Congressmember Derek Tran held a town hall meeting over the phone on February 26 to engage with local residents about important issues such as job growth, climate change, immigration, reproductive rights, and gun safety. The event provided an opportunity for constituents to voice their concerns. Tran emphasized his commitment to meeting the diverse needs of his district.

Laurence and Catherine questioned a proposed budget resolution that could, potentially jeopardize services like Medicaid. Laurence said, “As you know the. Congress passed the budget resolution this week, which called for continuing cuts over 10 years. In a 217 to 215 vote the House passed 4.5  trillion in tax breaks and 2 trillion in spending cuts. I am concerned about the effect, 800 million of which will come from Medicaid. The California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) with those funds in particular is used to cover early childhood health care. Could you speak to those concerns?’

Tran strongly opposed these cuts, calling them “deeply troubling,” and affirmed his vote against the budget. Tran explained that Congress is reviewing the budget and stressed the need for transparency regarding its effects, he also criticized it for favoring wealthy interests. “These cuts are deeply troubling. We have so many people who depend on Medicaid. I voted no. I’m going to continue voting no on these budgets that deeply cut Medicaid and SNAP programs that desperately support working-class families. I support the working class families.”

Sarah said, “My husband is a 20-year veteran of the Air Force. After he retired from the Air Force, he took on positions to become a federal agent with the federal government. Unfortunately, due to many policies implemented by this administration, he was forced to take a different path. I appreciate your concern about veterans unjustly losing their jobs, but what about the other federal employees who may be military spouses, parents of veterans, or simply dedicated to civil service? What are you planning to do to protect those of us who are vulnerable and at risk from this administration, especially those of us who have dedicated our lives to federal service? We are now at risk of losing our jobs and our livelihoods.”

Tran responded, “That is not an easy question to ask, nor is it easy to answer. First, I would like to thank your husband for his service both in the military and for his dedication to civil service. I enlisted in the military because I wanted to give back. I want to ensure that I pay back this country for what it has done for my family and me. I share the feelings that your family is going through. I have signed letters to protest these mass firings across various agencies, along with my fellow members of Congress. We’ve held press conferences to call out the administration for their misguided sledgehammer approach to this issue. While we can all agree that government efficiency is important, the method by which we achieve it must be respectful and should not create dysfunction within families. That’s not what we are seeing from this administration.

I will continue to use my platform to raise awareness about civil servants who have lost their jobs. I believe the best way to highlight these concerns is by sharing individual stories, like Catherine’s experience at USAID, where her job was cut. At the end of the day, this is about people’s livelihoods, and I want to protect them. However, we must approach this in a manner consistent with the law and the Constitution. Thank you, Sarah, for your question.”

Hannah from Fullerton asked Tran about his willingness to work across party lines. And Leonard from Fullerton pointed out the need for bipartisan cooperation.

Tran said, “I want to work with Democrats, Republicans. It doesn’t matter to me other than ensuring we serve the people who elected us to do so. What I’m seeing today is just a blatant act of not caring and following an administration that is more concerned about tax cuts for the rich than they are concerned about making sure that people who need resources get them. This is not something that I support. This is something I’ve actively spoken out against. This whole new oligarchy of our government is tearing the democracy apart. We are working together to actively combat an administration that wants to consistently give money to the rich.”

Dwight from Garden Grove asked, “I really appreciate this forum. I believe it should be more accessible so that more of your constituents can participate and voice their concerns. It confuses me how many constituents seem to allow the president to operate unchecked, especially with Elon Musk influencing many decisions that lead to significant cuts in essential programs for our communities and federal employees.

Doesn’t this approach risk increasing costs to the budget? If more people become unemployed, won’t that create additional financial burdens? I genuinely don’t understand how we can let this happen. I’m very concerned about my community, where I’ve lived for 34 years and raised my family. Listening to the rhetoric from Donald Trump and his supporters, it seems crucial that people start speaking up to prevent these issues from escalating, especially with many incumbents facing re-election in 2026.”

Tran responded, “I believe you’ve hit the nail on the head. We definitely need more community members to step up and voice their concerns about these issues. It’s important to amplify what’s happening. We need to connect with our friends and neighbors and call out these problems for what they are—the erosion of our democracy.

It’s troubling that a billionaire who has not been elected is wielding significant influence in our government, leading meetings and dictating policy. We must continue to fight back by engaging with our community and encouraging them to express their concerns to local, state, and federal officials. It’s crucial for us to hear from our constituents. Your thoughts are spot on, Dwight, and I appreciate your input.”

Robert asked, “What are you doing to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid?”

Tran responded, “This relates back to what I discussed about the budget last night. Democrats are voting against the Republican budget because they believe it unfairly targets everyday working-class Americans by cutting Medicaid. Who takes care of the bills when Grandma is in the nursing home? Those payments are made through Medicaid. These cuts will be drastic and will affect everyone in America. The Democrats are pushing back; we voted no. We will not support any budget that cuts Medicaid and Medicare. This is one way we are exercising our rights and our power.”

Larry from La Palma said, “I think it’s very important that we have this town hall. Thank you so much for hosting it. As a veteran and a former federal employee with the Food and Drug Administration, I have a concern regarding the disinformation that the RFK administration is currently spreading about vaccines. The FDA’s flu vaccine panel was scheduled to meet next month, but from what I understand, that meeting has been canceled. This is important because it will determine the vaccine for seniors for next fall. So again, what can we do to help you push back against this disinformation?”

Tran replied, “Thank you for your service, and I appreciate your question. I believe vaccines are very important. My wife and I own a pharmacy where we vaccinate our patients. Vaccines save lives, and that’s how they work. We have a secretary in the administration who doesn’t believe in vaccines and promotes conspiracy theories. Just look at what’s happening in Texas; there was a measles outbreak, and due to dangerous disinformation sowing doubt about vaccine effectiveness, someone died. This is the danger of having people in the administration who are incompetent and have no idea what they’re doing. I will continue to use my voice to promote the importance of vaccination, and that’s my commitment.”

Cameron of Fullerton asked, “With what’s happening in Gaza and Trump stating that he wants to clear all the Palestinians and put his resort up. Let’s hope he needs this to be cleared by Congress first. How can we Americans protest this and show our displeasure for moving an entire people away?”

Tran responded, “I don’t think there are words out there to fully capture how reprehensible President Trump’s comments are about removing Palestinian people from their land and building waterfront property at the center of such a conflict that has been going on in the Middle East for a long time between Gaza and Israel and I believe in a two-state solution. That is the only way that we’re going to have peace there. You can’t eliminate one whole race without calling it genocide. So, we must work towards a two-state solution. The current leadership in both those countries has got to go. I hope for peace in my lifetime. And I hope we get an administration that will work towards that. Instead of talking about building some waterfront property in Palestine.”

Nicole, also of Fullerton, asked, “I am curious what your number one focus is over the next 30 days.

Tran said, “Each day is different here in Washington, DC, and in Congress. When I wake up every day, I will focus on delivering for my constituents, whether entering a bill like I did today or making sure good people, constituents of mine, get stuck in a tough situation. So, each day has its own priorities.

Toby from Westminster asked, “I understand a number of your colleagues on the other side of the aisle have decided to stop having town halls. My question. Thanks to your service on the Armed Services Committee, I’m wondering how you feel that the cuts that the elimination or firing of the top military officers and of the judges and generals of the services will impact military readiness and the future of the military.

Tran responded, “I’ll say that our service members and military spouses or some of the most highly qualified professionals in our workplace force today. My bill protects the Veterans JOBS Act; I will oppose further cuts to DoD. Earlier this week, President Trump announced cutting 5000 jobs that DoD he’s fired the Joint Chiefs chairman. That’s wrong. And I think that’s what you were alluding to in your question. He’s doing what he needs to do to install the loyalists in his administration. And I think that’s wrong. I think that is something we will fight against here as a party, and we’ve called them out about it.”

Kimberly asked, “I’m very happy with a lot of the opinions that you’ve expressed. As your constituents, what concrete steps can we take now to help you in the fight against Trump’s agenda?

Tran said, “I believe in sharing the stories of our experiences of what’s been going on with the administration, whether you’re one of the individuals terminated or fired from this chaos that’s going on, whether it’s you’re the effects of the funding freeze, the administration needs to know real-life impacts of what they are doing to families on the ground. You all are my ears and eyes on the ground. I rely on all of you, my constituents, to share information with my office. Engaged at all levels of government, not just at the federal level. We have to educate each other and involve our friends and families who are otherwise uninvolved and usually do not engage. This is a time to engage. This is a dark time for our nation, but we cannot give up. Keep making your voices heard. That is one of the best ways you can fight back and get people to share their stories of how they’ve been affected.

Divali of Cyprus said, “I’m a biochemistry professor at CSU Long Beach, where my students study how cancer cells survive stress. The NIH currently funds this research, and it’s crucial because it will help us find better and more specific drugs to fight cancer. What worries me is the attempts by the White House to cut NIH-supported research severely. The recent decision to reduce the FDA or the indirect cut to universities will cut $79 million to our state, and we will have to lay off our researchers and our staff. It will drastically hurt my colleagues,’ and my abilities to do research and scientific research should be protected by everybody because it helps everybody. And it should not be a partisan issue but a human one. So, I urge you to help us protect science in America. And I just want to know, are you and your colleagues already trying to do something about it?

Tran stated, “I would like to thank Divali for your important work. I want to express my strong opposition to cuts in research funding. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is renowned worldwide because of our investments in developing cures for diseases and medications that improve people’s quality of life. My wife and I own a pharmacy in Anaheim, and we understand the critical importance of medication and science.

Earlier this month, I joined the entire California Democratic delegation in sending a letter to the NIH Acting Director, Dr. Memoli, expressing my deep concern about the impact of the White House order imposing a 15% cap on research funding. These cuts would harm patients and diminish American research excellence. Research and development investments keep the United States globally competitive, and we must continue to support these investments.”

Claire of Westminster said, “I’m a special education services provider in the public schools, and I’m deeply concerned about Donald Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education and the potential effects on students with special needs and general education students. What can you and your fellow Congressman? To prevent the dismantling of the Department of Education. And is there anything that we, as educators and parents, can also do?”

Tran said, “I have three young kids, and my kids are in public school, and I know how important education funding is. You know, one of the things that I keep hearing from educators is that the federal government is not funding disability to the fullest extent. I see that as a priority and that I have to do. Teachers are people for whom I have the greatest respect. My sister-in-law is a teacher in Garden Grove, and you know, I see how hard it is for her to do her job and how she struggles. She barely paid enough to love the kids that she educates and teaches. There’s something that motivates me and pushes me to ensure that I fight to ensure that teachers are retained, paid what they’re worth, and supported. There are a lot of talks out there as well about privatizing education with vouchers and whatnot. That’s something that I found against. I think our public school system is something that we have to invest in and do more.

Andrew of Buena Park asked, “Thank you for voting no on that House bill last night. Can you also? And our thanks to Representative Hollands and Peterson; I know they also had health issues and rushed to show solidarity with us during this time. One of the things that also hits hard at the moment is the LA fires that happened last month. It was a very traumatic and devastating experience that we all had here in California, and I was very moved. The amount of community effort to help those in my family and love our neighbors so we can help fundraise for a little bit to get as many clothing and food supplies to those in need as possible is inspiring and moving. Help promote and support the GoFundMe pages. However, I saw some very disturbing things, such as Speaker Johnson saying that they would condition California disaster relief if we did not change our policies to match whatever they were. Whatever they suggest deeply concerns me because we are like our state officials. Also, our governor can, so we can run the state with what the people decide and with President Trump threatening to sue the governor of Maine because she’s not following up with the agenda. That’s also deeply concerning. So I want to know what the Democrats plan to do to fight back against this government overreach and how we, as constituents, can also participate in this?”

Tran said, “Definitely. We’ll pass on your appreciation to Rep Mullen and Peterson when I can. I believe protecting our homeland by preventing disasters, securing our borders, and responding to threats is vital to domestic security. Natural disasters are. Becoming more prevalent, prevalent in places like California. We saw that with the LA wildfires that gripped our state earlier this year. DHS and our district’s first responders need the resources and support from policymakers to save lives and quickly respond to threats. I’ve signed several letters just in this. Last month on this very topic, um. The California Democratic delegation letter supporting Governor Gavin Newsom, February 21, 2025 requests for nearly $40 billion in disaster supplemental funding to support recovery efforts following the January 2025 LA fires, and I’ve also signed on to the February 10, 2025 letter to FEMA and the SBA requesting an extension of disaster assistance application deadline currently set for March 10, 2025, for those that were affected by the LA wildfires. Under no circumstances do I agree with conditioning. I was on the House floor talking about how important it is to ensure California gets the full funding that the people deserve for losing their homes and being upended. You know, California is a donor state. We pay more in federal taxes than we receive back in aid. The Democratic majority stood by red states when they had their natural disasters, and Congress should not change course with that precedent. So, I strongly oppose any aid with conditions.”

Poll Question: We asked you how you feel about President Trump’s first month in office. 2% of you said very positive, 1% said somewhat positive, 3% said somewhat negative, 92% said very negative, and 2% had no opinion.

Poll question: What kinds of events would you like Congressman Tran’s office to host? 23% of you said federal resource fair, 18% of you. For job opportunities there 5% said Passport Workshop, 10% said Small Business Roundtable, and 44% of you said other.

Polls taken during the meeting revealed attendee priorities: 21% focused on reproductive rights, 17% on climate change, 12% on immigration, 10% on job growth, 11% on gun safety, and 29% said there were other priorities to focus on.

For more information contact Congressmember Derek Tran at 202-225-2415 or visit the website: Tran.House.gov.