Redlands Daily Facts - Aguilar, Torres Sworn in to Congress

News Article

By Sandra Emerson

The Inland Empire's two newest members of Congress were sworn in Tuesday.

Pete Aguilar and Norma Torres, both Democrats, took the oath of office as the 114th Congress began.

"It is an honor to be sworn in as a member of the 114th Congress. I am extremely grateful to my constituents for putting their trust in me, and I will work hard on their behalf," Aguilar said in an emailed statement.

Aguilar, former Redlands mayor, resigned from his seat on the Redlands City Council last month after winning the congressional seat during the Nov. 4 election against challenger Paul Chabot, a Republican.

Aguilar will represent the 31st District, which spans from Upland to San Bernardino and includes Redlands.

Torres, who most recently served in the state Senate, was elected Nov. 4 to serve the 35th Congressional District, which spans from Pomona to Rialto.

"It is an honor and a privilege to serve in the United States Congress," Torres said in an emailed statement. "I am humbled by the opportunity to represent the residents of California's 35th District and am ready to get to work on their behalf."

Republicans gained majority status in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate following the Nov. 4 election.

Aguilar and Torres have joined other incumbent representatives from the region from both parties.

Both freshman representatives stressed a need for Republicans and Democrats to work together for their constituents in the region.

"Republicans and Democrats need to join together and pass legislation that puts our middle class first by strengthening the economy, investing in education, passing comprehensive immigration reform and ensuring that our seniors and veterans receive the benefits they have earned," Aguilar said in the statement.

Torres said the problems facing the Inland Empire are no different than those facing most Americans, such as "keeping a roof over their heads, putting their kids through college, affording quality health care and finding a good-paying job," she said in a statement.

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