Press Releases
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.
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 moral issues of our time.”
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 country.
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.