Press Releases
Statement from Congresswoman Torres on the Conviction of Juan Orlando Hernandez
Washington, DC — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, member of the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, and Co-Chair of the Congressional Central American Caucus - issued the following statement following the conviction of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández: “The people of Honduras deserve justice and a country free of corrupt, authoritarian cheats like Juan Orlando Hernández - a failed strongman whose ascent to … Continue Reading
March 08, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Applauds Bipartisan Appropriations Package to Fund the Government for 2024
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee - announced the passage of the six-bill appropriations package in the House of Representatives to fund federal initiatives related to transportation, housing, the environment, agriculture, veterans affairs, and more. After its passage in the House of Representatives, the legislation will go to the Senate, and then to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “As an appropriator, … Continue Reading
March 08, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Secures Pedestrian Safety Initiatives in FY2024 Government Funding Bill
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, applauds the passage of the government funding bill, which includes resources to facilitate pedestrian safety nationwide. The FY2024 Appropriations Package includes language from Congresswoman Torres’ Pedestrian Hazard, Awareness and Safety Expansion (PHASE) Act, which she introduced in October during “Pedestrian Safety Month”, to address rising pedestrian accidents and fatalities … Continue Reading
March 08, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Secures over $14.7 Million for Local Projects in Fiscal Year 2024 Funding Bill
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced that she secured 14 proposed community projects, which would bring over $14.7 million directly to California's 35th Congressional District. “As a former mayor and state representative, I know how important it is to cut through red tape and actually deliver results - that’s why as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am proud to announce I secured over $14.7 million in direct project funding to keep the Inland … Continue Reading
March 08, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Applauds Bipartisan Appropriations Package to Fund the Government for 2024
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee - announced the passage of the six-bill appropriations package in the House of Representatives to fund federal initiatives related to transportation, housing, the environment, agriculture, veterans affairs, and more. After its passage in the House of Representatives, the legislation will go to the Senate, and then to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “As an appropriator, it … Continue Reading
March 08, 2024
Statement from Congresswoman Torres on the Conviction of Juan Orlando Hernandez
Washington, DC — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, member of the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, and Co-Chair of the Congressional Central American Caucus - issued the following statement following the conviction of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández: “The people of Honduras deserve justice and a country free of corrupt, authoritarian cheats like Juan Orlando Hernández - a failed strongman whose ascent to … Continue Reading
March 08, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Secures over $14.7 Million for Local Projects in Fiscal Year 2024 Funding Bill
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced that she secured 14 proposed community projects, which would bring over $14.7 million directly to California's 35th Congressional District. “As a former mayor and state representative, I know how important it is to cut through red tape and actually deliver results - that’s why as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am proud to announce I secured over $14.7 million in direct project funding to keep the Inland … Continue Reading
March 08, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Secures Pedestrian Safety Initiatives in FY2024 Government Funding Bill
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, applauds the passage of the government funding bill, which includes resources to facilitate pedestrian safety nationwide. The FY2024 Appropriations Package includes language from Congresswoman Torres’ Pedestrian Hazard, Awareness and Safety Expansion (PHASE) Act, which she introduced in October during “Pedestrian Safety Month”, to address rising pedestrian accidents and fatalities … Continue Reading
March 06, 2024
Congresswoman Norma Torres Announces 9-1-1 Dispatcher as her Guest at the State of the Union
Washington, D.C. — Representative Norma Torres (CA-35) - the first former 9-1-1 dispatcher to serve in Congress - will be joined by Richard Montoya Jr., a 9-1-1 Dispatcher and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union Member, as her guest to President Biden’s State of the Union Address to Congress on Thursday, March 7. Rickk Montoya has been part of AFSCME for 20 years, where he is dedicated to improving workers’ rights to fair wages, supply chain … Continue Reading
March 06, 2024
Congresswoman Norma Torres Announces 9-1-1 Dispatcher as her Guest at the State of the Union
Washington, D.C. — Representative Norma Torres (CA-35) - the first former 9-1-1 dispatcher to serve in Congress - will be joined by Richard Montoya Jr., a 9-1-1 Dispatcher and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union Member, as her guest to President Biden’s State of the Union Address to Congress on Thursday, March 7. Rickk Montoya has been part of AFSCME for 20 years, where he is dedicated to improving workers’ rights to fair wages, supply chain … Continue Reading
February 09, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Fights for Recognition and Empowerment of America’s 9-1-1 Dispatchers in Harvard Journal on Legislation
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - a former 9-1-1 dispatcher for over 17 years - today highlighted her policy essay on the unsung heroes of America’s first responder workforce: 9-1-1 dispatchers. In the latest volume of the Harvard Law School Journal of Legislation, Congresswoman Torres emphasizes the critical work dispatchers provide to the American public and the need for improved workplace conditions. In her essay, titled: “Occupational Reclassification for Public … Continue Reading
February 09, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Fights for Recognition and Empowerment of America’s 9-1-1 Dispatchers in Harvard Journal on Legislation
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - a former 9-1-1 dispatcher for over 17 years - today highlighted her policy essay on the unsung heroes of America’s first responder workforce: 9-1-1 dispatchers. In the latest volume of the Harvard Law School Journal of Legislation, Congresswoman Torres emphasizes the critical work dispatchers provide to the American public and the need for improved workplace conditions. In her essay, titled: “Occupational Reclassification for Public … Continue Reading
February 06, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Statement on Rescheduling of Guatemalan Journalist José Rubén Zamora’s Trial
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations - issued the following statement after well-respected, Guatemalan journalist José Rubén Zamora - imprisoned for over 550 days - had the opening hearing in his trial rescheduled until February 20th: “There cannot truly be democracy without a free press. José Rubén Zamora remains wrongfully imprisoned for simply doing his job as a journalist and … Continue Reading
February 06, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Statement on Rescheduling of Guatemalan Journalist José Rubén Zamora’s Trial
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations - issued the following statement after well-respected, Guatemalan journalist José Rubén Zamora - imprisoned for over 550 days - had the opening hearing in his trial rescheduled until February 20th: “There cannot truly be democracy without a free press. José Rubén Zamora remains wrongfully imprisoned for simply doing his job as a journalist and … Continue Reading
February 01, 2024
Congresswoman Torres & Congressman McGovern Lead House Introduction of Bicameral Bill to Protect Human Rights Defenders Worldwide
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02) today announced the introduction of the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act of 2024—cosponsored by Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), and Jason Crow (CO-06). This bicameral legislation enhances the United States’ ability to protect individuals abroad who are attacked for peacefully defending human rights and democracy. The legislation will bolster the U.S. Government’s … Continue Reading
February 01, 2024
Congresswoman Torres & Congressman McGovern Lead House Introduction of Bicameral Bill to Protect Human Rights Defenders Worldwide
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02) today announced the introduction of the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act of 2024—cosponsored by Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), and Jason Crow (CO-06). This bicameral legislation enhances the United States’ ability to protect individuals abroad who are attacked for peacefully defending human rights and democracy. The legislation will bolster the U.S. Government’s … Continue Reading
January 31, 2024
Congresswoman Torres & Senator Padilla Introduce Bicameral Bill to Improve Voter Registration at Naturalization Ceremonies
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Chair of the New Americans Caucus, & U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), a member of the Senate Rules Committee and California’s former Secretary of State, introduced bicameral legislation to improve voter registration efforts at naturalization ceremonies. The Including New Voters In The Electorate (INVITE) Act would designate United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices as voter registration agencies under … Continue Reading
January 31, 2024
Congresswoman Torres & Senator Padilla Introduce Bicameral Bill to Improve Voter Registration at Naturalization Ceremonies
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Chair of the New Americans Caucus, & U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), a member of the Senate Rules Committee and California’s former Secretary of State, introduced bicameral legislation to improve voter registration efforts at naturalization ceremonies. The Including New Voters In The Electorate (INVITE) Act would designate United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices as voter registration agencies under … Continue Reading
January 30, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Celebrates Fontana Project Receiving $3.5M Grant from Inflation Reduction Act to Boost Domestic Biofuel Production
Fontana, CA — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced today Tristar FLC, Incorporated received a $3.5 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) for the Muscat Tank Farm biofuel project in Fontana. The project will create the necessary infrastructure - including the receiving, storage and distribution of biofuels - to provide cleaner, more affordable fuel options for Californians. This competitive grant … Continue Reading
January 30, 2024
Congresswoman Torres Celebrates Fontana Project Receiving $3.5M Grant from Inflation Reduction Act to Boost Domestic Biofuel Production
Fontana, CA — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced today Tristar FLC, Incorporated received a $3.5 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) for the Muscat Tank Farm biofuel project in Fontana. The project will create the necessary infrastructure - including the receiving, storage and distribution of biofuels - to provide cleaner, more affordable fuel options for Californians. This competitive grant … Continue Reading