February 11, 2026

WASHINGTON— Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39) released the following statement applauding Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera), Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), and Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo’s (D-Santa Clarita) leadership and California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s stewardship as Senate Bill 694 (SB 694) was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.

“Veterans were willing to give everything in service to our country. For that service, we promised them care and benefits, benefits they should receive every penny of. Unfortunately, bad actors are set on taking advantage of these hard earned-benefits and trying to profit off veterans. Their schemes are countless, calculated, and cruel. These claim sharks take advantage of the confusion veterans face as they navigate bureaucratic red tape.

Republican bullheadedness and inaction along with intense lobbying by claim sharks led to federal inaction, forcing California to lead the way. SB 694, as signed into law, will finally crack down on these unaccredited for-profit companies that leech off veterans.

While California has taken this great step, I remain concerned for our nation’s veterans. It’s time for Congress to step up to protect vets. We need to pass the GUARD Act. Led by Congressman Chris Pappas, the GUARD Act would reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited claim representatives who charge unauthorized fees while assisting veterans with filing a claim for Department of Veterans Affairs VA disability compensation benefits. Veterans fought for our country – they shouldn’t have to fight off claim sharks to receive the benefits they earned.”

Free, accredited services are available to veterans through Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs). Those organizations can be found here.