Press Releases
Torres Statement on San Bernardino Shooting
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) released the following statement in response to the shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California: "As this situation continues to unfold, my heart goes out to the victims and their families. These kinds of tragedies are always heartbreaking, but today, it has hit frighteningly close to home. Not only is this facility located within my previous state Senate district, but constituents of the 35th congressional … Continue Reading
November 25, 2015
Torres Meets with Syrian Refugee Families
ONTARIO, CA - Today Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, met with families of Syrian refugees at the Islamic Center of Claremont in Pomona to hear first-hand their experiences with the refugee screening process and their resettlement in California. "As an immigrant myself, I know that we can't turn our backs on those in greatest need," said Torres. "I came to the U.S. as a small girl during a very dangerous time in Guatemala, because my … Continue Reading
November 18, 2015
4,000+ Residents Join Torres on El Niño Tele-Town Hall
WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday evening, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) hosted a Telephone Town Hall for constituents with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on preparing for El Niño. It was the latest in a series of outreach efforts to help Inland Empire residents get ready, including an El Niño Preparedness Seminar in Chino and a comprehensive online resources page. "Ultimately, we can never … Continue Reading
November 17, 2015
Torres Statement on Paris Attacks
WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) has issued the following statement in response to the terrorist attacks in Paris, France:"The attacks of this past week were more than a tragedy for the victims and their loved ones, they were an attack on our values, our freedoms, and our shared humanity. The attacks in Paris have unquestionably hit close to home, but they also came on the heels of deadly ISIL attacks in Egypt, Beirut, and Baghdad. They are all a stark reminder of the threat … Continue Reading
November 05, 2015
Torres Calls on IRS to Investigate LA County Fair Association
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, in letters to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Attorney General for the State of California, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) asked the IRS to re-examine the current tax exempt status of the Los Angeles County Fair Association and work with the California Attorney General to restructure the Association to better serve the public. "For far too long, the Association has ignored the concerns of local residents and operated without sufficient oversight or … Continue Reading
October 30, 2015
Torres Introduces Bills to Improve LA Ports' Security
WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at improving coordination in homeland security efforts, particularly as they relate to area ports. "With many of the goods that arrive at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles coming through my district before being distributed throughout the rest of the country, securing our area ports is one of my top priorities," stated Torres. "Earlier this year I had the opportunity to tour the Port of … Continue Reading
October 26, 2015
Declaracion sobre la eleccion presidencial en Guatemala
TORRES: DECLARACIÓN SOBRE LA ELECCION PRESIDENCIAL EN GUATEMALA (English version follows) WASHINGTON, DC - Hoy, la Representante Norma J. Torres, la primera congresista estadounidense de origen guatemalteco, emitió la siguiente declaración con respeto a las elecciones presidenciales en Guatemala: "Felicito a Jimmy Morales por su victoria. El pueblo guatemalteco ha hecho oír su voz, pero estas elecciones siempre han sido más que una decisión entre candidatos. Forman parte de un … Continue Reading
October 06, 2015
Torres Statement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) issued the following statement in response to a final agreement being reached on the Trans-Pacific Partnership: "While I recognize the historic nature of this deal, my first responsibility is to the hard working men and women who call the Inland Empire home. In the coming months, I look forward to reading through the agreement and meeting with constituents and local and national stakeholders to determine the impact TPP will have on our … Continue Reading
September 24, 2015
Torres Reflects on Pope's Message to Congress
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) issued the following statement in response to Pope Francis's address to a Joint Meeting of Congress: "Pope Francis's address before Congress as well as the events of the last few days have rejuvenated my faith and brought me closer to a Church from which I, like many others, had become estranged. I am proud, as are so many Catholics in the United States and throughout the Hemisphere, to see myself in this Pope. "The Pope's message today … Continue Reading
September 23, 2015
Torres Statement in Anticipation of Pope's Address to Congress
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) issued the following statement on the Pope's visit to Congress and what she hopes to hear during his address: "Pope Francis has breathed new life into the Church, but his impact has gone far beyond Catholicism. By engaging in issues like climate change, immigrants' rights, and economic justice, he has solidified his role as not only a religious figure but also a humanitarian and moral leader for individuals of all faiths. I look forward … Continue Reading
September 07, 2015
Torres Labor Day Message
ONTARIO, CA - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) released the following statement recognizing the importance of Labor Day:"Over the last several years, American workers have taken quite the hit. While our economy is recovering, wages haven't bounced back in the same way and many find themselves working longer hours with fewer benefits. As we join with our friends and families around barbecues and take in the last days of summer, let's remember the victories of the labor movement, from … Continue Reading
September 03, 2015
Torres Statement on Resignation of Guatemalan President
ONTARIO, CA - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) issued the following statement in response to the resignation of Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina: "Today's announcement represents an important step forward for Guatemala's future. I commend the Commission Against Impunity for the vital role it has played in bringing accountability to the Guatemalan government and proving that no one is above the law However, it is the people who took to the streets and demanded more from their … Continue Reading
September 03, 2015
Declaracion sobre la renuncia del Presidente de Guatemala
ONTARIO, CA - Hoy, la Representante Norma J. Torres, la primera congresista estadounidense nacida en Guatemala, emitió la siguiente declaración con respeto al anuncio de la renuncia del Presidente de Guatemala, Otto Pérez Molina: "El anuncio de hoy representa un importante paso adelante para el futuro de Guatemala. Aplaudo el trabajo de la Comisión Internacional contra la Impunidad en Guatemala (CICIG) por el importante papel que ha jugado en traer responsabilidad y transparencia al gobierno … Continue Reading
August 25, 2015
Readout - DHS Public Safety Round Table in Ontario
ONTARIO, CA - Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, brought together representatives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with community leaders and local law enforcement officials for a Public Safety Round Table on "Emerging Threats to the Homeland" and their impact on the Inland Empire. "As technology brings the world closer, it also means that the threat of terrorism is no longer limited … Continue Reading
August 14, 2015
Torres Hosts Small Business Workshop
ONTARIO, CA - Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) was joined at the Montclair City Council Chamber by representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a workshop for Inland Empire small business owners and entrepreneurs on the federal resources available to help their businesses grow and succeed. "Small businesses help fuel our local economy and are at the core of a vibrant community," stated Torres. "Starting your own business has always been a challenge, but as banks' … Continue Reading
August 06, 2015
Torres Hails LAWA Handover of Ontario Airport
ONTARIO, CA - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres applauded the decision by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to restore local control of LA/Ontario International Airport. An official announcement will be made at a press conference scheduled for 1:00pm at Ontario airport. "This decision is long overdue," said Torres. "Despite our strategic location in a growing region at the center of an important freight corridor that attracts and supports economic activity throughout the region, Ontario Airport … Continue Reading
August 05, 2015
Torres Joins National Night Out Events throughout 35th District
TORRES JOINS NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENTS THROUGHOUT 35TH DISTRICT ONTARIO, CA - Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) joined National Night Out festivities throughout the 35th district, taking part in the celebrations in Ontario on July 30th and in Fontana, Montclair, Pomona, and Rialto on August 4th. "At a time when community-police relations throughout the country are understandably strained, events like National Night Out help build trust between the police and the communities they serve," said … Continue Reading
August 04, 2015
Torres Calls on Board of Supervisors to Take Action After Music Festival Deaths
ONTARIO, CA - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) presented a letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors calling on the Board to take action in the wake of the deaths of two teenage girls at the HARD Music Festival held at the Pomona Fairplex this weekend. "As a Pomona resident, the tragic events of this weekend hit terribly close to home," stated Torres. "I saw first-hand the impact this festival had on my community, from excessive noise and bumper-to-bumper traffic to indecent … Continue Reading
July 29, 2015
Torres on House Adjournment with No Long-Term Highway Bill or Ex-Im Authorization
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) expressed disappointment in the decision by House Republican leadership to adjourn for the August recess a day early while failing to address both a long-term transportation funding bill and the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank. "I am incredibly frustrated that House leadership has decided to head home for the August recess while leaving long-term transportation funding and the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank … Continue Reading
July 09, 2015
Torres Joins Whip Hoyer in Addressing Nation's Changing Economic Needs
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) spoke at a hearing hosted by Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) titled "Make It in America: What's Next?" where she outlined some of the policies Congress should pursue to create jobs and build a robust, resilient U.S. economy. "While my district is on the rebound from the Great Recession, many of the jobs that have come back are lower wage, lower skill, and part-time. They're not the kinds of jobs you can raise a family on," said … Continue Reading