Takano Re-Elected as Chairman of House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

WASHINGTON, D.C —House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the Democratic Caucus re-elected him as Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for the 117^th Congress:

“I am grateful to my Democratic colleagues for electing me to continue in my role as Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for the 117th Congress. Being Chairman of this Committee has been enormously satisfying because of what we can – and what we have been able to – do for those who have worn the uniform of our country. So far, during the 116th Congress, we’ve held 99 hearings and passed over 70 bills out of the House, including major bipartisan bill packages such as the Veterans’ COMPACT Act to help reduce veteran suicide. I’m also so proud that – with Ranking Member Roe’s help – we were finally able to finish the relay and ensure Blue Water Navy Vietnam veterans can access the benefits and care they earned more than forty years ago  

“When I sought the Chairmanship of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in 2018, I unveiled a “VA 2030” vision to ensure that VA is meeting the needs of our increasingly diverse veteran population. I have championed this goal to support women and minority veterans by establishing the bipartisan Women Veterans Task Force, under the leadership of Chairwoman Brownley, and passing the Deborah Sampson Act – the most comprehensive bill package for our country’s 2 million women veterans in a decade. 

“Despite these accomplishments, there is still so much to do. We need to continue developing holistic solutions that reduce veteran suicide. We need to make sure those exposed to toxic substances during their service can access quick and timely care. We need to foster a welcoming environment for all veterans – regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation – when they seek care at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“I look forward to working closely with the Biden Administration and incoming Ranking Member Mike Bost to make sure we continue delivering meaningful change for our country’s veterans.”

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