Norma J. Torres
Representative for California · Democratic · United States
“We cannot claim that we want to see a secure border and stop drug trafficking while simultaneously defunding the most cost-effective, proven programs that stop cartel recruitment at the source. Second, it completely defunds the U.S. Institute of Peace.”
“Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman and ranking member of our committee for their work, but unfortunately, I rise today to speak about hard facts, not political talking points. This bill cuts our security and diplomatic resources by $12 billion compared to last year. This is a 20 percent gutting of our global tools in just 2 years.”
“Cutting off food, clean water, and medicine during historic global instability is a guarantee for more regional chaos and health emergencies that eventually end up at our borders. [[Page H4484]] These are just a few of the cuts in the bill that compromise our national security and strengthen our adversaries.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)] [House] [Page H1671] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] STANDING FOR AMERICA (Mrs.”
“For more than two centuries, those ideals have guided us, creating a Nation where everyone has the right to pursue their dreams, serve their communities, and have a voice in their government without reprisals.”
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“Cutting off food, clean water, and medicine during historic global instability is a guarantee for more regional chaos and health emergencies that eventually end up at our borders. [[Page H4484]] These are just a few of the cuts in the bill that compromise our national security and strengthen our adversaries.”
“We cannot claim that we want to see a secure border and stop drug trafficking while simultaneously defunding the most cost-effective, proven programs that stop cartel recruitment at the source. Second, it completely defunds the U.S. Institute of Peace. We are being asked for billions for the Iran war, but they want to close down the tools we have to stop conflicts before we are forced to send our young men and women in uniform into harm's way. Third, it cuts over $1 billion from the United Nations. When we walk away from the table, we don't leave a vacuum. We just invite China and Russia to step in, take our place, and write the global rules. Finally, this bill slashes $1.5 billion from emergency humanitarian aid.”
“Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman and ranking member of our committee for their work, but unfortunately, I rise today to speak about hard facts, not political talking points. This bill cuts our security and diplomatic resources by $12 billion compared to last year. This is a 20 percent gutting of our global tools in just 2 years. When we look at where these cuts actually hit, they defy any commonsense strategy for our national security. First, this bill completely defunds the Inter-American Foundation. This agency funds local community-led programs in Latin America that keep young people out of drug cartels and gangs. One of these very programs cut youth criminal activity by 90 percent.”
“For more than two centuries, those ideals have guided us, creating a Nation where everyone has the right to pursue their dreams, serve their communities, and have a voice in their government without reprisals. Today, we are witnessing something deeply troubling: the erosion of the rule of law, the abandonment of democracy norms, and a betrayal of the very values Americans of all backgrounds have long fought to uphold. On this 100th day of the 119th Congress, I stand firm in my belief that: I, too, am an American. I, too, am a patriot. I, too, will continue to defend the values and principles that made this country a beacon of hope for the world. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)] [House] [Page H1671] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] STANDING FOR AMERICA (Mrs. TORRES of California asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the 100th day of Donald Trump's second term as President. While some of my colleagues celebrate his actions, I am reminded why I first ran for office and why I continue fighting for my community. I was raised to believe that the United States of America was built on the principles of liberty, democracy, and equal opportunity.”