Press Releases
Rep. Vargas Statement on Reopening the Government
WASHINGTON, DC (January 25, 2019) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement. “For thirty-five days, President Trump and Republicans held our government hostage at the expense of the American people. Though I am relieved that we will re-open our government, I cannot celebrate an announcement that is only a temporary fix. The President is responsible for leaving 800,000 federal workers and their families financially insecure and causing substantial damage to the … Continue Reading
January 23, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas Votes to Re-open Government with Bipartisan Package including $1.6 Billion for Border Security
Washington, D.C. (January 23, 2019) — Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) voted for a new bipartisan package to re-open the government and provide $1.6 billion for key border security initiatives, including $276 million for the Calexico Port of Entry. The bipartisan package is based on legislation previously negotiated between House and Senate Republicans and Democrats prior to the shutdown. “This wasteful and reckless shutdown has gone on long enough,” said Rep. Vargas. “Today, I was proud to … Continue Reading
January 17, 2019
Reps. Vargas, Soto, Espaillat, Torres, García, and Napolitano Introduce H.R. 623, DREAMer House Employment Act of 2019
Washington, D.C. (January 17, 2019)— Reps. Juan Vargas (CA-51), Darren Soto (FL-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), and Grace Napolitano (CA-32) are proud to introduce the DREAMer House Employment Act of 2019 (H.R.623). This bill would make DACA participants, or “DREAMers”, eligible for employment by an office of a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. “Our DREAMers embody the very best of our American values. H.R. 623 offers these … Continue Reading
January 11, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas and Rep. Ann Wagner Introduce Important Legislation to Combat Sex and Drug Trafficking
Washington, D.C. (January 11, 2019)— Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) and Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02) introduced the Fight Illicit Networks and Detect (FIND) Trafficking Act of 2019 (H.R. 502). This bipartisan bill would require the Comptroller General of the United States to study how virtual currencies and online marketplaces are used to facilitate sex or drug trafficking and propose regulatory and legislative actions to put an end to these illicit activities. Through the Comptroller General’s … Continue Reading
January 09, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas Introduces the “California New River Restoration Act of 2019”
Washington, D.C. (January 9, 2019) — Today, Congressman Juan Vargas introduced H.R.358 the California New River Restoration Act of 2019. This bill will create a California New River Restoration program to build upon conservation and restoration efforts in the New River in both California and Mexico. “New River projects have shown great progress, however there is still work to be done,” said Rep. Vargas. “My bill will advance that progress by providing the necessary federal support to … Continue Reading
December 07, 2018
Rep. Vargas Announces $20 Million BUILD Grant for Imperial County Transportation Commission Project
WASHINGTON, DC (December 7, 2018) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement announcing the $20 million Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant for the Imperial County Transportation Commission Project. “Today is a great day for Imperial County. The $20 million BUILD Grant will significantly improve our existing infrastructure to accommodate the travel demands along our U.S.-Mexico border. When we invest in our infrastructure we are making … Continue Reading
December 05, 2018
Rep. Vargas Endorses Leader Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House
WASHINGTON, DC (December 5, 2018) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement endorsing Leader Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives in the 116th Congress. “I proudly endorse Leader Nancy Pelosi as the next Speaker of the U.S House of Representatives. As a steadfast voice of the American people, Nancy has proven her commitment to empowering the middle class and rebuilding our nation. In the 116th Congress, we will need a leader who is able … Continue Reading
November 25, 2018
Rep. Vargas Statement on the Closure of the San Ysidro Port of Entry
WASHINGTON, DC (November 25, 2018) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement today regarding the closure of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. “Today’s unprecedented demonstration at the San Ysidro Port of Entry is a direct result of President Trump’s failed leadership. His complete disregard for human rights, international law, and immigration law threatens the safety of federal officers and the millions of people that pass through the border region. The President … Continue Reading
September 14, 2018
Rep. Vargas, Rep. Rooney, and Rep. Peters Announce the Introduction of the “Rare Disease (RaD) Fund Act of 2018”
Washington, D.C. (September 14, 2018)— This week, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), Rep. Thomas J. Rooney (FL-17), and Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) introduced H.R. 6801 Rare Disease (RaD) Fund Act of 2018. The legislation would authorize a pilot program that allows the U.S. Treasury Department to establish a privately owned and operated investment fund for rare disease therapeutics. This fund would address the ever-widening funding gap that currently exists between basic research and clinical … Continue Reading
August 15, 2018
Rep. Juan Vargas Attends Milestone Ribbon Cutting of PedEast
San Ysidro, CA. (August 15, 2018)—Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of PedEast at the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry. The new structure is the latest development of the Port’s modernization project scheduled to be fully completed in 2019. PedEast will add 22 pedestrian lanes to the existing 14 lanes at PedWest, increasing U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s capacity of pedestrian inspection and cutting down individual wait times for the 20,000 that … Continue Reading
July 26, 2018
REP. VARGAS STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE HOUSE VOTE ON THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
WASHINGTON, DC (July 26, 2018) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement today after the House voted to approve the National Defense Authorization Act. “I was proud to support the bipartisan defense bill that will bring necessary funds to the military installations across my district and the United States. The defense budget further provides for salary increases for our military personnel who selflessly serve our nation. “Furthermore, the removal of several toxic … Continue Reading
June 27, 2018
Rep. Vargas Statement on Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court Decision
Washington, D.C. (June 27, 2018) -- Rep. Juan Vargas released this statement after the Supreme Court ruled against unions in the Janus v. AFSCME decision: “The Supreme Court has delivered a devastating blow to working people in America. Unions are quintessentially American and critical in the fight for fair wages and worker protections. Today’s decision is disappointing and its consequences will be damaging for workers across the … Continue Reading
June 25, 2018
Rep. Juan Vargas’ FIND Trafficking Act Passes in the House
Washington, D.C. (June 25, 2018)—Today, Rep. Juan Vargas’ bipartisan bill, the Fight Illicit Networks and Detect (FIND) Trafficking Act of 2018 (H.R. 6069) passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan bill would require the Comptroller General of the United States to study how virtual currencies and online marketplaces are used to facilitate sex or drug trafficking and propose regulatory and legislative actions to put an end to these illicit activities. Through the … Continue Reading
June 18, 2018
Rep. Juan Vargas Led Members of Congress on a Visit to San Diego Immigration Detention Facilities
San Diego, CA (June 18, 2018)- Today, Rep. Juan Vargas led Members of Congress on a visit to various immigration detention facilities in San Diego, including the Refugee Resettlement Office, Otay Mesa Detention Center, San Ysidro Port of Entry, and the Brown Field Border Patrol Station. Members of Congress in attendance included Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, CHC Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, CAPAC Chairwoman Judy Chu, and 12 other Members from across the U.S.. This visit gave Members of … Continue Reading
June 13, 2018
Rep. Juan Vargas and Rep. Keith Rothfus Introduce the Fight Illicit Networks and Detect (FIND) Trafficking Act of 2018
Washington, D.C. (June 13, 2018)—Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) and Rep. Keith Rothfus (PA-12) introduced the Fight Illicit Networks and Detect (FIND) Trafficking Act of 2018 (H.R. 6069). This bipartisan bill would require the Comptroller General of the United States to study how virtual currencies and online marketplaces are used to facilitate sex or drug trafficking and propose regulatory and legislative actions to put an end to these illicit activities. Through the Comptroller General’s findings … Continue Reading
May 30, 2018
Rep. Vargas Statement on Rocket Attacks from Gaza Against Israel
“The United States must strongly condemn the attacks launched from Gaza against Israeli civilians. These acts of terrorism against our ally will not be tolerated. Israel has every right to defend itself against these heinous … Continue Reading
May 17, 2018
Rep. Juan Vargas Testifies before House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Washington, D.C. (May 17, 2018)--Rep. Juan Vargas testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to advocate for ensuring that deported veterans get access to the benefits they earned and highlight the VA San Diego Region Office’s recent efforts to provide some relief to deported veterans. In addition, Rep. Vargas discussed the efforts he is leading to get accurate data about veterans who have been deported from the United States. During the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s … Continue Reading
April 24, 2018
Rep. Vargas Announces Maia Ysiano from Brawley Union High School as the Winner of the 2018 Congressional Art Competition
Washington, D.C. (April 24, 2018)— Rep. Juan Vargas announced the winners of the 2018 Congressional Art Competition for California’s 51st Congressional District at a reception with students, parents, and teachers in Calexico, CA. “I was very impressed by the students’ submissions for this year’s art competition,” said Rep. Juan Vargas. “From the Salton Sea to the beaches in San Diego, the artwork reflected the diverse landscapes of our district and captured what makes our communities so … Continue Reading
April 23, 2018
Rep. Juan Vargas Leads Congressional Inquiry on the Detention and Treatment of Pregnant Immigrants by the Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C.- (April 23, 2018) Rep. Juan Vargas is leading the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in sending a Congressional inquiry to Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) Kirstjen Nielsen regarding the detention and treatment of pregnant immigrants by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). On Thursday, March 29, 2018, Members of Congress learned that DHS had ended the presumption of release for all pregnant detainees and stated that pregnant women will be released on a … Continue Reading
March 22, 2018
Rep. Juan Vargas A Strong “NO” on the Omnibus
Washington, D.C.—(March 22, 2018) Today, Rep. Juan Vargas released this statement after voting against the government funding bill in the House: “Republicans have decided to throw the American Dream under the omnibus by refusing to give us a vote on a permanent protection for hundreds of thousands of DREAMers. These young immigrants, like the millions that have come before them, contribute to our communities and make America a better place. "My priorities are to fund programs that … Continue Reading