House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-Riverside) has been selected by Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) to receive one of its Legislator of the Year Awards, which recognize outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of wounded, ill, and injured veterans.
“I am honored to receive this award from the Wounded Warrior Project,” said Takano. “In the 117th Congress I had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. We made historic gains in enhancing benefits provided to veterans by VA through the Honoring Our PACT Act and many other important laws. Our fight is not over, and it will not be over until every veteran has the support from the country they bravely served.”
Takano authored and introduced the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, or PACT Act, in the House. The act represents the most significant expansion of health care benefits for veterans in more than a generation and guarantees health care and benefits for veterans who have become ill after being exposed to burn pits and toxins during their service.
He urged that the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, which seeks to expand certain programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs for home and community-based services for veterans, be brought to the full House for a vote.
“This is a common-sense bill with widespread support from VSOs (veterans service organizations), including Wounded Warrior Project,” Takano said. “I will continue to urge Chairman (Mike) Bost (R-Ill.) to bring it to the floor for a vote. There is no reason to delay. Our fight is not over, and it will not be over until every veteran has the support from the country they bravely served.”
Takano received his award at WWP’s annual Courage Awards & Benefits Dinner on Sept 14. The awards honor America’s wounded warriors and the supporters who make it possible for WWP to provide free life-changing programs and services.
“WWP is indebted to Rep. Takano for his extraordinary dedication to the veteran community,” said Jose Ramos, vice president of government and community relations for WWP. “Without his work, America’s support system and services for veterans would look very different, and we are honored to be able to recognize him with our Legislator of the Year Award.”