Rep. Vargas Cosponsors House Resolution Honoring the Legacy of César E. Chávez
Washington, DC (March 21, 2013) –Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) proudly cosponsored H.R. 132, introduced by Rep. Cárdenas (CA-29), which honors the life and legacy of César E. Chávez, the civil rights activist who organized migrant and farm laborers in the western United States during the latter half of the 20th Century.
“César Chávez was an exemplary man who lived his life defending those who were being mistreated,” stated Rep. Vargas. “He personified the principals of compassion and equality and it is essential that we recognize the tremendous sacrifices he made to create a better life for migrant and farm workers and their families.”
Chávez is very well known for founding the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers of America. In 1994, Chávez was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. On March 5th of 2012, the U.S. Navy christened a ship in honor of Chávez. Also in 2012, President Obama declared March 31st, Chávez’s birthday, as César Chávez Day and, later that year, directed the Secretary of the Interior to establish a César Chávez National Monument in Keene, California.
“By fighting for migrant and farm workers’ basic human rights, Chávez gave a voice to those who were previously voiceless and overlooked,” said Vargas. “Chávez believed in justice, dignity, equality, and safe, fair working conditions for all workers.”
Vargas represents the California 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2012. 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.