Norma J. Torres

National Parent and Youth Helpline Act

in committee

January 6th Truth and Transparency Act

in committee

January 6th Oral History Project Act

in committee

“Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Trinidad Casillas' 100th birthday. Mr. Casillas was born in Los Angeles on May 23, 1926, as the fifth child among ten children. When he was 28, he married Delia Casillas. The two have shared 72 years of marriage and have spent 60 years in the Inland Empire. In 1966, Trinidad and Delia purchased a home in my hometown, Pomona, California. The two have called Pomona home for more than fifty years. Mr. and Mrs. Casillas have built a remarkable family, consisting of their five children, 22 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. For 30 years, Trinidad served as a metal finisher for a government contractor, specializing in airplane parts. His contributions to this crucial industry enhanced its ability to support our Nation's infrastructure and national defense. Beyond his impactful service as metal finisher and as a beloved family-member, Mr. Casillas has been an active member of the Washington Senior Center in the City of Pomona for 26 years. At the Senior Center, he joins his neighbors in recreational activities including dominoes and billiards. Trinidad has a particular passion for pool, which he has played for 94 years. He has brought his passion to the Senior Center and beyond, earning several trophies that showcase his skills and love for the game. In celebration of Trinidad Casillas' 100th birthday, it is my privilege to honor a remarkable family member and community member. His impact on our community is worthy of the highest commendation. ____________________”

2026-05-20 · Government Reform

“Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alicia Mardini as she retires from her role as the CEO of East Valley Community Health Center (EVCHC). Ms. Mardini has served EVCHC for 47 years, including 45 years where she has led the organization as CEO. Throughout her service, she has inspired EVCHC's leadership, vision, and organization, transforming the organization from a free clinic into a Federally Qualified Health Center. Ms. Alicia Mardini earned her Master of Business Administration from University of Southern California in 1984, building a crucial foundation for serving tens of thousands of patients. Under her leadership, EVCHC has grown to serve more than 31,000 patients each year at locations throughout Pomona and the San Gabriel Valley. Hailing from Peru, Alicia is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing her to integrate two different cultural perspectives to her leadership. Under Ms. Mardini's direction, EVCHC serves diverse populations in the East San Gabriel Valley and Pomona communities. It assists individuals and families in need of various healthcare services from wellness check-ups to dental care, to counseling, to chronic illness treatment. Beyond her leadership at EVCHC, Ms. Mardini sits on numerous community and agency advisory boards and committees, including county and state trade associations that represent community health centers. Her advocacy includes serving as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles County Community Clinic Association (CCALAC) throughout 2012 and 2013. As recently as 2024 and 2025, she also served as the Chair of the Board of Directors of Health Care Los Angeles, Independent Practice Association, which is the largest Medi- Cal Independent Practice Association in California. Ms. Mardini's work has left my hometown, Pomona. and the San Gabriel Valley, much better and healthier places. For her inspiring commitment to equitable health care and her remarkable leadership as the CEO of East Valley Community Health Center, it is my honor to recognize Ms. Alicia Mardini ahead of her retirement. ____________________”

2026-05-12 · Healthcare

“Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the National Hot Rod Association as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. In 1951, a letter in the Hot Rod magazine by Wally Parks urged hot rodders to unite, leading to the establishment of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Its mission was founded on the principles of bringing hot rodders together, promoting safety, and allowing racers to compete without creating safety concerns on public streets. In just a year, the NHRA grew to 7,000 members. The organization worked with local authorities to set national standards for drag racing. The very first NHRA event was held in 1953, in my hometown of Pomona, California. I am proud that for the past 75 years, the Pomona Dragstrip has remained a historic venue for drag racing and national NHRA events. After its establishment, NHRA continued to grow, sanctioning more than 100 race tracks across 38 states by 1957. As NHRA expanded, newspapers credited its focus on safe, organized racing, and the 1957 Nationals drew more than 450 entries. By the end of the 1950s, the NHRA was no longer recognized as a movement, but instead as a motorsports institution. In 1961, the NHRA expanded beyond one annual national event by adding the [[Page E309]] Winternationals race, and adding the Nationals race to the Indianapolis Raceway Park. Winternationals has been hosted by the Pomona Dragstrip since that time. In 1965, World Finals began to air on television, growing the sport's popularity beyond the U.S., and into England and Europe, and allowing it to secure membership in the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS). Under the leadership of founder Wally Parks, the NHRA increased its annual events, year after year, until its schedule grew to 10 events by the end of the 1970s. Venues were developed throughout North America, enhancing its ability to host new events each year. The 1970s were marked by increased media coverage, corporate support, and on-track innovation, allowing for a more diverse, professional, and mainstream audience for the NHRA. Even though the NHRA's first race was in Pomona and it later on moved elsewhere, premier motorsports could not stay away from the Inland Empire for long: in 1980, World Finals were at the Ontario Motor Speedway, and in 1984, the NHRA World Finals moved back to Pomona, which has hosted this prestigious event, with one exception, since that time. Throughout the 1990s, motorsports continued to break more barriers by growing its online presence, developing multi-million dollar sponsorships, and hitting record speeds on the track. In the new millennium, the NHRA continued to work with multi-million dollar sponsors, partnering up with companies such as Powerade, ESPN, and Coca-Cola. By the 2010s, NHRA's leadership continued the legacy of Wally Parks' founding mission, and focused on incorporating new safety and technology. NHRA partnered with FOX Sports in 2015, allowing the organization to air four-wide racing on national television. Just last year, both men and women set record-high speeds, showing that the sport continues to innovate and grow. NHRA's impact is widespread: its focus on motorsports safety, vehicle standards, modernized rules, and continuously updated protocols that ensure the protection of drivers, teams, and fans, remains unparalleled. For the past 75 years, NHRA has been a driving force in American motorsports and car culture, ensuring it will continue to flourish for the coming decades. For its remarkable legacy of innovation and growth, and key role in public safety, competition, and community, it is my honor to recognize the 75th anniversary of the National Hot Rod Association. Its deep roots in the Inland Empire and widespread popularity is worthy of the highest commendation. ____________________”

2026-04-09 · Government Reform