Over 2,000 Join Congressman Brad Sherman Telephone Town Hall

SHERMAN OAKS, CA — On March 31, over 2,000 residents joined Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) for another live Telephone Town Hall to discuss key national and local issues, including economic challenges facing families, the ongoing war with Iran, and growing concerns over what Sherman described as President Donald Trump's reckless and extreme policies.

“At a time when families are feeling squeezed by rising costs, travelers are facing chaos at our airports, and the United States risks being pulled deeper into conflict abroad, it’s more important than ever that people stay informed and engaged,” said Congressman Sherman. “I’m grateful to the thousands of constituents who joined our Town Hall and who continue to participate in these conversations. Even in a turbulent moment in Washington, our communities are paying close attention and making their voices heard.”

During the event, Congressman Sherman — a senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa — provided updates on the rapidly evolving situation involving Iran and ongoing U.S. military activity in the region. He reiterated the importance of Congress’s constitutional authority over decisions of war and peace and emphasized the need for strong oversight of executive actions that could draw the United States into a broader conflict.

Sherman also addressed widespread frustration with the current state of the economy, including rising gas prices and cost-of-living pressures facing families across the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles. He discussed his bill the No U.S. Oil Exports During Iran War Act to halt exports of U.S.-produced crude oil during the ongoing war with Iran, aiming to protect American consumers from rising energy costs and economic instability. 

In addition, Sherman spoke about the Department of Homeland Security funding impasse and its real-world consequences, including long TSA lines and airport disruptions, warning that misguided policy decisions have only exacerbated the situation for travelers.

The Telephone Town Hall featured Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who joined Sherman to provide updates on local issues affecting Valley residents and to highlight coordination between federal and local governments. Councilmember Blumenfield addressed concerns ranging from public services to infrastructure and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong communication between all levels of government during periods of uncertainty.

Constituents raised a wide range of issues, including the rising cost of living, the direction of U.S. foreign policy, airport delays and travel disruptions, ongoing immigration enforcement actions, and concerns about protecting democratic institutions and ensuring fair elections. Sherman addressed these questions directly, underscoring his commitment to transparency, oversight, and keeping constituents informed during a rapidly evolving period in Washington.

Participants had the opportunity to respond to interactive survey prompts about their top concerns.

The results of the survey questions are as follows:

Do you support or oppose allowing voting by mail without a claim of disability or travel?

- Yes, I support voting by mail: 80%

- Yes, but only for good reason: 16%

- No, I oppose voting by mail: 3%

-  Unsure: 1%

Who do you blame for the current government shutdown of DHS? 

-The Republican Party: 62%

- The Democratic Party: 17%

- Both Equally: 15%

- Unsure: 6%

Do you approve of President Trump’s performance as President so far? 

- Approve: 11%

- Disapprove: 86%

- Unsure: 3%