Reps. Vargas, Peters, and Davis Celebrate San Ysidro Port of Entry Project Funding
Washington, DC (January 16, 2014) – Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), Rep. Susan Davis (CA- 53), Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52), and Jerry Sanders, CEO and President of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, celebrated a triumph for the greater San Diego region. The San Ysidro Land Port of Entry Modernization and Expansion Project received $226 million in funding in the omnibus appropriations bill, which was approved by the House of Representatives yesterday. This money would fully fund Phase III of the project.
“Securing funding for the San Ysidro Port of Entry Project is a tremendous victory for the San Diego region. This project will create much-needed jobs, increase border security and strengthen the economy,” said Rep. Vargas. “Acquiring this essential funding was a regional, bipartisan effort and I would like to thank all who made funding the San Ysidro Port of Entry project a top priority.”
Earlier this year, at the urging of the San Diego Democratic delegation, President Obama included $226 million for the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry Modernization and Expansion Project in his 2014 budget. After Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Control Act in December of 2013, members of the San Diego Congressional Delegation and U.S. Senators Feinstein and Boxer, reached out to House and Senate Appropriators urging them to fund the project in the omnibus appropriations bill. The House and Senate Appropriations Committees received overwhelming support for funding the project, with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce leading the charge on behalf of San Diego business and community organizations.
“As one of the world's busiest international land crossings, San Ysidro ensures the effective flow of commerce between the U.S. and Mexico, creating jobs in our local communities and fostering private sector growth,” said Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-49). “In addition to limited funding for the project, the bill also increases the number of Customs and Border Protection agents along our southern border, which will be essential to support increased movement of people and goods in the San Diego area. I’m pleased that we were able to take necessary steps to prioritize funding for the project, which will facilitate a more vibrant economy in San Diego and across the nation.”
“This project will create jobs and heighten economic activity in the San Diego region, a goal shared by every member of the San Diego delegation,” Rep. Peters said. “Securing funding for the project has been a personal goal of mine in this Congress, and is the top priority for our regional business community. By working collaboratively, in true San Diego fashion, we were able to get this necessary funding.”
“The hard work and advocacy of our Congressional delegation deserves special recognition, along with the regional businesses and community organizations who came together to show support for the San Ysidro Port of Entry project,” said Jerry Sanders, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Creating an efficient and modern border is essential in creating economic opportunities for our region and for our nation.”
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.