Im congressman mark takano. I represent californias 41st Congressional District and serve as chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. On behalf of the House Democrats, i would like to start by wishing all of our veterans a happy veterans day. We cannot thank you enough for your service and sacrifice. I also want to thank nancy pelosi for her partnership and abiding commitment to advocate for our nations veterans. Throat 2020, our committee has worked diligently to advocate for veterans and ensure with the department of Veterans Affairs is equipped to carry out its first mission. Serving our veterans, even as we confront the covid19 pandemic. We also have opportunities for student veterans, to provide timely updates and information on its coronavirus response. Continue to prioritize Veterans Mental Health and continue to exercise our legislative and oversight functions. House democrats, also ensured a balloon water and Navy Veterans who were exposed to agent orange finally got the benefits they have earned and deserved. It took 40 years, but we got it done. My number one priority in this congress has been reducing veterans suicide. Just after veterans day, we sent our bipartisan comprehensive veterans compact act to the president s desk, marking Real Progress in the fight to prevent veterans suicide. Despite the challenges of covid19, House Democrats took bold steps to address gaps and prevention and care for veterans or at heightened risk for suicide like those who recently separated from military service and veterans who have not used v. A. Health care recently. It also included a provision which ensures that no veteran experiencing an emergency Mental Health crisis has to worry about cost when seeking the care that he or she needs. V. A. This years prevention report confirms two points we already knew to be true. With theconnected Health Administration are less likely to die by suicide. And firearms continue to play a disproportionate role in these deaths. 17 veterans died by suicide each day, so our work will not be finished. Our armed forces have been a living example of our country. The next generation of veterans is expected to be the most Diverse Group of veterans this country has seen. The department of Veterans Affairs must be prepared to care for all of those who, in the words of president lincoln, have borne the battle. Already, we have begun to address the barriers that veterans from often marginalized communities face when seeking care at v. A. Under thessed an act womens Veterans Task force, which is more law more comprehensive. Have worked to expand access to care for our native veterans, a group that serves our country at higher rates than other demographics, by passing bills such as the Tribal Advisory Committee act and the native american packed act. We are on the right path to making sure our servicemembers, regardless of gender or background or origin or creed, can return home to an equitable system that is ready to take care of them. We thank our veterans for their patriotism, for their commitment to upholding their most sacred ideals, for their sacrifices and for their continued contributions to our country, long after their time in service. Our country may not be perfect, but it is full of promise. And a veterans know that is worth fighting for. Thank you. Announcer both chambers of congress are in session next week. The house starts at 2 00 p. M. Eastern on monday to consider a number of veterans related bills. Later in the week, a measure to strengthen faa oversight in the wake of crashes involving the boeing 737 max airplanes, and a resolution condemning china for violating human rights in hong kong. Off the floor, both parties select their leadership with all top positions running unopposed. The senate is back at 3 00 p. M. Eastern monday took in it to consider a judicial nomination for the Southern District of mississippi with a vote to advance the nomination scheduled for 5 30 p. M. Eastern. Also on their agenda, the nomination of judy shelton to serve on the Federal Reserve board of governors. Cspan,e house live on and the senate live on cspan two. Announcer you are watching cspan, your unfiltered view of government, created by americas Cable Television company as a public service, and brought to you today by your television provider. This week on the communicators, a discussion of the Incoming Biden Administration and some of the communication and tech issues that it may face. Joining us, wrtiers from the washington post, politico, and axios