Press Releases
Torres Visits Community Projects Sites to Highlight Local Funding Secured in Omnibus
POMONA, Calif. - This week, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) visited the sites of five Community Project Funding recipients in California's 35th Congressional District, and met with all 10 community project funding recipients, to highlight the $14.3 million in federal investments she secured in the omnibus funding package passed by Congress and recently signed into law. Torres is a member of the Appropriations Committee."It was a pleasure to meet with the recipients of the federal … Continue Reading
March 23, 2022
Torres Statement on the Passing of Secretary Madeleine Albright
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) released the following statement on the passing of the 64th U.S. Secretary of State, and first female Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright: "I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Secretary Madeleine Albright. She was a remarkable and inspirational woman, and a champion for democracy around the world. Her diplomatic work and strong advocacy for human rights made our country - and the world - safer. She was a powerful force for … Continue Reading
March 22, 2022
Torres Statement on News of Judge Erika Aifán's Resignation
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) released the following statement on the news that Judge Erika Aifán, one of Guatemala's top anti-corruption prosecutors, has resigned and is seeking asylum. "Judge Aifán's work has been absolutely instrumental to the fight against corruption in Guatemala, and it is infuriating - although unsurprising - that she has been forced out of her country by those who have been the target of her efforts," said Congresswoman Torres. "This is just the … Continue Reading
March 18, 2022
Torres Advocates for Further Federal Judiciary Workplace Conduct Reforms in Light of New Report
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) today urged the federal judiciary to take additional steps toward workplace reform after the Judiciary Workplace Conduct Working Group released a new report and recommendations to "ensure an exemplary workplace." The new recommendations include a nationwide climate survey, additional remedies for employees who experience misconduct, and that employment complaints be examined by judges from different courts than where the complaint originates. As … Continue Reading
March 18, 2022
Torres Introduces Asbestos Disclosure Bill to Protect Renters and Homeowners
WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) introduced the Asbestos Exposure in Housing Reduction Act to protect residents from asbestos exposure by requiring the disclosure of asbestos hazards in the sale and lease of residential dwellings, and implementing civil and criminal penalties for failure to disclose. "This legislation is an important step in protecting renters and homeowners from the dangerous and potentially deadly impacts of asbestos exposure," said Rep. Torres. " … Continue Reading
March 17, 2022
Torres Statement on Honduran Court Ruling Authorizing the Extradition of Former President Hernandez to the United States
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) released the following statement on last night's Honduran court ruling to authorize the extradition of former President Juan Orlando Hernandez to the United States to be tried on drug-trafficking and firearm charges:"This is an important decision for justice and the rule of law. Last night's ruling by the Honduran court brings us one step closer to justice for all the victims of Juan Orlando Hernandez's violent corruption. Hernandez's actions … Continue Reading
March 15, 2022
Torres, Napolitano, Carbajal Deliver $10 Million for Cal Poly-Air Force Research Laboratory Partnership
WASHINGTON - Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), and Salud Carbajal (CA-24) today announced the inclusion of $10 million to support U.S. Air Force Educational Partnership Agreements (EPAs) at Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the omnibus government funding bill that passed the House last week. The funding will allow the universities to create new and innovative laboratories to test subsonic Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) technologies, … Continue Reading
March 10, 2022
Torres Secures $61.5 Million for Anti-Corruption Efforts, Other Key Central America Provisions in Government Funding Bill
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced the inclusion of $61.5 million for anti-corruption and rule of law efforts in Central America, along with several other critical provisions, in the omnibus government funding bill that today passed the House. As a Member of the Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Torres included these provisions to ensure that U.S. - Central America policy focuses on protecting human rights and upholding democratic institutions and rule of law in … Continue Reading
March 10, 2022
Congresswoman Torres Includes $14.3 million for Inland Empire Community Projects in Government Funding Bill
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced the Inland Empire will receive $14,346,500 in federal funding for local projects in the government funding bill that today passed the House. As a Member of the Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Torres included these directed funds to ensure that the 35th Congressional District can immediately benefit from federal resources. These funds cover all 10 of Congresswomen Torres' priorities for local projects. "I'm extremely pleased … Continue Reading
March 08, 2022
Torres Leads Congressional Letter to President Lasso of Ecuador Urging Respect for National Assembly, Abortion Access for Rape Survivors
WASHINGTON - Today Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) led 19 House colleagues in a letter to President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador urging his support of the women and girls of Ecuador, requesting he sign into law a National Assembly bill that enables abortion access for rape survivors in Ecuador. Since 2019, around 4,000 girls under 14 have given birth in Ecuador, all in cases of rape. President Lasso originally said that despite personal opposition to abortion, he would not veto the bill. … Continue Reading
March 03, 2022
Torres Amendments Included in Honoring our PACT Act
WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) applauded the inclusion of her two amendments as part of the bipartisan Honoring our PACT Act, legislation which recognizes military toxic exposure, and provides comprehensive care for toxic-exposed veterans. The two amendments introduced by Congresswoman Torres will make resources for toxic-exposed veterans available in the 10 most-spoken languages in the United States, including Spanish, and will require the Veterans Affairs … Continue Reading
March 02, 2022
Congresswoman Norma J. Torres Responds to President Biden’s State of the Union
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) released the following statement in response to President Biden's first State of the Union Address:"In his first State of the Union Address, President Biden highlighted the incredible progress his administration has made restoring American leadership on the world stage, and making real, tangible progress for working families here at home. That progress is more important now than ever as we stand with the Ukrainian people defending their … Continue Reading
February 25, 2022
Congresswoman Norma Torres Releases Statement on Russian Invasion of Ukraine
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) released the following statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine: "Vladimir Putin's unprompted invasion of Ukraine is a clear threat to democracy and national security worldwide that will result in senseless suffering and death. I strongly condemn Russia's actions, and reject the false pretenses under which Putin is trying to justify this attack. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I have worked with my colleagues in Congress … Continue Reading
February 16, 2022
Congresswoman Torres Applauds U.S. Request to Extradite Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today released the following statement in response to the news that the United States has requested the extradition of former President of Honduras Juan Orlando Hernandez: "I applaud the United States' decision to quickly request the extradition of former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, and I am relieved the Honduran government is taking the steps to work with us to bring him to justice. Hernandez has been directly linked to major drug … Continue Reading
February 04, 2022
Torres, Menendez Applaud the Inclusion of National Supply Chain Database in America COMPETES Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (D-CA-35) and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), today applauded the inclusion of their bipartisan, bicameral legislation creating a National Manufacturing Extension Partnership Supply Chain Database as an amendment to the America COMPETES Act, passed today by the House of Representatives. The language was offered as an amendment by Rep. Torres and Rep. Chuck Fleishmann (R-TN-03). Last June, the Senate passed the U.S. Innovation and Competition … Continue Reading
February 01, 2022
Torres, Markey, Castro, and McGovern Request State Department Protections for Central America Civil Society Organizations
WASHINGTON - Representative Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Senator Edward J. Markey (Massachusetts), Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20), and Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02) this week sent a letter to the U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary Brian Nichols and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Acting Assistant Administrator Peter Natiello expressing concern over closing civic spaces in Central America and requesting that the Administration prioritize advocacy on behalf … Continue Reading
January 27, 2022
Congresswoman Norma J. Torres Calls for U.S. Department of Justice to Indict and Extradite Juan Orlando Hernandez of Honduras
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) this week sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland calling for the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to immediately indict and request the extradition of President Juan Orlando Hernandez of Honduras upon the completion of his term on January 27. "President Hernandez has been a central figure in undermining the rule of law in his own country and in protecting and assisting drug traffickers to move their materials through Honduras … Continue Reading
January 14, 2022
Reps. Torres, DeLauro, Price, Aguilar, Sherrill Ask Administration For Additional Protections for Warehouse Workers
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) and four House colleagues - Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), David Price (NC-04), Pete Aguilar (CA-31), and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) - sent a letter to Secretary Marty Walsh of the Department of Labor and Secretary Pete Buttigieg of the Department of Transportation requesting additional protections for warehouse workers shouldering the burden of the national supply chain disruptions."Most goods moved through the [L.A. and Long Beach] ports are … Continue Reading
January 06, 2022
Congresswoman Norma J. Torres Releases Statement on Anniversary of January 6 Attack on Capitol
WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today released the following statement recognizing the one-year anniversary of the violent assault of the U.S. Capitol during the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. One year ago, violent terrorists attacked our Capitol, the seat of our Democracy, while we tried to certify the results of a free and fair election. We didn't let them stop us. Democracy and freedom prevailed - thanks to our brave Capitol Police Officers who … Continue Reading
December 28, 2021
Congresswoman Norma J. Torres Releases Statement on News of Bukele Administration Shutting Down Corruption Investigations
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Norma Torres released the following statement on the reporting that El Salvador President Nayib Bukele shut down anti-corruption investigations into his government's partnering with gangs and criminals: "This reporting confirms what we already knew: The Bukele Administration is making secret pacts with violent gangs to rig crime statistics and public perception, while shutting down investigations into its corrupt and dangerous dealings. This further demonstrates that … Continue Reading