Congresswoman Norma J. Torres, a lifelong resident of Pomona, is deeply committed to the Inland Empire. She lives there with her husband, Louis, and their two sons, Robert and Matthew. Her third son, Christopher, is a distinguished Air Force veteran and current law enforcement officer. Her family's support and her personal dedication to the community have been the driving force behind her career. She has consistently advocated for funding for community projects, public safety and introduced legislation to address the needs of Inland Empire residents.
Commencement of Political Career
As a State Senator, Torres made significant contributions to successfully implementing the Affordable Care Act for California’s patients and consumers. She diversified the Covered California Board and secured federal funds for the “Keep Your Home California” program. Torres also authored legislation to modernize the 9-1-1 system for improved emergency response. She started her public service career as a 911 dispatcher, where she led the fight to improve 911 service for the residents of Los Angeles. A member of the AFSCME union, she graduated from the National Labor College with a BA in Labor Studies.
Prioritizing Bipartisanship
Since 2015, Torres has been a beacon of bipartisanship on Capitol Hill. With a lifelong background in public service spanning over two decades, she has repeatedly proven that she is committed to working across the aisle, working with Democrats and Republicans, and getting results for Inland Empire families. Her ability to bridge the political divide is a testament to her commitment to serving all her constituents.
Securing funding for the Inland Empire
Now serving her fifth term in Congress, Congresswoman Torres has delivered billions of dollars in federal investments in the region. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development senior member, she is committed to ensuring federal resources are wisely spent and addressing her constituents' concerns—from affordable housing to transportation. She secured $73 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and passed over $863 million for bipartisan appropriation projects. Torres' priority is always meeting the needs of the people she serves, making every constituent feel valued and important.
Making a Difference Abroad
During her time in Congress, Torres has worked to protect democracy at home and abroad. As the only Central American-born Member of Congress, she successfully directed the Appropriations Committee to efficiently fund programs addressing the root causes of migration, cracking down on lawlessness and impunity by authoritarian leaders, preventing violence against women and children, and promoting human rights. The White House implemented her Central American Women and Children Act, the first compact signed between the United States and Honduras to address gender-based violence in Honduras and ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children and women in Central America.
Bringing CA35 Priorities to Capitol Hill
On the Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Torres sets priorities for the needs of Inland Empire families. Following the unsolved murder of Inland Empire native Army Specialist Enrique Roman-Martinez, she used her role on the committee to pass her Enrique Roman-Martinez Military Cold Case Justice Act to reform how the military handles cold cases. Has requested additional funding to fund the Military Criminal Investigative Organizations (MCIOs), which are essential for solving murders, sexual assaults, rape, and other significant crimes against American servicemembers.
During her time in Congress, Torres a senior member of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee and the Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus FAA Reauthorization Task Force secured millions of dollars for the Ontario International Airport to improve the talent pipeline for pilots, aviation maintenance, and manufacturing workers.
Congresswoman Torres is dedicated to making sure that her Congressional District in the Inland Empire, which includes Montclair, Ontario, and Pomona and parts of Chino, Chino Hills, Eastvale, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland, is heard and counted every day she's in the district and Washington, D.C.