Rep. Vargas Continues Rep. Joe Kennedy’s Immigration Reform Fast
Washington, DC (December 4, 2013) –Rep. Joe Kennedy III (MA-4), who joined a new round of fasters yesterday in an effort to move forward with much-needed comprehensive immigration reform, passed his fast to Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) earlier today. Rep. Vargas’ fast will be passed on to Rep. Joe Garcia (FL-26) tomorrow.
“I am honored to be continuing the fast started by my good friend Rep. Joe Kennedy,” said Rep. Vargas. “While we have chosen to fast, undocumented immigrants are forced to endure the gnawing sense of dread that they could be ripped away from their families at any moment. I hope that this fast helps open the hearts and minds of my colleagues across the aisle.”
Rep. Kennedy took on the fast yesterday from Eliseo Medina, International Secretary-Treasurer of the Service Employees International Union, who had been fasting with a group of advocates for 22 days as part of Fast 4 Families: A Call for Immigration Reform and Citizenship. Representatives Kennedy and Vargas hope to continue passing the fast to Members of Congress in the weeks ahead to build momentum for comprehensive immigration reform.
“I am honored today to pass this fast on to my friend Congressman Juan Vargas, who has been a tireless leader for comprehensive immigration reform,” said Congressman Kennedy. “For 22 days, Eliseo Medina and his fellow advocates have refused to let their government ignore the need for real reform. We are humbled to stand with them and to build on the momentum of this fast with so many of our colleagues.”
Fast4Familes stated, "Yesterday, we witnessed a historic moment as Representative Joe Kennedy III took the charge of fasting from Eliseo Medina after 22 resilient days of abstaining from food. Today, the pages of history are marked again with Representative Juan Vargas continuing the fast as his congressional colleague passes the baton. The commitment of these Members of Congress demonstrates the breadth of support and determination to get immigration reform with a path to citizenship done."
“In many faiths, fasting is a fundamental way of demonstrating commitment to one’s beliefs,” said Rep. Vargas. “Fasting reminds us that we must look past our personal needs to seek the greater good. Here, the greater good is very clear; passing comprehensive immigration reform will bring hope to the millions of people who currently live in the shadows.”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas is currently serving his first term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.