Press Releases

Washington, D.C. (January 11, 2019)— Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) and Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02) introduced the Fight Illicit Networks and Detect (FIND) Trafficking Act of 2019 (H.R. 502). This bipartisan bill would require the Comptroller General of the United States to study how virtual currencies and online marketplaces are used to facilitate sex or drug trafficking and propose regulatory and legislative actions to put an end to these illicit activities.

Washington, D.C. (January 9, 2019) — Today, Congressman Juan Vargas introduced H.R.358 the California New River Restoration Act of 2019. This bill will create a California New River Restoration program to build upon conservation and restoration efforts in the New River in both California and Mexico.

WASHINGTON, DC (December 7, 2018) – Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement announcing the $20 million Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant for the Imperial County Transportation Commission Project.

"Today is a great day for Imperial County. The $20 million BUILD Grant will significantly improve our existing infrastructure to accommodate the travel demands along our U.S.-Mexico border. When we invest in our infrastructure we are making long-term investments in our region.

WASHINGTON, DC (December 5, 2018) – Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement endorsing Leader Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives in the 116^th Congress. 

"I proudly endorse Leader Nancy Pelosi as the next Speaker of the U.S House of Representatives. As a steadfast voice of the American people, Nancy has proven her commitment to empowering the middle class and rebuilding our nation.

WASHINGTON, DC (November 25, 2018) – Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement today regarding the closure of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. 

"Today's unprecedented demonstration at the San Ysidro Port of Entry is a direct result of President Trump's failed leadership. His complete disregard for human rights, international law, and immigration law threatens the safety of federal officers and the millions of people that pass through the border region.

Washington, D.C. (September 14, 2018)— This week, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), Rep. Thomas J. Rooney (FL-17), and Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) introduced H.R. 6801 Rare Disease (RaD) Fund Act of 2018. The legislation would authorize a pilot program that allows the U.S. Treasury Department to establish a privately owned and operated investment fund for rare disease therapeutics. This fund would address the ever-widening funding gap that currently exists between basic research and clinical development.

San Ysidro, CA. (August 15, 2018)—Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of PedEast at the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry. The new structure is the latest development of the Port's modernization project scheduled to be fully completed in 2019.

PedEast will add 22 pedestrian lanes to the existing 14 lanes at PedWest, increasing U.S. Customs and Border Protection's capacity of pedestrian inspection and cutting down individual wait times for the 20,000 that cross daily.

WASHINGTON, DC (July 26, 2018) – Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement today after the House voted to approve the National Defense Authorization Act. 

"I was proud to support the bipartisan defense bill that will bring necessary funds to the military installations across my district and the United States. The defense budget further provides for salary increases for our military personnel who selflessly serve our nation.