Press Releases
Rep. Juan Vargas Votes for Interim Emergency Funding Legislation for Small Businesses, Hospitals, and Testing
Washington, D.C. (April 23, 2020) Rep. Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after voting for an interim emergency funding package for small businesses, hospitals, and testing, that Congress passed today. “I’m glad to see this piece of legislation passed quickly, which includes $360 billion in additional funding for small businesses relief. More importantly, $30 billion of these funds are reserved for community-based lenders, small banks, and credit unions, ensuring that … Continue Reading
April 21, 2020
Rep. Vargas Visits Otay Mesa Detention Center in Response to Growing Concerns of COVID-19 Spreading at Detention Centers
Chula Vista, CA (April 21, 2020) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), released the following statement after visiting Otay Mesa Detention Center to address the increase in COVID-19 cases within their facilities and alleged inhumane treatment of detainees. “In the last couple of weeks, I led several letters demanding that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) address alarming developments in COVID-19 cases at detention centers. I also expressed … Continue Reading
April 10, 2020
Rep. Vargas Urges ICE and CoreCivic to Immediately Stop Cohorting at Detention Centers
Washington, D.C. (April 10, 2020) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after sending a letter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and CoreCivic, which manages the Otay Mesa Detention Center, in response to the San Diego Union-Tribune story that ICE is keeping detainees, potentially exposed to the virus, in a “cohort.” According to the article, the practice of cohorting forces detainees exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual to remain in the same pod until … Continue Reading
April 09, 2020
Rep. Vargas Urging President Trump to Stop Border Wall Construction
Washington, D.C. (April 9, 2020) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after joining his colleagues to send a letter to the White House and Trump administration requesting that border wall construction come to a halt in response to the coronavirus pandemic. “This week I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to the White House and the administration to stop all border wall construction in the best interest of construction workers, their families, and our border … Continue Reading
April 07, 2020
Rep. Vargas Requests Release of Nonviolent Detainees to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 at Detention Centers
Washington, D.C. (April 7, 2020) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after sending a letter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) asking them to report on measures implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their detention facilities, and requested the release of nonviolent detainees. “As we know, COVID-19 is extremely contagious, and in some cases fatal. I sent a letter to confirm that ICE and CoreCivic are doing everything possible to … Continue Reading
March 27, 2020
Rep. Vargas Releases Statement on Passage of Historic Families & Workers-First Coronavirus Legislation
Washington, D.C. (March 27, 2020) Rep. Vargas released the following statement after the passage of historic Families and Workers-First legislation, which was signed into law today. “I am proud to support this historic piece of legislation, which will bring urgently needed relief to families and small businesses across the nation, including in our great state of California. Our country is suffering from an unprecedented pandemic; we must ensure that every possible resource is dedicated … Continue Reading
March 24, 2020
Rep. Vargas' Bill Included as a Provision in the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act
Washington, D.C. (March 24, 2020) - Today, Rep. Vargas’ (CA-51) bill was included as a provision in the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act, a bold and comprehensive phase three coronavirus response bill that would provide more than $2.5 trillion for the American economy. “I'm very pleased to see my legislation was included as a provision in the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act,” said Rep. Vargas. “This provision would authorize an additional $3 billion under … Continue Reading
March 23, 2020
Rep Vargas Introduces Bill to Provide $3 Billion for Urgent Medical Supplies to Combat COVID-19
Washington, D.C. (March 23, 2020) -Rep. Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after introducing a bill to increase the amount of authorized funds for the Defense Production Act. The Defense Production Act allows the President to incentivize and direct greater production of materials needed to address a national emergency, and currently authorizes $133 million per fiscal year to that end. The bill will increase the authorization for the Act by $3 billion, in response to the … Continue Reading
December 19, 2019
Rep. Vargas Releases Statement on USMCA Passage Including Funding to Combat Cross-border Pollution
San Diego, CA. (December 19, 2019) -Rep. Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after the House passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) today, which includes funding for the Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP). $300 million in funding will be distributed to the BWIP over 4 years directing the United States Environmental Protection Agency to prioritize wastewater infrastructure projects. This could translate into our region receiving funds to address … Continue Reading
December 17, 2019
Rep. Vargas Releases Statement on San Ysidro Port of Entry Expansion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
San Diego, CA. (December 17, 2019) -Rep. Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after participating in the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry (LPOE) Modernization and Expansion Project Ribbon Cutting Ceremony today. “When I first got elected to Congress, the San Ysidro LPOE Modernization and Expansion Project became one of my top priority,” said Rep. Vargas. “I’m honored to be part of a project that will strengthen our border community and guarantee opportunities for binational … Continue Reading
November 07, 2019
Congressman Vargas Unveils GIVE Legislation for Veteran Service Office Improvements
EL CENTRO, CA (November 7, 2019) - Today, Representative Juan Vargas (CA-51) hosted a press conference to announce his plan to introduce the Grants for Improvement of Veteran Establishments (GIVE) Act. The bill will direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program to provide funds to veterans’ services organizations (VSO) to bring their facilities into compliance with the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. VSOs strive to … Continue Reading
October 30, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas Presented H.R. 486 Chicano Park Preservation Act to Natural Resources Committee
Washington, D.C. (October 30, 2019)— Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) presented H.R. 484 Chicano Park Preservation Act of 2019 during the U.S. of House Representative’s Natural Resources Committee hearing. The bill will instruct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a thorough study of San Diego’s Chicano Park to evaluate its national significance. “Chicano Park, home to the largest collection of outdoor murals in the country, is a valuable monument and part of American history,” said Rep. … Continue Reading
October 02, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas’ Statement on Cross-Border TRV Water Management Agreement
Washington, D.C. (October 2, 2019) - Rep. Juan Vargas released the following statement after a cross-border collaboration agreement between Francisco Vega de Lamadrid, State Governor of Baja California, and Roberto Salmon Castelo, Commissioner for the Mexican International Boundary and Water Commission (CILA). “I am pleased to learn that CILA signed a collaboration agreement with the Tijuana State Public Services Commission. This agreement is a positive step toward allocating Mexico’s … Continue Reading
September 27, 2019
Rep. Vargas introduces H.R. 4548 for Asthma Care in Rural Communities
Washington, D.C. (September 27, 2019) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) introduced the Asthma Care and Prevention in Rural Communities Act (H.R. 4548), along with Rep. Engel (NY-16), and Rep. Cox (CA-21). This legislation will instruct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide grants for mobile clinics and telemedicine to treat asthma in children living in rural areas and medically underserved communities, and to enhance education around managing asthma in these … Continue Reading
September 24, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas' Statement on Impeachment Inquiry Announcement
Washington, D.C. (September 24, 2019) - Rep. Juan Vargas released the following statement in response to Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s announcement of the formal launch of impeachment inquiry: “I strongly agree with Speaker Pelosi, ‘no one is above the law.’ The President’s attempts to obstruct justice and disrupt our democracy have left Congress with no other option than to pursue impeachment. Today marks a positive step toward holding President Trump accountable for his abuses of … Continue Reading
September 20, 2019
Rep. Vargas’ ESG Disclosure Simplification Act of 2019 Passes the Financial Service Committee
Washington, D.C. (September 20, 2019) - Representative Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after securing the passage of H.R. 4329, the ESG Disclosure Simplification Act of 2019, in the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee: “I am glad to see that my bill, the ESG Disclosure Simplification Act of 2019, passed out the U.S. House Financial Services Committee. The bill will allow companies’ commitment to sustainability to be easily compared and evaluated … Continue Reading
September 17, 2019
Rep. Vargas Calls for Hearing on Salton Sea Crisis
Washington, D.C. (September 17, 2019) - Today, Rep. Vargas (CA-51) and Rep. Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) sent a letter to the Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources requesting a Congressional hearing on the federal government’s responsibility to manage and mitigate the declining water levels and dust exposure at the Salton Sea. The two members, whom represent the districts surrounding the Salton Sea, are committed to bringing additional federal resources to address the environmental and … Continue Reading
September 16, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas joins the Congressional Progressive Caucus
Washington, D.C. (September 16, 2019) - Rep. Juan Vargas released the following statement: “I am honored to join my colleagues as a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, (CPC) which reflects the diversity and strength of the American people. The CPC addresses the needs and aspirations of all Americans while delivering justice for all. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Congressional Progressive Caucus to build a strong progressive network throughout America … Continue Reading
September 13, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas urges IBWC to Address Ongoing Spills into Tijuana River Valley
Washington, D.C. (September 13, 2019) - Rep. Juan Vargas released the following statement after sending a letter to the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) inquiring about the recent spills and the amount of time it has taken for them to notify the public: “The nearly 100 million gallons of wastewater that has spilled into the Tijuana River Valley in the month of September, alone, is absolutely unacceptable. What’s worse, is the IBWC’s inability to promptly inform … Continue Reading
September 13, 2019
REP. JUAN VARGAS INTRODUCES “ESG DISCLOSURE SIMPLIFICATION ACT OF 2019”
Washington, D.C. (September 13, 2019) — Today, Representative Juan Vargas (CA-51) introduced the ESG Disclosure Simplification Act of 2019. The legislation will require public companies to disclose certain environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters in annual filings with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). It will also require public companies to disclose a description of the company’s views on the link between ESG metrics and long-term business performance annually in their … Continue Reading