(As prepared for delivery on November 19th, 2015) Mr. Speaker. 70 years ago my parents and grandparents were stripped of their possessions and placed in Japanese-American internment camps. They were not guilty of espionage. They did not commit...

(As prepared for delivery on November 19th, 2015)

Mr. Speaker. 70 years ago my parents and grandparents were stripped of their possessions and placed in Japanese-American internment camps.

They were not guilty of espionage. They did not commit treason. They simply looked like our enemy — and that cost my family their freedom.

Yesterday, the mayor of Roanoke, Virginia, suggested that this country’s treatment of Japanese-Americans during the 1940s is a model for how we should address today’s global refugee crisis.

It does not take courage to condemn such disgraceful comments, nor does it take wisdom to say our World War Two policies were a product of fear and hysteria.

What takes wisdom is recognizing that history is now repeating itself. And what takes courage is sending a message to the world that America will protect innocent people regardless of their nationality or religion.

That’s what my mother and father deserved 70 years ago, and it’s what these refugees deserve today.

Thank you and I yield back.

https://twitter.com/RepMarkTakano/status/667097811004039169

https://twitter.com/RepMarkTakano/status/667097811004039169 

When Paul Ryan was elected Speaker of the House last week, he promised not to duck the tough issues. That promise comes with a few notable exceptions.

When Paul Ryan was elected Speaker of the House last week, he promised not to duck the tough issues. That promise comes with a few notable exceptions.

A welcome message to the newly elected Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan. Don’t let Tea Party Republicans stand in the way of progress.

motivationalbiden: “ The VICE President ladies and gentlemen! (user submission from Tankano himself!) ” A classic. Just like Joe.

motivationalbiden:

The VICE President ladies and gentlemen!

(user submission from Tankano himself!) 

A classic. Just like Joe.

The Struggle is in fact… Real.

The Struggle is in fact… Real.

I’ve got a new logo. And a new(ish) website. What do you think?

I’ve got a new logo. And a new(ish) website.

What do you think?

A Plan to Fight Poverty

Even as the American economy achieves robust growth, many families in the Inland Empire and across the country continue to suffer from persistent poverty. My office put together the following report to highlight the impact of poverty in our community and to offer solutions that will help thousands of our neighbors, friends and family lift themselves out of poverty.  

The report found:

  • More than 392,000 people in Riverside County live in poverty, including 142,844 children.
  • In Riverside County, Section 8 housing assistance only has funding for 8,500 families, while 20,000 families are on the waiting list.
  • A single parent of two is likely to find themselves $589 short of their expenses every month.

No one working full time should be living in poverty. I want to help working families achieve economic stability through:

  • Raising the minimum wage to $15/hour.
  • Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit to allow low-income families to keep more of what they earn.
  • Fully funding the Section 8 housing program, which gives children the stability they need to get a good education.

Read the full report here.

Republicans are struggling to select the next Speaker of the House. I thought I’d help out by posting a Craigslist ad for the position.

Republicans are struggling to select the next Speaker of the House. I thought I’d help out by posting a Craigslist ad for the position.

Ever wonder what a memo in a Congressional office looks like? The following is the first in a series of real legislative policy memos written for Congressman Mark Takano by his staff. The series will give you an inside glimpse of what comes across...

Ever wonder what a memo in a Congressional office looks like?  The following is the first in a series of real legislative policy memos written for Congressman Mark Takano by his staff. The series will give you an inside glimpse of what comes across the Congressman’s desk on a daily basis.

Full article here on Medium

Tomorrow, Republicans will select the next Speaker of the House. I’m sad to report that regardless of who they elect, Americans will not get the big solutions we deserve.

Tomorrow, Republicans will select the next Speaker of the House. I’m sad to report that regardless of who they elect, Americans will not get the big solutions we deserve. 

Congress once provided millions with access to health care, cared for 9/11 responders, and paid our bills on time.

Congress once provided millions with access to health care, cared for 9/11 responders, and paid our bills on time.

We all know how busy it can be when you’re moving. Speaker Boehner, as you make your checklist, don’t forget the bipartisan priorities House Democrats stand ready to help you pass. Let’s reform immigration, fund repairs for our bridges and highways,...

We all know how busy it can be when you’re moving. Speaker Boehner, as you make your checklist, don’t forget the bipartisan priorities House Democrats stand ready to help you pass. Let’s reform immigration, fund repairs for our bridges and highways, and bring up good bills you know have the votes to pass.

What would you like to see Speaker Boehner bring to the floor for a vote before he leaves Congress?

Nothing to lose now Speaker Boehner.

Bring up Comprehensive Immigration Reform for a vote on your way out.
Congressman Mark Takano