Ritchie Torres

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to "Consumer Financial Protection Circular 2024-02: Deceptive Marketing Practices About the Speed or Cost of Sending a Remittance Transfer".

in committee

Expressing support for United States forces to remain as a part of the Kosovo Force.

in committee

To prohibit covered financial institutions from collecting, maintaining, and disclosing information relating to the citizenship status and immigration status of consumers, and for other purposes.

in committee

“Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary woman whose life embodies perseverance, compassion, and public service: Dr. Maria Ozuna. Dr. Ozuna is a proud Dominican-American healthcare professional, public health advocate, mentor, mother, aunt, sister, and role model who has dedicated her life to improving the well-being of others. A medical doctor in the Dominican Republic, she continued her pursuit of knowledge here in the United States and recently earned her Master's Degree in Public Health from George Washington University at the age of 60, proving that it is never too late to achieve new dreams. Throughout her career, Dr. Ozuna has worked with some of New York City's leading hospitals and currently serves as a Safety Officer, protecting both patients and healthcare workers. Beyond her profession, she is deeply committed to community service, diabetes prevention, breast cancer awareness, HIV/AIDS advocacy, and educational opportunity. [[Page E471]] Dr. Ozuna has also proudly served as an intern in my office, where she has supported community members and assisted with numerous community events throughout the Bronx. Her dedication to uplifting others, connecting families with resources, and serving her community reflects the very best of public service. Her dedication to service is rooted in her Dominican heritage and inspired by her family legacy, including efforts connected to her father's middle school in the Dominican Republic, which expanded access to affordable education for local children. As one of nine children, Dr. Ozuna carries forward the values of resilience, responsibility, and family. Our Bronx community is stronger because of her leadership, generosity, and example. Today, we proudly celebrate Dr. Maria Ozuna and thank her for a lifetime of service and inspiration. ____________________”

2026-05-20 · Healthcare

“Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary educator, innovator, and community leader from the Bronx: Stephen Ritz, founder of Green Bronx Machine. Born and raised in the Bronx, Stephen Ritz has transformed lives through the power of education, sustainability, and hope. What began as a single classroom initiative in the South Bronx has grown into a global movement, one that has reached more than 375,000 students across six continents and trained over 11,000 educators worldwide. Green Bronx Machine was named by Fast Company as Most Innovative Company in 2024. Known as ``America's favorite teacher,'' Stephen created the first edible classroom in the world, and he and his students have grown more than 375,000 pounds of fresh vegetables right in the South Bronx, proving that classrooms can cultivate not only food, but opportunity, health, and dignity. His students, hailed as ``The Miracle in the Bronx,'' have earned national STEM championships, seven Anthem Awards, and the first Emmy Award in New York City Department of Education history. They have been celebrated at the Obama White House three times and featured on the cover of TIME for Kids. Through Green Bronx Machine, Stephen has woven together academic achievement, food justice, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment, helping create more than 2,200 living wage jobs in New York City alone. He has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ending Hunger in America and presented at the United Nations and World Business Forum, carrying the spirit of the Bronx onto the global stage with unmatched passion, compassion, and energy. Stephen has also been recognized as a CNN COVID Food Hero, a 2023 Global Food Hero, a 2024 Food Waste Warrior by Food Tank, and most recently was awarded the 2025 Global Food Changemaker Prize in Social Impact. For over a decade, he has served as Executive Director of the National Health, Wellness, and Learning Center at Community School 55 as an unpaid, full-time volunteer. But perhaps what speaks loudest about Stephen Ritz is not the awards or the accolades: it is the life he lives every single day. He still calls the Bronx home, where he tends the most productive school garden per square foot in New York City, located in the heart of public housing. He raises chickens and exotic koi fish, including what is believed to be the largest captive goldfish in the Bronx. He shows up in his signature green shoes, cheese-hat in tow, and has taken over two million photos with children and celebrities alike, because to Stephen, every person he meets is worth celebrating. Today, we celebrate Stephen Ritz not only for his remarkable achievements, but for his unwavering belief that every child can grow, thrive, and succeed. The Bronx is proud to call him one of our own. ____________________”

2026-05-12 · Education

“Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 70th Anniversary of the Community Church of Morrisania in the Bronx. Founded in 1956 by the Reverend William E. Thompson, the Community Church of Morrisania became the first African American church in the neighborhood and has stood for generations as a beacon of faith, hope, and service. Reverend Thompson's legacy is forever etched into the Bronx, with Teller Avenue between East 169th and East 170th Streets proudly renamed Rev. Wm. E. Thompson Way in his honor. For seventy years, this non-denominational congregation has done far more than open its doors on Sundays. It has uplifted families, empowered young people, comforted seniors, and strengthened the fabric of Morrisania through unwavering service to the community. In 2000, Reverend Thompson entrusted Pastor Starling Churn with carrying forward this sacred mission. Under Pastor Churn's leadership, the church has continued to be a pillar of compassion, unity, and spiritual guidance for the Bronx. Today, we honor not only a church, but a living institution whose impact reaches far beyond its walls. I congratulate the Community Church of Morrisania on seventy extraordinary years of ministry and community leadership. May God continue to bless the Community Church of Morrisania and the people it serves. ____________________”

2026-05-12 · Government Reform