Press Releases
Rep. Vargas Defends Military Moms’ Maternity Rights
WASHINGTON, DC (May 9, 2014) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) is a proud original cosponsor of The Military Opportunities for Mothers (MOM) Act, introduced by Rep. Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) and Rep. Kristi Noem (SD-at-Large), which would help millions of military mothers by extending maternity leave for active duty women from 6 weeks to 12 weeks. The legislation will align access to maternity leave for female Service Members with the minimum requirements of the Family and Medical Leave Act … Continue Reading
May 09, 2014
Rep. Vargas Supports Immigrant Driver’s License Law
WASHINGTON, DC (May 9, 2014) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) urging Secretary Jeh Johnson to approve California’s proposed design for licenses issued to state residents who cannot show proof of citizenship or authorized presence. The letter authored by Rep. Vargas, and signed by 18 other Members of the California delegation, is in direct response to DHS’ unfounded rejection of the design submitted. “The design proposed by the … Continue Reading
May 06, 2014
Rep. Vargas Calls for Immediate Release of Former Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi
WASHINGTON, DC (May 6, 2014) - In his continued effort to fight for the release of former U.S. Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi from La Mesa Penitentiary in Tijuana, Mexico, Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA-51) sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday urging the Department of State to take a more active role in the case. Last week, Rep. Vargas contacted the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana, Mexico, who responded to his inquiry earlier today. In addition, Rep. Vargas will send a letter, … Continue Reading
May 02, 2014
Rep. Vargas Secures Funding in House Passed Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Bill
WASHINGTON, DC (May 1, 2014) - Earlier this year, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) led the charge in securing funding for three main veterans projects, all of which were included in yesterday’s House passed Fiscal Year 2015 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA) Appropriations bill. Rep. Vargas released the following statement after the bill passed on the House Floor. “I am thrilled that the funding requests I made for crucial veterans projects were included in the MilCon-VA bill … Continue Reading
April 30, 2014
Rep. Vargas Keeps Cattle Industry in Imperial County a Priority
WASHINGTON, DC (April 30, 2014) -Earlier this year, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development and Credit requesting a hearing to examine the impact of country-of-origin labeling (COOL) on cattle producers in the Western States, especially California. Today, Rep. Vargas released the following statement after the Subcommittee held the hearing. “I am very pleased that the … Continue Reading
April 23, 2014
Rep. Vargas Fights to Keep Imperial County Airport Operating
WASHINGTON, DC (April 23, 2014) - Today, the Department of Transportation announced that the Imperial County Airport is on a list of airports potentially losing federal support under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. In 2012, President Obama signed the “Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act,” which requires subsidized communities to maintain an average of ten passenger enplanements per service day in order to remain in the EAS program. For the first time in five … Continue Reading
April 23, 2014
Rep. Vargas Unites Stakeholders Behind Calexico Port of Entry Funding
Washington, DC (April 23, 2014) - Yesterday, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) met with more than 30 Calexico and Imperial County leaders and stakeholders to develop a plan that would most effectively position the Calexico West Land Port of Entry (LPOE) to receive funding from the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government for its reconfiguration and expansion project. Earlier this year, President Obama’s budget included $98 million in funding that would allow for … Continue Reading
April 23, 2014
Rep. Vargas Announces Brawley High’s Janet Gutierrez as “2015 Congressional Art Competition Winner”
BRAWLEY, CA (April 23, 2014) - Yesterday, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) hosted a reception for students, parents and Imperial Valley community leaders and members to announce the winner of the 51st Congressional District’s Annual Congressional Art Competition. "I am incredibly proud of all the talented artists in the district who submitted artwork for this year's Congressional Art Competition,” said. Rep Vargas. “This year’s submissions reflect the unbelievable talent of the students in … Continue Reading
April 03, 2014
Rep. Vargas Leads Fight for San Ysidro Port of Entry Funding
Washington, DC (April 3, 2014) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) led the charge in requesting funding from the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government for the San Ysidro Port of Entry Modernization and Expansion Project at the President’s FY 2015 Budget level of $216 million. “The San Ysidro Port of Entry is a vital component of the San Diego border region and the nation’s economy. I am proud to be leading the fight to secure funding for this much-needed and … Continue Reading
April 02, 2014
Rep. Vargas Fights to Stamp Out Hunger
WASHINGTON, DC (April 2, 2014) -Rep. Vargas (CA-51), a longtime advocate of eliminating hunger, requested funding from the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies for several federal programs that combat nutrition deficiency for children, seniors, and families. “Hunger deserves no place in our great nation,” said. Rep. Vargas. “Combating nutrition deficiency for our children, seniors, and families is of utmost … Continue Reading
March 31, 2014
Rep. Vargas Calls for Deportation Relief
WASHINGTON, DC (March 31, 2014) - In his continued efforts to keep families united, Rep. Vargas (CA-51) is inserting a statement into the Congressional record tomorrow, calling for deportation relief for the immediate relatives of U.S citizens, Legal Permanent Residents and DREAMers. He is also scheduled to speak on the House floor regarding the devastating impact deportations have on our families and communities. "As we continue to fight for comprehensive immigration reform, we cannot … Continue Reading
March 26, 2014
Rep. Vargas Demands a Vote on Bipartisan Comprehensive Immigration Reform
WASHINGTON, DC (March 26, 2014) - Earlier today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) signed a "Demand A Vote" petition on the floor of the House. The petition would force a vote on H.R. 15, the bipartisan Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, which would help secure our borders, protect our workers, unite our families, create jobs, and provide an earned pathway to citizenship for those who qualify. "I am proud to join my colleagues in demanding a vote on bipartisan … Continue Reading
March 12, 2014
Rep. Vargas Joins Effort to Extend Emergency Unemployment Insurance
WASHINGTON, DC (March 12, 2014) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) took action to force a vote on critical legislation that would extend unemployment insurance for more than 2 million Americans who have lost their benefits. Rep. Vargas joined his colleagues in signing a discharge petition to bring up H.R. 3546, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act, introduced by Rep. Sander Levin (MI-9). The bill extends emergency unemployment insurance through the end of the year for nearly … Continue Reading
March 10, 2014
Rep. Vargas Launches 2014 Congressional Art Competition
WASHINGTON, DC (March 10, 2014) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) proudly announced the launch of the 2014 Congressional Art Competition. Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district and throughout the nation. The winning works are displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. "The nationwide Congressional Art Competition is an excellent opportunity to showcase the … Continue Reading
March 07, 2014
Rep. Vargas Pushes Women’s Economic Rights Forward
WASHINGTON, DC (March 7, 2014) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) is a proud cosponsor of H. Res. 507, introduced by Rep. Ron Barber (AZ-2), which brings to light the vast disparities many women currently face in the workplace and supports a strong economic bill of rights for women. "Women play an integral part in our workforce, yet are often denied reasonable workplace accommodations and subjected to pay inequality," said Rep. Vargas. "Women should not have to choose between keeping a job, having … Continue Reading
March 05, 2014
Rep. Vargas, San Diego Democratic Delegation and Business Leaders Applaud Inclusion of San Ysidro Port of Entry Funding in President’s Budget
Washington, DC (March 5, 2014) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) proudly announced that $216 million for the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry Modernization and Expansion Project was included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 budget released by President Obama. The money would fund Phase II of the project. "I am thrilled President Obama continued to recognize the critical importance of border infrastructure to the overall growth and sustainability of our country," said Rep. Vargas. "The San Ysidro Port … Continue Reading
March 05, 2014
Rep. Vargas Applauds Inclusion of Calexico Port of Entry Funding in President’s Budget
Washington, DC (March 5, 2014) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) proudly announced that $98 million for the Calexico West Land Port of Entry (LPOE) reconfiguration and expansion project was included in the budget released by President Obama. The funds would allow for the construction and completion of Phase 1 of the project. "I am thrilled that the President has included the funding necessary to complete Phase 1 of the Calexico West Land Port of Entry (LPOE) in his budget," said Rep. Vargas. … Continue Reading
February 28, 2014
Rep. Vargas Protects School-Based Health Centers
WASHINGTON, DC (February 28, 2014) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) is a proud cosponsor of H.R. 2632, the "School-based Health Centers Program Reauthorization Act of 2013" introduced by Rep. Lois Capps (CA-24). The bill reauthorizes operational grants under the school-based health centers program for 5 years. "School-based health centers play a truly indispensable role in providing vital healthcare services to the millions of underserved children across the nation," said Rep. Vargas. "I am … Continue Reading
February 27, 2014
Salton Sea a Top Priority for Reps. Vargas and Ruiz
WASHINGTON, DC (February 27, 2014) -Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) and Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-36) sent a letter to President Obama urging him to include $1 million in funding for the Salton Sea Research Project in his Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Budget Request. The two Representatives also joined Senator Barbara Boxer in co-hosting a briefing on the history, progress and future potential of the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea is the largest inland body of water in the State of California and has faced steady … Continue Reading
February 24, 2014
Rep. Vargas Honors African American Veterans of the Armed Services
WASHINGTON, DC (February 24, 2014) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) is a proud cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 78, introduced by Rep. Joyce Beatty (OH-3), which recognizes the challenges African American veterans face upon returning home after serving in the Armed Forces, their heroic military sacrifices, and their patriotism in fighting for equal rights and the dignity of a people and a nation. “Our African American veterans have played an integral role in defending and shaping our great Nation,” said … Continue Reading