[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 14, 2016)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1270] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING CONGRESSMAN MARK TAKAI ______ HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA of arizona in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 14, 2016 Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Congressman Mark Takai, a friend and colleague who was taken from this institution far too early. Mark worked until his last days to represent the constituents of Hawaii's First Congressional District. Congress and the American people will dearly miss his relentlessness to better his state and country. As a dedicated member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and from his seats on the House Armed Services and Small Business Committees, Mark saw it as a personal duty to speak up for those who had no voice. Mark was instrumental in efforts to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Foot Soldiers who participated in the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March of 1965 and Purple Hearts to Filipino veterans of World War II. He also gathered over one hundred Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to support a measure to provide benefits to veterans exposed to radioactive fallout while serving in the Marshall Islands during the late 1970s. Even though the distance was great between Capitol Hill and Honolulu, Mark was determined to use any opportunity he could, including a short weekend between first and last votes in Washington, to spend time with his family and serve his constituents. The House Democratic Caucus has lost an incredible champion and friend in Mark Takai, and we are deeply saddened by a sudden end to a young life cut short. May Mark's lovely wife, Sami, his two beautiful children, Matthew and Kaila, and the incredible people of the State of Hawaii find peace and comfort in the days ahead. ____________________