Press Releases
New Poll: Youth Believe in a 32-Hour Workweek
WASHINGTON, D.C. — New polling published by CNBC shows that 81% of youth believe a four-day workweek would increase productivity in the workplace. The polling comes on the heels of Congressman Mark Takano’s (CA-39) Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act gaining fresh momentum with Senator Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT) introduction of a Senate companion bill and a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing in March. “We are witnessing a generational shift in attitudes towards the … Continue Reading
May 09, 2024
Rep. Takano’s Statement on President Biden’s Decision to Halt Arms to Israel if Rafah is Invaded
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39) released the following statement on President Biden’s decision to withhold offensive arms shipments to Israel if it launched a full-scale ground invasion of Rafah: I applaud President Biden’s decision to protect civilians and hostages by withholding weapons from the Netanyahu-led Israeli government if they follow through with a full ground invasion of Rafah. With 34,000 Gazans dead, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is already dire. An … Continue Reading
May 01, 2024
Rep. Takano’s Statement Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39), Second Vice-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus released the following statement celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage month: “Today, we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. “AANHPI peoples are not a monolith. We come from diverse and culturally rich backgrounds, but are united by a shared sense of community. “I feel great pride … Continue Reading
April 30, 2024
Rep. Takano Applauds Appellate Court Decision to Protect Gender Affirming Care
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39), co-chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and primary sponsor of the Equality Act, released the following statement applauding the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to roll back discriminatory healthcare policies: “I applaud the 4th Circuit for correctly upholding the right to gender-affirming care. The Court clearly statedthat state-funded health plans cannot exclude those seeking medically-necessary care, a giant step forward … Continue Reading
April 23, 2024
Overtime Pay Fairness Advocate, Rep. Takano, Applauds Labor Department’s Overtime Rule
Takano Also Urges Passage of Legislation to Further Strengthen Overtime Pay WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), who has led a number ofCongressional efforts to make sure workers are paid their fair share for the overtime they work, released the following statement applauding the Biden Administration and U.S. Department of Labor’s new overtime rulethat will expand overtime pay to 3.6 million workers: For far too long, workers have been working more for less. I’m proud that President … Continue Reading
April 20, 2024
Statement from Takano, Castro, Velázquez, Doggett, Jayapal, Khanna, Ocasio-Cortez, Balint, Casar, McGovern, Barbara Lee, Blumenauer, Chu, Johnson, Carson, Watson Coleman, Jesús “Chuy” García, Jonathan Jackson, and Tokuda on the Israel Security Supplemental
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, nearly 20 members of Congress—Reps. Mark Takano (CA-39), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Judy Chu (CA-28), Hank Johnson (GA-04), André Carson (IN-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), and … Continue Reading
April 19, 2024
Rep. Takano Hails Final Title IX Rule from Education Department
Takano is a Congressional Leader on LGBTQ and Education Issues WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), a Congressional leader on LGBTQ and education issues, hailed the finalized rule on Title IX from the U.S. Department of Education and Biden Administration: The Education Department and Biden Administration showed real courage today, delivering on a long-held promise to ensure that the federal government does more to protect all Americans—especially LGBTQ Americans—from discrimination. … Continue Reading
April 12, 2024
Reps. Takano and Lee, Sen. Schatz Demand Fair Treatment for LGBTQ Youth in Schools
New Resolution Coincides with the Annual Day of (No) Silence WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Reps. Mark Takano (CA-39), Barbara Lee (CA-12), and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced a resolution to support the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative. This resolution was cosponsored by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and coincides with the Annual Day of (No) Silence. “As a former teacher, I know that school shouldn’t be about just surviving — it should be about thriving,” said Rep. Mark Takano, … Continue Reading
April 11, 2024
Rep. Takano Says “US-Japan Alliance Has Never Been Stronger” Following Japanese PM’s Address to Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39), a Congressional leader on US-Japan relations and Member of the Escort Committee for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s address to today’s Joint Meeting of Congress, applauded the Prime Minister’s remarks. Statement: The US-Japan alliance has never been stronger. I applaud Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s clear-eyed address to Congress that emphasized our shared responsibility to uphold our shared values in the face of rising aggression … Continue Reading
April 11, 2024
Statement on the Passing of Gil Navarro
Gil Navarro believed in service to others and lived his life by that credo. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran and a community leader, but he will be best known for his tireless advocacy to students. At his core, he believed that every student—regardless of their background—deserved a first-rate education. The Inland Empire is lesser without his forceful leadership, and my thoughts are with his family and … Continue Reading
April 04, 2024
Statement on the Passing of Sakaye Aratani
The passing of Sakaye Aratani coincides with an ever-dwindling number of adult Japanese Americans who endured the injustice of being forcibly removed from their homes and imprisoned in WWII internment camps. She and her late husband, George Aratani, made a remarkably successful post-war journey in business and became important philanthropic figures within the Japanese American community and beyond. Many have noted Sakaya’s grace, humility, and elegance. I will additionally highlight that the … Continue Reading
April 03, 2024
Rep. Takano Blasts Ugandan Court’s Horrific Anti-LGBTQ Ruling
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following a ruling from Uganda’s Constitutional Court on Wednesday that largely upheld large parts of a sweeping anti-LGBTQ law, Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39) blasted the news: “I am outraged by the ruling from Uganda’s Constitutional Court upholding a law that strips LGBTQ Ugandans of their dignity, liberty, and in some cases their lives. It is a disgrace and a deeply disturbing step backwards for human rights in the region. “This draconian law adds a whole new layer … Continue Reading
March 26, 2024
Rep. Takano Announces $5.1 Million in Housing Community Funding in CA-39
A Part of $12.8 Million in Total FY '24 Community Project Funding to CA-39 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement on three housing community funding projects included in the FY24 appropriations process. “California is dealing with high rents and a low supply of affordable housing.” said Rep. Takano. “These projects will contribute to moreliving and recreational spaces in the Inland Empire, and I am particularly excited for the additional homes … Continue Reading
March 26, 2024
Rep. Takano Statement on the Funeral of David Mixner
I joined with a host of friends and family to honor the life of David Mixner, a lion of progress for LGBTQ rights and anti-war activism. We heard letters from Presidents Clinton and Biden read aloud. A talented array of musicians and vocalists performed music that David loved, including an inspiring rendition of “If I had a hammer” that captured the David Mixner I knew: “If had a hammer…I’d hammer out justice all over this land…” Any sadness and grief was overcome with the recognition of his … Continue Reading
March 26, 2024
Rep. Takano Announces $850,000 in Public Safety and Transportation Community Funding in CA-39
A Part of $12.8 Million in Total FY '24 Community Project Funding to CA-39 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement on three public safety and transportation community funding projects included in the FY 24 appropriations process. “Safer communities and reliable transportation go hand-in-hand,” said Rep. Takano. “From monitoring sensitive areas of the Inland Empire, to improving standards within public transportation - these projects ensure that … Continue Reading
March 26, 2024
Rep. Takano Announces $3.8 Million in Water Related Community Funding in CA-39
A Part of $12.8 Million in Total FY '24 Community Project Funding to CA-39 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement on four water infrastructure community funding projects included in the FY 24 appropriations process. “The investment in Riverside County’s water infrastructure will make our community more drought resistant and sustainable in the face of raising temperatures,” said Rep. Takano. “Californians know how precious this resource is, so I … Continue Reading
March 26, 2024
Rep. Takano Announces $2.9 Million in Workforce Development Community Funding in CA-39
A Part of $12.8 Million in Total FY '24 Community Project Funding to CA-39 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement on four workforce development community funding projects included in the FY 24 appropriations process. “Training in specialized trades and jobs is critical in keeping the Inland Empire competitive in the regional and global economy,” said Rep. Takano. “These projects representinvestment in the future of work and ensure that … Continue Reading
March 20, 2024
NEW POLL: Rep. Takano’s 32-Hour Workweek Bill Popular with Likely Voters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - New independent polling from Data for Progress shows that 57% of likely voters support legislation to transition the U.S. from a 40-hour workweek to a 32-hour workweek. The polling comes on the heels of Congressman Mark Takano’s (CA-39) Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act gaining fresh momentum with Senator Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT) introduction of a Senate companion bill last week. Key poll takeaways: · Independents are onboard, backing the proposal by 58%-31%. · … Continue Reading
March 13, 2024
Rep. Takano’s Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act Gains Senate Companion Bill Introduced by Sen. Sanders
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced the Senate companion bill to Congressman Mark Takano’s (CA-39) Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act. This legislation would reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours by amending the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and lowering the maximum hours threshold for overtime compensation for non-exempt employees. “As the lead sponsor of the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act in the House of Representatives and a Senior Member of the … Continue Reading
March 13, 2024
Rep. Takano’s Statement on H.R. 7521 – Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement on H.R. 7521 - Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. “Today, I voted YES on H.R. 7521 to protect Americans’ data and safeguard U.S. national security. Right now, ByteDance's ownership of TikTok means the Chinese Communist Party can access biometric information, target journalists and dissidents, and influence users’ algorithms for political ends. This status quo is … Continue Reading