Press Releases
Rep. Vargas Releases Statement on USMCA Passage Including Funding to Combat Cross-border Pollution
San Diego, CA. (December 19, 2019) -Rep. Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after the House passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) today, which includes funding for the Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP). $300 million in funding will be distributed to the BWIP over 4 years directing the United States Environmental Protection Agency to prioritize wastewater infrastructure projects. This could translate into our region receiving funds to address … Continue Reading
December 17, 2019
Rep. Vargas Releases Statement on San Ysidro Port of Entry Expansion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
San Diego, CA. (December 17, 2019) -Rep. Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after participating in the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry (LPOE) Modernization and Expansion Project Ribbon Cutting Ceremony today. “When I first got elected to Congress, the San Ysidro LPOE Modernization and Expansion Project became one of my top priority,” said Rep. Vargas. “I’m honored to be part of a project that will strengthen our border community and guarantee opportunities for binational … Continue Reading
November 07, 2019
Congressman Vargas Unveils GIVE Legislation for Veteran Service Office Improvements
EL CENTRO, CA (November 7, 2019) - Today, Representative Juan Vargas (CA-51) hosted a press conference to announce his plan to introduce the Grants for Improvement of Veteran Establishments (GIVE) Act. The bill will direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program to provide funds to veterans’ services organizations (VSO) to bring their facilities into compliance with the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. VSOs strive to … Continue Reading
October 30, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas Presented H.R. 486 Chicano Park Preservation Act to Natural Resources Committee
Washington, D.C. (October 30, 2019)— Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) presented H.R. 484 Chicano Park Preservation Act of 2019 during the U.S. of House Representative’s Natural Resources Committee hearing. The bill will instruct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a thorough study of San Diego’s Chicano Park to evaluate its national significance. “Chicano Park, home to the largest collection of outdoor murals in the country, is a valuable monument and part of American history,” said Rep. … Continue Reading
October 02, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas’ Statement on Cross-Border TRV Water Management Agreement
Washington, D.C. (October 2, 2019) - Rep. Juan Vargas released the following statement after a cross-border collaboration agreement between Francisco Vega de Lamadrid, State Governor of Baja California, and Roberto Salmon Castelo, Commissioner for the Mexican International Boundary and Water Commission (CILA). “I am pleased to learn that CILA signed a collaboration agreement with the Tijuana State Public Services Commission. This agreement is a positive step toward allocating Mexico’s … Continue Reading
September 27, 2019
Rep. Vargas introduces H.R. 4548 for Asthma Care in Rural Communities
Washington, D.C. (September 27, 2019) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) introduced the Asthma Care and Prevention in Rural Communities Act (H.R. 4548), along with Rep. Engel (NY-16), and Rep. Cox (CA-21). This legislation will instruct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide grants for mobile clinics and telemedicine to treat asthma in children living in rural areas and medically underserved communities, and to enhance education around managing asthma in these … Continue Reading
September 24, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas' Statement on Impeachment Inquiry Announcement
Washington, D.C. (September 24, 2019) - Rep. Juan Vargas released the following statement in response to Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s announcement of the formal launch of impeachment inquiry: “I strongly agree with Speaker Pelosi, ‘no one is above the law.’ The President’s attempts to obstruct justice and disrupt our democracy have left Congress with no other option than to pursue impeachment. Today marks a positive step toward holding President Trump accountable for his abuses of … Continue Reading
September 20, 2019
Rep. Vargas’ ESG Disclosure Simplification Act of 2019 Passes the Financial Service Committee
Washington, D.C. (September 20, 2019) - Representative Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after securing the passage of H.R. 4329, the ESG Disclosure Simplification Act of 2019, in the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee: “I am glad to see that my bill, the ESG Disclosure Simplification Act of 2019, passed out the U.S. House Financial Services Committee. The bill will allow companies’ commitment to sustainability to be easily compared and evaluated … Continue Reading
September 17, 2019
Rep. Vargas Calls for Hearing on Salton Sea Crisis
Washington, D.C. (September 17, 2019) - Today, Rep. Vargas (CA-51) and Rep. Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) sent a letter to the Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources requesting a Congressional hearing on the federal government’s responsibility to manage and mitigate the declining water levels and dust exposure at the Salton Sea. The two members, whom represent the districts surrounding the Salton Sea, are committed to bringing additional federal resources to address the environmental and … Continue Reading
September 16, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas joins the Congressional Progressive Caucus
Washington, D.C. (September 16, 2019) - Rep. Juan Vargas released the following statement: “I am honored to join my colleagues as a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, (CPC) which reflects the diversity and strength of the American people. The CPC addresses the needs and aspirations of all Americans while delivering justice for all. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Congressional Progressive Caucus to build a strong progressive network throughout America … Continue Reading
September 13, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas urges IBWC to Address Ongoing Spills into Tijuana River Valley
Washington, D.C. (September 13, 2019) - Rep. Juan Vargas released the following statement after sending a letter to the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) inquiring about the recent spills and the amount of time it has taken for them to notify the public: “The nearly 100 million gallons of wastewater that has spilled into the Tijuana River Valley in the month of September, alone, is absolutely unacceptable. What’s worse, is the IBWC’s inability to promptly inform … Continue Reading
September 13, 2019
REP. JUAN VARGAS INTRODUCES “ESG DISCLOSURE SIMPLIFICATION ACT OF 2019”
Washington, D.C. (September 13, 2019) — Today, Representative Juan Vargas (CA-51) introduced the ESG Disclosure Simplification Act of 2019. The legislation will require public companies to disclose certain environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters in annual filings with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). It will also require public companies to disclose a description of the company’s views on the link between ESG metrics and long-term business performance annually in their … Continue Reading
August 12, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas Blasts Changes to Limit Non-English Speakers’ Ability to Apply for Housing Finance Opportunities
SAN DIEGO, CA (August 12, 2019) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas issued the following statement in response to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) decision to remove a key language preference question from the redesigned Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA) which would have helped improve access to credit and the quality of servicing for borrowers whose first language is not English: “This is an unnecessary and irresponsible change that limits non-English speakers’ ability to … Continue Reading
July 22, 2019
San Diego Delegation Announces Tijuana River Valley Pollution Solution Bill Package
CHULA VISTA, CA. (July 22, 2019) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) along with Reps. Susan Davis (CA-53), Scott Peters (CA-52), and Mike Levin (CA-49), hosted a press conference to announce the introduction of their Tijuana River Valley Pollution Solution bill package. The combined legislation would further support mitigation efforts in the region. “We have an environmental crisis in San Diego. For years, the cross-border flows of wastewater, trash, and sediment coming from the Tijuana … Continue Reading
July 18, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas Introduces Bill to Rename Brawley Post Office to Honor American Labor Activist, Helen Fabela Chávez
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 18, 2019) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) introduced a bipartisan bill to rename the U.S. Post Office located at 401 Main Street in Brawley, California, after American labor activist, Helen Fabela Chávez. The post office would be designated as the “Helen Fabela Chávez Memorial Post Office Building” in honor of the fearless organizer for her tireless work of pushing the labor movement forward, while supporting her growing family. “For far too long, women - especially … Continue Reading
July 16, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas Reacts to Trump Administration’s Third Country Rule
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 16, 2019) - Rep. Juan Vargas issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s new rule to deny asylum protections for those who transit through a third country to seek asylum in the United States: “The Trump administration’s latest move will effectively ban most asylum seekers - grossly betraying the founding principles of our great nation. Like all of the President’s immigration policies thus far, this new rule will be detrimental for children and … Continue Reading
June 26, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas Secures $85 Million in Federal Funding for Calexico Port of Entry in House-Passed Appropriations Package
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 26, 2019) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) announced House passage of $85 million in federal funding he requested for the completion of the Calexico West Land Port of Entry (LPOE) Reconfiguration and Expansion Project. With this additional funding, Rep. Vargas has secured more than $900 million for port of entry infrastructure in his district since taking office. “Throughout my congressional career, one of my top priorities has been funding our port of entry … Continue Reading
June 24, 2019
House of Representatives Adopts Vargas Amendment to Affirm DREAMers Eligibility for FHA Backed Loans
WASHINTON, D.C. (June 24, 2019) - Today, the House of Representatives adopted Rep. Juan Vargas’ (CA-51) amendment to the fiscal year 2020 minibus funding bill. The amendment would prohibit any funds from being used to bar or limit Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) beneficiaries, “DREAMers,” from receiving mortgage loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) - solely on the basis of their status. Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31) is a co-sponsor of the amendment. “Within … Continue Reading
June 24, 2019
Rep. Juan Vargas Leads Letter Urging HUD to Affirm DREAMers Eligibility for FHA Backed Mortgages
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 24, 2019) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) led a letter to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson, urging the agency to immediately reverse its interpretation of policy and reaffirm Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) beneficiaries’ eligibility to apply for mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). “I am deeply disappointed HUD has decided to block DACA beneficiaries from obtaining FHA-backed loans,” said Rep. … Continue Reading
June 20, 2019
San Diego Congressional Delegation Amendment Directs EPA to Prioritize Border Environmental Crisis
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 20, 2019) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) along with the San Diego Congressional Delegation, Reps. Susan Davis (CA-53), Scott Peters (CA-52) and Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement applauding the inclusion of their amendment in the House-Passed Appropriations Package: “We are pleased that the House Appropriations Committee has included $30 million in Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP) funds - twice as much as last year. Our amendment will … Continue Reading