Press Releases
Acting Ranking Member Takano Issues Statement After President Signs Extension of Vital Veterans’ Programs, West Los Angeles Leasing Act
Washington, D.C. - Today, Acting Ranking Member Mark Takano released the following statement after President Obama signed into law the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2016 and the West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016. "In signing these two pieces of legislation into law, President Obama has ensured that the programs and services veterans rely on every day will continue without interruption, and that the long struggle over the West Los Angeles VA campus is finally … Continue Reading
September 28, 2016
Acting Ranking Member Takano and Progressive Co-Caucus Chairs Grijalva, Ellison Introduce Resolution Opposing VHA Privatization
Washington, D.C. - Today, Acting Ranking Member Mark Takano joined Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Raúl Grijalva and Keith Ellison to introduce a House resolution pledging to maintain a robust Veterans Health Administration and oppose the privatization of veterans' health care. "The Veterans Health Administration represents our commitment to provide quality health care to America's veterans, and that commitment cannot be outsourced to the for-profit health care … Continue Reading
September 28, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Statement on House Passage of Bill Delaying Implementation of Overtime Rule
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the House passed HR 6094, the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act, which would delay the implementation of the Department of Labor's overtime rule for six months. "Working families have waited nearly four decades for the Department of Labor to fully restore their overtime protections, yet Republicans continue to work to deny these workers the pay and time they have earned. … Continue Reading
September 20, 2016
Acting Ranking Member Takano Applauds DeVry Education Group for Taking Steps to Protect Students Veterans and Service Members
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Acting Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, expressed strong support for DeVry Education Group's announcement that it will voluntarily limit the amount of federal funding it receives and close a loophole that encourages aggressive recruitment of student veterans and service members. In a statement released this morning, DeVry pledged to receive no more than 85 percent of revenue from federal sources, compared to … Continue Reading
September 19, 2016
Acting Ranking Member Takano Introduces SERVICE Act to Keep America’s Promise to Veterans
Washington, D.C. - Today, Acting Ranking Member Mark Takano unveiled the Supporting, Employing, and Recognizing Veterans In Communities Everywhere (SERVICE) Act, H.R. 6062, a robust package of progressive priorities for dramatically improving the care and support provided to America's veterans. The legislation addresses several key issues affecting the veterans community, including health care, education, homelessness, and accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs. "The SERVICE … Continue Reading
September 14, 2016
House Passes Vital Legislation to Extend Veterans’ Programs, Address Veterans’ Homelessness, and Protect Student Veterans
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Acting Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, applauded the House for passing two key pieces of legislation this week that will provide care and support to the veterans' community. The West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016, H.R. 5936, will resolve the long struggle over the West Los Angeles VA campus to ensure it meaningfully supports the veterans' community in Southern California for years to come. In doing so, it will … Continue Reading
September 06, 2016
Acting Ranking Member Takano Seeks Support for Student Veterans Affected by ITT Tech Closur
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Acting Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, called on Congress to immediately advance legislation to aid student veterans enrolled at ITT Technical Institute after the for-profit school abruptly closed today. ITT Tech's closure leaves roughly 12,500 veterans and their dependents without the job prospects they were promised or the benefits they need to continue their education. "The sudden shuttering of ITT Tech will hurt … Continue Reading
August 26, 2016
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