Press Releases
Congresswoman Torres Leads Colleagues in Calling for Targeted Sanctions Against Those Undermining Democracy in Guatemala
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) led a letter today with her colleagues to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging them to use all available tools - including targeted financial sanctions - to support democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala. Their letter comes amidst rising concerns that Guatemalan election workers will come under attack by the Guatemalan Attorney General and others in November when their legal protections … Continue Reading
October 27, 2023
Torres, House Democracy Partnership Send Bipartisan Letter on Efforts to Undermine Democracy in Guatemala
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) sent a bipartisan letter with the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) today to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging the administration to support a peaceful transition of power in Guatemala and speak out against efforts to undermine the integrity of the results of Guatemala’s presidential election. The letter precedes the conclusion of Guatemala’s election period on October 31st. Congresswoman Torres and the lawmakers write, … Continue Reading
October 25, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Statement on Election of GOP Extremist Mike Johnson as Speaker
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today released the following statement after House Republicans elected Mike Johnson - one of their most extreme, far-right Members - to be the next Speaker of the House: “Mike Johnson is anti-democratic, anti-family, and anti-American. After 22 days without a Speaker of the House, it is a disgrace that House Republicans chose to elect an extremist as Speaker, rather than pursue a bipartisan path forward for the American people. “An … Continue Reading
October 06, 2023
Readout of Congresswoman Norma Torres’ Meeting with Guatemalan President-Elect Bernardo Arévalo
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, the only Member of Congress to be born in Central America, and chair of the bipartisan Central America Caucus - met with Guatemalan President-elect Bernardo Arévalo to discuss the Guatemalan government’s continued interference in the peaceful transfer of power. President-elect Arévalo shared his concerns about growing efforts … Continue Reading
October 06, 2023
ICYMI: Congresswoman Torres & Congressman Fleischmann Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize October 6, 2023 as Manufacturing Day
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution to recognize the first Friday of October as Manufacturing Day. The day - which falls on October 6th this year - recognizes the importance of manufacturing to the United States and regions like the Inland Empire. According to recent data, manufacturers contribute $2.79 trillion to the U.S. economy and employ nearly 13 million people across the … Continue Reading
October 02, 2023
Reps. Torres, Bonamici, Davids, & DelBene and Sens. Heinrich & Luján Lead Bicameral Bill to Commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Washington, D.C. — Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Sharice Davids (KS-03), and Suzan DelBene (WA-01), along with Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), announced the reintroduction of the bicameral Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act to replace Columbus Day as a federal holiday and designate the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. “Our country has long failed to recognize and acknowledge its dark history of erasure and harm … Continue Reading
September 29, 2023
Congresswoman Torres & Congressman Fleischmann Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize October 6, 2023 as Manufacturing Day
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) today announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution to recognize the first Friday of October as Manufacturing Day. The day - which falls on October 6th this year - recognizes the importance of manufacturing to the United States and regions like the Inland Empire. According to recent data, manufacturers contribute $2.79 trillion to the U.S. economy and employ nearly 13 million people … Continue Reading
September 29, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Statement on Passing of Senator Feinstein
Pomona, CA — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) released the following statement on the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein: “California and the world have lost a trailblazer, and I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein who served with grace, dignity, and resolve. Her legacy will serve as a role model for many of us in public office for generations to come. “Senator Feinstein fought for every corner of the state, and her legacy in the Inland Empire … Continue Reading
September 28, 2023
New Dem Affordable Housing Task Force Chair Torres Holds Meeting with National Association of Home Builders CEO
Washington, D.C. - Today, the New Democrat Coalition’s (NDC) Affordable Housing Task Force welcomed National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) CEO Jim Tobin to discuss the current state of America’s housing market and ways to expand pathways to homeownership for Americans. Housing access and affordability are critical issues impacting communities across America, from big cities to small towns. Earlier this year, New Dems called for robust policy solutions to bolster affordable housing … Continue Reading
September 19, 2023
Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Torres Opening Remarks at the Oversight Hearing on January 6th Security
Washington, D.C. - Committee on House Administration Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Norma J. Torres (CA-35) gave the following opening remarks at the Oversight subcommittee hearing on January 6th Security failures. “Thank you Mr. Chairman. “'Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild.' “On December 19th, 2020, former President Donald Trump, the leader of the Republican Party, sent those fateful words to his supporters and they complied. “Following that … Continue Reading
September 18, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Touts Nearly $16 Million in Federal Funding for Ontario International Airport
Pomona, CA — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced today the delivery of $15,938,310 in federal grant funding to Ontario International Airport (ONT), the Inland Empire’s premier transportation hub. This grant is part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) 2023 Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which funds significant runway and taxiway reconstruction and repair costs. “As our region and economy continue to grow, Ontario International Airport is vital for getting people … Continue Reading
September 13, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Announces Over $1.8 Million in Federal Education Grants to Cal Poly Pomona
Pomona, CA — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - to mark National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week - announced the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have awarded Cal Poly Pomona, a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a combined $1.8+ million in education grants. The federal funding will be used to conduct research in various STEM fields, including electric vehicles, diabetes, and computer science. This funding will unlock new opportunities for … Continue Reading
September 07, 2023
Torres, Warren, Castro, & Goldman Call on Commerce Department to Address Troubling Increase of Assault Weapons Exports Approvals
Lawmakers Call on Secretary Gina Raimondo to Publish Updated Data on Approvals of Assault Weapons Export Licenses, Respond to Their September 2022 Questions Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) - along with Representatives Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Dan Goldman (NY-10) - sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, seeking answers on the Department of Commerce’s (Commerce) lackluster oversight of assault weapons exports … Continue Reading
August 22, 2023
Torres, Ruiz, Aguilar, and Takano Write Letter to President Biden Urging Him to Send Federal Disaster Assistance to Southern California
Pomona, CA - Today, Rep. Torres (CA-35), Rep. Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), Rep. Aguilar (CA-33), and Rep. Takano (CA-39) released the following statement on their advocacy urging President Biden to send federal disaster assistance to Southern California: "The Inland Empire has time and again come together to rebuild from flooding, wildfires, and mudslides, and we will do so again. Our communities are resilient, but we need federal aid to bounce back from Tropical Storm Hilary," said Congresswoman … Continue Reading
August 21, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Statement on Results of Guatemalan Presidential Runoff Election
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) - the only Central American-born Member of Congress and chair of the bipartisan Central America Caucus - issued the following statement after yesterday’s presidential runoff election in Guatemala: “Free and fair elections are the bedrock of a healthy democracy. The Guatemalan people have spoken, and I congratulate Dr. Bernardo Arévalo on his soon-to-be-certified victory. I applaud Dr. Arévalo for his commitment to root out … Continue Reading
August 17, 2023
Reps. Torres, Fitzpatrick, Eshoo, & Hudson Call for Creation of Training Grants Program for 9-1-1 Dispatchers
Washington, D.C. - Representative Norma J. Torres (CA-35) — a former 911 dispatcher — yesterday led a bipartisan letter with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Co-Chairs of the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus Anna Eshoo (D-CA-16) & Richard Hudson (R-NC-09) calling on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to follow congressional intent and submit a plan to establish a 9-1-1 Training Grants program. The lawmakers highlighted the necessity of additional … Continue Reading
August 16, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Leads Introduction of Resolution to Commemorate Warehouse Worker Recognition Week
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced today the introduction of her resolution to recognize August 13th-19th as “Warehouse Worker Recognition Week.” Her resolution, which is supported by over 20 Members of Congress, honors our nation's warehouse workers for the sacrifices they make to serve the American people and keep our economy running. "Warehouse workers keep our supply chain moving and deserve to have their basic workplace needs met,” said Congresswoman … Continue Reading
August 14, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Statement on Hawaii Wildfires
Washington, D.C. - As wildfires burn across the islands of Maui and Hawaii, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) issued the following statement: “My heart is heavy as I watch the fires spreading across Maui and Hawaii. While I know how devastating it is to lose a home to a fire, I cannot imagine the horror of watching your own community burn to the ground. My thoughts are with the people of Hawaii, especially those who have lost homes or loved ones,” said Congresswoman Torres. “As the … Continue Reading
August 11, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Holds Her Annual “Made in the 35th” Manufacturing Tour
Pomona, CA - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) highlighted local manufacturers as a part of her annual “Made in the 35th” tour this week, spotlighting how these businesses strengthen the Inland Empire’s economy and raising awareness of the challenges facing the local manufacturing sector. The tour included visits to companies in Pomona, Chino, Upland, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and Fontana, and featured businesses specializing in fields ranging from construction to biotechnology. … Continue Reading
August 09, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Announces $1,000,000 Federal Grant to Cal Poly Pomona
Pomona, CA - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded $1,000,000 to Cal Poly Pomona to close achievement gaps in undergraduate civil engineering courses. The grant will invest in research experiences, peer tutoring, and other programs to improve student outcomes. “The next generation of STEM leaders should reflect the diversity that makes our nation strong,” said Congresswoman Torres. “I have seen firsthand the amazing … Continue Reading