Press Releases
Congresswoman Torres Urges Indoor Heat Standard to Protect Warehouse Workers During Summer Months & Extreme Heat
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - sent a letter to Acting Secretary Su of the U.S. Department of Labor and Secretary Knox of the California Labor and Workforce Development requesting information on how the departments intend to ensure warehouse workers remain safe and are provided with critical training, information, and equipment needed during the upcoming summer months and times of extreme heat. Congresswoman Torres's district is a critical logistics hub for … Continue Reading
June 04, 2024
Statement from Congresswoman Torres on Biden Administration's Executive Order Announcement Limiting Asylum
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Executive Board released the following statement regarding the Biden Administration’s Executive Order announcing implementation measures to regulate the number of individuals permitted to seek asylum at the border. “Congress has been advocating for the allocation of funding to hire more critical personnel at the border. … Continue Reading
May 22, 2024
As Immigrants Face High Stakes, Lawmakers & Advocates Demand the Dignifying Solution of Universal Representation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep Norma Torres (D-CA) alongside Representatives Grace Meng, Robert Garcia, Judy Chu and Dan Goldman were joined by directly-impacted advocates and Fairness to Freedom campaign leaders on Capitol Hill today to urge Congress to support the Fairness to Freedom Act - a bill to establish a federal right to legal representation for all immigrants facing deportation. High stakes for immigrant communities and their families continue to rise this critical election year - making … Continue Reading
May 22, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Introduces Servicemember Equal Recognition & Transition Support (SERTS) Act
Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congresswoman Norma J Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, introduced the Servicemember Equal Recognition & Transition Support (SERTS) Act, legislation that would build on efforts to assist veterans in transferring trade and skill certifications acquired during military service, such as airplane mechanics, into civilian jobs. "Many veterans across the Inland Empire and the nation were trained in specialized trades during … Continue Reading
May 21, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Introduces Thriving Communities Act
Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congresswoman Norma J Torres (CA-35) - a member of the Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies announced the Thriving Communities Act, which creates a grant program to provide technical assistance and capacity building support to help underserved communities advance transformative, and equitable infrastructure projects. These projects would increase mobility, reduce pollution, and expand affordable transportation … Continue Reading
May 20, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Fights to Increase Funding for Military Criminal Investigative Organizations in the FY25 Budget
Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congresswoman Norma J Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee- and Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) - the ranking member of the Personnel Subcommittee of the Committee on House Armed Services, called on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to provide robust funding for the Military Criminal Investigative Organizations (MCIOs), which are essential for solving murders, sexual assaults, rape, and other major crimes against American … Continue Reading
May 16, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Applauds the Passage of the Bipartisan Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) a senior member of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee and the Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus FAA Reauthorization Task Force, announced the passage of the bipartisan, Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, in the House of Representatives. The Congresswoman voted to pass the legislation to support the aviation workforce and programs at … Continue Reading
May 15, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Leads Letter in Support of Funding for Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) led 27 of her House colleagues in a letter to the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations subcommittee requesting $45 million in funding for the Department of Education’s Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program. This program is based on the BASIC Act, introduced by Congresswoman Torres. Basic Needs Grants provide funding to colleges and universities to help students access essential … Continue Reading
May 07, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Commemorates Wildfire Preparedness Week
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) re-introduced a resolution to recognize May 5th to May 11th as Wildfire Preparedness Week, to inform the public on fire safety and preparedness. Every year, the wildfire season in California increases in length and frequency of fires, and 85% of all wildland fires in the U.S. which could be avoided are caused by humans. Congresswoman Torres’ district also hosts evacuation centers for families and their pets. “Wildfires devastate parts … Continue Reading
April 30, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Fights for Increased Civil Rights for Survivors of Sexual Assault
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) introduced today two bills that would improve legal protections for survivors of sexual violence. The two bills seek to expand legal protections for victims of nonconsensual condom removal, commonly known as “stealthing.” The legislation is introduced at the conclusion of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The first bill, the “Consent is Key Act” would encourage states to voluntarily pass laws authorizing civil damages for victims of … Continue Reading
April 26, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Calls for House Leadership to Request Boeing President and Chief Executive Officer Calhoun Testify in Congress
Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) - A senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jefferies, House Transportation & Infrastructure Chair Sam Graves, and Ranking Member Rick Larsen to request that Boeing President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dave Calhoun testify regarding Boeing’s aircraft safety incidents and address the safety … Continue Reading
April 24, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Urges Chair of Judiciary Workplace Conduct Working Group to Release Results of Workplace Survey
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) sent a letter to Judge Robert James Conrad Jr., Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, urging the Judiciary Workplace Conduct Working Group (WCWG) to make public the results of the first national federal judiciary workplace climate survey. The survey results would reveal available data detailing the Judiciary’s process to prevent sexual assault, harassment, and abuse in workplaces. “After years of Congress … Continue Reading
April 20, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Votes for Bipartisan Humanitarian Aid Package
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the Appropriations Committee - voted in favor of the bipartisan national security and foreign aid package, consisting of four bills to bolster security in Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region. Yesterday, she voted to advance the $95 billion aid package to the House floor for a final vote. “Congress has the responsibility to remain a global partner to the countries who depend on our assistance … Continue Reading
April 17, 2024
Torres and Newhouse Write to Justice Department Requesting Update on Savanna’s Act Implementation
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma Torres and Congressman Dan Newhouse sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting an update on the implementation of Savanna’s Act, legislation passed in 2020 to address the disproportionately high number of missing or murdered Native American women by requiring the Department of Justice to implement additional law enforcement protocols for investigating such cases. Savanna's Act, introduced by Congresswoman Torres, Congressman Newhouse, … Continue Reading
April 09, 2024
Congresswoman Torres and Congressman Valadao Introduce Bipartisan, “Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act”
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres and Congressman David Valadao - members of the House Appropriations Committee - announced the introduction of the bipartisan Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act. This bill would amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide grants for nitrate and arsenic reduction, by providing $15 million for FY25 and every fiscal year thereafter. The bill also directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take into consideration the … Continue Reading
March 28, 2024
Congresswoman Torres, Senator Padilla, Senator Butler, and Reps. Napolitano, Carbajal Secure Appropriations Provision to Support Cal Poly/Air Force Research Laboratory Partnership
Pomona, CA — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (CA-31), Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA) applauded the inclusion of their provision to increase federal funding by an additional $5 million to support U.S. Air Force research on critical aerospace engineering needs . This year, the FY 2024 federal funding law (Public Law 118-47) appropriated $5 million for aerospace engineering systems security … Continue Reading
March 22, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Introduces Parents and Youth Helpline Act to Expand Resources for American Families
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres - a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee - introduced the National Parents and Youth Helpline Act. The bill would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out a new grant program, to establish a 24/7 helpline for parents and youth facing challenges with mental health, child welfare, substance abuse, parenting, and more. The funding would also bolster weekly, evidence-based mutual and emotional support … Continue Reading
March 22, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Introduces Parents and Youth Helpline Act to Expand Resources for American Families
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres - a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee - introduced the National Parents and Youth Helpline Act. The bill would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out a new grant program, to establish a 24/7 helpline for parents and youth facing challenges with mental health, child welfare, substance abuse, parenting, and more. The funding would also bolster weekly, evidence-based mutual and emotional support … Continue Reading
March 18, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Announces City of Fontana Receives $2 Million in Federal Grant to Improve Safety, Climate, and Mobility
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today the delivery of $2 million in federal grant funding to the City of Fontana for the development of technological advancements to improve transportation safety and efficiency. The funding will be allocated to the Leveraging Advanced Adaptive Signal Timing for Freight to Improve Safety, Climate, and Mobility program to develop smart traffic signal technology. This … Continue Reading
March 18, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Announces City of Fontana Receives $2 Million in Federal Grant to Improve Safety, Climate, and Mobility
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today the delivery of $2 million in federal grant funding to the City of Fontana for the development of technological advancements to improve transportation safety and efficiency. The funding will be allocated to the Leveraging Advanced Adaptive Signal Timing for Freight to Improve Safety, Climate, and Mobility program to develop smart traffic signal technology. This … Continue Reading