Press Releases
Rep. Vargas Names South Bay Resident Randy Bellamy June “Citizen of the Month”
Chula Vista, CA (June 7, 2013) -Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) delivers the June "Citizen of the Month" award to Chula Vista resident Randy Bellamy. Rep. Vargas is acknowledging Bellamy for his commitment to providing athletic programs to those with disabilities, promoting character development programs for children, and enhancing the lives of South Bay residents."It gives me great pleasure to honor Randy Bellamy for his tremendous efforts and unparalleled dedication to improving his … Continue Reading
June 06, 2013
Rep. Vargas Delivers Speech Urging Congress to Approve Funding to Eliminate Veterans Claims Backlog
Washington, DC (June 6, 2013) -Today, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) is delivering a speech highlighting the urgent need to reduce the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) claims backlog. Efforts to reduce the backlog are seen in the "2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act" which has provisions that would help the VA reach its goal of ending its disability claims backlog by 2015."Eliminating the veterans claims backlog is essential to my district which is home to … Continue Reading
May 30, 2013
Rep. Vargas Names Betsy Keller of Chula Vista May 'Citizen of the Month'
Chula Vista, CA (May 30, 2013) -Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) will deliver the May “Citizen of the Month” award to Chula Vista resident Betsy Keller, on Thursday, May 30th, at 4:30PM at his Chula Vista District Office, located at 333 F St. Suite A. Rep. Vargas will acknowledge Keller for her service to the community and her constant support of the elderly and the arts. “I am so pleased to honor Betsy Keller for her tireless devotion to improving the overall quality of life of Chula Vista … Continue Reading
May 23, 2013
Rep. Vargas Introduces Resolution Supporting Binational Efforts to Reduce Tijuana River Valley Pollution
Washington, DC (May 23, 2013) -Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) sponsored a resolution recognizing the importance of the United States International Boundary Water Commission (USIBWC) and its recent efforts to address trash, sediment, and water quality issues with its Mexican counterpart, Comisión Internacional de Límites y Aguas (CILA). The work of the USIBWC and CILA is expected to result in a proposed minute to the Water Treaty of 1944. “The current efforts by the USIBWC and CILA to … Continue Reading
May 21, 2013
Rep. Vargas Shadowed by San Diego Foster Youth in Honor of Foster Care Month
Washington, DC (May 21, 2013) -Today, in honor of National Foster Care Month, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) participated in the Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day which is held annually to help youths explore career paths that interest them. Rep. Vargas, a member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, is spending the day with a San Diego foster youth who would like to learn about Congress. "It is an honor to provide our foster youth with the opportunity to experience the inner … Continue Reading
May 17, 2013
Rep. Vargas Cosponsors “Disabled Veterans Nutrition Fairness Act of 2013”
Washington, DC (May 17, 2013) -Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) is proudly cosponsoring the "Disabled Veterans Nutrition Fairness Act of 2013", introduced by Rep. Jackie Speier (CA-14), which would allow veterans to file for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits under the status of disabled while their disability claims are pending at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)."Our veterans have made countless sacrifices fighting for our freedom. We cannot deny them SNAP benefits … Continue Reading
May 16, 2013
Rep. Vargas Cosponsors “Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013” to Promote Healthy Food Options
Washington, DC (May 16, 2013) -Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) is proudly cosponsoring H.R. 1414, the "Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013", introduced by Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-1), which would expand opportunities for local and regional farmers, make it easier for consumers to have access to healthy foods, and provide purchase incentive programs for fruits and vegetables to those enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). "The 'Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013' is … Continue Reading
May 15, 2013
Rep. Vargas Cosponsors the “Healthy Food Financing Initiative” Amendment
Washington, DC (May 15, 2013) -Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) joined Rep. Marcia Fudge (OH-11), as a cosponsor, in offering the "Healthy Food Financing Initiative" (HFFI) amendment, which would help small and independent businesses provide healthier food options, while addressing the limited access to healthy foods in the country. Today, the amendment was adopted into the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act in the House Committee on Agriculture."The 'Healthy Food Financing … Continue Reading
May 08, 2013
Rep. Vargas Presents District Priorities to the House Committee on Armed Services
Washington, DC (May 8, 2013) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), submitted testimony to the House Committee on Armed Services regarding the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014. Rep. Vargas addressed numerous issues, all of which he said are top priorities for his district.The Department of the Navy is currently searching for a homebase for the F-35C aircraft, which is replacing the aging FA-18 aircraft. "I believe that the Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, in … Continue Reading
May 07, 2013
Rep. Vargas Recognizes Teachers in Honor of National Teacher Appreciation Day
"In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Day, I would like to thank all of the teachers who have sacrificed and worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of their students. Teachers play a pivotal role in the development of our children and oftentimes make a significant, positive impact on those they teach. They are responsible for igniting a lifelong curiosity and passion for learning in their students."It is not uncommon for us, as adults, to remember the one teacher who truly … Continue Reading
May 01, 2013
Rep. Vargas Announces Newly Relocated El Centro District Office and Welcomes Imperial County District Representative Rebecca Terrazas-Baxter
El Centro, CA (May 1, 2013) -Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) announces the opening of his newly relocated El Centro District Office, located at 380 North 8th Street #14, El Centro, CA 92243. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM- 5:30 PM and staff can be reached at 760-355-8800. The El Centro District office is available to help constituents with federal matters including, but not limited to Veterans, immigration, social security and healthcare."I am thrilled to have my newly … Continue Reading
April 30, 2013
Rep. Vargas Names Betty Cloud of Imperial County “Volunteer of the Year”
El Centro, CA (April 30, 2013) -Today, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) delivered the "Volunteer of the Year" award to Imperial Valley resident Betty Cloud. In honor of National Volunteer Week, Congressman Vargas acknowledged Betty Cloud for her exceptional volunteer service and countless hours serving the Imperial County and working to better the 51st Congressional District."I am thrilled to present Betty Cloud with the "Volunteer of the Year" award, honoring her lifetime of volunteerism and … Continue Reading
April 26, 2013
Rep. Juan Vargas Introduces H.R. 1691, “Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range Transfer Act of 2013’’
Washington, DC (April 26, 2013) -Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) introduced his second bill this week, H.R. 1691, "Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range Transfer Act of 2013.'' H.R. 1691 would transfer the administrative jurisdiction of certain public lands in the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range (CMAGR), from the Bureau of Land Management to the Secretary of the Navy."I believe this bill offers the solution to the management arrangement between the Bureau of Land Management and the … Continue Reading
April 25, 2013
Rep. Juan Vargas Condemns Syria’s Use of Weapons of Mass Destruction
Washington, DC (April 25, 2013) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, condemned Syria's use of chemical weapons against its own people. "The Administration's confirmation that Syrian President Assad used weapons of mass destruction against the Syrian people is conclusive proof that Syria is a threat to the region and civil society as a whole," stated Rep. Vargas. "Syria has crossed a red line, from which it cannot return. Now that we have … Continue Reading
April 22, 2013
Rep. Juan Vargas Announces “The Child Protection Act of 2013”- Hazel’s Law
San Diego, CA (April 22, 2013) - Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) held a press conference to announce his first bill, "The Child Protection Act of 2013"- Hazel's Law. "The Child Protection Act of 2013"- Hazel's Law would remove the knowledge of age requirement for child sex trafficking cases. The bill, named after Hazel C., is based on a San Diego case which was delayed while the prosecution struggled to prove the trafficker knew his victim was a minor. "It is absolutely intolerable that, … Continue Reading
April 12, 2013
Congressman Vargas Delivers Two Speeches to Highlight the Need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Washington, DC (April 12, 2013) -This week, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) delivered two profound speeches on the House floor highlighting the importance of fair and humane immigration reform. "It is imperative that we enact immigration reform that is comprehensive, fair and reflects the highest values of our nation," stated Rep. Vargas. "We are a nation of immigrants and how we treat those who aspire to be citizens reflects our democracy's capacity to deal with one of the most pressing … Continue Reading
April 12, 2013
Congressman Juan Vargas Proudly Looks Back on his First 100 Days in Office
Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA) issued the following statement highlighting the work that has been done for California's 51st Congressional District during his first 100 days in office:"It has been an absolute honor to represent the constituents of California's 51st Congressional District these first 100 days. My offices and I have been working extremely hard to ensure that we are providing the variety and quality of services my constituents deserve. "To date, I have cosponsored a number of … Continue Reading
April 10, 2013
San Diego Reps. Juan Vargas, Susan Davis and Scott Peters Announce $226 Million for San Ysidro Port of Entry Project
Washington, DC (April 10, 2013) - Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51), Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53), and Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) announced that $226 million for the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry Expansion Project was included in the budget released today by President Obama. This money would allow Phase II and Phase III of the project to move forward.Reps. Vargas, Davis, and Peters have been leading the way in urging the President to include this funding in his budget. The Democratic … Continue Reading
April 04, 2013
Rep. Vargas Names Neil MacGaffey of Imperial County “April Citizen of the Month”
El Centro, CA (April 4, 2013) -Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) will deliver the "April Citizen of the Month" award to Imperial Valley resident Neil MacGaffey, on Friday, April 5, 2013 at 1:45 PM at the main entrance of Central Union High School, located at S.10th St., between W. Brighton Ave. and W. Orange Ave., in El Centro. Congressman Vargas will acknowledge Neil MacGaffey, a truly outstanding individual who has dedicated his life to sharing his passion for math with his students. … Continue Reading
March 29, 2013
San Diego Reps. Juan Vargas, Susan Davis and Scott Peters Advocate for Improved Border Security and Commerce
San Diego, CA (March 29, 2013) - Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51), Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53), and Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) were joined by San Diego business leaders at Camino de la Plaza Bridge to advocate for the completion of the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry Expansion Project and to highlight the negative impact sequestration has on Customs and Border Protection (CBP).In 2011, the U.S. and Mexico agreed to expand the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry. Mexico completed their side … Continue Reading