Press Releases
Rep. Juan Vargas Leads Request for Funding for the Final Phase of the Calexico West Land Port of Entry
Washington, D.C.- (March 20, 2018) Rep. Juan Vargas is leading the effort to request full funding for Phase 2 of the Calexico West Land Port of Entry (LPOE) reconfiguration and expansion project. This funding will ensure the completion of the final phase of the project while promoting trade, commerce, and security along the U.S.-Mexico border. If this $276 million funding request is approved, Rep. Vargas will have secured more than $800 million in funding for border infrastructure in his … Continue Reading
March 19, 2018
Rep. Juan Vargas Leads Bipartisan Effort to Fund the U.S.-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program
Washington, D.C.- (March 19, 2018) Rep. Juan Vargas is leading a bipartisan effort to request funding for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) U.S. - Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program and the EPA's Office of International and Tribal Affairs, which supports vital programs such as the Border 2020 environmental program. These programs are integral to making improvements on both sides of the border to protect public health and improve wastewater infrastructure. “It is critical … Continue Reading
February 22, 2018
Rep. Vargas Helps Ease IRS Burdens on Veterans
Washington, D.C. (February 22, 2018)—Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) secured a victory for low-income retired service members whose military retiree payments were being levied by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). After Rep. Vargas sent a letter to IRS Commissioner John Koskinen urging that the IRS reverse course on this policy, the IRS agreed to apply a low-income filter to military retiree payments subject to the Federal Payment Levy Program. This policy shift will help low-income veterans who … Continue Reading
January 20, 2018
Rep. Vargas Statement on the Trump Government Shutdown
Washington, D.C. (January 19, 2018)—Rep. Vargas released this statement after the Trump government shutdown: “Republicans have shut down the government despite having control of the House, the Senate, and the White House. Congress has had to pass three short-term spending deals to keep the government open and give Republicans time to work on a bipartisan government funding agreement. It shouldn’t be difficult for Congress to fund the government, pass a permanent bipartisan solution to … Continue Reading
January 10, 2018
Rep. Vargas Statement on Rep. Darrell Issa’s Decision to Retire from Congress
Washington, D.C. (January 10, 2018)—Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released this statement after Rep. Darrell Issa announced his decision to retire from Congress: “Representative Darrell Issa has served the people of Orange and San Diego County in Congress for nearly two decades. We may have not always agreed, but he has always been a friend. I wish him the very best in his retirement. ” Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San … Continue Reading
December 19, 2017
Rep. Vargas Statement on the Passage of the Republican Tax Bill
Washington, D.C. (December 19, 2017)—Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released this statement after Republicans passed their tax bill in the House: “Republicans in Congress passed a tax plan that will raise taxes for 86 million families to give massive tax cuts to the richest 1% of Americans and big corporations. This is not real tax reform, this is a tax scam. “Instead of working with Democrats on real bipartisan tax reform that would benefit hardworking Americans, Republicans chose to raise … Continue Reading
December 08, 2017
Rep. Vargas Statement on President Trump’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel
Washington, D.C.—Rep. Juan Vargas released this statement on President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel: “Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel, and since 1995 Congress has repeatedly reaffirmed that fact. The United States must continue to support Israel while also promoting direct, bilateral negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians in the hopes that they will lead to peace and security in the region.” Vargas represents … Continue Reading
November 16, 2017
Rep. Vargas Statement on the Passage of the GOP Tax Scam
Washington, D.C. (November 16, 2017)—Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released this statement after House Republicans passed their tax plan, which will raise taxes for 36 million middle class families: “House Republicans passed a tax proposal that raises taxes on millions of working Americans to pay for tax cuts for the rich and corporations. “The Republican tax scam eliminates key deductions for families, students, veterans, and seniors. Working families in my district will see their taxes … Continue Reading
November 09, 2017
Rep. Juan Vargas Introduces Bipartisan Wounded Warrior Housing Reform Act
Washington, DC (November 9, 2017) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) and Rep. Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) introduced the Wounded Warrior Housing Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 4315), a bipartisan bill that would improve veterans’ access to housing assistance programs. “Our country’s veterans shouldn’t be facing obstacles that make it difficult for them to receive the benefits they’ve rightfully earned,” said Rep. Vargas. “We should be making it easier, not harder, for veterans to have a roof over their … Continue Reading
October 23, 2017
Rep. Juan Vargas Hosted a Panel Discussion on Combating Sex Trafficking with Special Guest Attorney General Xavier Becerra
San Diego, CA (October 17, 2017)—Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) hosted a panel discussion on Combating Sex Trafficking. The panel discussion on how to combat sex trafficking in our communities included special guest California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and panelists San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, Supervising Deputy Attorney General Maggy Krell, Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition Director Marisa Ugarte, and a reintegrated survivor of sex trafficking. “Sex trafficking … Continue Reading
September 21, 2017
Rep. Juan Vargas Hosted an Immigration Forum in El Centro
San Diego, CA (September 20, 2017)—Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) hosted an Immigration Forum at the First United Methodist Church in El Centro. At the forum, constituents were able to speak with Rep. Vargas and hear directly from experts on immigration. “There is an increased sense of uncertainty in our communities,” said Rep. Vargas. “I was glad to see the community attend this forum to get informed and discuss issues surrounding immigration. Thank you to those who attended and to the … Continue Reading
September 18, 2017
Rep. Vargas Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect and Rehabilitate the Tijuana River Valley
San Diego, CA—(September 18, 2017) Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) and Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-49) introduced the Tijuana River Valley Comprehensive Protection and Rehabilitation Act of 2017 (H.R. 3795). This bill would develop a comprehensive protection and rehabilitation program for the Tijuana River Valley area to ensure that sewage, trash, and sediment no longer flow from Tijuana into San Diego County. “Sewage from Tijuana has been flowing into the Tijuana River Valley, into beaches in San Diego … Continue Reading
September 05, 2017
Rep. Vargas Blasts President Trump for Terminating the DACA Program
Washington, D.C. (September 5, 2017)—Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released this statement following President Trump's decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program: “President Trump is advancing his extremist, anti-immigrant agenda by terminating the DACA program and breaking a promise our country made to nearly 800,000 DREAMers. “Before DACA, young people brought to this country as children were forced to live in the shadows with the fear of being separated … Continue Reading
July 10, 2017
Rep. Juan Vargas Hosted an Immigration Forum in San Diego
San Diego, CA (July 10, 2017)— Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) hosted an Immigration Forum at the Sherman Heights Community Center in San Diego. At the forum, constituents were able to speak with Rep. Vargas and hear directly from experts on immigration and veterans’ issues. “A special thank you to everyone who attended tonight's Immigration Forum,” said Rep. Vargas. “We had a productive and informative discussion on issues surrounding immigration and deported veterans. And thank you to … Continue Reading
June 03, 2017
Rep. Juan Vargas Welcomes Congressional Hispanic Caucus Members to San Diego for Meeting with Deported Veterans in Tijuana, Mexico
San Diego, CA (June 3, 2017)— On Saturday, June 3, seven members of Congress visited the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana, Mexico to meet with veterans who have been deported from the United States. During the visit, Reps. Juan Vargas (CA-51), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01), Lou Correa (CA-46), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Raul Grijalva (AZ-03), and Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) toured the facility and heard the veterans’ personal stories. “Deported veterans … Continue Reading
May 26, 2017
Rep. Juan Vargas Reintroduces Deported Veterans Bill Package
Washington, D.C. (May 26, 2017)—Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) reintroduced a bill package that will prevent veterans from being deported and help veterans that have been deported get access to the medical service they deserve. The Immigrant Veterans Eligibility Tracking System (I-VETS) Act of 2017, Healthcare Opportunities for Patriots in Exile (HOPE) Act of 2017, and Naturalization at Training Sites (NATS) Act of 2017 are part of this legislative package. “A number of our nation’s … Continue Reading
May 05, 2017
Rep. Vargas Announces Serena Cardenas from Chula Vista High School as the Winner of the 2017 Congressional Art Competition
San Diego, CA (May 5, 2017)—Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) will announce the CA-51 winners of the 2017 Congressional Art Competition in a reception with students and parents in Chula Vista. “Every year, I am very impressed by the quality of work, passion, creativity, and artistic capability of high school students in our district,” said Congressman Vargas. “I applaud the students from high schools in our community who submitted artwork to the Congressional Art Competition and were willing … Continue Reading
May 04, 2017
Rep. Vargas’ Statement After the Passage of Trumpcare in the House
Washington, D.C. (May 4, 2017)— Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) released this statement after House Republicans passed Trumpcare in the House of Representatives: “Today is a disappointing and scary day for millions of Americans. House Republicans voted to take away health care from 24 million people, increase out of pocket costs for families, undermine individuals living with pre-existing conditions, and force seniors to pay more for their health care. “In Congress, we should be working … Continue Reading
April 25, 2017
Rep. Juan Vargas To Introduce The Donald J. Trump Wealth Tax Act of 2017
Washington, DC (April 25, 2017)—Today, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) will introduce the Donald J. Trump Wealth Tax Act of 2017, a tax plan proposed by Donald Trump in 1999 to impose a net worth tax of 14.25 percent on all individuals and trusts with a net worth of $10,000,000 or more in an effort to significantly reduce the national debt. In 1999, then-Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump announced a wealth tax plan to eliminate the national debt in its entirety. His plan imposed a … Continue Reading
April 14, 2017
Rep. Vargas Toured the Tijuana River Sewage Spill, Calls for Crucial Funding for Cross-Border Infrastructure Improvement Program
San Diego, CA (April 14, 2017)—Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) toured the areas affected by the recent sewage spill into the Tijuana River. Rep. Vargas has expressed strong support for essential Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) U.S.-Mexico border programs and is urging Congress to allocate $5 million in funding for the U.S. Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Grant Program. This program, which would help prevent future spills, has been cut in President Trump’s budget blueprint. “The … Continue Reading