Press Releases
Congresswoman Torres Statement on Vote to Keep the Government Open
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee - today released the following statement after voting to keep the government open: “Though I voted for this stopgap bill to keep the government open, this plan is flawed and falls short of the challenges facing our nation at home and abroad. “By separating government funding deadlines, this two-step plan not only breaks the precedent of our annual government funding … Continue Reading
November 09, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Leads Congressional Hispanic Caucus Colleagues in Urging U.S. Support to the Mexican Government Following Hurricane Otis
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, led a letter today with her Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) colleagues to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power, requesting more information on how the Biden Administration is engaging with the Mexican government following Hurricane Otis’ devastation. The lawmakers … Continue Reading
November 08, 2023
Representatives Torres & Fitzpatrick Reintroduce Bipartisan 9-1-1 SAVES Act to Reclassify 9-1-1 Dispatchers as First Responders
Washington, D.C. — Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - the first former 9-1-1 dispatcher to serve in Congress - and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) - a former FBI Special Agent and federal prosecutor - announced the reintroduction of the bipartisan 9-1-1 Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services (SAVES) Act. 9-1-1 dispatchers are currently not classified as first responders, though other professions like school crossing guards are. At zero cost to American taxpayers, the 9-1-1 SAVES Act … Continue Reading
November 07, 2023
Torres, Schneider, Scholten, Torres Lead Statement on “From the River to the Sea” and the Ongoing Hamas-Israel War
Washington, D.C. — Representatives Norma Torres (CA-35), Brad Schneider (IL-10) Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and Ritchie Torres (NY-15) led a statement on the phrase “from the river to the sea” and the ongoing Hamas-Israel War. The following members co-signed that statement: Bera, Ami; Boyle, Brendan; Brownley, Julia; Brown, Shontel; Budzinski, Nikki; Carbajal, Salud; Carter, Troy; Casten, Sean; Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila; Cohen, Steve; Correa, J.; Costa, Jim; Courtney, Joe; Craig, Angie; … Continue Reading
November 02, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Statement on Vote Against Partisan Conditions on Aid to Israel
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today released the following statement after voting against H.R. 6126 to reject partisan conditions on aid to Israel: “I unequivocally support the people of Israel, their right to defend themselves, and the commitment of the United States to stand by our strongest ally in the region, but I could not in good conscience support the cynical, partisan aid package that Speaker Johnson presented. Today, I voted to reject any conditions … Continue Reading
November 01, 2023
Representatives Torres & Bonamici Introduce Legislation to Keep Pedestrians & Vulnerable Road Users Safe
Washington, D.C. — Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) announced today the introduction of the Pedestrian Hazard, Awareness and Safety Expansion (PHASE) Act to address rising pedestrian accidents and fatalities in regions like the Inland Empire. The Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metro area is the 14th most dangerous metropolitan area in the United States for pedestrians. The announcement follows the conclusion of National Pedestrian Safety Month (October … Continue Reading
November 01, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Statement on Commerce Department’s 90-Day Freeze on Firearms Exports
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today issued the following statement after the Department of Commerce announced on Friday a suspension of most exports of?? U.S.-made firearms, related components, and ammunition for non-government civilians for 90 days: "Protecting our national security and ensuring deadly weapons do not end up in the wrong hands remains one of my top priorities in Congress. Since our nation’s firearm export process was wrongfully altered during the … Continue Reading
October 31, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Statement on State Department Actions Regarding Anti-Democratic Actors in Guatemala
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) issued the below statement in response to the Department of State’s actions to impose additional visa restrictions on those undermining the peaceful transfer of power in Guatemala: “The Guatemalan people have spoken, and their votes must be respected. The United States unequivocally stands with those fighting for democracy in Guatemala, and I am pleased the Biden Administration heeded my call to impose additional restrictions on … Continue Reading
October 30, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Leads Colleagues in Calling for Targeted Sanctions Against Those Undermining Democracy in Guatemala
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) led a letter today with her colleagues to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging them to use all available tools - including targeted financial sanctions - to support democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala. Their letter comes amidst rising concerns that Guatemalan election workers will come under attack by the Guatemalan Attorney General and others in November when their legal protections … Continue Reading
October 27, 2023
Torres, House Democracy Partnership Send Bipartisan Letter on Efforts to Undermine Democracy in Guatemala
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) sent a bipartisan letter with the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) today to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging the administration to support a peaceful transition of power in Guatemala and speak out against efforts to undermine the integrity of the results of Guatemala’s presidential election. The letter precedes the conclusion of Guatemala’s election period on October 31st. Congresswoman Torres and the lawmakers write, … Continue Reading
October 25, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Statement on Election of GOP Extremist Mike Johnson as Speaker
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today released the following statement after House Republicans elected Mike Johnson - one of their most extreme, far-right Members - to be the next Speaker of the House: “Mike Johnson is anti-democratic, anti-family, and anti-American. After 22 days without a Speaker of the House, it is a disgrace that House Republicans chose to elect an extremist as Speaker, rather than pursue a bipartisan path forward for the American people. “An … Continue Reading
October 06, 2023
Readout of Congresswoman Norma Torres’ Meeting with Guatemalan President-Elect Bernardo Arévalo
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, the only Member of Congress to be born in Central America, and chair of the bipartisan Central America Caucus - met with Guatemalan President-elect Bernardo Arévalo to discuss the Guatemalan government’s continued interference in the peaceful transfer of power. President-elect Arévalo shared his concerns about growing efforts by … Continue Reading
October 06, 2023
ICYMI: Congresswoman Torres & Congressman Fleischmann Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize October 6, 2023 as Manufacturing Day
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution to recognize the first Friday of October as Manufacturing Day. The day - which falls on October 6th this year - recognizes the importance of manufacturing to the United States and regions like the Inland Empire. According to recent data, manufacturers contribute $2.79 trillion to the U.S. economy and employ nearly 13 million people across the … Continue Reading
October 02, 2023
Reps. Torres, Bonamici, Davids, & DelBene and Sens. Heinrich & Luján Lead Bicameral Bill to Commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Washington, D.C. — Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Sharice Davids (KS-03), and Suzan DelBene (WA-01), along with Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), announced the reintroduction of the bicameral Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act to replace Columbus Day as a federal holiday and designate the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. “Our country has long failed to recognize and acknowledge its dark history of erasure and harm … Continue Reading
September 29, 2023
Congresswoman Torres & Congressman Fleischmann Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize October 6, 2023 as Manufacturing Day
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) today announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution to recognize the first Friday of October as Manufacturing Day. The day - which falls on October 6th this year - recognizes the importance of manufacturing to the United States and regions like the Inland Empire. According to recent data, manufacturers contribute $2.79 trillion to the U.S. economy and employ nearly 13 million people … Continue Reading
September 29, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Statement on Passing of Senator Feinstein
Pomona, CA — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) released the following statement on the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein: “California and the world have lost a trailblazer, and I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein who served with grace, dignity, and resolve. Her legacy will serve as a role model for many of us in public office for generations to come. “Senator Feinstein fought for every corner of the state, and her legacy in the Inland Empire … Continue Reading
September 28, 2023
New Dem Affordable Housing Task Force Chair Torres Holds Meeting with National Association of Home Builders CEO
Washington, D.C. - Today, the New Democrat Coalition’s (NDC) Affordable Housing Task Force welcomed National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) CEO Jim Tobin to discuss the current state of America’s housing market and ways to expand pathways to homeownership for Americans. Housing access and affordability are critical issues impacting communities across America, from big cities to small towns. Earlier this year, New Dems called for robust policy solutions to bolster affordable housing … Continue Reading
September 19, 2023
Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Torres Opening Remarks at the Oversight Hearing on January 6th Security
Washington, D.C. - Committee on House Administration Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Norma J. Torres (CA-35) gave the following opening remarks at the Oversight subcommittee hearing on January 6th Security failures. “Thank you Mr. Chairman. “'Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild.' “On December 19th, 2020, former President Donald Trump, the leader of the Republican Party, sent those fateful words to his supporters and they complied. “Following that … Continue Reading
September 18, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Touts Nearly $16 Million in Federal Funding for Ontario International Airport
Pomona, CA — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced today the delivery of $15,938,310 in federal grant funding to Ontario International Airport (ONT), the Inland Empire’s premier transportation hub. This grant is part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) 2023 Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which funds significant runway and taxiway reconstruction and repair costs. “As our region and economy continue to grow, Ontario International Airport is vital for getting people … Continue Reading
September 13, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Announces Over $1.8 Million in Federal Education Grants to Cal Poly Pomona
Pomona, CA — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - to mark National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week - announced the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have awarded Cal Poly Pomona, a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a combined $1.8+ million in education grants. The federal funding will be used to conduct research in various STEM fields, including electric vehicles, diabetes, and computer science. This funding will unlock new opportunities for … Continue Reading