January 13, 2025

Ranking Member Takano Applauds Los Angeles VA’s Response During Ongoing Wildfires

Press Contact

Libby Carlson -- 771-216-2280

WASHINGTON, DC – Today House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39) released the following statement praising the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles (GLA) Healthcare System for its ongoing response to the wildfires in Los Angeles County and communication to Congress:  

“As a member from Southern California, I have seen the devastation and destruction these wildfires continue to cause in and around LA. Tens of thousands have lost their homes, including veterans and the VA employees who serve them.  

I commend the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System staff for their dedication and hard work amid this crisis as they work to keep our veterans, themselves, and their loved ones safe. We have seen the community coming together to support GLA and the veterans that are served there, with partners like the LA County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, and the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, all of which have welcomed evacuated veterans into their facilities and offered other assistance to veterans affected by this crisis. Given the ever-changing nature of the wildfires, I want to thank the local VA GLA officials for keeping members of Congress apprised of the situation on the ground in real time, and for sharing resources on their website and social media platforms

Unfortunately, these fires are not yet contained, and I am concerned about the rhetoric from House Republicans threatening to withhold disaster relief from California to serve their own political aims. This is unconscionable. Congress must act to ensure Southern California has the funding and resources it needs to rebuild its communities, and that includes the veterans community.”