Press Releases
Rep. Mark Takano Applauds Department of Education for Blocking ITT Tech From Enrolling Students with Federal Aid
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the Department of Education banned ITT Technical Institute from enrolling new students with federal aid. "For too long, the for-profit education sector has been allowed to exist free from oversight or accountability. As a result, several bad actors in the industry have built profitable companies on the pillars of deceptive marketing tactics and unethical business practices. The Department of Education's … Continue Reading
July 20, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Releases Statement on Passing of Rep. Mark Takai
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement today on the passing of Congressman Mark Takai. "Today, the world lost a kind man, this Congress lost a great leader, and many of us lost a dear friend. I am heartbroken by the passing of Congressman Mark Takai. "Mark will always be remembered for his incredible spirit, which he bravely maintained throughout his illness, and the lifetime he spent working to strengthen his community. I feel lucky to have called … Continue Reading
July 11, 2016
Rep. Takano Becomes Acting Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement on becoming the Acting Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. "I am humbled to assume the role of Acting Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, in accordance with the rules of the Democratic Caucus. I am committed to working with my colleagues to provide our nation's veterans the care and support they … Continue Reading
July 08, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Releases Statement on Dallas Shootings
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the attack that killed five Dallas police officers and wounded seven more. "I am stunned by the heinous and despicable attack on Dallas police officers last night. An attack on the men and women who risk their lives to keep us safe is an attack on all of us. The entire nation grieves for the victims and their families. "We cannot allow this tragedy to deepen our divisions or intensify our distrust. We must … Continue Reading
July 07, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Releases Statement on Shooting Deaths in Louisiana and Minnesota
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, who lost their lives during encounters with law enforcement officials in Louisiana and Minnesota, respectively: "The deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile are horrific tragedies and my heart goes out to their families and loved ones. "These two shootings, which took place in the same 48 hours, are not isolated incidents. They reflect a … Continue Reading
June 27, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Statement on Supreme Court Ruling in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after the Supreme Court struck down H.B. 2, a Texas law intended to restrict women's access to health services. "Today, the Supreme Court affirmed every woman's right to make her own health care decisions and ensured that women in Texas and across the nation will have access to safe and affordable health services. This is unquestionably the most significant victory for women's health since Roe v. Wade. "H.B. 2 was a … Continue Reading
June 23, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano: Supreme Court Decision in US v Texas is Deeply Disappointing
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after the Supreme Court's 4-4 split decision on U.S. v Texas upheld a block on President Obama's executive actions on immigration, which established DAPA and expanded DACA. "I am deeply disappointed and frustrated by the Supreme Court's split decision on U.S. v Texas. Because of this deadlock, millions of families will continue to live with the constant fear and threat of being separated through deportation. President … Continue Reading
June 21, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Applauds Passage of Bill to Facilitate Transfer of Ontario International Airport to Local Control
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 4369, a bill to facilitate the transfer of the Ontario International Airport to local control from the City of Los Angeles. "I applaud the House for taking this important step to support the transfer of the Ontario International Airport to local control. "While the number of flights offered at Ontario Airport has decreased, the demand for those flights has not. The result is that an … Continue Reading
June 13, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Statement on Mass Shooting in Orlando
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement regarding the tragic mass shooting at Pulse, an iconic gay nightclub in Orlando. "I am heartbroken for the victims of this tragedy and their families. There are no words that can lessen their loss or heal their pain, but I hope they find some comfort knowing the LGBT community and the entire country grieve with them in this difficult time. "On too many occasions, the LGBT community has been forced to overcome … Continue Reading
June 07, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano: GOP Poverty Plan is Textbook Definition of Recycling Failed Policies
Washington DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement in response to House Republicans' anti-poverty platform released this morning. "Despite a new name and fresh branding, the poverty plan released today by Speaker Paul Ryan is nothing more than a collection of rejected and repackaged ideas that will do nothing to help the 45 million Americans living in poverty. In fact, many of our poorest residents - most notably low-income veterans- will face severe hardship if … Continue Reading
May 27, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Applauds President Obama’s Call for Peace, Nuclear Disarmament in Speech at Hiroshima
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after President Obama's speech in Hiroshima, Japan. "This morning, President Obama delivered a powerful message to the world about the lessons of Hiroshima and articulated a vision for a peaceful future free from the suffering and destruction caused by nuclear weapons. His visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial was historic and profoundly meaningful in reminding us of the complexities of war and the urgent need to … Continue Reading
May 23, 2016
House Passes Veterans Transition Assistance Bill Sponsored By Rep. Mark Takano
Washington DC - Today, the House passed the Improving Transition Programs for All Veterans Act, HR 5229, which requires the VA to examine if the existing Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is meeting the unique needs of specific veterans' groups. The bill is cosponsored by Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) and Rep. Amata Radewagen (R-AS) and will help ensure women veterans, Native American veterans, veterans from the U.S. territories, and veterans with disabilities receive the support they need to … Continue Reading
May 18, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Statement on National Defense Authorization Act
Washington DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after he voted to oppose the National Defense Authorization Act. "As a strong supporter of our military and veterans community, I looked forward to voting for a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that reflected our country's priorities and principles. Unfortunately, the bill offered on the House floor this evening fell well short of that standard. I cannot support a bill that includes anti-LGBT provisions and I … Continue Reading
May 18, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Applauds New Overtime Protections for Middle Class Workers
Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after the Department of Labor published a new rule restoring overtime eligibility for salaried workers. "The Administration took a bold step today toward increasing middle class wages, addressing income inequality, and rebalancing the economy to ensure every family has a fair shot at financial security. After four decades without a meaningful update, federal overtime protections were severely outdated, forcing many salaried employees … Continue Reading
May 10, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Applauds President Obama’s Decision to Visit Hiroshima
Washington DC -Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after the White House announced President Obama will visit Hiroshima, Japan, later this month. "I strongly support President Obama's decision to become the first sitting American president to visit Hiroshima, Japan. The bombing of Hiroshima is perhaps the world's most poignant reminder of the complexities of war and the unequaled destruction caused by nuclear weapons. Given the mounting challenges to global peace and … Continue Reading
April 29, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Slams Passage of DC Voucher Reauthorization Bill
Washington DC -Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement today after the House passed the SOAR Act, H.R. 4901, a bill that reauthorizes the DC voucher program. "I am extremely disappointed that the House has once again voted to reauthorize the DC Voucher program. Public schools represent the duty we have to provide every student, in every community with an education that helps them realize their full potential. Voucher programs prevent us from fulfilling that duty. "Taxpayer … Continue Reading
April 28, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Introduces Legislation to Advance Grid Storage
Washington DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced the Advancing Grid Storage Act of 2016, which will create an energy storage research program, loan program, and technical assistance program at the Department of Energy. "As Co-Chair of the Battery Energy Storage Caucus, I believe energy storage is critical to creating a modernized grid and making renewables a more reliable energy source," said Rep. Takano. "This bill provides the needed research investments and programs to build on … Continue Reading
April 21, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano to President Obama: Lead the World to Hiroshima
Washington DC -Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) sent an open letter to President Obama today encouraging him to become the first sitting American president to visit Hiroshima, Japan. It comes a week after Secretary of State John Kerry urged all world leaders to visit the site to remind themselves of the complexities and consequences of war. Rep. Takano visited Hiroshima for the first time in 2002, accompanied by a relative who survived the atomic bomb. After that experience, he writes, "the atomic … Continue Reading
April 13, 2016
Reps. Takano, Hanna Introduce Bipartisan Bill Addressing National Teacher Shortage
Washington DC - Today, Reps. Mark Takano (D-CA) and Richard Hanna (R-NY) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve teacher recruitment and retention by making loan forgiveness options more accessible to educators. The bill is a response to a national teacher shortage that is making it difficult for school districts to fill open positions. Enrollment in teacher preparation programs dropped by 30 percent between 2010 and 2014. There are two primary federal loan forgiveness programs … Continue Reading
April 04, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Applauds $15 Minimum Wage Laws in California and New York
Washington DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after California Governor Jerry Brown and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed laws that will phase in a $15 minimum wage. "I emphatically support the bold action taken today in California and New York to adopt a phased-in $15 minimum wage. An overwhelming majority of Americans support increasing the minimum wage because they believe - as I do - that no one working full time in America should live in poverty. … Continue Reading