South SFV Today

Rep. Ro Khanna, currently serving in the U.S. Congress representing California’s 17th district, has voiced concerns regarding recent layoffs in the manufacturing sector across the United States. In a series of tweets posted on February 15, 2025, Khanna highlights the impact of these job losses and advocates for policy changes to support American workers and industries.

Khanna points out that "the largest layoff was in Chicago, where 188 people lost their jobs with textile producer A. Lava & Son, LLC." He emphasizes the need for congressional action to support American manufacturing facilities as a means to protect workers’ good-paying jobs and reinvigorate domestic industry here.

In another tweet from the same day, Khanna attributes these layoffs to "bad trade policy" and calls for measures such as an offshoring penalty and increased investments in domestic manufacturing plants to safeguard American workers and communities here.

Furthermore, he reports that "in Ottumwa, Iowa, the tractor manufacturer John Deere laid off 75 workers" due to mass layoffs and closures associated with offshoring operations to Mexico here. This instance underscores his argument for stronger protective measures for domestic employment.