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 comprehensive immigration reform legislation,” said Rep. Vargas. “House majority leadership must stop blocking this commonsense reform, and allow a vote to create jobs, encourage innovation, reduce the deficit, grow our small businesses, and boost the economy.”
A report from the Congressional Budget Office released on Tuesday found that the House legislation, H.R. 15 would reduce the deficit by $900 billion over the next two decades, including $200 billion in the first decade alone. The bill boasts 200 co-sponsors, including 3 Republicans. Yet, House majority leadership continues to prevent the House from holding a vote on this necessary legislation.
“We can no longer wait to fix our broken immigration system,” said Rep. Vargas. “Now is the time to vote on legislation that respects our history as a nation of immigrants and brings 11 million people out of the shadows.”
Today, House Democrats are launching a new feature – Dems.gov/TimeIsNow – where anyone can add their name to a list if they support the #DemandAVote Petition to force the House to finally take action to fix our broken immigration system.
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.