Norma Torres Delivers for the Inland Empire

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Congresswoman Norma Torres is working across the aisle to deliver for the Inland Empire’s communities. As a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which oversees all federal funding, she helped author and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the CHIPS and Science Act, and secured Community Funding Projects. These efforts have brought billions of dollars back to the district to upgrade and improve local infrastructure and support the local economy — boosting school and small business resources. These investments have also expanded the Ontario International Airport, funded clean water projects, and increased access to affordable housing and health care.

Congresswoman Torres understands the complexities of local manufacturing and the essential role of small businesses in the Inland Empire's economy. The region sustains thousands of high-quality, good-paying jobs, and she is committed to ongoing engagement and advocacy for the needs of this critical sector in Washington, D.C., and in her district to ensure our community remains competitive.

Creating Good-Paying Jobs

Congresswoman Torres voted to create over 2.3 million new good-paying jobs, including 800k new manufacturing jobs over the next ten years, and to drive economic growth through key legislation:

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Public Law No: 117-58: This law invests in roads, bridges, and public transit, creating jobs in construction and renewable energy. The law authorizes $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure spending with $550 billion of that figure going toward "new" investments and programs.
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Public Law No: 117-169: This law boosts clean energy jobs by investing $370 billion in lower consumer costs, investing in solar, wind, and other renewable projects.
CHIPS and Science Act Public Law No: 117-167: This law supports the growth of America's semiconductor industry, creating high-tech jobs and strengthening supply chains. This law aimed to change that by investing nearly $53 billion in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, research and development, and workforce. Congresswoman Torres successfully included her bill, the National MEP Supply Chain Database Act (H.R.6118), which will help improve how manufacturers can share critical information through a centralized database and minimize supply chain disruptions.
Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act (H.R.6457): Congresswoman Torres is a strong advocate for small businesses to access loans and resources for growth and job creation. The Congresswoman co-led the introduction of the bipartisan Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act (H.R.6457), which would create new startup funding opportunities for student entrepreneurs at Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and other minority-serving institutions.
Servicemember Equal Recognition and Transition Support Act (H.R. 8511): This bill tracks how veterans transition certifications to civilian jobs, improving job placement for veterans.

Through these initiatives, Congresswoman Torres is committed to strengthening the local economy and creating job opportunities for all.

Keeping Our Communities Safe

Congresswoman Torres is committed to strengthening community safety by supporting our first responders, including fire and police services, advocating for sensible gun violence prevention reforms, and advancing disaster and emergency mitigation and recovery programs:

Gun Violence Prevention: As Vice Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, she advocates for common-sense gun laws. She introduced the Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act, which requires federal firearms licensees to report multiple sales of long guns, including semi-automatic rifles, within five days. In June 2024, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives implemented her bill as a new regulation for Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.
Supporting Emergency Services: She introduced the 911 SAVES Act, which reclassifies 9-1-1 professionals as first responders, recognizing their crucial role in public safety.
Honoring Public Safety Telecommunicators: Congresswoman Torres recognizes the vital contributions of public safety telecommunications professionals, which is why she supports the goals and ideals of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week each year.
National Night Out: Each year, Congresswoman Torres sponsors a bipartisan resolution recognizing National Night Out and fostering community partnerships with local law enforcement.
Improving Emergency Response: Recognizing the importance of accurate ZIP codes for emergency response, she successfully collaborated with the U.S. Postal Service to redesignate the 92880 ZIP Code to Eastvale, California, improving emergency response and ensuring accurate mail delivery.
Funding for Public Safety: In FY 2024, she secured $4.1 million for Pomona’s Emergency Operations Center and Fire Station 182 to enhance public safety resources. In FY 2023, she secured $800,000 for Montclair Police body cameras to help protect the community. In FY 2022, she secured funding for police radio upgrades in Pomona.
National Parents and Youth Helpline Act (H.R.7812): This legislation would establish a 24/7 helpline for parents and youth facing challenges related to mental health, child welfare, substance abuse, parenting, and more. The funding would also support weekly, evidence-based mutual and emotional support groups, as well as initiatives aimed at breaking the cycle of trauma and abuse.
Wildfire Grid Resiliency Act (H.R. 3615): This act allocates $10 million to the Department of Energy to develop technologies that protect power grids from wildfire damage, while also funding projects to improve vegetation management.
Mudslide Recovery Act (H.R. 3275): This legislation directs the Department of the Interior and FEMA to create a pilot program to help communities recover from mudslides following wildfires.
In 2022 as part of the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, the House of Representatives passed the Congresswoman’s two amendments. Currently, federal firefighters who suffer exposure-related illnesses must meet a difficult burden of proof to specify that their health condition is a result of their work environment.
- Require the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct a comprehensive study on long-term health effects that Federal wildland firefighters, who are eligible to receive workers' compensation, experience after being exposed to fires, smoke, and toxic fumes when in service.
- Directs the Secretary, no later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, to evaluate the best available scientific evidence of the risk to an employee in fire protection activities of developing rhabdomyolysis.

Through these initiatives, Congresswoman Torres is committed to keeping our communities safe and supporting those who serve them.

Investing in Our Infrastructure & Transportation Safety

Congresswoman Torres, a senior member of the House Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee is committed to improving our infrastructure and transportation safety. She recognizes the vital role the Inland Empire plays as a major logistics hub for the U.S. economy – moving trillions of dollars of goods to and from the Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports each year. With the East Alameda Corridor running straight through the district and Ontario International Airport’s rapidly growing air cargo operations, CA-35 serves as Southern California’s major logistics and warehousing hub. Congresswoman Torres also serves as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Task Force. By serving as a senior member of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Congresswoman Torres is able to drive strategic resources to further drive this sector's economic growth for Inland Empire communities. The Congresswoman introduced legislation to meet the transporation demands of the Inland Empire:

Introduced the Pedestrian Hazard, Awareness, and Safety Expansion (PHASE) Act (H.R. 6111): Creating a pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and the Thriving Communities Act to help underserved communities develop transformative and equitable infrastructure projects.
Thriving Communities Act of 2024 (H.R.8486): This legislation 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 options to connect communities to critical services.

Key local initiatives include:

$15 million RAISE Grant for the City of Fontana. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg joined Congresswoman Torres to celebrate the RAISE Grant for the City of Fontana, which will help Fontana expand access to affordable housing, improve transportation corridors, and build a better-connected Inland Empire
$360,000 for Ontario’s Comprehensive Safety Action Plan: This funding will address transportation insecurity and health vulnerabilities, preventing future roadway deaths and serious injuries.
$3 billion for the Brightline West High-Speed Corridor: This includes $500,000 in federal funding for Rancho Cucamonga, improving regional connectivity.The first high-speed railroad connecting Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas in two hours.
$19.8 million for Traffic Infrastructure Enhancements in Fontana: This funding will improve infrastructure along Foothill Boulevard, enhancing transit safety and providing essential updates like bike lanes and ADA-compliant sidewalks.
$2 million for Transportation Safety Technology: This grant supports the development of smart traffic signal technology in Fontana, enhancing safety.
$400,000 for Pedestrian Safety Improvements in Pomona: This funding will improve pedestrian safety through the city’s Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): Congresswoman Norma Torres championed this legislation, which allocated $9,684,906 to the Ontario International Airport for projects deemed eligible by the Federal Aviation Administration. The $295,000 from IIJA also funded noise mitigation and airport upgrades and improvements.
Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program: In FY 2024, Congresswoman Torres directed $12 million for the seeking private sector funding for public infrastructure projects.

Community Projects Funded in FY24:

Downtown Fontana Revitalization Project: $850,000 to enhance pedestrian access and safety to support economic development.
Upland Metrolink Station Rehabilitation: $850,000 to revitalize the historic station to increase ridership.
Eastvale Limonite Gap Closure Project: $500,000 to construct a divided four-lane facility to improve regional connectivity.
Montclair Transcenter Enhancements: $1 million to upgrade bus facilities to improve public transit access.
Ontario Airport Access Road Reconstruction: $500,000 to improve access to the airport.
Rancho Cucamonga Local Circulator Project: $1 million to develop a zero-emission shuttle service to connect regional transit and key locations.
In FY 2023, $1.5 million was allocated to the Unincorporated Fontana Safe Routes to School program, ensuring students can safely walk to school.

Through these efforts, Congresswoman Torres is dedicated to building a safer, more efficient transportation system that meets the needs of our communities.

Supporting Ontario International Airport & Aviation Workforce

Since entering Congress, the Congresswoman has been a champion in facilitating the transfer of Ontario International Airport (ONT) from the city of Los Angeles to the Ontario International Airport Authority. The Ontario International Airport is strategically located at the center of an important freight movement system that attracts and supports economic activity throughout the region. Ontario Airport also provides a convenient option for local businesses to expand their operations to reach other markets. In order to move the process of returning the airport to local control forward, Congresswoman Torres worked with her Democratic and Republican colleagues in Congress to pass legislation that was needed to implement the agreement between ONT and LAX.

Now that our community has local control of Ontario Airport, she believes in making it easier for people to access it, which is why she has supported grants and community funding projects that would bring public transit to the airport.

$15.9 million for Ontario International Airport: This grant is for runway and taxiway improvements, enhancing the airport’s capacity and safety.
$2.52 million for Ontario International Airport: This grant is for installing low-emission equipment and preconditioned air units.
$4.1 million for Ontario International Airport: This grant funds rehabilitation of 2,200 feet of existing concrete runway.
$2.332 million for Ontario International Airport: This grant funds airport concessions and supports good paying jobs.
$24.82 million for Ontario International Airport: This grant funds airport concessions and helps economic development of the airport by supporting jobs.
$241,320 for Ontario International Airport: This grant updates the airport master plan narrative report and airport layout plan to address key issues in future development.
$59,000 for Chino Airport: This grant funds good paying jobs and operations airport costs.

Congresswoman serves as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Air Cargo Caucus to support ONT in becoming one of the largest air cargo airports in the United States. Additionally, Congresswoman Torres has worked with Ontario International Airport (ONT) to secure international flights to Central America.

Protecting Environmental and Water Quality

Congresswoman Torres is committed to ensuring clean air and safe drinking water for all communities, particularly those most affected by environmental hazards. At the start of her term in Congress, Congresswoman Torres served on the Natural Resources Committee and the Subcommittees on Water, Power and Oceans and on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs. Currently, the Congresswoman serves on the House Approrpriations Committee, which oversees funding to FEMA, Department of Interior, Environmental Protect Agency (EPA), United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the Bureau of Reclamation, which oversee a majority of water and environmental programs. In 2015, she 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. Here are key initiatives she is championing:

Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act (H.R.7916): This bipartisan bill provides $15 million annually to reduce harmful nitrate and arsenic levels in drinking water, focusing on economically disadvantaged communities impacted by contamination.
Wildfire Preparedness Resolution: This legislation designates the first week of May as the national event educating the public on fire safety and preparedness.
Wildfire Grid Resiliency Act (H.R.3615): This bipartisan legislation directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a demonstration program for projects that improve electric grid resilience with respect to wildfires, and for other purposes. The Congresswoman’s bill passed the House in 2022.
Mudslide Recovery Act (H.R.3275): This legislation requires the Department of the Interior and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to jointly establish a pilot program to make grants to eligible recipients to implement innovative solutions to repair damage caused by mudslides that occur after a wildland fire.

Secured Local Funding:

Monte Vista Water District Pipeline Project - Phase II: $959,757 to replace outdated pipelines, improving water reliability.
Ontario Well-50 Ion Exchange Treatment Facility: $200,000 to restore an out-of-service drinking water well.
San Bernardino Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project - Phase 1: $959,757 to convert septic systems to sewer connections.
City of Chino Wells 4 &6: $2,000,000 for the City of Chino to reopen previously closed wells, and ensure that the water is clean and safe for use
Pomona Groundwater Treatment R34, Three Valleys Municipal Water District: $1,600,000 to reduce water costs for the residents of Pomona by reopening a well in the CIty and constructing groundwater treatment technology to ensure the water meets safe drinking water standards.
Water Resource Development Act of 2024 (WRDA): $35 million for water infrastructure projects in Pomona, ensuring safe drinking water, and $24 million for flood risk management in San Bernardino County.
$1.2 billion for the California Arches Hydrogen Hub project, which will provide a blueprint for decarbonizing public transportation, heavy duty trucking, and port operations—key emissions drivers in the state and sources of air pollution that are among the hardest to decarbonize. This H2Hub has committed to requiring Project Labor Agreements for all projects connected to the hub, which will expand opportunities for disadvantaged communities and create an expected 220,000 direct jobs—130,000 in construction jobs and 90,000 permanent jobs. (Amount: up to $1.2 billion)
San Bernardino Prado Regional Park: $850,000 to enhance the campground facilities at Prado Park and create a safe and enjoyable outdoor environment for children and families.
$1.5 million to help provide clean water to the City of Chino, and will help in the construction of a wellhead treatment facility to bring a retired well back into service, and support an effort to remove groundwater contaminants near the Chino Airport.
$2.75 million for clean energy funding for Inland Empire Cities The funding comes through the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, which supports the development of clean energy projects across the nation to cut pollution, lower energy costs for families.
- The following cities and counties were selected to receive grants through the EECBG Program:
  - City of Pomona: $188,070
  - City of Fontana: $230,640
  - City of Montclair: $76,320
  - City of Chino: $147,470
  - City of Ontario: $218,330
  - San Bernardino County: $393,590
  - Los Angeles County: $1,344,700

In December 2022, Congresswoman Torres secured $40.7 million for water recycling and treatment projects in Ontario, $16 million for stormwater infrastructure in Fontana, and $27.5 million for wastewater projects in Rialto.

Infrastructure Investments:

In 2021, Congresswoman Torres voted for the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which made a historic investment that allocated more than $50 billion to improving our drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. The Congresswoman advocated for funding to meet the needs of the Inland Empire.

$20 billion for safe drinking water.
$15 billion in dedicated funding to replace lead pipes.
$12 billion to ensure clean water for communities.
$1.8 billion to protect regional waters.
$135 million for additional water improvements.

Congresswoman Norma J. Torres led her Inland Empire colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Treasury regarding the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, our nation’s largest investment ever to tackle climate change. The lawmakers urged the agency to ensure the Inland Empire can fully leverage the clean energy benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act and its Energy Community Tax Credit Bonus, which offers an additional tax credit for renewable energy projects in areas formerly reliant on the fossil fuel industry. Torres' letter was signed by other members of the Inland Empire Congressional delegation, including Representatives Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), and Mark Takano (CA-39).

Through these initiatives, Congresswoman Torres is focused on providing safe, clean water and protecting vital infrastructure for the Inland Empire.

Addressing the Need for Affordable Housing

Congresswoman Torres is a champion for affordable housing, leading efforts to expand access to safe and affordable homes. As Chair of the New Dem Affordable Housing Task Force and a senior member of the Appropriations Committee's Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee, she is working to bring vital resources to her community. Key efforts include:

$4 million in FY23 funding for the Courtplace Housing Development in Fontana: This funding will construct much-needed affordable housing units.
Over $54 million from HUD in March 2023: This allocation supports affordable housing, community development, and homeless assistance in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Riverside Counties.
Asbestos Exposure in Housing Reduction Act of 2024 (H.R. 8747): Congresswoman Torres introduced this act to protect residents by requiring disclosure of asbestos hazards during residential housing sales or leases, ensuring awareness of potential health risks

Through these initiatives, Congresswoman Torres is committed to ensuring everyone has access to safe, affordable housing in her district and beyond.

Tackling the Root Causes of Immigration and Combating Human, Drug, and Firearms Trafficking

Congresswoman Torres is dedicated to addressing the core issues driving immigration and cracking down on illegal trafficking. Congresswoman is the Co-Chair of the Central America Caucus, and has led efforts to address corruption in the Northern Triangle. Key efforts include:

Stronger Firearms Export Controls: Torres wrote to the Secretary of Commerce, urging stronger export controls to stop the export of weapons used in violence abroad.
Remote Naturalization Act (H.R. 3544): This bill allows remote oath ceremonies for naturalization, making it easier for immigrants who cannot attend in person.
Fairness to Freedom Act of 2023. (H.R.3697): This act guarantees legal representation in immigration proceedings for those who cannot afford it, ensuring fair access to justice.
Improving Voter Registration for New Citizens (H.R. 7179): Torres co-introduced the INVITE Act with Senator Padilla, which designates USCIS field offices as voter registration agencies, facilitating immediate registration for new citizens.
Expanding Legal Representation for Immigrants: In 2023, Torres led a request for $150 million to expand federal programs providing legal assistance to immigrants and asylum seekers.
Modernizing Immigration Laws: As a co-lead, Torres is working to update the 1929 Immigration Act registry provision, potentially providing permanent residency for millions of long-term residents.
Protecting Immigrant Privacy: Torres led a group of lawmakers calling on ICE to improve policies after the accidental release of personal data for over 6,000 asylum seekers.

In 2021, Congresswoman Torres visited the Fairplex in Pomona weekly to ensure there was safety and accountability at the new Office of Temporary Resettlement (ORR) Emergency Intake Facilities for unaccompanied minors. She led a group of 14 local officials, community activists, and healthcare service professionals from Pomona, Los Angeles County, and across the Inland Empire on a tour. That same year, the Congresswoman led two Congressional Delegations of U.S. Representatives to the Fairplex visited all amenities at the site, met with children to hear their firsthand accounts of their experiences there, and spoke with ORR personnel about day-to-day operations.

In July 2021, the Congresswoman and Secretary Xavier Beccera visited the Fairplex to see the facility.

Congresswoman Torres remains committed to creating fair and humane immigration policies and curbing illegal trafficking activities that threaten global and domestic security.

Strengthening Our Health Care System

Congresswoman Torres is dedicated to improving health care for all. Torres along with Congressional Democrats voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which will expand access to high quality, affordable health care and lower prescription drug costs for families in CA-35. Specifically, this historic legislation allowed for:

Medicare, for the first time in history, successfully negotiated lower prescription drug prices of 10 life-saving drugs , which will save seniors and people with disabilities over $1.5 billion out -of-pocket costs starting in 2026.
Insulin costs reduction for about 76,000 individuals with diabetes in CA-35. With Medicare’s cap on insulin costs at $35 for a month supply, 1,400 Medicare beneficiaries who rely on insulin are saving an average of $320 per year while also capping annual prescription costs at $2,000.
Health Insurance premium savings for about 34,000 people in CA-35 and ensure savings of $2,280 in premiums per year.
Free adult vaccines for seniors.

In March 2024, she voted to pass the FY24 funding bill, which rejected over $40 billion in proposed cuts to health programs. This bill includes vital funding for:

$48.6 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and $1.5 billion for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to advance research on diseases like ALS, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cancer.
$9.2 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to boost public health efforts and strengthen health infrastructure in states.
$7.4 billion for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), including $2.8 billion for mental health programs and over $4.2 billion for opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
$8.9 billion for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to fund health centers, workforce training, and family planning services.

She co-sponsored the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act to protect hospitals in underserved areas by preventing cuts to Medicaid DSH payments in 2024 and 2025.

Additionally, Torres is a proud co-sponsor of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, which aims to improve maternal health outcomes in minority communities by addressing factors such as childcare, housing, food security, and environmental conditions.

In FY 2023, Congresswoman Torres secured critical funding for healthcare infrastructure:

$300,000 for a Mobile Medical and Mental Health Clinic Van for Montclair Community Health Center. This project will expand medical and mental health resources to individuals who may have transportation barriers to care.
$100,000 for Western University of Health Sciences’ Pomona Health Career Ladder to help students pursue health degrees and professions and expand the healthcare workforce.

Fighting for Seniors

Congresswoman Torres is committed to ensuring the health, security, and well-being of older Americans. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured critical funding for key programs, including:

$1.1 billion for Senior Nutrition Programs to ensure seniors have access to healthy meals.
$405 million for the Senior Community Service Employment Program to provide employment assistance for older Americans.
$913 million for affordable housing and supportive services for low-income seniors.

Congresswoman Torres believes in honoring the promise to help seniors retire with dignity. She co-introduced the Social Security 2100 Act, aiming to expand Social Security benefits by repealing outdated provisions like the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), ensuring more financial security for current and future retirees.

In FY23, Congresswoman Torres secured funding for the following community project to support seniors:

$439,094 for the City of Ontario’s “Active Seniors on the Go” to expand wellness programs, meal services, and transportation services for seniors.

Standing with Workers

Congresswoman Torres is a strong advocate for workers' rights, especially in the logistics and warehousing industries. Key efforts include:

Warehouse Worker Recognition Week: Congresswoman Torres introduced a resolution to recognize August 13th-19th, 2024, as "Warehouse Worker Recognition Week," honoring the hardworking individuals who keep our logistics and supply chain running smoothly.
Protecting Workers in Extreme Heat: In August 2023, she urged the Department of Labor and California Labor officials to ensure warehouse workers are safe during extreme summer heat. Her district employs over 200,000 people in transportation and warehousing, and she is committed to their health and safety.
Fighting for Safe Working Conditions: Torres continues to advocate for thorough inspections of Inland Empire warehouses to ensure workers are protected from unsafe indoor conditions. In August 2023, she called for increased oversight to ensure safety standards are met.
Combating Wage Theft: Through her efforts, Congresswoman Torres has supported increased oversight to prevent wage theft in the warehousing industry and requested a report from the Wage and Hour Division on enforcing worker rights and reducing industry violations.
Developing Workforce Programs: Torres advocates for creating workforce development programs in critical industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and energy to provide workers with the skills they need to thrive.

Congresswoman Torres will continue standing with workers, ensuring they are treated fairly, work in safe conditions, and receive the respect they deserve.

Standing with Women

Congresswoman Torres is dedicated to uplifting women’s voices to further their economic power, protect their healthcare, and promote their safety and wellbeing. As a Vice Chair for the Democratic Women’s Caucus and Pro-Choice Caucus, she is working to improve the lives of women. Key efforts include:

Pink Tax Repeal Act (H.R. 7828): Congresswoman Torres introduced the “Pink Tax Repeal Act” to stop greedy corporations from overcharging products that are marketed to women.
Consent is Key Act (H.R. 8189): Torres seeks to advocate for victims of sexual assault through her bill, the “Consent is Key Act,” which provides support for victims of nonconsensual condom removal.
Stealthing Act (H.R. 8188): Continuing her support for victims of sexual assault, Torres also introduced the “Stealthing Act” to establish the federal right for victims to sue assailants who nonconsensually remove their condom.
Women’s Health Protection Act (H.R. 12): As a mother and grandmother, and on behalf of the 36 million women already suffering the consequences of the disastrous Dobbs decision, Congresswoman Torres co-led the introduction of the “Women’s Health Protection Act,” which would prohibit the government from restricting access to abortion care and services.
Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act (H.R. 1723): Torres believes that reproductive healthcare is a human right. That is why she co-led the introduction of the “Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act,” which ensures the U.S. can protect women’s rights across the world to have access to safe and legal abortion services.
Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence Act (H.R. 1991): It takes unimaginable strength to stand up to your abuser, and Congresswoman Torres wants to provide as much support as possible to victims of domestic abuse in the challenges that come after leaving an abusive situation. That is why she introduced the “Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence Act,” which would require the Department of Justice to study issues and make recommendations related to child custody and divorce in domestic violence cases.
In March 2024, she voted to pass the FY24 funding bill, which included two critical projects to support women and girls in our community.
- $1,049,600 for the Pomona House of Ruth to provide safe and accessible housing for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
- $1,016,279 for the Pomona STAY Girls Home program, which provides young women with housing, mentorship, and life skills to transition into adulthood.

Congresswoman Torres is a fierce protector of a woman’s right to live a full and prosperous life in the United States and will continue to ensure those fundamental rights remain.

Ensuring Access to Education

Basic Assistance for Students in College Act (BASIC Act): Congresswoman Torres reintroduced H.R.9669, establishing a $1 billion competitive grant program to help colleges and universities address students' unmet basic needs, including access to nutritious food, safe and secure housing, mental and physical healthcare, high-quality and affordable childcare, technology, transportation, personal hygiene, and other necessities. As a Member of the Appropriations Committee, Torres has secured more than $29 million in funding for colleges and universities to meet their students' basic needs, including for community colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions, and other Minority-Serving Institutions.

In March 2024, she voted to pass the FY24 funding bill, which rejected over $40 billion in proposed cuts to education programs. This bill includes vital funding for:

$8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), $15.5 billion for Special Education programs, which includes $14.2 billion for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B Grants to States and $540 million for IDEA Grants for Infants and Families. Congresswoman Torres led her colleagues in sending a letter to the Appropriations Committee requesting robust funding for CCDBG and early childhood programs to help families afford quality childcare and access programs for children with disabilities.
$12 billion for Head Start Programs, $1.2 billion for Federal TRIO programs.
$229 million for Hispanic Serving Institutions.
$24.6 billion for Federal student aid programs, which includes $7,395 for the maximum Pell Grant and $1.2 billion for Federal Work Study programs.

Congresswoman Torres has helped secure education funding for Cal Poly Pomona, including $1 million for the National Science Foundation to invest in research experiences, peer tutoring, and other programs to improve student outcomes in the STEM fields. Additionally, Torres has helped secure over $1.8 million in funding to Cal Poly Pomona from the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Science Foundation to expand research opportunities in various STEM fields, including electric vehicles, diabetes, and computer science.

In FY23, Congresswoman Torres secured critical education funding:

$532,500 for the Empowering Success Now’s Afterschool Homework, Technology and Enrichment Program to help increase access to needed academic assistance, technology, and enrichment classes to help students achieve academic success.
$272,077 for the Ontario-Montclair School District’s STEM Symposium Expansion to help expand students’ access to learning opportunities in STEAM subjects like Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
$4 million for the City of Pomona’s La Casita Community Center to expand, and upgrade facilities dedicated to youth, and help provide them with opportunities to recreate, study, and learn safely.