Press Releases
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
February 18, 2014
Rep. Vargas Congratulates Southwestern College’s “El Sol Magazine” for Being Named America’s Best
Chula Vista, CA (February 18, 2014) - Today Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) presented Southwestern College’s “El Sol Magazine” with a Congressional Record in honor of being named America’s Best College General Magazine in America for 2013. “I am incredibly proud to honor the journalism students and faculty of Southwestern College, whose talents and dedication have produced the award-winning El Sol Magazine,” said Rep. Vargas. “Southwestern College has established its collegiate journalism program … Continue Reading
February 14, 2014
Op-Ed: Another View: Joint Strike Fighter belongs at NAF El Centro
Growing up in San Diego County, I saw firsthand the daily contributions service men and women made to our local communities. I have a deep appreciation for the support that military bases inherently provide to the Southern California region. These men and women are strong examples of leadership, frequently serving as role models, volunteering in the community, and engaging in civil discourse. For nearly 20 years, I have been highly honored to represent various districts with large military … Continue Reading
February 11, 2014
Rep. Vargas Votes to Restore Military Retiree COLA
WASHINGTON, DC (February 11, 2014) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) was proud to support S. 25, which repeals the Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) reduction enacted by the Bipartisan Budget Act (H.J.Res. 59) for working-age military retirees under the age of 62. “Protecting the retirement benefits of those who have spent their lives defending our nation is the morally correct thing to do,” said Rep. Vargas. “Our men and women in uniform have made immeasurable sacrifices and should never be asked … Continue Reading
February 11, 2014
Rep. Vargas Fights To Protect Cattle Industry in Imperial County
WASHINGTON, DC (February 11, 2014) - Today, 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. The COOL regulations are directly contributing to a cattle shortage in California. “The new COOL regulations limit the supply of … Continue Reading
February 10, 2014
Reps. Vargas, Davis, Peters, Ruiz and Grijalva Call on President to Fund Calexico Port of Entry Project
WASHINGTON, DC (February 10, 2014) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) was joined by Rep. Susan Davis (CA-53), Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52), Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-36), and Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-3) in sending a letter to the President of the United States urging him to include funding for Phase 1 of the Calexico West Land Port of Entry (LPOE) reconfiguration and expansion project in his FY 2015 Budget Request. “Modernizing the Calexico West LPOE is essential to improving the economy of the entire Southwest … Continue Reading
February 07, 2014
Rep. Vargas Congratulates Heber Elementary On “2013-14 Schools to Watch” Designation
WASHINGTON, DC (February 7, 2014) - Today Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) congratulates Heber Elementary School for its recent “2013-14 Schools to Watch™ - Taking Center Stage (STW™—TCS) Program” designation. The STW™—TCS Program, implemented primarily by the California League of Middle Schools and the California Department of Education, highlights exceptional teaching, as well as exemplary academic performance by students. “Heber Elementary’s accomplishments are a testament to the academic … Continue Reading
February 05, 2014
Rep. Vargas Urges Measures to Further Protect Students from Sexual Assault
WASHINGTON, DC (February 5, 2014) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement after joining 38 other Members of Congress in sending a letter to the United States Department of Education regarding student sexual assault: “Tragically, sexual harassment and assault continue to plague college campuses across the nation, devastating the lives of many students. I applaud the White House for establishing the Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault, which targets the … Continue Reading
February 05, 2014
Rep. Vargas Applauds CVS Caremark for Stopping the Sale of Tobacco Products
WASHINGTON, DC (February 5, 2014) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement after learning that CVS Caremark will stop the sale of tobacco products: “As a longtime advocate for public health, I was very pleased to learn that CVS Caremark has made the decision to stop selling tobacco products. I applaud their efforts to focus on the overall health of individuals and help reduce tobacco-related deaths, cancer and heart disease. CVS Caremark’s leadership on this health … Continue Reading
February 04, 2014
Rep. Vargas Celebrates Black History Month
WASHINGTON, DC (February 4, 2014) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) joins millions of Americans in marking the annual celebration of February as Black History Month - a commemoration that has occurred in America since 1976. “During Black History Month, let us celebrate the African Americans who made extraordinary sacrifices in the name of justice and equality, and honor the courageous people who fought for the passage of the Civil Rights Act,” said Rep. Vargas. The theme of Black History Month this … Continue Reading
February 04, 2014
Rep. Vargas Joins USA Network in Launching Characters Unite Month
WASHINGTON, DC (February 4, 2014) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) is proud to have joined with USA Network in its efforts to promote Characters Unite Month this February. This partnership will continue to bring awareness to the Network’s award-winning, five-year public service campaign to combat hate and discrimination. “I will not stand for the discrimination of our elderly and have made protecting their well-being a top priority,” said Rep. Vargas. “I am honored that USA Network has given me a … Continue Reading
January 31, 2014
Rep. Vargas’ Hazel’s Law Gains Support During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
WASHINGTON, DC (January 31, 2014) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement after his bill, “The Child Protection Act of 2013” - “Hazel’s Law,” reached an impressive bipartisan benchmark, garnering 55 bill cosponsors: “I am extremely pleased to see that during January, National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, support for Hazel’s Law has continued to grow. I am proud to announce that as of today, 55 Members of Congress, from both sides of the aisle, have become … Continue Reading