FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3 April 2026
Contact: jin.choi@mail.house.gov
San Pedro, CA –Today, Congressmembers Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Norma Torres (CA-35) were at a gas station in San Pedro with local residents to show how Trump’s war of choice in Iran has raised costs for Americans here in Los Angeles. Billions of dollars have been sent overseas on a weekly basis to pay for Trump’s war on Iran, money that the Representatives stated could have been used to help working families cover the rising cost of living. The Representatives also called for Republicans to join House Democrats to end the war and bring prices down for working Americans.
Angelenos shared their stories of how the rising gas prices have made it harder to support themselves and their loved ones. One constituent shared how she must work double just to afford the supplies for her transportation services for folks who need wheelchair accessibility. A single mother shared her worries on how the rising cost of gas and other living expenses will affect whether she can open her small business and still support her family. And a father shared how he holds two jobs, both as an administrative clerk for his city and as an airline employee, and spends much of his time driving for work and for his children’s activities. He feels the growing strain of the rising gas prices and worries about how he will make ends meet.
“Every time people pay for gas at a gas station, they have to foot the bill for Trump’s war of choice on Iran,” said Congresswoman Barragán. “Californians have already paid nearly $1 billion more in gas costs since the start of this war. That’s money that should be going toward people’s rents, groceries, and taking care of families. This is unacceptable. Americans should not have to pay the price for Trump’s harmful decisions, and Republicans need to join House Democrats’ fight to end this war and lower costs so families can afford to live in dignity.”
“This is what failed leadership looks like. Donald Trump promised to lower costs, but instead, families in the Inland Empire are now paying over $6 a gallon just to get to work. For the hundreds of thousands of people in my district who commute over 80 miles every day to and from work, this isn’t just frustrating, it’s devastating,” said Congresswoman Torres. “When gas prices rise, everything else goes up too, and working families are being forced to make impossible choices. I will always fight to lower costs and make sure our economy works for the people, not against them.”
For footage of the event and photos, click HERE.
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