FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2025
Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov
Representatives Barragán and Garcia hold Press Conference in Response to Trump’s Tariffs and Comments on Port Traffic Slowdown
Long Beach, CA — Today, Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Robert Garcia (CA-42), along with Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, held a press conference on the harmful effects of President Trump’s tariffs on the San Pedro Bay Port Complex, local workforce, and working-class communities.
The Congress Members and Mayor Richardson were responding to Donald Trump’s comment yesterday that “it’s a good thing” that ports across the United States are experiencing a slowdown in traffic. Port of Long Beach Chief Operating Officer Dr. Noel Hacegaba also participated in the press conference to speak on how the tariffs have caused a drastic decline in container traffic to the Port, setting off a chain reaction of supply shortages, price spikes, and job cuts for longshoremen, truck drivers, and warehouse employees.
“It is outrageous to claim that the traffic slowdown at our ports is a ‘good thing’ when we have already seen how it’s hurting our middle and working class families,” said Rep. Barragán. “When traffic slows down, people lose their jobs and every family has to pay more at the checkout line — the American people are paying more for everyday essentials because of Trump and House Republicans’ harmful policies. House Democrats will continue to shine a light on the true costs and the impact on our hardworking families.”
For photos of the event, click here.
For videos of the event, click here.
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