ICYMI: In Southern Arizona, Kelly Meets with Workers and Veterans at Warehouses and VFW Post
In case you missed it, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly spent the day yesterday in Southern Arizona hearing directly from business leaders, workers, and veterans about the real-life consequences of recent Trump administration actions—from tariffs that are driving up costs and threatening jobs, to sweeping federal layoffs that are hurting veterans and threatening the care and support they’ve earned.
Kelly started the day in Nogales, where he toured the C&V Warehouse, a major produce distributor, and the Valencia International Warehouse, a key manufacturing hub, to hear from business leaders and workers about how new tariffs are impacting operations. His visit came as the Trump administration’s 25 percent tariffs on all goods from Mexico took effect alongside plans to end an agreement that has helped keep tomato prices stable for Arizona importers. In Nogales—which is a hub for cross-border trade and a major entry point for fresh produce—these actions are already raising costs, disrupting supply chains, and putting Arizona jobs at risk.
In conversations with warehouse employees and business leaders, Kelly heard concerns about how the administration’s unpredictable trade decisions are making it difficult to keep operations running. One business owner said he is considering shutting down entirely due to the constant changes, putting more than 45 employees at risk of losing their jobs. Another explained that it’s not just the produce itself being affected—the packaging materials they rely on are also imported, and the tariffs will drive up those costs too, increases that will ultimately be passed on to consumers.
Later in the afternoon, Kelly hosted a discussion with veterans at his VFW Post in Tucson to hear directly about the challenges they are facing, such as the firing of thousands of them from the federal workforce, planned deep cuts at the VA, and difficulties accessing health care and benefits.
Henry, a veteran who regularly visits his local VA, shared that he’s already seen reduced hours, limited access to medical records, and fewer staff available to help—warning that essential positions are being eliminated. Chuck, another veteran, raised concerns about how these cuts are especially dangerous for older veterans, calling it a looming “silver tsunami” as services like transportation to appointments are being scaled back.
In both stops, Kelly assured Arizonans that he will continue standing up to the administration’s harmful policies and fighting for solutions that protect jobs, lower costs, and safeguard the services veterans have earned. Recently, he has introduced the Protect Veteran Jobs Act to reinstate wrongfully terminated veterans, sent a letter demanding answers from the administration on the mass layoffs of veterans and VA employees, and is leading efforts to protect Arizona’s trade economy from reckless tariff decisions.
