Derek Tran

Representative Tran Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Deactivation of Joint Forces Training Base-Los Alamitos Medical Evacuation Unit

Position: Representatives Tran, Luttrell, and Crank introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent the deactivation of Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades, including a medical evacuation unit at Joint Forces Training Base-Los Alamitos, citing concerns about military readiness, capability gaps, and impact on service members and disaster relief capacity.

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Derek Tran (D-CA-45) introduced bipartisan legislation alongside Representatives Morgan Luttrell (R-TX-08) and Jeff Crank (R-CO-05) to prevent the deactivation of certain U.S. Army Reserve aviation units. The Prohibit Deactivation of the ECABs Act of 2026 would protect the Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade (ECAB), including a medical evacuation unit stationed at Joint Forces Training Base-Los Alamitos (JFTB-LA). This unit is critical to California’s military and disaster relief preparedness. Representative Tran represents JFTB-LA in Congress and completed a portion of his training there as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. The legislation would limit the use of certain funds for the deactivation of Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades (ECABs) that provide capabilities like air assault and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) to support our armed forces’ readiness. The U.S. Army plans to deactivate the ECABs on September 15, 2026, despite replacement capability not being available until 2030. The proposed deactivation of a medical evacuation unit at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos would impact the livelihoods of 150 soldiers and 34 civilians while leaving a gap in the region’s disaster relief capabilities. Read the full text of the bill HERE. "The medical evacuation unit at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos is a critical asset for emergency and disaster relief missions, serving communities across Southern California. Deactivating these flying units without a clear plan for how the service intends to fill the capability gap will hurt our communities at home and diminish our readiness to respond to global conflicts,” said Representative Tran. "The soldiers and civilians impacted by this drawdown have not been given meaningful options to continue their service. Trained pilots and experienced personnel are leaving the force because they have not been given a clear plan for their futures. We have invested so much in training and equipping highly qualified service members, and now we are letting them walk away. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Prohibit Deactivation of the ECABs Act to ensure that the Department of Defense presents a credible plan to recapitalize these capabilities, retain this expertise, and ensure that our military readiness remains at its peak." "Our Army Reserve units are doing critical work and deserve certainty as they execute their missions,” said Representative Luttrell. “Deactivating the ECABs before a replacement capability is set creates an unacceptable gap in our force structure and gambles with our nation’s readiness. This legislation ensures our posture doesn’t waver throughout this transition while mitigating operational risk.” "The 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade headquartered at Fort Carson is vital to the mission and support for local search and rescue operations in conjunction with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office,” said Representative Crank. “Deactivating the Brigade would weaken the Army's ability to surge capabilities in conflict and leave Colorado’s Fifth Congressional District's emergency responders shorthanded. By introducing the Prohibit Deactivation of the ECABs Act, we are ensuring that the Department of War has a plan to recapitalize capabilities, resources, and personnel of the Brigades to support warfighters, preserve expertise, and protect Coloradans." Representative Tran serves on the powerful House Armed Services Committee, overseeing the Department of Defense. In a May 15 House Armed Services Committee Hearing, Tran questioned Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll and Acting Army Chief of Staff General Christopher LaNeve about the department’s decision to deactivate ECABs at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos. An Army Veteran, Representative Tran is dedicated to expanding protections and benefits for Veterans and service members in Washington. The first bill Tran introduced in Congress was H.R. 1637, the Protect Veteran Jobs Act, to restore the livelihoods of Veterans wrongfully fired from their civil service positions. He recently joined Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-01) in introducing the WARRIOR Act to protect women’s ability to serve all roles across the military, including in combat. In September 2025, Tran’s bipartisan Delivering Digitally for our Veterans Act, which aims to streamline the administration of Veterans’ educational benefits through the G.I. Bill, unanimously passed the House. Following offensive U.S. military actions against Iran conducted without Congressional oversight in February 2026, Tran has voted in favor of three Congressional war powers resolutions reaffirming that Congress, not the executive branch, reserves the right to declare war. ### Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.

Representative Tran Backs Bipartisan Effort to Prevent Crime

Position: Representative Tran supports the COPS Reauthorization Act, which would provide federal funding to local law enforcement agencies for officer hiring, training, equipment, and technology to strengthen community-oriented policing efforts.

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Derek Tran is backing a bipartisan effort to invest in community-based crime prevention strategies that keep our neighborhoods safe. Representative Tran joined Representatives Josh Harder (D-CA-09), John Rutherford (R-FL-04), and George Whitesides (D-CA-27) as a cosponsor of the COPS Reauthorization Act, which would provide funding for local law enforcement agencies to hire & retain more officers and provide necessary training and equipment through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. Read the full text of the bill HERE. “No one is more fit to protect our neighborhoods than the law enforcement professionals who are on the ground, building trust with our communities every day,” said Representative Tran. “The COPS Reauthorization Act is a key investment in our local heroes that will ensure they have the proper staffing, resources, and training to keep crime off our streets. I’m proud to join Representatives Harder, Rutherford, and Whitesides to support this common-sense, bipartisan legislation that puts our families’ safety first.” The COPS Reauthorization Act will: Restore funding for the COPS program to meet current public safety demands; Support officer hiring, training, and deployment in local jurisdictions to strengthen community-oriented public safety efforts; Provide grants to state and local law enforcement agencies for technology and equipment; and Codify a standalone COPS Office within the Department of Justice to ensure oversight and accountability for grant programs. The legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Organization, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, and the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition. As a member of the Bipartisan Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, Representative Tran is dedicated to supporting local law enforcement efforts to ensure our community’s safety. Tran helped to introduce the bipartisan CARE for First Responders Act to expand counseling and mental health services for first responders, and has cosponsored several bills to support and enhance officer safety and wellness on the job, including: H.R. 5319, the Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act, to further assist local governments with purchasing protective gear for officers; H.R. 309, the bipartisan National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act, which would improve officer safety and wellness programs; H.R. 3304, the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act, to support parents in law enforcement; and H.R. 2094, the HELPER Act, to reduce homeownership costs for law enforcement professionals. Representative Tran secured over $3 million for crime prevention efforts in Southern California following the passage of bipartisan government spending legislation through the House. He has also signed onto multiple letters expressing support for local public safety efforts, including letters opposing the unjust deployment of federal forces to patrol U.S. cities and advocating for increased resources for state and local law enforcement agencies to perform their duties safely and effectively. ### Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.

Representative Tran Issues Statement in Response to Reported Shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego

Position: Representative Tran condemns the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego as an act of gun violence and Islamophobic hate. He expresses commitment to working with law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable and increase resources to protect community gatherings.

Orange County, CA – U.S. Representative Derek Tran released a statement following reports of an active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont Mesa, California: “I am disgusted by the violent, Islamophobic attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego. I am praying for the families that have been impacted, especially those who have lost a loved one to this senseless act of gun violence. “It is deeply disturbing that this is part of a pattern of violent attacks and threats on Islamic community centers in California. Attacks on these centers of service and faith are not just attacks on our Muslim neighbors, but on all of us and the values we hold dear. “We must be crystal clear that hate will never have a place in our community, and such violent acts will be met with the full, crushing weight of our community’s resolve. I will work with law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators of this violent hatred are held accountable, and increase resources to protect our neighbors at future community gatherings.” Around 12:00 PM PT, local authorities confirmed an active shooter situation at the Islamic Center of San Diego. At least one person has been reported killed. In a statement, local law enforcement reported that the threat was neutralized around 1:00 PM PT. ### Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.

Representative Tran Questions Vietnamese American Navy Secretary Hung Cao in Historic Armed Services Committee Hearing

Position: Representative Tran calls for the U.S. to maintain a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific to counter Chinese expansion and to pressure Vietnam's government to release political prisoners and prisoners of conscience.

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) made history as the first Vietnamese American Congressmember to question a Vietnamese American official before the House Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill. Representative Tran urged Hung Cao, Acting Secretary of the Navy and the highest-ranking Vietnamese American in the U.S. Armed Services, to join him in the fight to free political prisoners in Vietnam. WATCH As the son of Vietnamese refugees who escaped brutal communist repression in Vietnam, Representative Tran marked his historic questioning of Secretary Cao as a testament to the Vietnamese community’s resilience in the face of the ongoing struggle for freedom. Tran highlighted the responsibility he shares with Cao to fight back against Vietnam’s human rights abuses and to liberate those wrongfully imprisoned by the communist government. An excerpt of Representative Tran’s question line is as follows: Representative Tran: Thank you for being here. Mr. Secretary, congratulations on your appointment. Today is a historic day. For the first time, a Vietnamese American defense official stands before a Vietnamese American Member of Congress. This moment belongs to our parents and every soul who traded everything for a chance at liberty. You and I carry the weight of a diaspora that has never forgotten the sting of oppression. We are the living voice for those silenced by the communist Vietnamese government. We have a moral mandate to hold that regime accountable for its relentless human rights violations. I pray you will stand with me in that fight. We must also ensure the freedom we found here reaches across the Pacific. We must maintain a presence so formidable, the Chinese Communist Party understands the Indo-Pacific will never be surrendered to autocracy. This is our moment to lead, not just for our country, but for the legacy and the freedom we were chosen to protect. Mr. Secretary, as you know, I represent the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam. Our community remains deeply concerned about the communist Vietnamese government's unlawful jailing of political prisoners. Will you commit to joining me in calling for Vietnam to free political prisoners and prisoners of conscience? Secretary Cao: Congressman, thank you so much for your kind words, sir. Again, I owe this country everything, and I've bled for this country. And I will die for this country, for everything that has given me. And again, a lot of my family members were imprisoned wrongfully, and we need to always stand up against oppression. And that's our job as the United States – we didn't ask for this. We didn't ask to be the policeman of the world. We didn't ask to defend. But that's how it is, sir. And we will always fight injustice in this country. Representative Tran: Sir, thank you. I appreciate you standing with me on this. As the first Vietnamese American elected to represent the world’s largest Vietnamese diaspora, Representative Tran is committed to preserving and amplifying the Vietnamese community’s history on the national stage. Tran introduced a congressional resolution to formally mark April 30, 2026, as the 51st anniversary of Black April, and, in April 2025, held a series of events in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Tran, a vocal advocate for advancing human rights in Vietnam, co-led H.R. 3122, the bipartisan Vietnam Human Rights Act, to hold Vietnamese communist officials accountable for human rights abuses and establish human rights and fair-trade priorities for U.S.-Vietnam relations. Representative Tran serves as the official sponsor of Le Huu Minh Tuan, a Vietnamese journalist who was wrongfully imprisoned by the communist government, through the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s Defending Freedoms Project and continues to fight for the release of prisoners of conscience around the world. ### Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.

Representative Tran Votes to Protect Local Business from Organized Retail Crime

Position: Representative Tran voted in favor of H.R. 2853, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which updates federal criminal law to address retail theft and enhances coordination among federal law enforcement agencies.

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) voted in favor of H.R. 2853, the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, to crack down on retail theft impacting Southern California’s local business community. The legislation updates the scope of criminality for offenses involving stolen property to counter evolving trends in retail theft, and helps federal agencies better coordinate law enforcement actions related to organized retail crime. “Orange County, California alone is home to over 100,000 mom-and-pop shops that support thousands of families and power our economy. Retail crime is not just an attack on our local entrepreneurs’ livelihoods – it makes our neighborhoods less safe for everyone in our community,” said Representative Tran. “The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is a key step toward providing the security and certainty our local business owners deserve. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort that will keep business booming on Orange County’s main streets.” As a member of the Bipartisan Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, Representative Tran is dedicated to supporting local law enforcement efforts to ensure our community’s safety. Representative Tran secured nearly $2 million for crime prevention efforts in Southern California following the passage of bipartisan government spending legislation through the House. Tran is also a cosponsor of the COPS Reauthorization Act to provide funding for local law enforcement agencies to hire and retain more officers and provide necessary training and equipment through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. In July 2025, Tran joined his colleagues on a letter urging continued funding for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, which supports interagency coordination efforts to intercept drug trafficking operations. ### Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.

Representative Tran Joins Fellow Veterans in Congress to Block Taxpayer Dollars for Iran War

Position: Representative Tran opposes continued federal funding for military action against Iran without Congressional authorization. The release advocates for legislation requiring an Authorization for the Use of Military Force or formal declaration of war from Congress before additional taxpayer dollars can be spent on the Iran conflict.

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) joined Representative Pat Ryan (NY-18) and 14 fellow Veterans to introduce legislation prohibiting the use of additional taxpayer dollars to fund the Iran War. On February 28, 2026, President Trump bypassed Congress to strike Iran, launching a war that has cost at least $25 billion, killed 13 brave U.S. servicemembers and wounded hundreds more, and caused prices to skyrocket at home. The No Funds for Iran War Act would require an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) or an official declaration of war from Congress to fund further military action against Iran with federal tax revenue. Read the full text of the bill HERE. “Over sixty days into the Trump Administration’s reckless war of choice in Iran, thirteen American soldiers have lost their lives, and our children will be saddled with the global consequences and a multi-billion-dollar debt. Instead of bringing Iran closer to a free and democratic future, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have destroyed the lives and livelihoods of thousands of civilians in their failure to act with transparency, measured diplomacy, and thoughtful justification. The Trump Administration's impulsive, unilateral military actions, without the consent of the American people, are further destabilizing an already volatile region. I stand firmly with my fellow Democratic Veterans in Congress to demand a halt in funds for this reckless war and reassert Congressional authority over war-making powers. I will not accept another forever war,” said Representative Derek Tran. “The American people have been clear from the beginning: they want lower costs and no more forever wars. The Trump administration has spent nine weeks conducting an illegal war in Iran that has done the exact opposite – and every American is paying the price,” said Representative Pat Ryan. “Their recklessness has killed 13 brave servicemembers, wounded hundreds more, cost at least $25 billion in taxpayer money, and sent gas prices skyrocketing here at home. Since Day 1, there has been no strategy or endgame. Not a single dollar more on this ill-conceived war.” Article II of the U.S. Constitution affords the President the power to take military action without Congressional authorization so long as (a) the President notifies Congress of the action within 48 hours and (b) the action is terminated within 60 days unless Congress authorizes further use of military force. President Trump’s war reached its 60-day mark on May 1, 2026, but the President has not since sought approval from Congress to continue hostilities with Iran. Along with Representative Tran, cosponsors of the No Funds for Iran War Act include House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (NY-05), House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Jim Himes (CT-04), and fellow Veterans Ted Lieu (CA-36), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Jason Crow (CO-06), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Bobby Scott (VA-03). “Trump’s war of choice has achieved none of the administration’s stated objectives and has surpassed the president’s initial stated timeline of the conflict, which was supposed to last only a few weeks. Now that the president is moving the goal posts and twisting the 60-day requirements of the War Powers Act, Congress must take action. It is time for it to exercise its constitutional power of the purse,” said Representative Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Trump’s Iran war was never authorized by Congress, and no funds appropriated by Congress should be spent on this illegal conflict,” said Representative Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “The American people don’t want this administration spending billions of taxpayer dollars on a new forever war in the Middle East that is already driving up the costs of everything from gas to groceries. I thank Rep. Ryan for his leadership introducing this bill.” “Donald Trump believes he can continue to wage an unconstitutional war at the expense of American taxpayers, but at the end of the day Congress still holds the purse strings and will be the final authority on our long-term military action overseas,” said Representative Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. “I know that my Republican colleagues are hearing, as I am, from their constituents who are seeing their gas and grocery prices rise by the week, and I hope that they will join us in limiting this illegal spending, restoring Congress’ constitutional authority to declare war and refocusing on delivering lower prices for the American people.” “We are a nation of laws, and the Constitution gives the American People and the Congress—not the president—the power to spend public money,” said Representative Chris Deluzio. “Americans at home are struggling to pay bills and afford their lives. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s Iran War is wasting American lives and billions on a war we didn’t have to fight. Too many in Congress will not grow a spine to assert our War Powers, yet another reason why we need to pass the No Funds for Iran War Act. Let’s stop funneling billions into this reckless war and bring our troops home.” “Congress should not fund an illegal war. The Constitution is clear: only Congress has the power to authorize war, and Congress never approved the use of military force against Iran,” said Representative Ted Lieu. “This bill makes unmistakably clear that we will not support an illegal war by providing taxpayer funding for it. Doing so would undermine one of the Founders’ core principles: that Congress, and by extension the American people, must decide when our nation goes to war.” “Trump started his illegal war in Iran without rhyme or reason, and the results have been nothing short of disastrous,” said Representative Salud Carbajal. “His war has cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars while driving up the cost of essentials like groceries and gas. I’m supporting Congressman Ryan’s No Funds for Iran War Act because Americans should not be forced to foot the bill for an endless, unauthorized conflict.” “We do not write blank checks for unauthorized wars in the United States of America,” said Representative Maggie Goodlander. “Our commonsense bill will restore the basic accountability and sanity that the American people need and deserve from our government.” “I won’t vote for a dime to continue this illegal war with Iran. It’s clear that President Trump has no endgame and no strategy,” said Representative Jason Crow. “Republicans must stop enabling this illegal war that has already killed 13 American servicemembers, cost us tens of billions in taxpayer dollars, and raised gas prices at home.” An Army Veteran, Representative Tran is dedicated to expanding protections and benefits for Veterans and service members in Washington. Tran serves on the powerful House Armed Services Committee, overseeing the Department of Defense, and has voted in favor of several Congressional war powers resolutions reaffirming that Congress, not the executive branch, reserves the right to declare war. The first bill Tran introduced in Congress was H.R. 1637, the Protect Veteran Jobs Act, to restore the livelihoods of Veterans wrongfully fired from their civil service positions. He recently joined Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-01) in introducing the WARRIOR Act to protect women’s ability to serve all roles across the military, including in combat. In September 2025, Tran’s bipartisan Delivering Digitally for our Veterans Act, which aims to streamline the administration of Veterans’ educational benefits through the G.I. Bill, unanimously passed the House. ### Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.

Representative Tran Raises Alarm on Congressional Immigration Casework Delays

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) raised significant concerns regarding delays by and non-response from the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in handling congressional casework inquiries. These delays mean that hard-working, law-abiding constituents are losing their status and their ability to work. Representative Tran’s letter to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow seeks further information about the cause of the casework backlogs and urges USCIS to restore constituents’ access to timely and accurate assistance as they navigate the immigration system. Read the full letter HERE. “Since January of this year, my office has experienced a consistent and troubling absence of responses to congressional inquiries submitted to the TSC. This lack of communication appears to be in direct conflict with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy guidance, which states that congressional inquiries are expected to receive a response within 30 days,” wrote Representative Tran. “Constituents served by my office are reporting significant hardship due to delayed adjudications, including the imminent loss of employment because of lapses in work authorization. USCIS’s inability to provide updates or assistance to my office in a timely manner further compounds these challenges and interferes with my duty to effectively serve my constituents.” Since taking office in January 2025, Tran’s office has opened over 230 cases to assist constituents related to the adjudication of their immigration status with federal agencies. Representative Tran continues to closely monitor immigration enforcement activity across Southern California. He recently joined Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46) and Chuy García (IL-04) in a letter to USCIS requesting immediate action to reduce delays in processing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal requests. Tran introduced the ICE and CBP Constitutional Accountability Act to deliver justice for victims of ICE’s constitutional rights abuses, and has cosponsored legislation to place checks on ICE’s conduct. ### Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.

Representatives Tran, Correa Introduce Honor Our Commitment Act

Position: Representatives Tran and Correa introduced legislation to prohibit deportation of Vietnamese refugees who arrived in the U.S. before July 12, 1995, arguing that these individuals fought alongside American troops and have built lives in the country for decades.

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Tran (CA-45) and Lou Correa (CA-46) introduced the Honor Our Commitment Act, which would prohibit the deportation of Vietnamese refugees who came to the United States prior to July 12, 1995, when relations between the U.S. and Vietnam were normalized. These refugees face the risk of deportation under the current administration's anti-immigration policies. Rep. Henry Johnson (GA-4) served as a co-sponsor for the legislation. “As the son of Vietnamese refugees and the first Vietnamese American to represent Orange County’s Little Saigon in Congress, I am committed to protecting the Vietnamese refugees, many of whom fought alongside American troops, who came to this country in search of freedom and democracy. The Vietnamese American community has defined what it means to achieve the American dream, working tirelessly and passing on a better life to our children. We must ensure that Vietnamese refugees are protected and able to prosper in the country they have called home for decades,” said Rep. Derek Tran. “Orange County is home to the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam, who created a vibrant culture and booming economy that shaped our community for the better. Vietnam War refugees saw the opportunity that lay before them and made the best of it,” said Rep. Lou Correa. “We need to make sure that we protect those refugees, many of whom worked with Americans and fought alongside our troops in the war. Returning these refugees to Vietnam poses a threat to their lives, liberty, and security. They have earned the right to be in America, and they shouldn’t be forced to return to a country they left decades ago.” The Honor Our Commitment Act would codify protections given to Vietnamese refugees in the U.S. under a 2008 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and Vietnam that included protection from deportation for pre-1995 refugees. The MOU was honored by President Barack Obama. In the last months of his first term, President Trump renegotiated the MOU with Vietnam to remove the protection and allow for the deportations of refugees. Under the Honor Our Commitments Act, a Vietnamese national who arrived in the U.S. on or before July 12, 1995, and has continuously resided in the U.S. since, and is subject to a final order of removal, cannot be detained or deported. The legislation provides exceptions for cases in which the individual is determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security to be directly responsible for harming the security of the U.S., or the individual is subject to criminal extradition. Little Saigon in Orange County is home to the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam, with nearly 100,000 Vietnamese Americans residing there. Since taking office in January 2025, Tran’s office has opened over 230 cases to assist constituents related to the adjudication of their immigration status with federal agencies. As the first Vietnamese American elected to represent the world’s largest Vietnamese diaspora, Representative Tran is committed to preserving and amplifying his community’s history on the national stage. Tran introduced a congressional resolution to formally mark April 30, 2026, as the 51st anniversary of Black April, and, in April 2025, held a series of events in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Tran, a vocal advocate for advancing human rights in Vietnam, co-led H.R. 3122, the bipartisan Vietnam Human Rights Act, to hold Vietnamese communist officials accountable for human rights abuses and establish human rights and fair-trade priorities for U.S.-Vietnam relations. Representative Tran serves as the official sponsor of Le Huu Minh Tuan, a Vietnamese journalist who was wrongfully imprisoned by the communist government, through the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s Defending Freedoms Project and continues to fight for the release of prisoners of conscience around the world. ### Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.

Representative Tran Issues Statement Following Supreme Court Decision Gutting Voting Rights Act

Position: Representative Tran opposes the Supreme Court's decision striking down Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, arguing it will erode voting power for minority communities. He supports strengthening voting rights protections and opposes voter ID requirements that restrict ballot access.

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) released a statement following a Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais that will erode the voting power of minority racial groups across the country. In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court struck down Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, making the use of racial demographic data in congressional redistricting unconstitutional. “Today’s Supreme Court decision is a betrayal of the promise of equal representation that so many Americans have fought and died for. Simply put, this decision is wrong. Communities across the country will see their voices drowned out, they will lose the power to secure better schools, safer infrastructure, health care access, environmental protections, and economic opportunity,” said Representative Tran. “My parents came to the United States as refugees from Vietnam because this country offered them the promise of a seat at the table, no matter the color of their skin. I am horrified that the Justices entrusted with upholding our nation’s highest ideals are breaking that promise. Now more than ever, I’m dedicated to fighting for the fair representation my constituents in Orange and LA Counties, and Americans across our nation, deserve.” Representative Tran is committed to securing equal access to the ballot box and cutting through red tape for American voters. In February 2026, Tran voted against the SAVE America Act, which would tighten voter ID requirements and make it more difficult for Americans – especially married women and service members stationed abroad – to vote. He is also an original cosponsor of H.R. 14, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which builds on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to strengthen protections for minority voters. ### Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.

Representatives Tran, Garcia Demand Probe of Private Equity’s Impact on Rising Fire Truck Costs

Position: Representatives Tran and Garcia call for the Federal Trade Commission to investigate consolidation and private equity ownership in the fire truck manufacturing industry, citing rising costs, supply constraints, and public safety risks from equipment delays.

Washington, DC – U.S. Representatives Derek Tran (CA-45) and Robert Garcia (CA-42) sent a letter urging Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Andrew Ferguson to investigate the effects of consolidation and private equity ownership of the fire truck manufacturing industry. The investigation is critical given reports of local fire departments experiencing challenges acquiring the specialized vehicles they need to meet public safety demands due to skyrocketing costs and limited production capacity. Read the full text of the letter HERE. “Fire departments across the country are facing an avoidable crisis. From California to Kansas, fire departments are reporting a dangerous trend of equipment delays, defective parts, and manufacturing plants limiting supply to justify price hikes. These problems have reduced the readiness of fire departments to respond to emergencies. We saw the devastating consequences in the Palisades and Eaton fires, where fire apparatus well past its service life delayed critical response efforts. I’m fighting to ensure our firefighters have the resources they need to keep our communities safe and save lives,” said Representative Tran. "When private equity buys up firetruck companies and cuts production to drive up their own profits, our communities pay the price, threatening our public safety and ability to respond to emergencies," said Representative Garcia. "This business model is unacceptable and it puts lives at risk. The FTC has the tools to investigate and address this crisis, and they need to act." Consolidation among fire truck manufacturers has led to significant backlogs in truck repairs and replacements. The City of Fullerton reported that the delivery time for identical fire engines doubled between 2019 and 2023. Meanwhile, costs have increased significantly. One truck model cost 68 percent more in 2024 than it did in 2019, at a whopping $2.2 million. This means that fire departments must rely on old equipment for longer and may have more vehicles out of commission for repairs. This limits their capacity to safely and efficiently respond to emergencies, posing a serious risk to public safety. To support local emergency response efforts, Representatives Tran and Garcia are calling for an investigation into emergency vehicle manufacturing practices and trends that limit industry competition, including: The impact of industry consolidation on regional public safety response times; National and regional industry consolidation trends; National and regional market shares of the largest fire truck manufacturers; Impact of industry consolidation on truck prices, production capacity, and delivery timelines. Representative Tran is committed to securing federal support and resources for emergency responders across Southern California. Tran co-led H.R. 6601, the bipartisan CARE for First Responders Act, which would increase access to specialized mental health, substance abuse, and crisis counseling services for first responders. Tran co-signed a letter, led by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), to President Trump reaffirming the need for federal resources for Los Angeles County to aid in recovery for the families, businesses, and communities impacted by historic wildfires in January 2025. Tran also joined Senator Padilla and the California Congressional Delegation in a letter to Congressional leadership in support of California’s request for emergency relief funding in the aftermath of the fires. “Fire apparatus can be one of the most expensive pieces of equipment a City has to purchase, and with the drastically escalating prices and elongated build times, it’s my responsibility as the Fire Chief to ask questions. I appreciate Representative Tran championing this impactful subject, as this isn’t just a Fullerton issue, but an issue that affects every fire department across the country as we all strive to maintain critical infrastructure required to protect our communities without saddling them with unnecessary cost,” said Adam Loeser, Fullerton Fire Department Fire Chief. “Fire departments across the country are facing over four-year delivery delays and dramatic cost increases for essential apparatus—conditions that directly impact our ability to provide for public safety. Industry consolidation has reduced competition, constrained production, and left agencies relying on aging equipment well beyond its service life. This is not just a procurement issue; it’s a readiness issue. I strongly support Congressman Tran’s call for a federal investigation to restore balance, transparency, and reliability in the fire apparatus market,” Chris Nigg, Fountain Valley Fire Department Fire Chief. ### Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.