Press Releases
Rep. Takano Statement on Trump Administration’s Decision to Repeal Clean Power Plan
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement today in response to the Trump administration's decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan, which was adopted by President Obama to curb greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. "The Trump administration's decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan is yet another example of its willingness to ignore scientific facts and endanger the health of our communities just to protect the profits of fossil fuel companies. The … Continue Reading
October 06, 2017
Five House Democrats Visit Deported Veterans in Search of Solutions to Honor Their Service
Tijuana, Mexico - A congressional delegation, led by Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), met with deported veterans today to understand and address the barriers that prevent them from accessing the veterans benefits they earned through their service. The visit to the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana, Mexico, revealed significant opportunities for the Department of Veterans' Affairs and Congress to work together to improve the lives of those who served. The delegation included Reps. Lou … Continue Reading
October 02, 2017
Rep. Takano Statement on Las Vegas Tragedy
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement in response to the horrific tragedy in Las Vegas. "I am heartbroken and sickened by the tragedy that struck Las Vegas last night. My thoughts and condolences are with the victims and their loved ones during this incredibly painful time. Words cannot express my gratitude to the law enforcement officers and first responders who put their lives on the line in the service of others. "Tonight, parents will … Continue Reading
September 27, 2017
Rep. Takano: GOP Tax Plan is Yet Another Assault on California
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement in response to the Republican tax framework unveiled this morning. "For a second time this week, Republicans have released a major policy proposal that would severely damage California's economy. Like the GOP health care plan, the tax proposal released today steals money from California and redistributes it to states that are coincidentally more politically aligned with the Republican agenda. "Eliminating … Continue Reading
September 05, 2017
Rep. Takano: President Trump Shows Cruelty, Cowardice in DACA Decision
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif) released the following statement after the Trump administration announced it will end the DACA program in six months and that no new applications will be processed. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program grants temporary protected status to 800,000 law-abiding and productive young immigrants who have built their lives in America. "President Trump's decision to end the DACA program is a case study in cruelty and cowardice. If the … Continue Reading
August 31, 2017
Rep. Takano Reacts to Texas Court Decision on Overtime Rule
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, released the following statement after a Texas federal judge invalidated the Obama Administration's updated overtime rule, which would extend overtime protections to millions of middle-class workers. "I strongly disagree with the court's ruling and believe the Department of Labor under President Obama and Secretary Perez was well within its authority to provide the first meaningful … Continue Reading
August 30, 2017
Rep. Takano: Trump Administration is Turning Education Department into an Accomplice in For-Profit Fraud
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif) released the following statement after the Trump administration tapped Julian Schmoke Jr., a former for-profit college executive, to lead the Education Department's Student Aid Enforcement Unit, which is responsible for policing fraudulent and deceptive practices at colleges and universities. Schmoke Jr.'s previous employer, DeVry University, recently reached a $100 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission in response to … Continue Reading
August 24, 2017
Rep. Takano Statement on War in Afghanistan
Riverside, Calif. - Rep. Takano released the following statement in response to President Trump's speech regarding the War in Afghanistan. "I am extremely concerned by President Trump's decision to commit 4,000 more young Americans to the war in Afghanistan without a defined mission and clear goals. It is not clear how the plan outlined on Monday will move us closer to stabilizing the region. Instead, it will prolong a conflict that has already cost taxpayers more than a trillion dollars … Continue Reading
August 16, 2017
Rep. Takano Statement on “Forever GI Bill” Signing
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), vice ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, released the following statement after the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, commonly known as the "Forever GI Bill," was signed into law. "Every veteran who serves this nation deserves an opportunity to live a rewarding, purposeful, and prosperous civilian life. The Forever GI Bill secures that opportunity for generations of future veterans and … Continue Reading
August 01, 2017
Rep. Takano Statement on Anti-Semitic Sermon
Riverside, Calif. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement condemning the anti-Semitic comments made by Imam Mahmoud Harmoush during a recent sermon at the Islamic Center of Riverside. "The comments made by Imam Mahmoud Harmoush are dangerous, offensive, and entirely inconsistent with the tolerant and respectful views routinely expressed by local Muslim leaders. Trust and respect between diverse communities is fundamental to overcoming the religious, cultural, and … Continue Reading
August 01, 2017
Rep. Takano Statement on VA Inspector General Report Linking VA Choice Program to Increased Risk of Opioid Addiction
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), vice ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, issued the following statement after a Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General report found that veterans receiving non-VA care through the VA Choice program faced greater risk of opioid addiction. "The Inspector General's report identifying increased risk of opioid addiction for veterans receiving non-VA care through the Choice program requires immediate action … Continue Reading
August 01, 2017
Rep. Takano Statement on Clinical Assessment Program (CAP) Review of Loma Linda VA
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), vice ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, issued the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs released its Clinical Assessment Program (CAP) Review of the Loma Linda VA. "The Department of Veterans Affairs' CAP Review of the Loma Linda VA health system is encouraging in some critical areas but reflects significant room for improvement in others. Its finding that facilities within the Loma Linda … Continue Reading
July 28, 2017
Rep. Takano Statement on VA Choice Extension
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), vice ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, released the following statement after the House passed a short-term funding patch for the VA Choice Program, which included provisions to help the VA solve critical workforce challenges. "The VA Choice funding extension passed in the House today is critical to preventing unacceptable disruptions in veterans' care. It also includes important investments in the Department of … Continue Reading
July 27, 2017
Rep. Takano Statement on Joint Employer Legislation
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, released the following statement in response to legislation introduced in the House to redefine the joint employer standard. "The joint employer standard under the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act prevents employers from outsourcing accountability for complying with workplace laws. The legislation introduced today weakens that standard and it weakens … Continue Reading
July 26, 2017
Rep. Takano Statement on Transgender Military Ban
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), vice ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, released the following statement in response to President Trump's announcement that he will ban transgender Americans from military service. "President Trump's decision to kick transgender service members out of the military reflects no understanding or appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who serve. Every American who is willing to risk their life to defend our freedom … Continue Reading
July 25, 2017
Rep. Takano: Overtime Rule Needs to Be Implemented, Not Rewritten
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, released the following statement after the Department of Labor filed a Request for Information, which is intended to delay, weaken, and eventually repeal the overtime rule. The rule, finalized under the Obama administration, would restore overtime protections to millions of middle-class American workers. "In an administration defined by chaos and instability, President Trump's … Continue Reading
July 24, 2017
Rep. Takano: House Passage of “Forever GI Bill” is a Victory for America’s Veterans
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), vice ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, released the following statement after the House passed the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, commonly known as the "Forever GI Bill." "Today the House voted to secure the GI Bill for future generations of American veterans and protect every veteran's right to a rewarding, purposeful, and prosperous civilian life. This is a victory for America's … Continue Reading
July 20, 2017
Rep. Takano Introduces Bill to Prevent Deportation of American Veterans
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), vice ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, introduced legislation today that would prevent deportation of American veterans. The Second Chance for Service Act provides the Department of Homeland Security with flexibility to approve a veteran's naturalization application despite criminal convictions in their record. "America is a country that believes in second chances, and few deserve a second chance as much these … Continue Reading
July 19, 2017
Rep. Takano: Committee Vote is a Major Step Toward Securing GI Bill for Future Generations of Veterans
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), vice chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, released the following statement after the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs passed the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, which expands and secures the GI Bill for America's veterans. "Today's bipartisan vote is a major step toward securing the GI Bill for generations of future veterans. I applaud the leadership Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz, … Continue Reading
July 18, 2017
GI Bill to Include Rep. Takano Proposal to Fully Restore of Benefits for Veterans Harmed by Abrupt School Closures
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) applauded the decision by Chairman Phil Roe to include - in the bipartisan GI Bill proposal - his proposal to fully restore benefits for student veterans impacted by an abrupt school closure. The provision, which applies retroactively, will provide relief to the thousands of students veterans left with non-transferrable credits and depleted GI Bill benefits when schools shut down without warning, including ITT Technical Institute and … Continue Reading