Press Releases
WASHINGTON, DC (May 9, 2014) – Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) urging Secretary Jeh Johnson to approve California's proposed design for licenses issued to state residents who cannot show proof of citizenship or authorized presence. The letter authored by Rep. Vargas, and signed by 18 other Members of the California delegation, is in direct response to DHS' unfounded rejection of the design submitted.
WASHINGTON, DC (May 6, 2014) – In his continued effort to fight for the release of former U.S. Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi from La Mesa Penitentiary in Tijuana, Mexico, Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA-51) sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday urging the Department of State to take a more active role in the case. Last week, Rep. Vargas contacted the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana, Mexico, who responded to his inquiry earlier today. In addition, Rep. Vargas will send a letter, led by Rep.
WASHINGTON, DC (May 1, 2014) – Earlier this year, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) led the charge in securing funding for three main veterans projects, all of which were included in yesterday's House passed Fiscal Year 2015 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA) Appropriations bill. Rep. Vargas released the following statement after the bill passed on the House Floor.
WASHINGTON, DC (April 30, 2014) –Earlier this year, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture's Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development and Credit requesting a hearing to examine the impact of country-of-origin labeling (COOL) on cattle producers in the Western States, especially California. Today, Rep. Vargas released the following statement after the Subcommittee held the hearing.
WASHINGTON, DC (April 23, 2014) – Today, the Department of Transportation announced that the Imperial County Airport is on a list of airports potentially losing federal support under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. In 2012, President Obama signed the "Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act," which requires subsidized communities to maintain an average of ten passenger enplanements per service day in order to remain in the EAS program. For the first time in five years, the Imperial County Airport has fallen below the ten enplanement
Washington, DC (April 23, 2014) – Yesterday, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) met with more than 30 Calexico and Imperial County leaders and stakeholders to develop a plan that would most effectively position the Calexico West Land Port of Entry (LPOE) to receive funding from the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government for its reconfiguration and expansion project. Earlier this year, President Obama's budget included $98 million in funding that would allow for the construction and completion of Phase 1 of the project.
BRAWLEY, CA (April 23, 2014) – Yesterday, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) hosted a reception for students, parents and Imperial Valley community leaders and members to announce the winner of the 51st Congressional District's Annual Congressional Art Competition.
"I am incredibly proud of all the talented artists in the district who submitted artwork for this year's Congressional Art Competition," said. Rep Vargas. "This year's submissions reflect the unbelievable talent of the students in the 51st district."
Washington, DC (April 3, 2014) – Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) led the charge in requesting funding from the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government for the San Ysidro Port of Entry Modernization and Expansion Project at the President's FY 2015 Budget level of $216 million.
WASHINGTON, DC (April 2, 2014) –Rep. Vargas (CA-51), a longtime advocate of eliminating hunger, requested funding from the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies for several federal programs that combat nutrition deficiency for children, seniors, and families.
WASHINGTON, DC (March 31, 2014) – In his continued efforts to keep families united, Rep. Vargas (CA-51) is inserting a statement into the Congressional record tomorrow, calling for deportation relief for the immediate relatives of U.S citizens, Legal Permanent Residents and DREAMers. He is also scheduled to speak on the House floor regarding the devastating impact deportations have on our families and communities.