Press Releases
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
November 02, 2016
Torres on ONT Transfer Ceremony
ONTARIO, CA - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) took part in the Airport Transfer Ceremony of Ontario International Airport. The ceremony marked the official completion of the transfer of control of the airport from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to the newly-formed Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)."Today's signing has been a long time coming and has truly been a team effort that shows what can be accomplished when this community comes together," said Torres. "From … Continue Reading
October 28, 2016
Torres Hosts Federal Grants Workshop
ONTARIO, CA - On October 25th, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) hosted a workshop at Cal Poly Pomona to help local officials and non-profit organizations find, apply, and obtain federal grant funding."The federal government is expected to provide more than $66 billion in federal grants in 2016, and I want to make sure the 35th District gets its fair share," said Torres. "There are so many organizations in our area with great ideas and worthy projects, but it can be difficult to not only find … Continue Reading
October 27, 2016
Torres Highlights Studies on Economic Benefits of Gold Line, Advocates Expansion to ONT
ONTARIO, CA - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) applauded two studies that revealed the significant economic impact of the Gold Line. The reports, prepared by The Maxima Group and Beacon Economics, quantified the economic growth that resulted from the Gold Line's first segment and measured the potential development that could take place during Phase 2 of the project."These studies prove what many of us already know: investing in transit boosts our local economies," said Torres. "As … Continue Reading
October 25, 2016
Torres Statement on Repayment of Enlistment Bonuses by California National Guard Soldiers
ONTARIO, CA - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) issued the follow statement in response to recent reports of thousands of California National Guardsmen being required to repay enlistment bonuses that were given a decade ago: "As the mother of a veteran, I was deeply concerned to learn that members of the California National Guard who served admirably are being required to repay thousands of dollars in enlistment bonuses. These men and women put their lives on the line to defend our … Continue Reading
October 21, 2016
Torres Receives Defender of Housing Award
ONTARIO, CA - Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) was awarded the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Defender of Housing Award at a reception hosted by the Building Industry Association of California Baldy View Chapter this Thursday at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario."It is an honor to receive this award from our local home builders," said Torres. "Home builders were among the hardest hit by the recession, and measures that stabilize the housing market, keep families in their homes, … Continue Reading
October 20, 2016
Torres Hosts Roundtable on Zika in Southern California
ONTARIO, CA - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) hosted a gathering of area organizations working to address the Zika crisis in Southern California at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona. The participants provided an update on the ongoing impact of Zika on the region and discussed opportunities to coordinate efforts to prevent the spread of the disease."The Zika virus continues to wreak havoc throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean and Zika-carrying mosquitos … Continue Reading
October 07, 2016
Torres Joins UPS Roundtable with Local Businesses
ONTARIO, CA - Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) took part in a business roundtable meeting with UPS and several of their local partners to discuss issues important to Inland Empire business owners. The roundtable, hosted by UPS, took place on Wednesday at the Inland Empire United Way in Rancho Cucamonga."The logistics industry is one of the primary economic drivers in the Inland Empire region with a wide range of inter-connected businesses dependent on this expansive industry," said Torres. … Continue Reading
October 06, 2016
Torres Headlines Regional Gathering of 9-1-1 Leadership
ONTARIO, CA - Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) and Admiral David Simpson, 9-1-1 Bureau Chief for the Federal Communications Commission, led a 9-1-1 Town Hall for Southern California emergency managers on Wednesday at the Ontario Convention Center. Earlier in the week, Torres and Simpson joined Ontario and San Bernardino County officials for a leadership breakfast and listening session before area leaders embarked on tours of local Public-Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) including Ontario Police … Continue Reading
September 23, 2016
Torres Introduces Bill to Make it Easier to Find Small Business Loans
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) introduced the Communicating Lender Activity Reports from the Small Business Administration (CLEAR SBA) Act which will make it easier for small businesses to find available lenders and get the capital they need to grow and succeed."During my Job Creation Listening Tour, I heard time and again about the challenges small businesses face when trying to access small business loans, in particular a lack of information about resources and … Continue Reading
September 21, 2016
ICYMI: Torres Op-Ed in The Hill - 911 dispatchers are not clerical workers
WASHINGTON, DC - On September 20, 2016, The Hill published an op-ed by Rep. Norma Torres (D-Pomona) on the misguided classification by the Office of Management and Budget of 911 dispatchers as office staff rather than "Emergency Protective Service" personnel like other members of the first responder community. The op-ed can be found here and below: On any given day, a 911 dispatcher might direct police as a crime is in progress, provide lifesaving first aid, or speak to a caller on the brink … Continue Reading
September 15, 2016
Torres Bill Brings Accountability to Wall Street Firms That Invest in Fire and Ambulance Services
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) introduced the 911 Emergency Services Protection Act to hold Wall Street firms accountable when they invest in local emergency services companies."If a private equity firm decides to invest in an emergency service company, they also take on the responsibility to provide those services to the level our communities expect," said Torres. "Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen, and the consequences can be tragic. This is why I introduced … Continue Reading
September 09, 2016
Torres Amendment Holds Wall Street Accountable When Investing in Local Emergency Services
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) offered an amendment to H.R. 5424, the Investment Advisers Modernization Act of 2016, to address growing concern that investment in local emergency services companies by private equity firms is negatively impacting fire and ambulance response times and potentially placing lives at risk."My amendment will make sure there is accountability and transparency when private equity firms invest in emergency services companies," said Torres. "Our … Continue Reading
September 08, 2016
Torres to OMB: 911 Dispatchers Are More Than Office & Support Staff
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget to object to their classification of 911 dispatcher, or “public safety telecommunicator”, as an “Office and Administrative Support Occupation” in the draft Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) and to urge them to classify this position as a “Protective Service Occupation” in the final SOC structure. “As a former 911 dispatcher, I know that public safety telecommunicators are critical … Continue Reading
August 30, 2016
Members of Congress Applaud Announcement of DHS Review of Private Detention Centers
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Reps. Norma J. Torres (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL), John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Jared Polis (D-CO), Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), Rep. Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA), and Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to the announcement by Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson that the Department will review its use of private contractors to operate immigration detention centers. This announcement … Continue Reading
August 17, 2016
Torres Statement on Lack of Cap-and-Trade Funding for Foothill Gold Line
ONTARIO, CA -Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) issued the following statement regarding the announcement that the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension project from Azusa to Montclair was not selected to receive cap-and-trade funding as a part of the 2016 Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program."I'm extremely disappointed that the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) did not award cap-and-trade funding to the Gold Line Foothill extension project," said Torres. "The second phase of … Continue Reading
August 11, 2016
Torres Announces Federal Funding for Pomona Anti-Human Trafficking/Prostitution Efforts
ONTARIO, CA - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded the City of Pomona with a $69,550 grant to combat human trafficking and prostitution. "Human trafficking and prostitution prey on the young and the vulnerable, often trapping them in a world of drugs, violence, and emotional abuse," said Torres. "Beyond the unspeakable pain of those involved, they also lead to rising crime levels across the community. I am proud to see the … Continue Reading
August 09, 2016
Torres Highlights Education Issues on "Back-to-School" Day
ONTARIO, CA - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) held a “Back-to-School Day” to meet with Inland Empire students, teachers and school administrators and encourage them to work hard and have a great year. “A quality education system is the foundation of a growing, resilient local economy,” said Torres. “Making sure our kids get a solid education doesn’t just make them better, it benefits our entire community. With students across the 35th District heading back to the classrooms, I wanted … Continue Reading