U.S. Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nevada, received bipartisan support for legislation issuing grant funding for "Hispanic serving" medical institutions.

Heck's bill would allow Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) the access of existing grant dollars to enhance students' advancements from four-year schools or community colleges to medical school.

The legislation, H.R. 2927, has received support from Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Calif., a medical doctor and lead Democratic sponsor.

"Expanding opportunities for students at [HSIs] to pursue medical education will improve access to care and strengthen our communities," Heck said in a statement. "There are students eager to pursue medical school so they can serve the communities they live in to improve healthcare and quality of life. This bill will give them a chance to do just that.

The Republican congressman, who is also an osteopathic physician, thanked Ruiz for his sponsorship of H.R. 2927 and hopes the legislation will move forward in the House of Representatives

"As a first generation college student, I know how difficult it is to navigate the path through undergrad, into medical school, and to finish residency to become an emergency physician," said Ruiz. "This pragmatic, bipartisan bill will bring down barriers for Hispanic students to pursue a medical education, allowing them to dedicate their careers to the health and wellness of our communities."

According to a statement released by Heck's office, HSIs are typically defined by the U.S. Department of Education as institutions that have at least 25 percent Latino enrollment rate. The bill would comply with current U.S. law that grants HSIs the eligibility to receive funding to improve facilities, train staff and tutoring services for students. The eligible funding may also be used to implement programs aimed to "improve the educational experience and outcomes for students." The purpose of H.R. 2927 would be to expand additional use of the existing grant funds.

Heck's legislation comes as he announced his bid for the Senate. In a video, Heck announced his intention to succeed Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nevada, who announced he will not seek another six-year term with the Senate.

"I've seen suffering in my family, and in Nevada families. That's why I've devoted my life to healing the hurt, mending broken lives and fixing problems. I'm a healer; that's what I am, and that's what I do," Heck said, officially becoming the first Republican to announce for Senate in Nevada.

Meanwhile, Democrats have former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto as their Democratic candidate for Reid's seat. Last March, Reid spoke positively about Cortez Masto's potential run.

"If she runs, I'm going to help her," Reid told Nevada Public Radio, KNPR. "Whoever runs against Catherine will be a loser."

"The Cortez family and the Reids have been very close," said Nevada Democratic strategist Andres Ramirez, via the National Journal. "I think you're going to see Reid do a full-court press on her behalf. Having her background and Reid's infrastructure will certainly make for a much easier way to capture the election."

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