Media

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the highest-ranking Latino in Congress, and Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.-15) led a group of colleagues in introducing a bicameral resolution recognizing June 2021 as “Immigrant Heritage Month,” a time to reflect on and celebrate the accomplishments and vast contributions immigrant communities have made to America’s history, economy, and culture. 

Washington, D.C.- Today, Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) introduced a new resolution condemning the rise in hate and violence against the transgender and nonbinary communities. The resolution also denounces the increase in anti-transgender legislation and reaffirms a commitment to the well-being and safety of transgender and nonbinary communities. The introduction of the resolution comes as the LGBTQ+ community commemorates the 52nd anniversary of the Stonewall Inn uprising, an incident that triggered nationwide protests in support of equal rights in 1969. The resolution is cosigned by 60 House Democrats. 

Washington, D.C.- Today, Rep. Ritchie Torres’s (NY-15) LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act (H.R. 1443) passed the US House by a vote of bipartisan 252-176. The bill would require financial institutions to collect data on LGBTQ-owned businesses’ access to credit and capital, and amend part of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which requires financial institutions to collect data on credit applications submitted by minority- and women-owned small businesses. 

Washington DC- On the 100th Anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) introduced a new resolution to make June 1st “Black Wall Street Day.” The resolution seeks to honor the lives lost in the destruction of the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, known as “Black Wall Street,” for its vibrant and affluent Black community.

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Vice Chair of the House’s Homeland Security Committee, is leading a new letter urging President Biden to include funding for cybersecurity protection and cyber workforce training in the infrastructure package, the American Jobs Plan. Rep. Torres was joined on the letter by Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-9), Chairwoman of the Homeland Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee.

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Torres voted for H.R. 3233, legislation to establish an independent, bipartisan 9/11-type commission to examine and report upon the facts, causes and security relating to the terrorist mob attack on the United States Capitol on January 6th, 2021. The Commission would also be charged with making recommendations to prevent future attacks on our democracy.

Washington, D.C.- On Wednesday, Rep. Ritchie Torres’ (NY-15) LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act (H.R. 1443) passed the House Financial Services Committee by a voice vote. The bill would require financial institutions to collect data on LGBTQ-owned businesses’ access to credit and capital, and amend part of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which requires financial institutions to collect data on credit applications submitted by minority- and women-owned small businesses. The LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act is cosponsored by 39 House Democrats. 

Washington, DC- Today, Homeland Security Committee Vice Chair Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) made public a letter to the House Appropriations Committee’s Homeland Security Subcommittee to eliminate funding for Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s controversial 287(g) program. The program facilitates collaboration between local law enforcement officials and federal immigration authorities, which undermines trust in law enforcement within immigrant communities, discouraging undocumented immigrants from reporting crimes in fear of questions concerning immigration status. The letter was signed by more than two dozen House Democrats.