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Assembly sends message to Washington on tariffs, citing risks to California ports
Summary
The Assembly debated and adopted AJR 14 urging federal attention to tariffs and trade policies it says are straining California ports and supply chains; the measure passed on a roll-call vote after floor debate that included opposition citing federal prerogative.
SACRAMENTO — Lawmakers on the Assembly floor on July 17 adopted a joint resolution calling on federal officials to consider how tariffs and trade policy decisions affect California ports and the many jobs tied to them.
Assemblymember Gibson, who chairs the select committee on ports and goods movement, presented AJR 14, saying the resolution seeks to “call upon the federal government and federal agencies to consider the ramifications of current trade policies on California ports” and to press for strategies to stabilize commerce.
The floor produced a pointed exchange: Assemblymember De Maio urged restraint and warned against the Assembly intruding on federal trade negotiations, saying, “it is no one's business in this chamber what the federal administration does as it relates to tariffs.” Supporters, including Assemblymember Ransom and others, argued the measure was about protecting jobs, supply chains and local economies that depend on ports.
The resolution required and received a roll-call vote and was recorded as adopted; the clerk’s tally on the floor showed 44 ayes (clerk tally recorded at the time of voting). The resolution is advisory and asks Congress and federal agencies to consider the Assembly’s concerns.
Assemblymembers said the resolution was prompted by recent federal trade actions that they contend have reduced cargo volumes and caused backlogs, and that the state should be heard where local economic harm is cited. The measure does not impose state policy or create new programs; it requests federal consideration and transmittal of the Assembly’s position.
