Press Releases
Rep. Juan Vargas' Statement on the Recent Wave of Violence in Israel
Washington, DC (October 14, 2015) - Representative Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement on the recent wave of violence in Israel: “The brutality encountered by Israeli civilians on behalf of their neighbors is not to be taken lightly or dismissed as a passing phase. The recently escalating violence in Israel is endangering the lives and security of the Israelis. Innocent people are losing their lives every day and we cannot continue to simply watch from afar. The … Continue Reading
October 09, 2015
Rep. Thomas J. Rooney and Rep. Juan Vargas Introduce the “Rare Disease (RaD) Fund Act of 2015”
Washington, D.C. (October 9, 2015) - Today, Rep. Thomas J. Rooney (FL-17) and Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) introduced the Rare Disease (RaD) Fund Act of 2015 (H.R. 3731). The creation of this Fund would transform the life sciences industry by implementing a novel financial structure for early stage development. The bill seeks to act as a bridge to the ever-widening funding gap that currently exists between basic research and clinical development. “The life sciences industry desperately needs … Continue Reading
October 08, 2015
Rep. 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
September 15, 2015
Rep. Juan Vargas Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Washington, D.C.- Rep. Juan Vargas celebrates the incredible achievements made by the Latino community in the U.S. [[{"fid":"360","view_mode":"full","fields":{"format":"full"},"type":"media","attributes":{"alt":"Rep. Juan Vargas Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month","height":"380","width":"640","class":"media-element … Continue Reading
September 09, 2015
Rep. Vargas' Proclamation on Hunger Awareness Month
Washington, D.C.- September is Hunger Awareness Month. To partake in this movement, Rep. Vargas has committed himself to recognizing great organizations that strive to make a difference in the lives of the many people who suffer from food insecurity, through the below proclamation. [[{"fid":"359","view_mode":"full","fields":{"format":"full","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element … Continue Reading
September 04, 2015
Tickets for Pope Francis’ Sept. 24th Visit to Congress
Washington, D.C.- On September 24th, Pope Francis will be participating in a joint session with Congress in Washington, D.C. at 9:00 am ET. For this occasion, each congressional office has been given 50 tickets to distribute to constituents who are interested in witnessing the historic visit. “It is with great excitement that I announce the availability of tickets to see his Holiness Pope Francis as he visits the Nation’s Capital this upcoming September 24th,” said Rep. Vargas. “I will be … Continue Reading
August 17, 2015
Rep. Vargas’ Statement on His Participation in the International Religious Freedom Special Order
Washington, DC- On July 23rd, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) joined Rep. Doug Collins (GA-9) in an International Religious Freedom Special Order; A bipartisan effort to bring freedom to those suffering and living in fear of persecution around the world for their religious beliefs and practices. “Religious liberty around the world is an issue that we must address because persecutions and threatening acts are being committed every single day toward people across the globe. As Americans, we can … Continue Reading
August 04, 2015
Congressman Juan Vargas Cosponsors Congressional Gold Medal for WWII Filipino Veterans
Washington, D.C. (June 11, 2015) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) joined Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard(HI-2), Congressman Joe Heck (NV-3), Senator Mazie Hirono (HI), and other legislators at a press conference to introduce legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino and Filipino-American veterans that fought for the U.S. military during World War II. The bill recognizes the tremendous service and sacrifice made by over 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who … Continue Reading
August 04, 2015
Rep. Vargas’ Statement on the Passage of the 21st Century Cures Act in the U.S. House of Representatives
WASHINGTON, DC (July 10, 2015) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement after a bill he cosponsored, the 21st Century Cures Act (H.R. 6), passed with wide bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives: “I am extremely enthusiastic about today’s vote to pass the 21st Century Cures Act. This sterling example of bipartisan legislation will provide over $8.75 billion in guaranteed funding for the National Institutes of Health and modernize the process in which … Continue Reading
May 19, 2015
Rep. Vargas Statement on Deferred Action for Parents of Americans
WASHINGTON, DC (May 19, 2015) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) Issued the following statement about the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) program which would have gone into effect today as part of President Obama’s Immigration Executive Action: “Countless American families received peace of mind when President Obama unveiled his Immigration Executive Action on November 20, 2014. Unfortunately, since the announcement, the President’s Executive Action has been challenged in the courts … Continue Reading
May 18, 2015
Rep. Vargas Statement on the 50th Anniversary of Head Start
WASHINGTON, DC (May 18, 2015) — Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Head Start, which is observed May 18-May 21, 2015: “Today, we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Head Start, a program that has contributed to the early academic preparedness of children with economic disadvantages. It’s crucial that we offer children access to high quality education during their early years of academic development. “50 years after Head Start … Continue Reading
May 18, 2015
Rep. Vargas Introduces the Stop Blood Tomatoes Act of 2015
WASHINGTON, DC (May 18, 2015) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) has introduced the Stop Blood Tomatoes Act of 2015 (H.R. 2385) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill would require corporations with revenues over $1 billion dollars to undergo annual independent audits of their supply chains to verify that they are not selling products manufactured by child or forced labor. According to the bill’s provisions, the results of these reviews would be prominently displayed on the companies’ … Continue Reading
May 05, 2015
Rep. Vargas Congratulates Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo for Receiving $691,667 HHS Grant
San Diego, CA (May 5, 2015) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas congratulates Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo, Inc. in Brawley, California for receiving $691,667 in federal grant funding. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced $101 million in Affordable Care Act funding for 164 community health care centers throughout 33 states. This funding is to ensure the delivery of vital health care services to various communities in the country. “I was very pleased that Clinicas de … Continue Reading
May 05, 2015
Rep. Vargas Announces Chula Vista High’s Vienna Gambol as “2015 Congressional Art Competition Winner”
CHULA VISTA, CA (May 5, 2015) - Yesterday, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) hosted a reception for students, parents and community members to announce the winner of the 51st Congressional District’s Annual Congressional Art Competition. “This year’s submissions were very impressive and I am incredibly proud of all the young talented artists in the district,” said. Rep Vargas. “It’s very inspiring to see over 100 high school students in our district showcase their creativity by participating … Continue Reading
April 24, 2015
Rep.’s Vargas, Davis, and Peters Fight for Student Veterans Benefits
WASHINGTON, DC (April 24, 2014) -Rep. Vargas (CA-51), along with Rep. Susan Davis (CA-53) and Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52), sent a letter this week to Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Corrine Brown of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in support of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs’ (USDVA) Work-Study program at State Veterans Homes. This letter urges the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to support and move the legislation through the House and reauthorize this … Continue Reading
April 13, 2015
Rep. Vargas Statement on Holocaust Remembrance Week
WASHINGTON, DC (April 13, 2015) —Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Week: “April 12-19, 2015 marks Holocaust Remembrance week worldwide. This is a time for us to reflect on the atrocities committed during one of the darkest periods in the world’s history. During these days, we take the opportunity to recommit ourselves to say: ‘never again’. Recounting the stories of Holocaust victims and survivors, serves as a reminder of the pain and … Continue Reading
April 13, 2015
Rep. Vargas Statement on National Volunteer Week
WASHINGTON, DC (April 13, 2015) — Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement in honor of National Volunteer Week: “As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we are reminded of the importance of volunteer work throughout our country. Volunteers change lives and provide vital services to some of the most underserved and disadvantaged individuals in our neighborhoods. The selfless work of volunteers helps to strengthen our hospitals, schools, community centers, and other … Continue Reading
April 06, 2015
Rep. Vargas Statement on National Autism Awareness Month
SAN DIEGO, CA (April 6, 2015) — Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement in honor of National Autism Awareness Month: “I am honored to join the effort in raising autism awareness nationwide by recognizing April as National Autism Awareness Month. Although we do not have full knowledge of this disorder, we must work toward being an inclusive society that meets the needs of individuals with autism. Working toward a broader understanding of autism will ensure that we are … Continue Reading
March 26, 2015
Rep. Vargas Pushes for Refugee Assistance Funding
WASHINGTON, DC (March 26, 2015) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) and a group of 30 colleagues are requesting refugee assistance funding from the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. Their letter asks for $1.61 billion in funding for Refugee and Entrant Assistance at the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (HHS/ORR). “The United States has served as a safe haven for people that have been … Continue Reading
March 24, 2015
Rep. Vargas Introduces the Protecting Religious Minorities Persecuted by ISIS Act of 2015
WASHINGTON, DC (March 24, 2015) -Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), together with Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-17), Rep. John Conyers (MI-13), and Rep. Duncan Hunter (CA-50), introduced the Protecting Religious Minorities Persecuted by ISIS Act of 2015 (H.R. 1568) in response to the persecution religious minorities are facing in territories controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The bill seeks to provide humanitarian relief to those who are facing persecution or have a credible fear … Continue Reading