Press Releases
Rep. Juan Vargas on Border Prototype Demolition
San Diego, CA. (March 1, 2019) - Rep. Juan Vargas released the following statement amid demolition of Trump border wall prototypes: “President Trump has wasted $5 million taxpayer dollars for border wall prototypes that had no other purpose than militaristic political theater. Instead of funding solutions to address our real border issues, millions of dollars are sitting in a pile of rubble in San Diego. The five million dollars could be going towards fixing our alarming environmental … Continue Reading
February 22, 2019
House Majority Leader Hoyer, Reps. Vargas, Peters, and Levin Witness Implementation of Flawed Asylum Policies
SAN YSIDRO, CA (February 22, 2019) — Today, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Congressmen Juan Vargas (CA-51), Scott Peters (CA-52), Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement after touring the San Ysidro Port of Entry and observing the implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). “Today, we had the opportunity to visit the San Ysidro Port of Entry, where we viewed the recent infrastructure upgrades and were briefed on processing of asylum seekers. We also … Continue Reading
February 15, 2019
Reps. Vargas, Peters, and Davis Announce $15 Million for Border Water Infrastructure Program
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Congressmembers Juan Vargas (CA-51), Scott Peters (CA-52), and Susan Davis (CA-53) released the following statement after $15 million was allocated to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) U.S. - Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program: “Through continued advocacy and prioritization, we have worked with our colleagues in both the House and Senate to address the ongoing sewage spills into the Tijuana River. The $15 million in funding signed into law … Continue Reading
February 15, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas Announces $191 Million for Calexico Port of Entry
Washington, D.C. (February 15, 2019) — Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) announced that $191 million was approved for the Calexico West Land Port of Entry (LPOE) Reconfiguration and Expansion Project. With this additional funding, Rep. Vargas has secured more than $700 million for border infrastructure in his district since taking office in 2013. “This funding brings us one step closer to completing the Calexico LPOE project,” said Rep. Vargas. “When we invest in our border infrastructure, … Continue Reading
February 11, 2019
Rep. Vargas Statement on Anti-Semitic Comments of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar
Washington, D.C. (February 11, 2019) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement regarding anti-Semitic comments made by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. “Anti-Semitism has no place in Congress or in the United States. We must call out bias, bigotry, and prejudice in all forms, especially from our leaders. It is disappointing that Congresswoman Omar’s online comments play into hurtful anti-Semitic tropes that misrepresent our Jewish community. “Israel has and remains a stalwart … Continue Reading
February 06, 2019
Rep. Vargas Reaction to State of the Union
Washington, D.C. (February 6, 2019) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement today regarding President Trump’s State of the Union address. “Once again, President Trump exploited another prime-time television spot to promote fearmongering and falsehoods. As California’s border representative, I had hoped he would have used this opportunity to highlight constructive ways to strengthen our nation. Unfortunately, he used flagrant examples to unfairly demonize immigrants and … Continue Reading
January 29, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas Introduces Legislation to Recognize Barrio Logan’s Chicano Park as an Affiliated Site of the National Park System
Washington, D.C. (January 29, 2019)— Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) introduced Chicano Park Preservation Act of 2019 (H.R. 486). This bill instructs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a thorough study of Chicano Park to evaluate its national significance and determine the feasibility of the park becoming an Affiliated Site of the National Park System (NPS). As an Affiliated Site, the Park would continue to be managed outside of the NPS, but qualify as a National Historic Site for … Continue Reading
January 28, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas’ FIND Trafficking Act Passes in the House
Washington, D.C. (January 28, 2019)— Today, Rep. Juan Vargas’ bipartisan bill, the Fight Illicit Networks and Detect (FIND) Trafficking Act of 2019 (H.R. 502) passed out of 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
January 25, 2019
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