Mark Takano Statement on the Passage of the Bipartisan Budget Agreement
Mark Takano Statement on the Passage of the Bipartisan Budget Agreement
WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Mark Takano (CA-39), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 3746, the Bipartisan Budget Agreement:
“This evening, I voted for the Bipartisan Budget Agreement. During the lead up to this bill’s negotiation, as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I drew a firm red line around the funding needed to give veterans the care and benefits they have earned. When Republicans released their Default on America Act it was clear they had no intention of keeping our promise to veterans. Their first attempt at an appropriations bill further illustrated their intent to underfund veterans programs. With support from Democratic House leadership and President Biden, we held the line, continuing the promise of my Honoring our PACT Act. Tonight’s passage also ensures our country will not default on our debt, which would have meant unnecessary, significant financial pain inflicted on American families.
“However, this bill comes at a price that we cannot ignore, including cuts that Republicans demanded that will come at a cost for our most vulnerable citizens. The unnecessary and punitive changes to SNAP eligibility will affect people in my district and across the country. These new SNAP work requirements will mean some Americans go hungry while doing little to move the fiscal needle.
“Further, in a time when we should be taking bold steps forward to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels this bill moves us backwards by authorizing the construction of a natural gas pipeline. The lack of meaningful action to reduce emissions, advance clean energy infrastructure, or preserve key environmental protections leaves us unprepared to meet the immediate and pressing realities of climate change.
“I voted for this bill because we could not default, but it is far from a perfect bill.”
The House passed H.R. 3746 on the evening of May 31, 2023. The agreement negotiated by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
###