Ranking Member Takano's Statement on House Passage of Bipartisan Budget Agreement

WASHINGTON, DC – House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39) released the following statement after voting to pass the Bipartisan Budget Agreement: 

“This evening I voted for the Bipartisan Budget Agreement. During the lead up to this bill’s negotiation, as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I drew a firm red line around the funding needed to give veterans the care and benefits they have earned. When Republicans released their Default on America Act it was clear they had no intention of keeping our promise to veterans. Their first attempt at an appropriations bill further illustrated their intent to underfund veterans' programs. With support from Democratic House leadership and President Biden, we held the line, continuing the promise of my Honoring our PACT Act. Tonight’s passage also ensures our country will not default on our debt, which would have meant unnecessary, significant financial pain inflicted on American families.  

“However, this bill comes at a price that we cannot ignore, including cuts that Republicans demanded that will come at a cost for our most vulnerable citizens. The unnecessary and punitive changes to SNAP eligibility will affect people in my district and across the country. These new SNAP work requirements will mean some Americans go hungry while doing little to move the fiscal needle.  

“I voted for this bill because we could not default, but it is by far from a perfect bill.” 

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