Rep. Vargas Statement on Department of Homeland Security Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, DC (January 14, 2015) — Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement after voting against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act of 2015. The bill is intended to fund the agency through September 30, 2015.
“The DHS funding bill is another blatant attempt by Republicans to undermine President Obama’s Executive Action on immigration reform,” said Vargas. “Sadly, the Republicans have taken a bipartisan bill and added divisive amendments that will negatively affect victims of domestic violence, separate American families, and weaken our national security. Carrying out political maneuvers at the expense of our Homeland Security funding is disappointing and irresponsible. It is especially troublesome in light of heightened global security concerns.”
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 was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his second 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.