that many Democrats see as detrimental to public health, the caucus aims to counteract efforts that could undermine access to care. 

Morrison underscored this urgency, stating, “We are seeing health care, evidence-based science, and lifesaving research come under attack more than ever before. As doctors, we will always stand up for the health and well-being of all Americans.”

The establishment of this caucus also highlights a growing presence of medical professionals in legislative roles. While the Republican Party has had its own Doctors Caucus since 2009, this marks the first official Democratic counterpart, providing an alternative voice on health policy discussions. 

The group’s efforts are expected to focus on expanding access to affordable healthcare, combating medical misinformation, and strengthening public health initiatives.

 

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