Press Releases
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
August 01, 2023
Rep. Torres and Sen. Menendez Lead Bicameral Letter Urging Administration to Fully Establish a National Database for American Manufacturing Supply Chains
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (D-Calif.-35) and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) sent a letter yesterday to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo calling for the Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to follow congressional intent in establishing a centralized national Supply Chain Database. Without this database, which Congresswoman Torres and Senator Menendez helped incorporate into the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, manufacturers will … Continue Reading
August 01, 2023
Reps. Norma Torres and Brian Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize National Night Out
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) announced today their introduction of a bipartisan resolution to recognize August 1, 2023, as National Night Out. For almost four decades, National Night Out has brought communities together to promote first-responder partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. National Night Out encourages neighborhoods across the country to come together to enhance the relationship between law enforcement and … Continue Reading
July 28, 2023
New Dem Affordable Housing Task Force Chair Torres Applauds Biden Administration’s Efforts to Address Affordable Housing Crisis
Washington, D.C. - New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Affordable Housing Task Force Chair Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today released a statement applauding the Biden Administration for taking action to build more housing and lower costs by removing barriers to inclusive housing production, something New Dems have consistently called for through our Affordable Housing Task Force. This announcement builds on the Coalition’s work to increase safe, stable, and accessible housing. New Dems continue to … Continue Reading
July 27, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Statement on 2023 List of Corrupt Officials in Central America
Washington, D.C. - Following the State Department’s latest release of a list of corrupt government officials in Central America, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), the only Member of Congress to be born in Central America and chair of the bipartisan Central America Caucus, issued this statement: “The ruling Giammattei regime’s attempts to subvert democracy during Guatemala’s recent election made it clear that corruption continues to run rampant in the Northern Triangle. By releasing … Continue Reading
July 26, 2023
Readout of Congresswoman Norma Torres’ Meeting with Guatemalan Presidential Candidate Dr. 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, as well as the only Member of Congress to be born in Central America and chair of the bipartisan Central America Caucus - met virtually yesterday with Guatemalan presidential candidate Dr. Bernardo Arévalo. Congresswoman Torres and Dr. Arévalo discussed the upcoming presidential runoff election in Guatemala, efforts by elements … Continue Reading
July 21, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Passes Amendment to Help Veterans Get Jobs Post-Discharge
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) last week successfully passed an amendment to direct the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study how the agencies can create straightforward pathways to employ veterans post-discharge. “Our servicemembers have a sworn duty to defend our nation, and Congress in turn has a duty to support our veterans when they come home. The number-one issue I hear from Inland Empire veterans is their … Continue Reading
July 20, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Secures Inland Empire Wins in FAA Reauthorization Bill
Washington, D.C. - Following the House passage of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for five years, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) released this statement: “This reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration is a win-win for airports and communities like ours across the nation, including CA-35’s Ontario International Airport. This bill improves our airport infrastructure, fights air … Continue Reading
July 19, 2023
Congresswoman Torres Denounces Extreme Republican Cuts to California’s Infrastructure
Washington, D.C. - In response to yesterday’s full committee markup of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee’s fiscal year 2024 funding bill, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), a member of the Subcommittee, released the following statement: “Inland Empire families can’t count on this House Republican majority to keep our roads, railways, and bridges safe or even help them get to work on time,” said Congresswoman Torres. “The majority has … Continue Reading