Press Releases
Rep. Vargas' Statement After Republicans Pulled their Disastrous Health Care Bill
Washington, D.C. (March 24, 2017)— Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) released this statement after Republicans pulled their disastrous health care bill: “This looks like it could be the beginning of the end of the Trump agenda. The Deal-Maker-in-Chief wasn’t able to deliver on one of his key promises. “I’m glad they pulled the bill. Hopefully, this means that my Republican colleagues acknowledged how disastrous TrumpCare would be for millions of people across the country. It's time for us … Continue Reading
March 06, 2017
Rep. Vargas Statement on New un-American Muslim and Refugee Ban
San Diego, CA (March 6, 2017) - Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after President Trump’s executive order seeking to reinstate his Muslim and Refugee ban: "The new Executive Order signed by President Trump is nothing more than an un-American Muslim ban. "Sadly, this ban will make our country less safe. Instead of strengthening our security, President Trump continues to betray the values that make America a gracious nation." Vargas represents … Continue Reading
March 02, 2017
Rep. Vargas Statement Calling for the Resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions
Washington, D.C. (March 2, 2017)—Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after it was reported that Jeff Sessions lied under oath to the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearings about meetings with Russian officials: "During his Senate confirmation hearing, Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath about meeting with Russian officials. The American people have lost all confidence in the top law enforcement officer of the United States. "It … Continue Reading
February 22, 2017
Rep. Vargas Statement on Rising Anti-Semitism and Threats to the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in San Diego
San Diego, CA (February 22, 2017)—Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement on the rise of anti-Semitism and the wave of threats received by the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center and other Jewish Community Centers across the nation: “An attack against the Jewish community is an attack against all of us. I strongly condemn the acts of anti-Semitism, hate, and bigotry that are on the rise across the nation. “Yesterday, Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center … Continue Reading
February 16, 2017
Rep. Vargas Statement After Being Barred from Meeting with ICE Officials
Washington, D.C.—(February 16, 2017) Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) released this statement after he and other members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus were prevented from attending a meeting with the Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Thomas D. Homan: “Today my colleagues in the Hispanic Caucus and I were excluded from a meeting with officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and that is completely unacceptable. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus … Continue Reading
February 09, 2017
Rep. Vargas Statement on the Deportation of Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos
Washington, D.C. (February 9, 2017)—Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) released this statement following the deportation of Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos: “The deportation of Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos is heartbreaking and alarming. After showing up to her regularly scheduled appointment with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Ms. Rayos was not able to go back home with her children, instead, she was separated from her family and deported to Mexico. This unfortunate situation appears to be a … Continue Reading
February 02, 2017
Rep. Vargas Introduces the “Imperial Valley Desert Conservation and Recreation Act”
Washington, DC (February 2, 2017) - Today, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) introduced the Imperial Valley Desert Conservation and Recreation Act (H.R. 827). This bill designates and transfers land in order to protect key habitats and creates new recreational areas including permitting motorized recreation on designated routes. "The Imperial Valley desert is home to an incredibly diverse ecosystem and vast terrains that are of great importance to the people of our region and the state of … Continue Reading
January 25, 2017
Rep. Vargas Statement on President Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Executive Orders
San Diego, CA (January 25, 2017) — Today, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) released this statement following President Trump’s Executive Orders on immigration: “By issuing today’s Executive Orders, President Trump has officially put his anti-immigrant rhetoric into action. These Executive Orders do not bring us any closer to achieving comprehensive immigration reform and they do not make America safer. Instead, the President is proposing solutions that target, criminalize, and demonize … Continue Reading
January 18, 2017
Rep. Juan Vargas Introduces the “California New River Restoration Act of 2017”
Washington, D.C. (January 18, 2017)—Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) and Congressman Duncan Hunter (CA-50) introduced the California New River Restoration Act of 2017 (H.R. 438). This bipartisan bill improves restoration and conservation efforts in the New River in both California and Mexico through the creation of a California New River restoration program. “Efforts to restore the New River have shown great progress, but there is still work to be done,” stated Rep. Vargas. “This bill will … Continue Reading
January 11, 2017
Rep. Vargas Statement on Chicano Park Designation as a National Historic Landmark
Washington, D.C. (January 11, 2017)--Today, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement following the U.S. Department of the Interior’s announcement of their designation of Chicano Park as a National Historic Landmark: “The designation of Chicano Park as a National Historic Landmark is incredible news for the community of Barrio Logan in San Diego, the future of the park, and the many activists who throughout the years have advocated for a space where families can … Continue Reading
January 05, 2017
Rep. Vargas Votes YES on H. Res. 11, Opposing Anti-Israel UN Resolution
Washington, D.C. (January 5, 2017)—Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement in support of House Resolution 11, denouncing the anti-Israel UN Resolution: “On December 22nd, I urged the Obama Administration to veto the anti-Israel U.N. Security Council resolution (USNC Resolution 2334). By abstaining from voting, the United States allowed for its passage, ignoring its long-standing commitment to oppose and veto any resolutions that undermine Israel. The UN … Continue Reading
January 04, 2017
Rep. Vargas Continues Efforts to Designate Chicano Park as a National Historic Landmark
Washington, D.C. (January 4, 2017) —Yesterday, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) reintroduced the Chicano Park Preservation Act (H.R. 199) in the U.S. House of Representatives, continuing the efforts to designate Chicano Park as a National Historic Landmark. “Chicano Park is a center of cultural history in San Diego and we should continue to advocate for it,” said Rep. Vargas. “The story of Chicano Park is important to the people of our community. It highlights years of community … Continue Reading
December 22, 2016
Rep. Vargas Urges the Obama Administration to Veto UN Security Council Resolution
San Diego, CA--Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement regarding a pending vote in the United Nations Security Council on Israeli settlement activity: "I stand firmly against today's proposed UN Security Council resolution regarding Israeli resettlement activity. This effort does not move the region closer to peace and, instead, only undermines Israel. The United States must continue to defend Israel against these one-sided resolutions and I urge the Administration to … Continue Reading
December 13, 2016
Rep. Juan Vargas Supports Congressional Investigation of Russian Interference in U.S. Election
San Diego, CA-Yesterday, Congressman Juan Vargas issued the following statement supporting the call for a Congressional investigation into Russian Interference in the U.S. Election: "U.S. intelligence agencies have determined that there was Russian interference in our elections, which is alarming. I fully support the efforts calling for a thorough Congressional investigation of the influence Russia may have had on our election." "It is in the interest of every American that our nation … Continue Reading
December 07, 2016
Rep. Juan Vargas’ Chicano Park Preservation Act Passes in the House
Washington, D.C.-Today, the Chicano Park Preservation Act (H.R. 3711), sponsored by Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51), passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. This is a major step forward for Chicano Park, which is one step closer to becoming a historic landmark. "Chicano Park is a landmark in the San Diego community of Barrio Logan and it should be preserved for future generations to enjoy," said Rep. Vargas. "The passage of my bill in the House is very exciting because this means that … Continue Reading
November 16, 2016
Rep. Juan Vargas’ Chicano Park Preservation Act Moves Forward
Washington, D.C.-Today, the Chicano Park Preservation Act (H.R. 3711), a bill introduced by Congressman Juan Vargas in 2015, has moved out of the House Committee on Natural Resources on unanimous consent. The bill will be moving forward with the possibility of being considered on the House Floor before the end of the 114th Congress. "Chicano Park is a cultural mecca that highlights the activist and artistic contributions of our local community," said Rep. Vargas. "I am very glad to know … Continue Reading
September 21, 2016
Rep. Juan Vargas Introduces Deported Veterans Bill Package
Washington, D.C. (September 21, 2016)-Today, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) introduced 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 2016" (H.R. 6091), "Healthcare Opportunities for Patriots in Exile (HOPE) Act of 2016" (H.R. 6092), and "Naturalization at Training Sites (NATS) Act of 2016" (H.R. 6093) are part of this … Continue Reading
August 12, 2016
Rep. Juan Vargas Introduces the Chicano Park Preservation Act of 2015
Washington, D.C. (October 8, 2015) - Today, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) introduced the Chicano Park Preservation Act (H.R. 3711). This bill instructs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a thorough study of Chicano Park in order to evaluate its national significance and determine the feasibility of the park becoming a National Historic Landmark. "Chicano Park has been the center of cultural history since its opening in the 1960s," said Rep. Vargas. "It is home to the largest … Continue Reading
August 12, 2016
Rep. Juan Vargas and Rep. Duncan Hunter Introduce the “California New River Restoration Act of 2016”
Washington, DC (July 6, 2016)-Today, Representative Juan Vargas (CA-51) and Representative Duncan Hunter (CA-50) introduced the "California New River Restoration Act of 2016" (H.R. 5629). This bipartisan bill improves restoration and conservation efforts in the New River in both California and Mexico through the creation of a California New River restoration program. "While considerable progress has been made in restoring the New River, substantial work still needs to be done," states Rep. … Continue Reading
August 12, 2016
Rep. Juan Vargas Applauds Inclusion of Calexico Port of Entry Phase 2 Funding in House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Bill
Washington, DC (May 23, 2016) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), California's border representative applauded the House Appropriations Subcommittee Members for including $248 million for Phase 2 of the Calexico West Land Port of Entry (LPOE) Reconfiguration and Expansion Project in the Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill. "I'm pleased… the necessary funds to complete the last phase of the Calexico West LPOE project," said Rep. Vargas. "Investing in our … Continue Reading