Torres Introduces Amendments to Protect Veterans from Deportation, Block Political Retaliation Against California
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) introduced two amendments during the full committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to safeguard immigrant veterans and defend California against politically motivated funding threats.
“Veterans who risked their lives for this country shouldn’t be deported without due process and access to legal counsel,” said Congresswoman Torres. “They wore the uniform and served with honor—they deserve the same basic legal protections as any American.”
“No president—Trump included—should use federal funding to punish states for their politics. Every taxpayer in America sends their money to Washington to fund roads, schools, and disaster response—not presidential revenge. Threatening to cut off funds to California for standing our ground is authoritarian, plain and simple.”
“My amendments were pretty simple- they would protect democracy, uphold due process, and make sure taxpayer dollars serve all Americans—not partisan agendas.”
Protecting Non-Citizen Veterans
Torres’ first amendment prohibits the use of federal funds to deport non-citizen veterans without providing access to legal counsel. The amendment reinforces core due process protections and honors immigrant service members who have fulfilled their duty to the United States.
Blocking Retaliatory Cuts to California
The second amendment responds to reports that former President Trump may seek to withhold federal funds from California for political reasons. It prohibits the use of funds in the bill to:
- Withhold, delay, or condition federal funding to punish states based on political positions;
- Impose politically motivated funding requirements targeting specific states;
- Enforce existing federal rules in a discriminatory manner based on state political leadership.
Additionally, it includes accountability measures requiring individuals who suspect violations to report them to relevant Inspectors General and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). If GAO finds a violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act, the amendment bars funding from being obligated or expended to the Office of the Secretary.
Congresswoman Torres continues to lead in Congress on issues of immigration justice, due process protections, and defending democratic norms from executive overreach.
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