Weekly Update News from Rep. Ritchie Torres | Dear Friends and Neighbors, I’m proud to share this week’s updates with you from both Washington and our district. Whether it’s advancing legislation in Congress or meeting with neighbors and community leaders at home, my priority is always making sure your voice is heard. In this newsletter, you’ll find highlights of the work we’re doing together to deliver results and move our community forward. | I hosted a Gun Violence Roundtable yesterday to hear directly from community leaders, survivors, and advocates. The roundtable focused on assessing the state of public safety, coordinating community efforts, and identifying necessary federal and intergovernmental actions to reduce gun violence and enhance community safety. Together, we’re working toward real solutions to keep our neighborhoods safe and save lives. D.C. Updates | This week, I joined my colleagues in co-signing a letter to the National Park Service urging them to stop erasing important parts of American history. I’m deeply concerned about the recent removal of historical signage at national parks and landmarks across the country, including the Stonewall Inn National Monument. Similar actions have affected sites like the Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which highlights the history of Japanese Internment and the removal of Native peoples. It’s critical that we preserve these stories, so future generations understand the full history of our nation. I’m proud to cosponsor H.Res. 746, a resolution condemning all forms of political violence and rejecting language that dehumanizes or demonizes those with whom we disagree. I believe we must restore civility in public discourse and stand united in defending democracy against threats rooted in hateful rhetoric. I’m also honored to cosponsor H.R. 5557, which expands access to school-based mental health services for students. This bill will help ensure children get the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive. This issue is deeply personal to me, as I have experienced my own mental health challenges, and access to the right resources was essential to my recovery. District Events | Home fires claim more lives each year than all other major disasters combined. That’s why I’m proud to partner with the FDNY and the American Red Cross on the Get Alarmed NYC program, which provides free smoke alarm installations to residents. This initiative helps protect families and strengthens community safety. To request a free installation, call 1-877-733-2767 (Option 5) or visit redcross.org/getalarmedNYC. | I had a wonderful time celebrating culture, community, and connection at the Caribbean International Festival at Butler Memorial Church! Grateful for the warm welcome and proud to support the vibrant Caribbean diaspora in our district. | I was deeply grateful to join community members for the After Church Dinner at Eastwood Manor, beautifully organized by Northeast Bronx leader Johnnie Goff. It’s always a joy to connect over food, faith, and fellowship with the people I’m proud to serve. | I met with the Bronx River Alliance to discuss the impacts of the Cross Bronx Expressway on our communities. I have been deeply focused on the impacts of the Cross Bronx Expressway for years and remain committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our borough. Addressing this issue has been a central priority of my office. From environmental justice to public health, we’re working together to push for equitable solutions that center the voices of those most affected. Constituent of the Week: The Reverend Dr. Rabbi Keith Elijah Thompson | This week, we proudly recognize Reverend Dr. Rabbi Keith Elijah Thompson, a remarkable spiritual leader and community pillar in the Bronx. For more than 40 years, Dr. Thompson has dedicated his life to uplifting the Bronx through faith, hope, and service. From humble beginnings leading a small home Bible study, he founded the Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle Word of Faith Ministry in 1980, inspiring countless individuals with his dynamic preaching and compassionate leadership. Beyond the pulpit, he established the Bronx Resource Community Center, mentored clergy, and fostered community safety through a longstanding partnership with the NYPD. Known as a “Teacher of Teachers,” Dr. Thompson’s enduring legacy is a testament to the unifying power of faith and his unwavering commitment to transforming lives across the borough. Thank you for taking the time to stay engaged with what’s happening in our district and in Congress. Your voices guide my work, and I remain committed to representing your interests every day. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with questions, ideas, or concerns. Together, we can continue making a real difference for our community. | Ritchie Torres Member of Congress | Washington, D.C. 1414 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4361 Fax: (202) 225-6001 | Bronx 540 E Fordham Rd, Unit 2A Bronx, NY 10458 Phone: (718) 503-9610 Fax: (718) 620-0658 | Sign up for my newsletter! | |