Press Releases
Local Muslim Activist Fauzia Rizvi to Join Rep. Takano at President’s Address to Congress
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) announced that local resident and Muslim activist Fauzia Rizvi will be his guest at President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night. "I am honored that Fauzia has agreed to join me in Washington during this contentious and challenging moment in our national debate," said Rep. Takano. "Fauzia is a strong and important voice in our community who works tirelessly to bridge the cultural divides that continue to … Continue Reading
February 17, 2017
Rep. Takano Introduces Unsubscribe Act to Protect Online Consumers
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) introduced 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. Online companies typically leverage negative option billing by enticing consumers with a one-time offer that turns into a monthly … Continue Reading
February 16, 2017
Rep. Takano Joined by CAPAC Leadership in Introducing Resolutions in Remembrance of Japanese American Internment
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) introduced two resolutions in remembrance of Japanese American internment. The first, introduced with Reps. Doris Matsui and Colleen Hanabusa, would establish a Day of Remembrance to reflect on the injustices endured by thousands of men, women, and children who were the victims of discrimination during World War II. The second would recognize Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution to honor Mr. Korematsu's lifelong fight … Continue Reading
February 07, 2017
Rep. Takano, Sen. Brown Introduce Bill to Help VA Attract and Retain Talented Medical Professionals
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) introduced the VA Employee Fairness Act to support the goal of building a talented workforce to care for America's veterans. The bill would create a better environment for attracting and retaining physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers by restoring collective bargaining rights to medical professionals at the Department of Veterans Affairs. While VA employees have had collectively bargain rights … Continue Reading
February 07, 2017
Rep. Takano Statement on March Air Reserve Base Chain of Command Ceremony
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the Change of Command Ceremony that took place this morning at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California. "Under the leadership of Major General John C. Flournoy, Jr., March Air Reserve Base maintained its critical role in our community and its important place in America's national security strategy. I am grateful for his service to our region and to the country, and I wish him the best on his … Continue Reading
February 07, 2017
On Day of DeVos Confirmation Vote, Rep. Takano Releases Progressive K-12 Education Agenda
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) unveiled a comprehensive Progressive K-12 Education Agenda calling for a commitment to public education, expanded access to early childhood education, and equal support and opportunities for low-income students. The agenda reveals the wide gap between progressive Democrats and Betsy DeVos in terms of both education policy priorities and expertise. "For decades, a strong education system has made it possible for generations of Americans to … Continue Reading
February 01, 2017
Rep. Mark Takano Statement on House Passage of H.J. Res. 38
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the House passed H.J. Res. 38, which employs the rarely used Congressional Review Act to eliminate the Stream Protection Rule. The rule updates existing mining regulations to prevent the pollution of streams resulting from mining activity. "If you own a coal mining company, own stock in coal mining companies, or receive donations from coal mining companies, you are rightfully celebrating the House … Continue Reading
February 01, 2017
Rep. Mark Takano Statement on Trump Administration Tapping Jerry Falwell Jr. to Lead Higher Education Panel
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the Trump administration reportedly tapped Jerry Falwell Jr. to lead a panel on reforming higher education. "Jerry Falwell Jr. checks all the boxes for an education post in the Trump administration: he is bigoted, unqualified, and reliably opposed to protecting students from predatory companies. As a gay man, I am enraged that his anti-LGBT rhetoric is being rewarded with a leadership post. As a … Continue Reading
January 31, 2017
Rep. Mark Takano Statement on Election As Vice Ranking Member of House Committee on Veterans Affairs
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement after his election as Vice Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. "Honoring the service of America's veterans has been one of my top priorities since my first days in Congress. It continues to be a privilege to help ensure that these brave men and women receive the care and support they have earned. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to build on … Continue Reading
January 27, 2017
Rep. Takano: Executive Order on Foreign Nationals, Refugees is a Moral Failure and Humanitarian Disaster
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif) released the following statement in response to President Trump's executive order calling for the suspension of visas to citizens of certain Middle-Eastern countries and the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. "President Trump's executive order turns America's back to the suffering of thousands of men, women, and children fleeing unspeakable violence. The ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Syria requires us to rise to the … Continue Reading
January 25, 2017
Rep. Takano: Executive Actions on Immigration Are Inhumane, Wasteful, and Unconstitutional
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif) released the following statement in response to President Trump's executive order calling for a wall on America's southern border and the targeting of sanctuary cities. "Today, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on immigration that is inhumane, wasteful, and illegal. Instead of investing in America's schools, rebuilding our infrastructure, or cutting taxes on the middle class, the president is moving forward with the … Continue Reading
January 18, 2017
Rep. Mark Takano Statement on Secretary of Education Nominee Betsy DeVos
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the Senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of Education nominee Betsy DeVos. "Last night, Betsy DeVos demonstrated to the public that she is fundamentally unprepared and unqualified to lead the Department of Education. Her apparent confusion over the basics of education policy - including the debate over progress and proficiency, the federal requirements protecting students with disabilities, and … Continue Reading
January 11, 2017
Rep. Mark Takano Statement on Nomination of David Shulkin as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement after President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Dr. David Shulkin as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Shulkin is currently the Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary of Health. "Dr. David Shulkin is a respected leader with the experience necessary to direct an organization as important and complex as the Department of Veterans Affairs. Over the past 18 months, … Continue Reading
January 09, 2017
Rep. Mark Takano Announces Support for Rep. Tim Walz for Ranking Member of House Veterans Committee in 115th Congress
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif) released the following statement announcing his support for Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), the highest ranking enlisted soldier ever to serve in Congress, for the position of Ranking Member of the House Veterans Committee in the 115th Congress. "The men and women who make incredible sacrifices to protect this nation do so with the promise that they will be cared for and supported when they come home. As a veteran and as a passionate advocate for … Continue Reading
December 13, 2016
Acting Ranking Member Takano Statement on ACICS
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Acting Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, released the following statement after the Department of Education formally terminated its recognition of The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accreditor of more than 200 for-profit schools. "I strongly support the Department of Education's decision to terminate its recognition of ACICS as a school accreditor. For many years, ACICS has enabled … Continue Reading
December 08, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Statement on Reported Labor Secretary Nominee Andy Puzder
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Mark Takano (D-Calif.) issued the following statement in response to numerous reports that fast-food CEO Andy Puzder will be President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Labor. "The Secretary of Labor is assigned the critical role of advocating for American workers and protecting working families from injustice and abuse. Nothing in Andy Puzder's record suggests that he is prepared to fulfill that responsibility. At nearly every opportunity, … Continue Reading
November 22, 2016
President-Elect Trump: No Help for Veterans in the First 100 Days
Washington, D.C. - Today, Acting Ranking Member Mark Takano issued the following statement in a response to a video released by President-elect Donald Trump outlining his priorities for the first 100 days of his administration. "Throughout his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump promised to make veterans a top priority in his administration. Two months before he even takes office, it appears he is already breaking that promise. Donald Trump's list of priorities for his first 100 days in … Continue Reading
November 17, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Calls on President-elect Trump to Denounce Comments on Japanese-American Internment
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement today calling on President-elect Donald Trump to denounce comments made by a surrogate, which referenced Japanese-American internment as precedent to justify a Muslim registry. "The imprisonment of thousands of Japanese-Americans during World War II, including my parents and grandparents, is widely understood to be one of the darkest chapters in American history. More than 100,000 Japanese-Americans were accused … Continue Reading
October 26, 2016
Acting Ranking Member Mark Takano Statement on Department of Defense Freezing Collection of National Guard Bonuses
Washington, D.C. - Today, Acting Ranking Member Mark Takano released the following statement on the Department of Defense's decision to freeze collection of California National Guard Bonuses. "I strongly support this step taken by the Department of Defense to suspend efforts to collect California National Guard enlistment bonuses awarded to servicemembers up to a decade ago. The men and women who stepped up to serve our nation in good faith should not be held accountable for other people's … Continue Reading
October 23, 2016
Acting Ranking Member Mark Takano Statement on Effort to Claw Back Bonuses Paid to Members of the California National Guard
Washington, D.C. - Acting Ranking Member Mark Takano released the following statement regarding the Los Angeles Times story describing efforts to claw back bonuses and benefits improperly paid to members of the California National Guard 10 years ago. "I am appalled by the California National Guard's effort to claw back bonuses and benefits improperly paid to service members 10 years ago. Those who served in the California National Guard bear no responsibility for the mistakes and misconduct … Continue Reading