October 12, 2013

Rep. Vargas Signs Petition to Reopen the Government, Calls on All Members of Congress to Sign

Washington, DC (October 12, 2013) –Today, Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA) made the following statement after signing a petition to reopen the government.  This special congressional procedure, known as a discharge petition, would allow a majority of Members to force an up or down vote on a clean Continuing Resolution, providing funding through November 15, 2013.  The discharge petition only needs the signatures of a majority of House Members.

“As we enter the 12th day of this damaging federal government shutdown, it is imperative for Congress to take action.  I joined my colleagues in signing a discharge petition that would allow a vote on a bill to reopen the government.  This shutdown is not only hurting my constituents, but also threatens our already fragile national economy. 

“Our entire government must be fully funded and reopened so that hard working families can have job stability, veterans’ disability claims can be processed in a timely fashion, and children who attend Headstart can continue to learn without fear of their schools closing. 

“I urge all of my colleagues to come together in the spirit of bipartisanship and end this crisis by signing the discharge petition.”

Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire U.S./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.