Torres Appointed to Bipartisan House Democracy Partnership
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced that she was appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve on the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) for the 116th Congress. HDP is a bipartisan, twenty-member commission of the U.S. House of Representatives that works directly with legislatures of partner countries around the world to support the development of effective, independent, and responsive legislative institutions. The Partnership is assisted by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Republican Institute (IRI), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI).
"As democracy faces growing threats across the world, including in Central America, it's never been more important for the House to have a forum in which to engage in meaningful dialogue with our nation's global partners," said Torres. "I'm honored to serve on the HDP in the 116th Congress, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance and support stable, prosperous democracies."
Authorized on March 14, 2005 as the House Democracy Assistance Commission, the mission of the House Democracy Partnership is to promote responsive, effective government and strengthen democratic institutions by assisting legislatures in emerging democracies. Central to its work is peer-to-peer cooperation to build expertise in partner legislatures that will enhance accountability, transparency, legislative independence, access to information, and government oversight. HDP was reauthorized for the 116th Congress as part of the House Rules package adopted on January 3rd.
Torres is a member of the powerful House Rules and Appropriations Committees. In her capacity as founder and co-chair of the Central America Caucus, she has led efforts to fight corruption and organized crime in Central America.
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