January 22, 2013

Rep. Vargas Tapped for House Foreign Affairs and Agriculture Committees

Washington, DC (January 22, 2013) – Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA) was appointed to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Agriculture earlier this month.  He was confirmed to serve on the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa and the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade; and the Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, and the Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology and Foreign Agriculture.  

“As the Representative for California’s entire US/Mexico border, I am honored to have the extraordinary privilege to serve on the Foreign Affairs Committee,” said Rep. Vargas.  “I look forward to tackling the unique and pressing challenges present on our border, and throughout the Pacific Rim.”  

Vargas’ district includes Imperial County, where the agricultural industry generated an estimated $1.175 billion in personal income for California families, and an estimated $5.3 billion in total economic impact in 2011.  

“I am thrilled to serve on the House Committee on Agriculture, as Imperial County provides 80% of the nation’s fresh winter fruits and vegetables,” stated Vargas.  “I look forward to representing my district’s needs, while working to ensure labor shortages are solved using common-sense solutions.”  

A complete list of Congressman Vargas’ committee and subcommittee assignments are listed below:

•    House Committee on Foreign Affairs
            o    Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa
            o    Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade

•    House Committee on Agriculture
            o    Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
            o    Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology and Foreign Agriculture

Vargas represents the California 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista and National City, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border.  Vargas represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.