July 25, 2022

Torres Announces Inland Empire Victories in the FY2023 Government Funding Minibus Package

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced victories for the Inland Empire that she secured in the FY2023 government funding minibus package that passed out of the House of Representatives. The minibus package contains six spending bills providing funding for several federal agencies. Congresswoman Torres is a member of the Appropriations Committee, which developed the package.

"Yesterday, we passed a minibus funding package out of the House that will transform the lives of the American people," said Congresswoman Torres. "These investments will create jobs, support small businesses, expands access to affordable housing, bolsters mental health services, supports our veterans, and does much more for American families."

"In total, I was proud to secure over $16 million for community projects in the Inland Empire. These investments will address housing affordability, strengthen our water infrastructure, improve our walking trails for our students and families, and revitalize our neighborhoods," continued Rep. Torres. "The minibus package I helped pass out of the House also provides aid to 911 operators and addresses sexual misconduct in the federal judiciary to support survivors."

"I will remain focused on securing funds for the Inland Empire and giving working families the lifeline they need, so our communities are transformed and thrive," Rep. Torres concluded.

Funding secured for the Inland Empire by Congresswoman Torres in the minibus package:

  • $4 million for Courtplace Housing Development in the City of Fontana.
  • $4 million for La Casita Community Center in the City of Pomona.
  • $1.5 million for Unincorporated Fontana Safe Routes to School.
  • $2.28 million for the Prado Regional Park Food Court Rehabilitation.
  • $750,000 for the Downtown Upland Main Street Economic Recovery & Revitalization Project.
  • $750,000 for the Pacific Electric Trail Improvement Project.
  • $1.6 million for the Three Valleys Municipal Water District, Pomona Groundwater Treatment R34 Project.
  • Providing $2 million for the City of Chino's Treatment Plant for City-Owned Groundwater Wells 4 & 6.

Aid for 911 Operators:

  • Language encourages the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to provide training in CPR to state and local emergency dispatchers to help reduce cardiac deaths. Such training should include evidence-based protocols, continuing education, and performance measures.

Strong language regarding sexual misconduct in the judiciary:

  • Directs the Federal Judiciary, for the first time, to contract with the National Academy of Public Administration, an independent expert organization that will be able to ensure workplace misconduct surveys are independent and thorough, allowing the National Academy to craft a blueprint for a future independent system that conducts workplace surveys of the judiciary, collects and analyzes organizational process and employee engagement data, and coordinates best workplace practices across the Judiciary. The results of this study will be submitted within one year of passage;
  • Directs the Federal Judiciary, for the first time, to share with Congress when a Judge has been found to have committed workplace misconduct under the Judicial Conduct and Disability (JC&D) Act, so that Congress can take necessary oversight action when necessary, up to and including impeaching the Judge;
  • Directs the Federal Judiciary to increase transparency by reporting appropriate information on judges that have been found to have committed workplace misconduct to the public;
  • Directs the Federal Judiciary to share and implement best practices for the reduction of and responses to workplace misconduct; and
  • Increases staff dedicated to providing confidential advice to judiciary staff on workplace issues, coordinating staff training programs, and ensuring consistency in workplace policies and protections across circuits.

Additional Funding and Measures Secured by Congresswoman Torres

  • Language requiring SBA to provide cybersecurity training and support to small businesses participating in federal contracting programs.
  • Directing FTA to use an added $1 million for the transportation equity research program.
  • Providing $12 million for the Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program at DOT.
  • Including report language directing the FTA to provide a report on the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic impacted historically disadvantages communities.
  • Adding a provision based on Congresswoman Torres' bill, the "Sustainable Communities Act." This provision ensures that DOT's Thriving Communities Initiative will also focus on affordable housing.
  • $100 million in funding and language provided for Thriving Communities. The program fosters equitable economic growth, reduces transportation cost-burden, improves public health and mobility, and increases access to economic opportunity.
  • In addition, the Committee provides $5,000,000 to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for an interagency collaborative initiative to ensure housing and infrastructure development are taken into consideration.
  • An additional $5 million for the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response at the Department of Energy to conduct a demonstration program of innovative technologies for monitoring vegetation management to improve grid resiliency from wildfires. This effort is in line with Congresswoman Torres's "Wildfire Grid Resiliency Act" (H.R.6012).

To learn more about Congresswoman Torres work in appropriations, click here.