Congressman Kennedy Passes Immigration Fast to Congressman Vargas

Press Release

Congressman Joe Kennedy today passed on the fast for immigration reform to his colleague, Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA). Kennedy took on the fast yesterday from Eliseo Medina, International Secretary-Treasurer of the Service Employees International Union, who had been fasting with a group of advocates for 22 days as part of Fast 4 Families: A Call for Immigration Reform and Citizenship. Representatives Kennedy and Vargas reiterated their hope to continue passing the fast to Members of Congress in the weeks ahead to build momentum for comprehensive reform.

"I am proud today to pass this fast on to my friend Congressman Juan Vargas, who has been a tireless leader for comprehensive immigration reform," said Congressman Kennedy. "For 22 days, Eliseo Medina and his fellow advocates have refused to let their government ignore the need for real reform. We are humbled to stand with them and to build on the momentum of this fast with so many of our colleagues."

"I am honored to be continuing the fast started by my good friend Rep. Joe Kennedy," said Rep. Juan Vargas. "In many faiths, fasting is a fundamental way of demonstrating commitment to one's beliefs. Fasting reminds us that we must look past our personal needs in order to seek the greater good. Here, the greater good is very clear; passing comprehensive immigration reform will bring hope to the millions of people who currently live in the shadows."

"Yesterday, we witnessed a historic moment as Representative Joe Kennedy III took the charge of fasting from Eliseo Medina after 22 resilient days of abstaining from food," said Fast 4 Families. "Today, the pages of history are marked again with Representative Juan Vargas continuing the fast as his congressional colleague passes the baton. The commitment of these members of Congress demonstrates the breadth of support and determination to get immigration reform with a path to citizenship done."

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