Press Releases
Statement on Refugee Executive Order
ONTARIO, CA - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to Donald Trump's latest executive actions drastically limiting the admittance of refugees:"Donald Trump's Executive Order on refugees is more reckless fear-mongering that has no basis in reality. Refugees already undergo a long, rigorous screening process that often takes years. While we should work to continuously monitor and improve that process, there is no reason to bring it to a crashing halt or … Continue Reading
January 26, 2017
Statement on Immigration Executive Actions
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to a series of executive actions regarding immigration enforcement announced by the Trump administration:"The Trump administration's executive actions on immigration are an attempt to appease the far right at the expense of our values, security, and economic well-being. Contrary to Trump's claims, these cynical orders will only undermine local law enforcement, waste taxpayer dollars, and strain … Continue Reading
January 25, 2017
Lawmakers Highlight Importance of US-Mexico Cooperation
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, a group of Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to Mexico's undersecretary for North America, Carlos Sada, regarding the importance of U.S.-Mexico cooperation in light of the recent extradition of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. The letter was signed by Reps. Norma J. Torres (D-CA), Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), and James P. McGovern (D-MA).The letter comes as the Trump administration announces new executive actions … Continue Reading
January 24, 2017
Torres Named to Foreign Affairs and Natural Resources Subcommittees
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) was named to the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade and the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere of the Foreign Affairs Committee. She was also elected Ranking Member of the Indian, Insular and Native Alaskan Affairs Subcommittee and named to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands of the Natural Resources Committee."I am honored to serve on the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade on the House Foreign … Continue Reading
January 23, 2017
Statement on Southern California Flooding
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) released the following statement in response to reports of widespread flooding throughout Southern California and in particular, the Inland region: "With rains continuing and flooding only set to get worse across Southern California, I urge Inland Empire residents to exercise extreme caution and limit travel as best they can. Floodwaters are often deceptive and unpredictable. Please do not put your life and the lives of first responders … Continue Reading
January 20, 2017
Statement on the 58th Inaugural
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) issued the following statement on the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump: "Today begins a new chapter in our history - one that is marked with concern and anxiety over what this new administration will bring. After witnessing his first address to the nation he is now sworn to protect, it is clear those fears are not unfounded. Trump has laid out a vision of our country that stands in sharp contrast … Continue Reading
January 17, 2017
Torres on Decision to Attend Trump Inauguration
ONTARIO, CA - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) released the following statement announcing that she plans to attend the 58th Inaugural Ceremony for Donald J. Trump: "After serious consideration, I have decided to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump. As an immigrant and a woman who represents a largely Mexican-American constituency, I am the embodiment of everything Trump has demonized and demeaned. And on January 20th, I will stand over his shoulder, just as I will during the next four … Continue Reading
January 13, 2017
Statement on House GOP Vote to Repeal ACA
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) issued the following statement in response to a House of Representatives vote that clears the path for repeal of the Affordable Care Act:"The vote taken in Congress today is nothing short of irresponsible. It puts in jeopardy the lives of millions of Americans just for the sake of a political victory. For years, we have heard Republicans talk about repealing and replacing, but to this day we have not seen a single workable plan to … Continue Reading
January 10, 2017
Torres Appointed to Foreign Affairs Committee
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi announced that Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) would be appointed to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. "As a representative from California, a state that is home to people from all over the world, I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Foreign Affairs Committee and to work alongside Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, and my Democratic and Republican colleagues as we promote efforts to encourage global cooperation and … Continue Reading
January 09, 2017
Rules Committee Rejects Torres Amendment Protecting Human Trafficking Victims
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House Rules Committee rejected an amendment offered by Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) to H.R. 5, the Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017, that would have exempted from burdensome new approval requirements regulations aimed at protecting sexually exploited minors and victims of trafficking."My amendment sought to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and I am disappointed the Rules Committee chose to not make it in order," said Torres. "Rules … Continue Reading
January 03, 2017
Torres Sworn into 115th Congress
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) released the following statement on being officially sworn into the 115th Congress: "I am ready and excited to be back in Washington to begin my second term in Congress and am looking forward to continuing the work I started over the last two years to address the economic challenges facing the Inland Empire, create new ways to attract funding for infrastructure projects, and keep our communities safe. There is no question that we face a … Continue Reading
December 16, 2016
Torres Hosts Roundtable Meeting with Dreamers and Local Advocacy Organizations
ONTARIO, CA - Yesterday afternoon, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) hosted a roundtable meeting at the University of La Verne Law School with local Dreamers, immigration advocates, and faith groups to discuss the concerns of Dreamers and their families regarding possible changes to the DACA program, as well as ways in which members of the community can collaborate moving forward."In recent weeks many of my constituents have expressed fear in how the incoming administration's policies will … Continue Reading
December 15, 2016
Torres/Carter Federal Law Enforcement Training Bill Heads to President's Desk
ONTARIO, CA - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) praised the Senate's passage of H.R 3842, a bill introduced by Torres and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) which makes improvements to and permanently establishes the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). FLETC provides quality, cost-effective training to more than 70,000 law enforcement officers across a variety of agencies each year at seven locations around the country. "As we have seen time and again, our local law enforcement is the … Continue Reading
December 09, 2016
Torres Hosts Financial Aid and Student Loans Telephone Town Hall
WASHINGTON, DC - The evening of December 7th, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) held a Telephone Town Hall on Student Loans and Financial Aid for residents of the 35th Congressional District. She was joined by representatives from the U.S. Department of Education and the California Student Aid Commission who gave an overview of programs available to assist students and graduates and answered questions from callers. "Americans currently owe a total of $1.3 trillion in student loan debt, and that … Continue Reading
December 09, 2016
Torres Statement on Anti-Corruption Day
DECLARACIÓN DE LA CONGRESISTA NORMA TORRES SOBRE EL DÍA INTERNACIONAL CONTRA LA CORRUPCIÓN ***English translation below***WASHINGTON, DC - En reconocimiento del Día Internacional contra la Corrupción, la Congresista Norma J. Torres (D-CA) emitió el siguiente pronunciamiento para elogiar los esfuerzos de reforma en el Triángulo Norte de Centroamérica y reafirmar su compromiso de asegurar que el nuevo gobierno estadounidense continúe apoyando los esfuerzos contra la corrupción en … Continue Reading
December 02, 2016
Statement on the One Year Anniversary of the San Bernardino Attack
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) issued the following statement commemorating the one year anniversary of the attack on the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California: "One year ago today, our community was rocked by an act of senseless violence and hatred when 14 were brutally murdered and 22 were injured in the attack on the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino. While this was an act of pure evil that can never be diminished or forgotten, I hope we all … Continue Reading
November 23, 2016
First Session of Torres's Youth Advisory Committee Concludes, 2017 Applications Now Accepted
ONTARIO, CA - Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) concluded the innaugural class of her congressional Youth Advisory Commitee and announced the opening of the application process of next year's committee. "I was consistently impressed and inspired by our first group of participants in the YAC program and can't wait to welcome our next group," said Torres. "These young future leaders were intellectually curious, insightful, and shared a strong commitment to making our … Continue Reading
November 18, 2016
Torres Honored by New American Leaders Project
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) was recognized at the New American Leaders Project Power and Policy Awards Reception for her contributions to the national political landscape as an immigrant in elected office."I am so grateful for this honor and for the amazing work the New American Leaders Project does," said Torres. "This past campaign season, immigrant communities were demonized and scapegoated, but through events like tonight's and their training, fellowships, and … Continue Reading
November 17, 2016
Torres Joins House Democrats in Calling on Trump to Rescind Bannon Appointment
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) joined 168 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-RI), in sending a letter asking President-elect Donald Trump to rescind ‘alt-right’ leader Steve Bannon’s appointment as White House Chief Strategist. “President-elect Trump has promised to work to unify this nation and heal the divisions from the election, but the person he has appointed as one of his closest advisors raises serious concerns,” … Continue Reading
November 09, 2016
Statement on 2016 Election
ONTARIO, CA - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) issued the following statement in response to the 2016 general election: "I am honored and grateful that the people of California's 35th district have elected me to a second term, and I will return to Washington ready to work with my Republican and Democratic colleagues and the new administration to continue fighting for the needs of my community. While the national election results were not what I hoped, the American people have … Continue Reading