FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 18, 2026

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Rep. Barragán Convenes with Housing Providers, Landlords, Advocates, and Renters to Discuss Cost of Housing in Trump's Economy

San Pedro, CA - Yesterday, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) hosted a roundtable with housing providers, landlords, advocates, and local renters to discuss one of the highest living expenses in the district: housing. Participants spoke about the challenges Californian families face in finding housing and/or remaining housed, and how Trump and Republicans' attempts to drastically cut essential housing programs, such as the HUD emergency housing vouchers, mean communities will struggle to keep a roof over their heads.

During the discussion, Lourdes Castro Ramirez, President and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), explained that the Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, currently has a waitlist of 10-15 years. She added that the average annual income of an EHV holder is about $13,874, and roughly 20% of participants are seniors, highlighting the vulnerability of households relying on the program.

The roundtable comes as a part of House Democrats' Day of Action on the State of Economy, where Members draw attention to how Trump and Republicans' economic policies have only made basic living costs more expensive for Americans.

"When rent goes up, the cost of living goes up," said Rep. Barragán, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness. "But Trump and Republicans continue to try and make drastic cuts to our affordable housing programs that make it harder and harder for Americans to remain housed. This is unacceptable. Trump and Republicans promised to lower costs on Day 1, but they have only increased the costs of our groceries, rent, utilities, child care, and elder care. Americans deserve better and House Democrats will fight for your right to remain housed."

To find videos and photos from the roundtable, click HERE.

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