Press Releases
Rep. Takano Unveils First Bill to Congress - The VetSuccess Enhancement Act
Riverside CA - Earlier today in a press conference, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) unveiled the first piece of legislation he will introduce to Congress - the VetSuccess Enhancement Act.With far too many disabled veterans no longer eligible to participate, The VetSuccess Enhancement Act extends the Department of Veterans Affairs' Rehabilitation & Education (VR&E) VetSuccess program eligibility period by 5 years - from 12 years from their date of separation to 17 years.During the press … Continue Reading
February 14, 2013
Rep. Takano: House Republican Leadership is Stalling on Sequestration Negotiations
Washington DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) released the following information on the impact the drastic, across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration would have on our nation and the Inland Empire:The EconomyThe Congressional Budget Office projects sequestration would cut economic growth in 2013 by half.George Mason University estimated a loss of 2.14 million jobs nationally, half of which would come from small businesses.An estimated 10 percent of the FAA's Air Traffic … Continue Reading
February 12, 2013
Ranking Member Mark Takano Statement on President Obama’s Proposal of Withdrawing 34,000 Troops from Afghanistan by 2014
Washington DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), the Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, released the following statement after it was revealed that President Obama plans to announce a drawdown of 34,000 troops from Afghanistan in the State of the Union speech tonight:"I commend the President for keeping his promise to end the War in Afghanistan and bring 34,000 troops home safely this year. The men and women who serve our nation exemplify … Continue Reading
February 12, 2013
Rep. Takano Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Speech
Washington DC - Following President Obama's State of the Union speech Tuesday night, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) released the statement below:s"Tonight, President Obama laid out his vision for his second term and the steps needed to create jobs and grow the middle class, which has served as our economic backbone for so long. By investing in manufacturing, education, infrastructure, and clean energy, we can create an economy that is built to last and breaks the vicious boom/bust cycles we've … Continue Reading
February 11, 2013
Rep. Takano Announces Local Leader Mary Figueroa as Guest for President Obama’s State of The Union
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) announced local leader and elected official Mary Figueroa as his guest for President Obama's 2013 State of the Union. Since the age of 16, Ms. Figueroa has been involved in local politics and community activism in the Inland Empire area. Ms. Figueroa's dedication to the region was recognized in 2005 as she was awarded the "Inland Empire Influential Latino of the Year Award." In addition to serving as a correctional counselor at the … Continue Reading
February 08, 2013
Rep. Takano Statement on the Death of a Riverside Police Officer
Washington, DC - Earlier today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) released this statement following the death of a Riverside Police Officer:"My thoughts and prayers are with the family members and friends of the Riverside Police Officers who were ambushed earlier this week. I join the Riverside community and the Riverside Police Department in mourning the loss of the slain officer and promise that his dedication and service will not be … Continue Reading
February 06, 2013
Rep. Takano: “The Budgets Passed By the House Republicans Are Less Valuable Than the Paper They Are Written On”
Washington DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives regarding H.R. 444 (Require a PLAN Act). During the proceedings, Rep. Takano offered an amendment to the legislation, which blames President Obama alone for the national debt. The amendment changes the Findings section of the bill to reflect Congress' Constitutional responsibility to pass budgets and appropriate funds. Original Text: (3) Since taking office, the President has al-lowed the … Continue Reading
February 05, 2013
Rep. Takano Joins Bipartisan Small Business Caucus
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Reps. Scott Tipton (R-CO) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) announced the formation of a bipartisan caucus committed to open dialogue on the issues that most impact small businesses. Members of the Congressional Small Business Caucus are dedicated to advancing efforts to foster the economic certainty needed for small businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed and create jobs. In addition to Tipton and Pingree, 19 Members of Congress have joined the Small Business Caucus to date … Continue Reading
January 25, 2013
Rep. Takano Signs on as Cosponsor to Voter Empowerment Act
Washington DC - Representative Mark Takano (D-Riverside) joined over one-hundred Members of Congress as a cosponsor to the Voter Empowerment Act, introduced by Representative James Clyburn. This past election cycle, many complaints emerged of voters encountering problems while attempting to cast their ballot. The Voter Empowerment Act aims to alleviate these issues by modernizing the American voting system with streamlined registration, equal access to the ballot box, and the elimination of … Continue Reading
January 23, 2013
Rep. Takano Votes Yes on Proposal to Raise Debt Ceiling
Washington DC - Earlier today, Representative Mark Takano (D-Riverside) voted "yes" on the latest proposal to raise the debt ceiling.The proposal, which temporarily raises the debt ceiling limit, passed the House of Representatives 285 to 144. After the vote, Rep. Takano commented on the bill saying, "While I am disappointed that this bill is a temporary fix, this extension is an important step in shoring up confidence amongst businesses and consumers to provide Congress an opportunity to work … Continue Reading
January 17, 2013
Rep. Mark Takano Appointed Ranking Member for Economic Opportunity Subcommittee
Washington DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) was appointed to the position of Ranking Member for the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee in the House of Representatives, which falls under the Veteran's Affairs Committee. Following his appointment, Takano released the following statement:"I'm looking forward to serving as the Ranking Member on the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee for the House Veteran's Affairs Committee. The 41st District of California has deep military roots and this … Continue Reading
January 16, 2013
Rep. Mark Takano Throws Support Behind President Obama’s Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence
Washington DC - Earlier today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) threw his support behind the proposals presented by President Obama on addressing the level of gun violence in America. During the event, President Obama signed twenty-three executive actions and asked for Congressional action on reinstating the ban of military style weapons, eliminating armor-piercing bullets, limiting the capacity of ammunition magazines, increasing funding for police officers, mental health services, and more. … Continue Reading
January 08, 2013
Rep. Takano Issues Statement on Second Anniversary of Tucson Shooting
Washington DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) issued the following statement on the second anniversary of the 2011 Tucson Shooting, which killed six and injured fourteen, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:"We all remember where we were when we heard the tragic news of the events that took place on January 8, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona. That day, six Americans were taken from their families, and fourteen others were injured in a senseless act of violence during an event held by Congresswoman … Continue Reading
January 07, 2013
Rep. Takano Issues Statement on Being Appointed to the House Science, Space and Technology Committee
Washington DC - Representative Mark Takano (D-Riverside) was appointed by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. Following his appointment, Takano issued the following statement:"I'm pleased to learn of my appointment to the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. As the committee with jurisdiction over the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), space exploration, aerospace, energy research and development, and marine … Continue Reading
January 04, 2013
Rep. Takano Issues Statement on Superstorm Sandy Aid Vote
Washington DC - Representative Mark Takano (D-Riverside) voted in favor of $9.7 billion in aid for residents affected by Superstorm Sandy. Following its passage, Takano issued the following statement: "The havoc caused by Superstorm Sandy last October has proven to be devastating for residents on the East Coast. With damages estimated in tens of billions, the recovery effort promises to take months, if not years. "I'm pleased to have one of my first votes be in favor of aiding those affected … Continue Reading
January 03, 2013
Rep. Mark Takano Statement Upon Being Sworn In To Congress
Washington DC - Representative Mark Takano issued the following statement today after the swearing in ceremony for the 113th Congress:"Earlier today, I had the great privilege of taking an oath to uphold the Constitution and be sworn in as a Member of the 113th Congress. My very presence in the peoples chamber confirms what I have always known about this great nation - that no matter who you are, where you're from or who you love , the American Dream is within reach for anyone willing to … Continue Reading