Norma Torres

As California Leads Nation in Scientific Advancements, Torres Joins Schiff, Lofgren, and 41 Colleagues Urging OMB to Rescind Politicized Rule on Federal Grants | 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 10, 2026 As California Leads Nation in Scientific Advancements, Torres Joins Schiff, Lofgren, and 41 Colleagues Urging OMB to Rescind Politicized Rule on Federal Grants California lawmakers press the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to fulfill its role of overseeing nonpartisan federal grant process Washington, D.C. — Representative Norma Torres joined U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), and 41 members of the California congressional delegation are demanding the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescind their proposed regulation for federal financial assistance, emphasizing the crucial need for federal funding for scientific research to remain independent given California’s leadership as the innovation capital of the world and a top recipient of federal research funding. “The rule is unprecedented, expansive, and applies across the federal government to every agency that reviews grants and other financial assistance proposals. It would allow political appointees to control all aspects of the grant review process, setting the stage for politically motivated decision-making that places the whims of the President over the well-being of the American people,” the lawmakers wrote. The California lawmakers highlight how the administration’s proposed regulation will weaken U.S. scientific research across all fields and impact California stakeholders, undermining OMB’s essential role in coordinating the advancement of federal grants in a nonpartisan manner. California leads the nation in scientific advancements across sectors – including biomedical engineering and quantum computing – and is deeply committed to investing in cutting-edge research in engineering, science, and medical research. “The proposed rule would weaken the scientific foundations of experimental research, slowing the development of new treatments, strategies for environmental protection, technologies to expand our knowledge of space, and solutions to some of our most pressing questions,” the lawmakers continued. Specifically, the lawmakers point to several areas of research that will be significantly impacted by OMB’s proposed rule: National Competitiveness and the STEM Talent Pipeline: In light of the administration unlawful suspending of millions in funds for U.S.-based scientific research, the proposed rule will threaten our status as a world leader in science by harming the STEP talent pipeline, create additional barriers for international students and domestic businesses that contribute to our economic viability, and weaken the nation’s ability to compete with China and other countries. Biomedical and Scien