[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 194 (Wednesday, December 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ESTEBAN E. TORRES POST OFFICE BUILDING

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 12, 2022

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of 
H.R. 7832 to rename the post office located at 396 South California 
Avenue in West Covina, California after the late Congressman Esteban E. 
Torres, a long-time San Gabriel Valley legislator and beloved community 
leader.
  A proud son of immigrants, Rep. Torres dedicated his life to serving 
his community, our nation in uniform, and working families across 
Eastern Los Angeles County. I proudly introduced this legislation with 
Rep. Linda Sanchez so future generations will remember Rep. Torres' 
legacy and be inspired by his service to our region and nation.
  Rep. Torres was born on January 27, 1930, in Miami, Arizona. Shortly 
after finishing high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 
1953 during the Korean War conflict and was honorably discharged with 
the rank of sergeant first class.
  After attending various institutions including, the Los Angeles Art 
Center, East Los Angeles College, and California State University Los 
Angeles, Rep. Torres was subsequently elected to serve California's 
34th district. He represented the cities of Artesia, Norwalk, Santa Fe 
Springs, Pico Rivera, parts of Whittier, South El Monte, Industry, La 
Puente, Baldwin Park, and West Covina for 16 years in Congress. During 
his first five terms, Rep. Torres served on the House Banking, Finance, 
and Urban Affairs and the Small Business Committees. In 1993, he was 
named to the powerful Appropriations Committee where he was responsible 
for delivering millions of dollars for public transit projects in Los 
Angeles County and throughout the State of California and advocating 
for U.S. policies that advanced democracies throughout the world. Rep. 
Torres also served as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and as 
a Deputy Whip for the House's Democratic leadership.
  Rep. Torres also was an accomplished artist. His art was featured in 
the Washingtonian Magazine, at numerous galleries throughout Los 
Angeles, and admired by his colleagues in Congress, friends, and 
family. Among his proudest accomplishments was being one of the 
founders, along with Supervisor Gloria Molina, of LA Plaza de Cultura y 
Artes, a world-renowned museum honoring the past, inspiring the future, 
and recognizing the cultural influence of Mexicans, Mexican Americans, 
and all Latinx in the greater Los Angeles community.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 7832. Renaming the 
West Covina Post Office in Rep. Torres' honor will be a small token of 
gratitude for his lifetime of dedication to his community and country.

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