Norma Torres

Rep. Torres Delivers Win for Inland Empire Manufacturers as Trump Administration Finally Moves to Restore $15.6 Million for a California Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center | U.S. Congresswoman Norma Torres of California's 35th District Skip to content Close Home About Biography Votes And Legislation Committees & Caucuses Financial Disclosures Our District Contact Email Tell Me Your Story Newsletter Subscription Offices Request an Appearance Website Problem Newsletter Unsubscribe Whistleblower Form Issues A Roadmap to Economic Resilience A Roadmap to Economic Resilience - One Year Later Federal Judiciary Appropriations Budget and Fiscal Responsibility Central America Education and Student Loans Energy and Environment Health Care Immigration Standing Up to Donald Trump to Protect CA-35 Impeachment Jobs and the Economy Local Issues National Security and Foreign Policy Public Safety Seniors Veterans Newsroom Press Releases Media Services Appropriations Requests Help with a Federal Agency Tours and Tickets Congressional Commendations and Greetings Flags Internships Presidential Greetings Resources Additional Services Grant Newsletter Close Funding Spent in Iran War $ 4 2 , 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 Modal Search Button MENU Facebook Logo Twitter Logo BlueSky Logo Youtube Logo Instagram Logo Home Newsroom Press Releases July 23, 2026 Rep. Torres Delivers Win for Inland Empire Manufacturers as Trump Administration Finally Moves to Restore $15.6 Million for a California Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center Torres led letter in June demanding that the Department of Commerce take steps to restore MEP access in California Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee that oversees federal funding, applauded the Department of Commerce's decision to begin restoring California's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) competition after leading a congressional effort demanding that the Trump Administration provide the state with its fair share of federal manufacturing investments. The released Notice of Funding Opportunity , will provide up to $15.6 million to establish a California MEP Center, giving manufacturers across the Inland Empire and the state access to the technical expertise and resources they need to compete, innovate, and grow. Applications are due August 21, 2026. The announcement comes just weeks after Rep. Torres led California Appropriators in pressing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to immediately restore California's MEP Center, arguing that the nation's largest manufacturing state should not be left without one after the previous center closed in October 2025. California was one of only two states to not have a MEP center in the country. Manufacturing employment has fallen by 75,000 jobs since President Trump took office. In the letter , the Members emphasized that California is home to more than 35,000 manufacturers that contribute over $391 billion to the U.S. economy and urged the Department to quickly execute a new funding competition, consistent with congressional direction. "California is the manufacturing powerhouse of America, and our workers and small manufacturers deserve the same federal support as every other state," said Congresswoman Norma Torres . "When California's MEP Center was allowed to lapse, I immediately called on the Department of Commerce to restore this critical program because our manufacturers cannot afford to fall behind. Today's announcement is a victory for California businesses, for the Inland Empire, and for the thousands of workers whose livelihoods depend on a strong manufacturing economy." "This is exactly why we fought for California to receive its fair share," Torres continued. "The Inland Empire is helping build America's future. Restoring an MEP Center in California will help manufacturers innovate, expand production, strengthen our supply chains, and create more good-paying jobs right here in our communities