Press Releases
Rep. Vargas Supports Reinstatement of Tuition Assistance Program for Service Members
Washington, DC (March 21, 2013) -Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) proudly joined Rep. Ron Barber (AZ-2 ), and various other members of Congress to urge Secretary of Defense Hagel to immediately reinstate the tuition assistance program that the Army, Marines and Air Force have all suspended. The members of Congress wrote a letter to Secretary Hagel highlighting the importance and value of the program. "The tuition assistance program is imperative because it enables our service members to attain a … Continue Reading
March 21, 2013
Rep. Vargas Cosponsors House Resolution Honoring the Legacy of César E. Chávez
Washington, DC (March 21, 2013) -Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) proudly cosponsored H.R. 132, introduced by Rep. Cárdenas (CA-29), which honors the life and legacy of César E. Chávez, the civil rights activist who organized migrant and farm laborers in the western United States during the latter half of the 20th Century. "César Chávez was an exemplary man who lived his life defending those who were being mistreated," stated Rep. Vargas. "He personified the principals of compassion and equality … Continue Reading
March 19, 2013
Rep. Vargas’ Statement on the 10th Anniversary of the Iraq War
Washington, D.C. (March 19, 2013) -Congressman Juan Vargas (D-51) issued the following statement today to mark the 10th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War:"Today we recognize the efforts, sacrifices, and resolve of our Armed Servicemen and Servicewomen as we mark the 10th Anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq War. To our men and women in uniform, I would like to thank you and your loved ones for your past and continued sacrifice but moreover, your commitment to your community and your … Continue Reading
March 15, 2013
Rep. Vargas Cosponsors “Rural Housing Preservation Act” to Protect Affordable Housing in Imperial and Brawley
Washington, DC (March 15, 2013) -Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) proudly cosponsored H.R. 858, the "Rural Housing Preservation Act", introduced by Rep. Fortenberry (NE-1), which preserves the definition of "rural" until 2020 Census data is available, ensuring that over 900 rural communities in metro areas, like Imperial and Brawley, remain eligible for critical U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development funding. "Rural communities often struggle with affordable housing and it is … Continue Reading
March 14, 2013
Rep. Juan Vargas, Joined by Rep. Luis Gutierrez, to Host a Landmark Immigration Reform Testimonial Event
National City, CA (March 14, 2013) -Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) will host a non-denominational testimonial event that will bring to light the desperate need for immigration reform. Rep. Vargas will be joined by Rep. Luis Gutierrez (IL-04), Chair of the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and longtime champion and advocate for comprehensive immigration reform. The event will be on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 1:00 PM at One in Christ Church located at 635 E. 7th St., … Continue Reading
March 12, 2013
Rep. Juan Vargas’ Statement on the Ryan Republican Budget
Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA) issued the following statement today after Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan released this year's version of the House Republican budget:"The Ryan Republican budget is nothing but more of the same plan that the American people rejected last fall. This budget will destroy Medicare and abandon our middle class families, while defending corporate special interests and millionaires. Washington is in need of real, viable, and intelligent solutions, not the same … Continue Reading
March 08, 2013
Rep. Vargas’ Statement on the Department of Labor’s February Jobs Report
Chula Vista, CA (March 8, 2013) - Today, Congressman Juan Vargas (D-51) issued the following statement after the Department of Labor released reports indicating that the economy added 236,000 jobs in February and the unemployment rate fell to 7.7 percent:"The increase of jobs is a very positive indicator that our economy is growing and on a forward path to recovery. However, our economy is still very fragile and we cannot take these improvements for granted. In my district, Imperial County … Continue Reading
March 07, 2013
Rep. Vargas Names Sara Griffen of Imperial County “Woman of the Year”
Imperial, CA (March 7, 2013) -Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) will deliver the "Woman of the Year" award to Imperial Valley resident Sara Griffen, on Friday, March 8, 2013 at 4:00 PM at the California Mid-Winter Fair- Imperial Valley Food Bank booth located at 200 E. 2nd St. in Imperial.In honor of Women's History month, Congressman Vargas will acknowledge Sara Griffen, an extraordinary individual who serves our community and works to improve our district. Through her work as Executive … Continue Reading
March 06, 2013
San Diego Reps. Juan Vargas, Scott Peters and Susan Davis Urge Speaker Boehner to Stop Mindless Cuts
Washington, DC (March 6, 2013) - Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51), Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) and Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53) joined in one strong, unified voice to demand that Speaker Boehner end sequestration and find a balanced, more humane approach to reduce the nation's deficit. "We cannot stand by and willingly allow these draconian and ruthless cuts to take place," stated Rep. Juan Vargas.The members of Congress, all of whom represent portions of San Diego County, wrote a … Continue Reading
February 15, 2013
Rep. Vargas Strongly Opposes Effort to Target Federal Employee’s Pay and Cosponsors Freeze To Congress Member Pay
Washington, DC (February 15, 2013) -Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) has proudly opposed a H.R. 273, targeting federal employees, and in response, is cosponsoring H.R. 636, introduced by Rep. Connolly (VA-11), which would freeze pay for Members of Congress through the end of the 113th Congress in 2014. "It is shameful that House Republicans would intentionally and maliciously obstruct a very modest cost of living increase of 0.5% for federal workers when private sector pay has risen 4.7% over … Continue Reading
January 22, 2013
Rep. Vargas Tapped for House Foreign Affairs and Agriculture Committees
Washington, DC (January 22, 2013) - Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA) was appointed to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Agriculture earlier this month. He was confirmed to serve on the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa and the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade; and the Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, and the Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology and Foreign … Continue Reading
January 03, 2013
Representative Vargas Sworn Into Office
Congressman Juan Vargas was sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by House Speaker John Boehner January 3rd, … Continue Reading