FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 May 2023
Contact: Kevin McGuire, 202-538-2386 (mobile)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Congressman David Joyce (OH-14) announced the relaunch of the Congressional Croatian Caucus for the 118th Congress, along with the Caucus Vice Chairs Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08).
The growth of the Los Angeles Harbor region has direct ties to the large mass of Croatian immigrants who came to San Pedro during the early 1900s to find jobs as dockworkers, fishermen, cannery workers, and other careers in and around the Port of Los Angeles. An estimated 30,000 people of Croatian heritage live in San Pedro and the surrounding communities. The bipartisan Congressional Croatian Caucus promotes bilateral cultural exchange between the United States and Croatia, seeking to expand the important friendship between our two nations by highlighting our shared values, engaging in cross cultural cooperation, and advancing business and trade opportunities across the Atlantic.
“San Pedro is considered the heart of the Croatian American community in Los Angeles and home to the largest Croatian population on the West Coast. I am honored to represent such a strong community that has contributed to the vibrancy and development of California’s 44th Congressional District in Congress,” said Rep. Barragán. “I am proud to relaunch the Congressional Croatian Caucus as its Co-chair with my colleagues, and will continue to advocate for the interests of the Croatian community in my district.”
“Northeast Ohio is home to roughly 15,000 Americans whose primary ancestry is Croatian, representing the fourth largest concentration of Croatians in the United States,” said Congressman Joyce. “Today, Croatian Americans continue to make critical contributions to our community, strengthening our state. I am proud to co-chair this caucus and look forward to working with my colleagues to advocate for the Croatian community.”
“With its rich history, vibrant culture, and strategic location, Croatia plays a vital role in the region and beyond,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Croatia holds a special place in my heart, and I am honored to be named Vice Chair of this caucus alongside my colleagues. By re-establishing the Congressional Croatian Caucus, we aim to strengthen the ties that bind our two nations, promote cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, and foster a deeper relationship between the U.S. and Croatia. Together, we will work to promote the welfare and interests of Croatians while providing a voice for the vibrant Croatian diaspora.”
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Bellflower, Carson, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, Lakewood, Long Beach, Lynwood, Paramount, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, West Carson, and Wilmington. She serves as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Health, Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Minerals Subcommittees.