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July 30, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39), who is the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement on the scheduled closure of the March Air Reserve Base exchange: 

“I am deeply concerned about the scheduled closure of the base exchange (BX) at March Air Reserve Base. Thousands of veterans and servicemembers rely on the BX every month for lower-cost goods and groceries. This closure will have a significant impact on their lives and pocketbooks. I will be speaking with my colleagues in Congress and the Biden Administration to see what can be done.”

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July 23, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Mark Takano (CA-39) and Raul Ruiz (CA-25) secured an additional $50 million for Eastern Municipal Water District for desalination projects in Southern California.

The additional funds were included in the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) that passed the House yesterday. Following final passage and signage of WRDA, a total of $100 million will be allocated to Eastern Municipal Water District to boost their South Perris Desalination Program.

The proposed Stage II of this desalination program is expected to add up to 5.4 million gallons of potable water per day for customers.

“EMWD sincerely thanks its congressional delegation for securing this very important provision in the House’s WRDA 2024 measure.” EMWD Board Vice President Stephen J. Corona said. “The language they championed in this bill will expand a critical project which has created a new and sustainable local water supply for Western Riverside County.  Thisis major win for water ratepayers in EMWD’s service area that spans four congressional districts.  We are extremely grateful for the steadfast and bipartisan support of the South Perris Groundwater Desalination program over the years — the success of this undertaking would not have been possible without these efforts.”

“Californians understand how precious water is. I am proud to authorize an additional $50 million to Eastern Municipal Water District to complete their desalination projects,” said Congressman Takano. “This funding will greatly reduce the strain of water demand in a way which is greener and cleaner than before. I am proud that nearly 12,000 households across the Inland Empire will benefit from the increased supply this treatment center will produce.”

“Creating and expanding access to local water resources is critical for the families and individuals I serve,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. “This additional $50 million to Eastern Municipal Water District represents a significant investment in new, sustainable local water supplies that will be cleaner and more accessible than ever before.”

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July 23, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39) released the following statement regarding his decision not to attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s joint address to Congress:

“For weeks I have wrestled with whether or not to attend Prime Minister Netanyahu’s joint address before Congress. In recent months, I’ve grown increasingly troubled by Mr. Netanyahu’s actions, which have sought to further his own political survival rather than securing the return of hostages and a much-needed ceasefire. As someone who cares deeply about Israel, I recognize that any path towards a permanent peace must begin with a bilateral ceasefire. Mr. Netanyahu has consistently demonstrated that he is an obstacle to the peace that both Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve.

“It is apparent Republican leadership have given this platform to the Prime Minister in order to sow division amongst Members of Congress during this precarious time. Rather than engage in political games, I plan to meet with Israeli citizens during the morning of the address to support families that have suffered in the wake of the October 7th attack. It is critical to elevate the stories of those who were directly affected by the initial attack and who have further suffered due to Netanyahu’s indifference to securing the return of hostages still held by Hamas.

“The Prime Minister has shown us time and time again his disinterest in achieving a peace that would bring safety and security to Israelis and Palestinians. He has prolonged the conflict that arose after Hamas’s unprovoked attack, has ignored the pleas of Israeli citizens to focus on bringing home the remaining hostages, and has rebuffed concerns from Israel’s allies about the growing humanitarian cost this war is placing on innocent Palestinians. For those reasons I will not be attending the joint address.”

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July 10, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39) spoke in opposition to H.J.Res.165, a piece of legislation that seeks to upend recent Biden Administration updates to Title IX.

Rep. Takano released a statement in April when the Department of Education released a finalized rule to Title IX to include explicit protections for LGBTQ+ students in schools receiving federal funds. 

WATCH REP. TAKANO’S FULL REMARKS

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery:

I rise in strong opposition to the resolution.

The Biden Administration’s rule strengthens and clarifies protections against sex-based harassment and discrimination for LGBTQI+, pregnant and parenting students. Consistent with the Bostock decision, the final rule clarifies that Title IX’s protections extend to cover discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, sex characteristics, and sex stereotypes.

This is gravely needed for LGBTQI+ students. Currently, 83% of LGBTQI+ students face victimization at school. In states with laws that specifically target gay and transgender youth, the rate of hate crimes in schools has quadrupled.

For these students, the explicit protections the Biden Administration has finalized will make a life-changing difference. This rule will decrease absenteeism, improve mental health, and allow students recourse when they are the targets of harassment and violence.

Republicans, however, are seeking to overturn a rule precisely because of the protections it extends to queer students—and with the passage of this resolution, tear down ALL of the protections that this essential rule clarifies.

This resolution will have drastic consequences: the protections that the Administration offers for pregnant and parenting students would also be overturned. Survivors of sexual harassment and assault will continue to face significant barriers to completing their education.

While Republicans claim that this resolution is in the interest of women’s rights, their proposed solution will make the situation worse for female students.

What overturning this rule does is exacerbate existing inequalities, prevent any future administration from enacting a similar rule, then place the blame solely on the LGBTQI+ community. It is shortsighted, petty, and cruel.

I will vote against overturning this rule and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

I yield back.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Reps. Darren Soto (FL-09) and Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) led a letter to President Donald J. Trump and Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management Charles Ezell expressing their concerns over reported cuts to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s budget and personnel, and the potential impact these reductions may have on the future of the Artemis space exploration program, our national aerospace industry—including at Cape Canaveral in Florida—and the broader mission of space exploration. 

“We believe the reported cuts to NASA’s budget and personnel would be unlawful because Congress has already appropriated these funds specifically for NASA. We are particularly concerned to hear about the reported layoffs at the Kennedy Space Center, where over one hundred dedicated employees have lost their jobs amid what was already a staffing crisis,” wrote the Members. “Reports indicate that more cuts could be on the way. These cuts could hinder our nation’s ability to sustain momentum in our pursuit of a Moon landing, Mars exploration, and broader space initiatives.” 

“The space race is no longer just a race for prestige; it is a race for scientific discovery, national security, and economic prosperity. Without the robust support of NASA, our country risks falling behind in these crucial areas, with other nations accelerating their own space programs and potentially surpassing us in key areas of space technology and exploration,” continued the Members. “Moreover, the space program is a source of immense national pride. It unites Americans acrosspolitical and geographical divides in our shared goal to explore the unknown, reach new heights, and inspire future generations. Any cuts to NASA’s funding undermine this critical source of inspiration and pride.”

In addition to Reps. Soto and Frost, the letter was signed by Reps. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Troy Carter, Sr. (LA-02), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Haley Stevens (MI-11). 

For the full text of the letter, please click here. 

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