Mr. Speaker, I want you to think about what it means to dial 911. You call 911 when you are scared, when you are in danger, or when you need help and you need that help immediately. I know this because for 17\1/2\ years I was that voice on the other side, answering 911 calls, people's calls for help. Imagine, Mr. Speaker, having to make that call from inside a Federal detention center. That is what happened at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, where ProPublica reviewed more than 160 emergency calls from inside the facility.
2026 MidtermsSafe SeatD+17D shift +2$466K raised
Norma Torres
Representative · California · Democrat
Norma Torres
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to shine the light on a growing problem in Federal detention facilities, federally owned and privately supervised. Every single day, we stand in this Chamber, look at that flag, and pledge ``with liberty and justice for all.'' {time} 1840 Right now, those words are a hollow lie. Today, we learned that Edwin Jovanny Lopez-Cornejo, a 41-year-old Salvadoran man, died after a medical emergency at Delaney Hall in New Jersey. His family says he had complained about not receiving his medications.
Biography
Norma Torres began her public service career as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, drawing on firsthand experience with emergency response to inform her advocacy. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for California’s 35th district in 2014, Torres focuses on public safety, affordable housing, and immigration reform. She authored the Central America Reform and Enforcement Act, addressing root causes of migration, and serves on the House Appropriations Committee, shaping federal spending priorities. Torres is known for her pragmatic approach and commitment to representing the needs of working families in her diverse Inland Empire district.
Education
- B.A. in Labor Studies, National Labor College, Silver Spring, MD2012
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2015-PresentRepresenting California's 35th district
Member, California Senate
2013–14Member, California Assembly
2008–13Mayor, Pomona
2006–08Member, Pomona City Council
2000–069–1–1 Dispatcher
Policy Focus
Crime and Law Enforcement11%
Emergency Management8%
Armed Forces and National Security8%
Government Operations and Politics8%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Norma Torres's record in Congress.
Central America Security Aid
Authored legislation to increase oversight and transparency of U.S. aid to Central America to address corruption and improve security.
911 Emergency Services
Introduced and helped pass the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act to modernize emergency communications infrastructure nationwide.
Affordable Housing Funding
Secured federal funding for affordable housing projects in California's Inland Empire region.
COVID-19 Relief
Helped secure PPE and federal relief funds for frontline workers and communities in her district during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on House Administration
- House Committee on Appropriations
Rep. Norma Torres FAQ
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Representative Torres focuses on Crime and Law Enforcement, Emergency Management and Armed Forces and National Security. Deliver personalized constituent letters to California's federal, state, and local officials — live in under five minutes.
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