Rep. Robert Garcia: US should support future fuels, cruise port infrastructureRep. Robert Garcia: US should support future fuels, cruise port infrastructure

The first is the shift away from carbon-based fuels. He said the federal government will help shoulder the cost of moving away from oil and gas towards biofuels and, eventually, electric power for cruising. “The technology has to be available for those transitions to happen,” he said.

Port infrastructure

A second emphasis for the caucus is port infrastructure, and not just for cargo but the passenger side as well. Garcia, a former mayor of Long Beach, said he saw in that job the economic impact that a cruise port can have. Sailings operate year-round from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.

“Personally, I love cruising,” Garcia said. “I think it’s an incredible way for people to spend money and to be with their families and loved ones. I have a lot of love and respect for what you all do.”