Week in Review

Rep. Ritchie Torres, NY-15

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we close out the first week of Black History Month, we honor the history, leadership, and lasting contributions of Black Americans, and recognize that the fight for equity, opportunity, and dignity remains urgent today. Each week brings new challenges and opportunities, and my focus remains on listening to your concerns, responding to constituent needs, and advancing legislation that delivers real results. Whether meeting with community leaders, working with colleagues in Washington, or helping neighbors navigate federal agencies, I remain committed to ensuring that your voices guide my work and that our district’s priorities are reflected in everything I do.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: CHIME SCHOLARS FOUNDATION

The Chime Scholars Foundation (CSF) has opened applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. Aspiring scholars can now apply for scholarships of up to $20,000. The scholarship program is open to students of all backgrounds and stages of life, and it supports a wide range of educational pathways, including traditional college degrees, apprenticeships, trade schools, and technical certifications. Scholars join a supportive network of fellow CSF scholars and Chime employees. Applications for the CSF scholarship program are now open through March 31, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the Chime Scholars Foundation website at chime.com/about-us/chime-scholars-foundation.

In the District

I worked alongside fellow Bronx elected officials and community partners to ensure that the Skyview Shopping Center continues to serve Riverdale families with access to fresh, affordable groceries. After hearing directly from residents following the closure of the Key Food at this site, we pressed management to keep the space dedicated to a full-service supermarket. As a result, Fine Fare Fresh will be opening a new location, preserving a vital community resource, supporting local jobs, and ensuring that families in Riverdale and the northwest Bronx are not left behind when it comes to food access.

I visited Eastchester Rehabilitation and Health Center to meet with staff and residents and learn more about the care and services they provide. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from the team about their work and the importance of supporting high-quality rehabilitation and long-term care for our community.

I joined community leaders and families for the ribbon-cutting of the first Grand St. Settlement Head Start center in the Bronx, the Pelham Parkway Child and Family Center. Made possible by a $55 million federal grant, this investment will fund four new Head Start centers in the Bronx over the next five years, expanding access to high-quality early childhood education and supporting working families across our borough.

I attended the inauguration ceremony of Vanessa L. Gibson as Bronx Borough President. It was an opportunity to celebrate our borough, reflect on the work ahead, and reaffirm a shared commitment to strengthening our communities and delivering for Bronx residents.

D.C. Updates

I led, alongside Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, 73 of our Democratic colleagues in Congress in pushing back against the Trump Administration’s decision to unilaterally pause immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries. By halting visas for nearly 40 to 45 percent of all immigrant visas issued in recent years, this policy threatens to separate families, hurt small businesses and faith communities, and cut off lawful pathways for people who have followed the rules and waited years to reunite with loved ones or contribute to our economy. We formally called on the Departments of State and Homeland Security to provide transparency, data, and a legal justification for this sweeping move, and urged them to reverse course and immediately restore regular visa processing so that families and communities are not left in limbo.

I pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a House Financial Services Committee hearing and was met with evasive and inadequate answers. When I raised concerns about tariffs that raise prices on essential goods and hurt working families, he failed to meaningfully defend the administration’s policy. When I asked a basic constitutional question about whether the president has the authority to fire Federal Reserve officials over policy disagreements, he refused to answer altogether, hiding behind the claim that he was not a lawyer. A Treasury Secretary should not be unable or unwilling to speak clearly about the economic consequences of administration policy or the independence of the Federal Reserve. The American people deserve accountability, not deflection, from officials entrusted with managing the nation’s economy.

I was glad to take part in a roundtable hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in partnership with the Garifuna Caucus. The conversation focused on shared priorities, community perspectives, and the importance of inclusive engagement in shaping policy that reflects the diverse experiences of our communities.

Constituent of the Week: Ms. Maudlin “Maudy” Reid Moore

This week, I am proud to recognize Ms. Maudlin “Maudy” Reid Moore as our Constituent of the Week, honoring a true New Yorker whose life reflects an extraordinary commitment to service, excellence, and community. Ms. Moore began her dedication to giving back at the Butler Houses from 1965 to 1971, continued her public service with the New York City Police Department from 1972 to 1976, and later made meaningful contributions to the entertainment industry through acclaimed Broadway productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Tommy, and Evita, as well as iconic films including Saturday Night Fever and Grease. For 55 years, she has proudly called Riverdale home while pursuing higher education at Bronx Community College and Fordham University and building a distinguished legal career, retiring in 2009 after 25 years at Skadden Arps, where she earned the respect of colleagues for her integrity, skill, and dedication. In retirement, Ms. Moore continues to give back through charitable and volunteer service across New York City, and I am honored to celebrate her 85 years of resilience, service, and lasting contributions to her family, her community, and the Bronx.

Nominate a Local Leader or Organization for Our Newsletter Spotlight

Do you know a neighbor, local leader, or organization making a positive difference in our community? We’d love to feature them in our weekly newsletter. Use the following link to submit a nomination: https://ritchietorres.house.gov/feature-nomination.

As always, my office is here to serve you. Whether you need assistance navigating a federal agency, are facing an issue that requires support, or would like to share concerns or ideas about how we can better serve our community, please do not hesitate to reach out. Black History Month reminds us that progress depends on engaged communities and accountable leadership, and hearing directly from you helps guide my work and ensures that our priorities reflect the real needs of the district. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent you, and I remain fully committed to working every day to deliver meaningful results, advocate on your behalf, and strengthen our community.