Press Releases
Rep. Takano Statement on the Death of a Local Veteran by Suicide at Loma Linda VA
Riverside, CA - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement following reports of a local veteran dying by suicide at Loma Linda VA. Veterans can learn more about available mental health resources here. "It is with a heavy heart that I learned of a veteran dying by suicide at Loma Linda VA Medical Center yesterday morning, and I offer my deepest and sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones," said Rep. Mark Takano. "As Chairman of the House Committee on … Continue Reading
October 14, 2021
Rep. Takano leads 22 Members in Sending a Letter to Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer in Support of America’s College Promise in the Reconciliation Package
Washington, DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) along with twenty-two Members of Congress sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer expressing their strong support for President Joe Biden's America's College Promise proposals to remain in the reconciliation package. In the letter, the Members state, "Thank you for your steadfast commitment and leadership in advancing President Biden's Build Back Better agenda through the process of budget reconciliation. As … Continue Reading
September 24, 2021
Rep. Takano Statement on House Passage of the Women’s Health Protection Act
Washington, DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement following the House passage of the Women's Health Protection Act, a bill that codifies the constitutional right to an abortion upheld in Roe v. Wade, creates federal protections against state laws that fail to protect women's access to reproductive health care and that intrude upon personal decision-making, and prohibits medically unwarranted restrictions that single out abortion services or the facilities that provide them. … Continue Reading
September 24, 2021
Rep. Takano Statement on House Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
Washington, DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement following the House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022. The NDAA authorizes $768 billion in discretionary spending for national defense to support servicemembers and their families, protect our national security, invest in emerging technologies, and honor our values. "The NDAA makes generational investments in our country and our servicemembers that will ensure our defense … Continue Reading
September 20, 2021
Rep. Mark Takano, Rep. Mark Pocan, and Rep. Chris Pappas Co-Lead Resolution Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the Enactment of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), along with Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), lead a resolution to recognize the 10th anniversary of the enactment of the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue," also known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was a policy that forced LGBQ servicemembers to conceal their sexual orientation to serve in the military. It was codified in the FY1994 National Defense Authorization Act and signed into law by … Continue Reading
July 29, 2021
Rep. Mark Takano Launches Bipartisan Congressional Energy Storage Caucus with Rep. John Curtis
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) launched the bipartisan Congressional Energy Storage Caucus with Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah) to unify energy storage efforts and initiatives and advance energy storage through legislation and advocacy. "The creation of the Congressional Energy Storage Caucus is an important environmental undertaking that will allow Congress to focus its resources on expanding and implementing our energy storage efforts," said Rep. Mark Takano. "We must … Continue Reading
July 27, 2021
Rep. Takano Introduces Legislation to Reduce the Standard Workweek to 32 Hours
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) introduced legislation that would reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours by lowering the maximum hours threshold for overtime compensation for non-exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). A shorter workweek would benefit both employers and employees alike. Pilot programs run by governments and businesses across the globe have shown promising results as productivity climbed and workers reported better … Continue Reading
July 16, 2021
Rep. Takano Secures $6 Million to Fund Community Development Projects Across Riverside County
Riverside, CA - The House Committee on Appropriations passed the FY22 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies spending bill, as well as the FY22 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies spending bill, which together include $6,050,000 that Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) helped secure to fund seven community development projects across Riverside County. The projects that were funded in the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and … Continue Reading
July 08, 2021
Rep. Takano Statement on Second Installment of GAO Report on the Use of Forensic Algorithms by Law Enforcement
Riverside, CA – Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement following the release of part two of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the use of forensic algorithms by law enforcement. The report titled, “Forensic Technology: Algorithms Strengthen Forensic Analysis, but Several Factors Can Affect Outcomes,” provides an assessment on the use of forensic algorithms and gives policy recommendations to help address challenges with the use of forensic … Continue Reading
July 02, 2021
Rep. Takano Applauds Biden Administration Action to Support Noncitizen Veterans, Servicemembers, and their Families
Riverside, CA - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, released this statement following a DHS and VA announcement of an initiative to support noncitizen servicemembers, veterans, and immediate family members. "Deported veterans are exiled from the country they were willing to die for, and their deportation prevents them from accessing the VA benefits they earned and that they are legally entitled to. Servicemembers and their families also … Continue Reading
July 02, 2021
Rep. Takano Secures $1 Million to Improve Access to Clean Water in Mead Valley
Washington, DC - The House Committee on Appropriations passed the FY22 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies spending bill which included $1 million that Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) helped secure to fund the Mead Valley Water Booster Station Replacement Project. The Mead Valley Water Booster Station, constructed in 1964, is nearing the end of its useful life. This project aims to rehabilitate the exhausted pumps at the facility to ensure that a traditionally underserved community in … Continue Reading
July 01, 2021
Rep. Takano Statement on Passage of the INVEST in America Act
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement following the House passage of the INVEST in America Act, a five-year, $715 billion surface transportation reauthorization and water infrastructure bill that will create jobs, invest in workers and communities of all sizes, and tackle the climate crisis head on. This bill includes $20 million in contract authority to fund the I-15 northern extension project, which Rep. Takano helped secure. "The INVEST in America Act … Continue Reading
June 30, 2021
Rep. Takano votes to Establish a Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Insurrection
Washington, DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) voted to establish a Select Committee to investigate the January 6th attack at the U.S. Capitol. H.Res. 503 will create a Select Committee charged with investigating and reporting upon the facts and causes, as well as making recommendations to prevent similar domestic terrorist attacks. "On January 6, 2021, Americans across the country watched as the U.S. Capitol was overrun by a violent mob of Trump supporters on a mission to stop the … Continue Reading
June 21, 2021
Rep. Takano Secures $20 Million to Fund the I-15 Northern Extension Project in the INVEST in America Act
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) announced $20 million in funding for the Interstate 15 (1-15) Northern Extension project. Rep. Takano's request for this funding was included in H.R. 2684, the INVEST in America Act, which advanced out of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on a bipartisan basis. "I submitted a funding request in support of the 1-15 Northern Extension project because it has the potential to create thousands of jobs across Southern … Continue Reading
June 17, 2021
Rep. Takano Votes to Repeal the 2002 Iraq AUMF
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) voted in favor of H.R. 256, Repealing the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. This legislation ensures that this obsolete authorization can no longer be used for unrelated military operations, while not precluding our nation from defending our military and diplomatic personnel in Iraq. "For nearly two decades, the 2002 Iraq AUMF has been used to justify unlawful military action in the Middle East … Continue Reading
June 16, 2021
Rep. Takano Reintroduces Unsubscribe Act to Protect Online Consumers
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) reintroduced the Unsubscribe Act to protect consumers from being tricked into paying monthly membership fees without their explicit consent. The bill directly addresses the business tactic of negative option billing, which allows a customer's inaction to serve as approval to be charged for goods or services. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. "We've all been there - we sign up for a free trial … Continue Reading
May 18, 2021
Rep. Mark Takano Statement on Passage of COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement following the House passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. This bill will designate an individual at the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review reports of hate crimes, and support state and local governments by creating online hate crime reporting processes, collecting data and expanding education campaigns, and establishing grants to combat the increase of anti-AAPI discrimination in America. "There have been more … Continue Reading
May 13, 2021
Rep. Mark Takano Announces More Than $171 Million for Local Colleges, Universities, and Students
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) announced more than $171 million in emergency funding for colleges, universities, and students in California's 41st Congressional District under the American Rescue Plan. The funding will help local institutions cope with the severe financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue serving their students safely. At least half of the funding each institution receives will be distributed in the form of emergency cash assistance grants … Continue Reading
May 06, 2021
Rep. Mark Takano: American Rescue Plan’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund Now Accepting Applications
Riverside, CA - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) announced that restaurants and other eligible businesses in Riverside County are now able to apply for direct relief through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Applicants can register on the U.S. Small Business Administration application portal. The $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund was created by the American Rescue Plan that Rep. Takano helped pass last month. "Democrats fought hard to include the Restaurant Revitalization Fund … Continue Reading
April 28, 2021
Rep. Mark Takano Statement on President Joe Biden’s First Joint Address to Congress
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement following President Joe Biden's first address before a joint session of Congress. "The American people once again have a compassionate leader in the White House that will take bold, necessary action to help our country bounce back from this crisis and lift up every American. Tonight, President Biden laid out a clear vision for his first term and the steps we need to take to help our country recover from the … Continue Reading