Madam Chair, this amendment would codify President Trump's executive order banning transgender Americans from serving in the United States military. Since that order came down, the military branches have forced out Americans who have served their country bravely and honorably, leaving entire professional careers behind and gaps in the units and chains of command they once held together. This amendment would codify that exclusion into law. There are no grounds to exclude trans people from the military except for hatred, prejudice, and bigotry.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+13R shift +2$525K raised
Mark Takano
Representative · California · Democrat
Mark Takano
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight for the American people just how badly the Republican majority has failed veterans in this Congress. First, before I get into that, I want to talk about something especially important. September is Suicide Prevention Month. We lose far too many veterans to suicide. Suicide Prevention Month is a perfect time to bring attention to this critical issue and to show support for veterans who need it. It is important to remind veterans that the Veterans Crisis Line is always reachable at 988 and you need to press 1.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8823, Putting Patients First by Strengthening Provider Accountability in FECA Act. Providers are the greatest source of fraud in the Federal Employees' Compensation Act program, otherwise known as FECA. For example, during this committee's oversight of the opioid crisis, we learned about corrupt compounding pharmacies that were crushing up pills and putting them into creams, even though the medicines in those pills were not absorbed through the skin. A 15-ounce tube of this useless cream got charged to the FECA program for $15,000.
Biography
Mark Takano, a former public school teacher, was elected to represent California’s 39th district in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012. He has prioritized veterans’ affairs, educational opportunity, and LGBTQ+ rights throughout his tenure. As Chair of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Takano led bipartisan efforts to expand healthcare access and improve mental health services for veterans. He also authored legislation to address student loan debt and workplace discrimination. Takano is known for his collaborative approach and a commitment to inclusive representation for his diverse district.
Education
- M.A. in Fine Arts, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA2010
- B.A. in Government, Harvard College, Cambridge, MA1983
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2013-PresentRepresenting California's 39th district
Public School Teacher
Policy Focus
Armed Forces and National Security36%
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues13%
Crime and Law Enforcement10%
Immigration8%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Mark Takano's record in Congress.
Veterans' Education Benefits
Authored the Forever GI Bill, expanding education benefits for veterans and their families.
LGBTQ+ Rights Advocacy
Introduced and supported the Equality Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Veterans' Suicide Prevention
Championed the Veterans' ACCESS Act, improving mental health care access for veterans to prevent suicide.
Workforce Development
Secured funding for local job training programs in Riverside County to boost employment opportunities.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Veterans' AffairsRanking Member
- House Committee on Education and Workforce
Rep. Mark Takano FAQ
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