April 15, 2015

Torres Reflects on First 100 Days

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) reflected on her first 100 days in Congress. Since taking office, Torres has worked with her colleagues on both sides of the aisle on a variety of legislative initiatives, completed an extensive district-wide job creation listening tour, and built a robust constituent services operation.

Legislation introduced:

Today, Torres introduced the DHS Communication Enhancement Act which requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to assess the Department's ability to serve individuals with limited English proficiency and requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a summary of its findings and a plan, including a timeline for implementation, to improve the Department's ability to serve non-English speakers.

Legislation cosponsored:

Torres has cosponsored 39 bills, 18 of which were sponsored or cosponsored by Republicans. Three of the bills she cosponsored have been passed by the House of Representatives. They were the Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act of 2015, the Human Trafficking Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery Act of 2015, and a bill to Award a Gold Medal to those who participated in Bloody Sunday, Turnaround Tuesday, or the final Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March in March of 1965.

Jobs Listening Tour:

Torres undertook a district-wide listening tour to meet with a cross-section of constituents, businesses, and local leaders to hear their ideas on creating jobs and growing the Inland Empire economy. In total, she held seven roundtable meetings focusing on a variety of industries and toured several of the district's largest employers, hearing concerns and suggestions from over 200 people. A report detailing her findings will be released on May 1st.

Constituent Services:

Torres opened a new district office in Ontario conveniently located for residents of the 35th District. In addition to hosting her inaugural Congressional Art Competition for local high school students and one Congress on Your Corner and two senior scam stopper seminars to provide help to area residents, the Congresswoman's office has responded to 88 constituent assistance request, 42 of which have been closed, and provided tours of the U.S. Capitol to 72 visitors from the 35th District. She has also sent out 834 responses to constituent inquiries.

"From day one, I have been committed to supporting our local economy, expanding access to education, and making our community a safe and attractive place to work, live, and raise a family," said Torres. "The past 100 days have provided me with an incredible opportunity to meet with constituents from every corner of the 35th District and hear their concerns, ideas, and aspirations. I am committed to spending the next 100 days and beyond working hard for the residents of the 35th District."

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