Rep. Derek Tran knows Orange County is one of the most expensive places to live in the country — and so he’s backing a bill that would finance more affordable homes around the country.
The Orange Democrat has signed on as a co-sponsor to new legislation led by Rep. Darin LaHood, an Illinois Republican, that would increase the number of housing credits for each state by 50% over the next two years. The plan would result in additional financing support for nearly 2 million affordable homes across the country, according to LaHood’s office.
Tran said many people in his district feel “the dream of homeownership simply costs too much.”
“Stable, affordable housing is a non-negotiable for every member of our community, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure that no family is priced out of the perfect place to call home,” said Tran.
We’re catching our readers up with the six House members who represent at least a portion of Orange County. We asked each lawmaker several questions — tailored to their policy expertise, committee assignments or votes — as well as a personal bonus question.
Tran, 44, represents California’s 45th Congressional District in Orange and Los Angeles counties. An attorney and Army veteran, this is Tran’s first term in Congress. He made history with his election as the first Vietnamese American from California to serve in the House.
Read on to find out more about what Tran thinks of the state of civil discourse and how immigration enforcement is impacting his constituents in Little Saigon.
Q: As the government shutdown continues with no end in sight, what are you seeing is the biggest impact on the communities you represent? Is there a short-term fix you’d encourage while the shutdown continues?
A: When I talk to my constituents, they’re really scared about costs continuing to go up. Rising costs are extremely stressful when you’re trying to support a family, help out an aging parent or get your business off the ground. If Congress doesn’t act, over 35,000 people in CA-45 are going to see their monthly health care costs double or even quadruple.
Unfortunately, instead of working on a bipartisan solution to solve this crisis and end the shutdown, Speaker Johnson is giving House Republicans a paid vacation. We need to get back to the table and negotiate a bipartisan solution that actually works for the American people.
Q: As negotiations continue, is there a specific area where you see your party could come to a compromise with the other side of the aisle to move the needle closer on ending the shutdown?
A: I led a letter with (Democratic) Rep. Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico, with 75 Members of Congress signing on, urging Speaker Johnson to bring Congress back to make sure that our troops get paid. Despite the Trump administration taking $8 billion from the Department of Defense to cover one pay period for the military, many service members are still missing their pay or have been paid less than what they are owed. That’s unacceptable.
Republicans and Democrats must return to the negotiating table to find a compromise that protects health care, lowers costs and ensures that our troops are paid. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are going to see their health care costs skyrocket if Congress doesn’t act.
Q: While federal workers don’t get paid during shutdowns, members of Congress do. Many have asked for their pay to be withheld; are you one of those members? Why or why not?
A: I have requested that my pay be withheld during the duration of the shutdown. I am standing in solidarity with my constituents whose livelihoods are being threatened by this shutdown, as well as the service members and federal employees who are not receiving pay.
Q: Housing is an important issue in your district. What is one thing you’re doing in Congress to help support access to local housing?
A: Orange County is one of the most expensive places to live in the country. For too many in our community, the dream of homeownership simply costs too much. I was proud to cosponsor the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, which would build 2 million new multifamily housing units over the next 10 years. Stable, affordable housing is a non-negotiable for every member of our community, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure that no family is priced out of the perfect place to call home.
Q: You voted against the massive spending cuts bill that was ultimately signed into law over the summer, citing the cuts it made to Medicaid and Medicare, among other assistance areas. What is some guidance you’re giving local nonprofits and organizations that address health care gaps in your district? In other words, what is a solution to problems you identified with that bill?
A: I’m deeply concerned about how these historic cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, enacted in the Republican Tax Plan, also known as H.R. 1, are going to impact our community. Over 250,000 people in my district alone will be at risk of losing access to health care — including more than 80,000 children and nearly 40,000 seniors — and folks covered by the Affordable Care Act are going to see their premiums spike by $2,500 annually.
Many Orange County families will face even higher costs. A 60-year-old couple making $80,000 in the district will see their health insurance increase by $13,000 per year, a 190% increase in their premiums. That’s a devastating bill that many families can’t afford. Congressional Republicans don’t see this as a problem. I do. That’s why I cosponsored H.R. 4849, the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act, to restore Medicaid funding, extend the ACA tax credits and keep our hospitals open.
Republicans’ health care cuts to states will lead to cuts in enrollment, benefits, and provider payments. Twenty-eight hospitals in California are at risk of shutting their doors. My office has been working with hospitals, food banks and other community institutions to make sure that they know about the state, local and private funding options available to them. But the truth is, federal funding is vital to ensure that these services reach the people who need them. Because of Republican cuts, vital community services will suffer.
I’m focused on legislation that works to reverse the drastic cuts to affordable health care enacted in H.R. 1 and bring down the cost of care wherever possible. I’m committed to working with providers across Orange County to ensure that our community members can access the essential care they need.
Q: There has been a lot of talk about political rhetoric and civil discourse in this country in recent months. How do you define civil discourse? And what is one thing you are doing to be a leader in your community amid calls to tone down rhetoric?
A: Peaceful discourse, especially in the face of ideological differences, is a cornerstone of our democracy. Political violence is abhorrent and unacceptable in every instance, and it has no place in our communities. It’s critical that we unite around common-sense solutions that address the problems that everyday Americans truly care about, and I’m dedicated to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver policies that uplift families in every corner of our district.
Q: Your district includes Little Saigon, where there may be residents who are concerned about going to their immigration check-ins for fear of being detained, separated from their families and/or deported. Are there things Congress can do to help those fears? What is something that you’re encouraging local immigrant rights groups to do to help those in your district?
A: I’ve been very concerned by some of the actions taken by immigration enforcement operations in my district. I believe in fair immigration enforcement that ensures our communities are safe and violent criminals are brought to justice. Masked agents in unmarked cars are what my parents escaped from in a communist dictatorship; that’s not compatible with American values.
I’ve been working with our local schools, food banks and community groups to make sure that our immigrant neighbors know their rights, has the resources to stay fed and safe, and that they can contact my office if they need any assistance navigating our broken immigration system.
Q: There have been concerns raised by your congressional colleagues about the state of military barracks across the country. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, what are some ways Congress could tangibly address those health and safety concerns?
A: On the House Armed Services Committee, I’ve been fighting to ensure that every funding bill we pass contains adequate support for our troops with higher pay and improved housing conditions. Any spending bill passing through the Armed Services Committee must allocate the funding and resources necessary to keep our troops safe and healthy on the job.
Bonus question: If you are throwing a dinner party, what is the signature dish you would make for your guests?
A: I learned to cook when I was a chef in the Army. Now, I love to cook for my family and friends, and they love my lemon pepper wings. Another fan favorite is my three-cheese lasagna.
Originally Published: October 21, 2025 at 7:00 AM PDT