Press Releases
Rep. Juan Vargas, San Diego Congressional Delegation Announce $250 Million Secured to Combat Cross-Border Sewage Pollution
IMPERIAL BEACH — Today, U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Scott Peters (CA-50), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) came together to announce $250 million in new federal funding to combat pollution in the Tijuana River Valley. This federal investment marks the final tranche of funding needed to cover the expected cost of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade project. The project broke ground in October 2024 and will double the capacity of the … Continue Reading
January 17, 2025
El Representante Juan Vargas y la Delegación del Congreso de San Diego Anuncian la Obtención de 250 Millones de Dólares para Combatir la Contaminación Transfronteriza por Aguas Residuales
IMPERIAL BEACH - Hoy, los Representantes de los EE.UU. Juan Vargas (CA-52), Scott Peters (CA-50), Mike Levin (CA-49), y Sara Jacobs (CA-51) se reunieron para anunciar $250 millones de dólares en nuevos fondos federales para combatir la contaminación en el Valle del Río Tijuana. Esta inversión federal marca el tramo final de la financiación necesaria para cubrir el coste previsto del proyecto de mejora de la Planta Internacional de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales del Sur de la Bahía. Este … Continue Reading
January 10, 2025
Vargas, San Diego Congressional Delegation Secure CDC Investigation of Harmful Tijuana River Air Pollution
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52), U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), and U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (CA-50), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Mike Levin (CA-49) announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will investigate the public health impacts of air pollution caused by the ongoing Tijuana River transboundary pollution crisis, following the lawmakers’ request last year. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) will … Continue Reading
December 12, 2024
Rep. Juan Vargas, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Deliver on Key Climate Priorities
WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), U.S. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), and other colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden, thanking him for his leadership on climate issues and urging the Administration to continue delivering on its key climate priorities. In the letter, the lawmakers also urge the Administration to continue its efforts to swiftly disburse key Inflation … Continue Reading
December 10, 2024
Rep. Juan Vargas Votes to Pass Water Resources Development Act, Support for San Diego Projects
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52) voted to pass the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. This biennial legislation authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Civil Works Program projects to improve ports, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure in communities across the country, including in San Diego County. Then, eligible funds must be appropriated for the projects by Congress … Continue Reading
December 05, 2024
Rep. Juan Vargas, Colleagues Introduce Bicameral Bill to Standardize CBP Handling of Personal Belongings
WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52) joined U.S. Representatives Delia Ramirez (IL-03) and Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07) and Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) in introducing the CBP Guidance on Personal Belongings Act. This legislation would require the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to develop guidance to better ensure the respectful handling of personal property of individuals who are in CBP custody. When people arrive at the … Continue Reading
November 19, 2024
Reps. Vargas, Peters, Levin, Jacobs Applaud President’s Inclusion of $310 Million for Tijuana River Valley Improvements in Proposed Disaster Relief Funding Package
WASHINGTON - U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Scott Peters (CA-50), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) applauded President Biden’s inclusion of $310 million to help upgrade the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant in his proposed disaster relief funding package. The San Diego Congressional delegation has been pushing for additional funds to repair and upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in any upcoming disaster relief funding package. This funding would … Continue Reading
November 19, 2024
Rep. Vargas Aplaude la Inclusión de $310 Millones de Dólares para Mejoras en el Valle del Río Tijuana por parte del Presidente en el Financiamiento de Ayuda para Desastres
WASHINGTON - Hoy, el Representante de EE.UU. Juan Vargas aplaudió la inclusión del Presidente Biden de $310 millones para ayudar a mejorar la Planta Internacional de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales de South Bay en su paquete de fondos de ayuda para desastres. La delegación de San Diego en el Congreso ha estado luchando para conseguir fondos adicionales para reparar y mejorar la planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales en cualquier paquete de financiación de ayuda en caso de desastre. Esta … Continue Reading
October 29, 2024
Reps. Vargas, Peters, Jacobs Mark Launch of South Bay Plant Rehabilitation and Expansion Project
SAN DIEGO - Today, U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Scott Peters (CA-50), and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) joined International Boundary and Water Commission officials, local leaders, and community members to mark the launch of a rehabilitation and expansion project at the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant. This project will put to use $400 million in federal funding that the San Diego Congressional delegation secured to double the facility's capacity and - when paired with … Continue Reading
October 25, 2024
San Diego Congressional Delegation Urges SBA to Examine How to Assist Businesses Impacted by Tijuana River Valley Pollution
WASHINGTON - U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Scott Peters (CA-50), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) urged the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to investigate how it can provide assistance to businesses impacted by pollution in the Tijuana River Valley. “For too long, South San Diego County has suffered with untreated wastewater, sediment, and trash that has flowed through the Tijuana River into San Diego waters affecting our environment, national security, and … Continue Reading
October 18, 2024
Rep. Juan Vargas, San Diego Congressional Delegation Call for Federal Support for South Bay Air Quality Monitoring
WASHINGTON - U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Scott Peters (CA-50) called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide support to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) as they work to monitor the air quality in communities impacted by Tijuana River Valley pollution. This summer, South Bay communities were overwhelmed by strong sewage odors from the Tijuana River Valley, and hydrogen sulfide was detected … Continue Reading
October 01, 2024
Rep. Vargas Statement on the Iranian Attack Against Israel
WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52) released the following statement: “I unequivocally condemn Iran’s launch of ballistic missiles across Israel and I’m grateful to the Biden Administration for immediately assisting in defense efforts. Tonight, my prayers are with the people of Israel. As the Administration has made clear, Iran must be held accountable for this attack. The United States stands with Israel and its right to defend itself. Our commitment to Israel’s safety and … Continue Reading
September 28, 2024
Rep. Vargas Statement on the Death of Hassan Nasrallah
WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52) released the following statement on the death of Hassan Nasrallah. “Hassan Nasrallah and the terrorist group he led, Hezbollah, have unleashed violence and destruction for decades and are responsible for killing hundreds of Americans, including civilians and service members. Nasrallah’s death is a measure of justice for his many victims and their families. As President Biden has said, the United States fully supports Israel’s right to … Continue Reading
September 26, 2024
Rep. Vargas, Colleagues Introduce Migration Stability Resolution
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52) joined U.S. Representatives Greg Casar (TX-35), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jesús G. "Chuy" García (IL-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), and Delia Ramirez (IL-03) in introducing a new resolution calling for comprehensive legislation to address the root causes of forced migration and displacement, while affirming the need for a true roadmap to citizenship for immigrants in the United States. “It’s past time for comprehensive immigration … Continue Reading
September 19, 2024
On House Floor, Rep. Vargas Speaks Out Against GOP Attempts to Roll Back Transparency and Block Essential Climate Risk Disclosures
WASHINGTON - Today on the House Floor, U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52), co-chair of the Congressional Sustainable Investment Caucus, spoke out against H.R. 4790 and attempts to limit access to information on how public companies are addressing climate risks and employee welfare. “I know that giving responsible investors more information is a good thing. Not a bad thing. Evidence shows that bills targeting sustainable business practices directly harm taxpayers, investors, and … Continue Reading
September 09, 2024
Reps. Vargas, Jacobs, Levin, Peters Reiterate Call for Immediate Federal State of Emergency Declaration Amid High Levels of Toxic Gases in South San Diego
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Scott Peters (CA-50) reiterated calls for an immediate federal state of emergency declaration amid recent findings showing high levels of noxious gases in south San Diego from Tijuana River Valley pollution. Last year, the San Diego Congressional delegation called for a federal state of emergency to help combat pollution in the Tijuana River Valley. “We write to reiterate our request … Continue Reading
September 09, 2024
Representantes Vargas, Jacobs, Levin, Peters reiteran su llamamiento para la inmediata declaración federal de estado de emergencia ante los elevados niveles de gases tóxicos en el sur de San Diego
WASHINGTON - Hoy, Representantes de los EE.UU. Juan Vargas (CA-52), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Mike Levin (CA-49), y Scott Peters (CA-50) reiteraron sus llamamientos para que se declare un estado de emergencia federal inmediatamente, en medio de los resultados recientes que muestran altos niveles de gases nocivos en el sur de San Diego debido a la contaminación del Valle del Río Tijuana. El año pasado, la delegación del Congreso solicitó un estado de emergencia federal para ayudar a combatir la … Continue Reading
September 05, 2024
Rep. Vargas, Sen. Padilla Introduce Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act
SAN DIEGO - Today, U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52), U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), and U.S. Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) announced bicameral efforts to help combat Tijuana River transboundary sewage pollution The lawmakers were joined by officials from the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to announce the Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act of 2024. U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA) is an original cosponsor of the bill in the Senate, and … Continue Reading
August 28, 2024
Rep. Vargas, California Senators, San Diego Congressional Delegation Call for Answers Amid Increased Sewage Odors, Sewage Flows from Mexico
CHULA VISTA - Today, U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52) along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and U.S. Representatives Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Scott Peters (CA-50), and Mike Levin (CA-49) called on the U.S. Department of State to press Mexican officials for answers on the unprecedented dry weather sewage and sediment flows from Mexico amid intense sewage odors. The International Boundary and Water Commission has reported an increase in sewage flows in the … Continue Reading
August 28, 2024
Rep. Vargas, San Diego Congressional Delegation Secure Additional $43 Million in Shelter and Services Program Funding for San Diego Region
CHULA VISTA - Today, U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52) announced an additional $43,675,626 in Shelter and Services Program (SSP) funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and partners in San Diego County providing critical support like food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and transportation to migrants awaiting their immigration court proceedings. The Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego received $21,598,261 and Jewish Family Service of San Diego received $22,077,365 in … Continue Reading