{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"HI\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-new-ftc-proposal-to-protect-childrens-privacy-online", "Schatz Statement On New FTC Proposal To Protect Children\u2019s Privacy Online", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) released the following statement after the Federal Trade Commission unveiled a proposal aimed at expanding protections for children\u2019s privacy online. Specifically, the proposal would limit the ability of social media platforms to send push notifications to young users and further limit data retention for youth, among other things.\n\n\u201cTech platforms have knowingly harvested and profited off of children\u2019s data for years, using targeted advertising and other tools to keep kids scrolling at the expense of their mental health and development,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cThe FTC\u2019s proposal is an encouraging step toward implementing safeguards to protect the youngest users of social media against constant surveillance and manipulation. But rulemaking is no substitute for law \u2013 Congress needs to act. We urgently need to pass legislation that will protect kids online by setting minimum age requirements for social media use and banning algorithmic targeting for children and teens.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-push-to-lower-prescription-drug-costs", "Hirono, Colleagues Push to Lower Prescription Drug Costs", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and 16 other colleagues in sending a letter urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor (DOL), and the Department of the Treasury to lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs by enforcing a rule limiting the use of harmful \u201ccopay accumulators.\u201d Copay accumulators prevent copay assistance from counting towards a patient\u2019s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, which makes it harder for patients to afford their medications.\n\nRegarding a recent court ruling limiting the use of copay accumulators, the members said, \u201cThis decision is an important step in the right direction for low-income and other eligible patients who rely on manufacturer and nonprofit copay assistance programs to alleviate affordability and access challenges for their medicines.\u201d\n\n\u201cInstead of appealing the court\u2019s ruling, we urge you to adopt policies from the 2020 NBPP [Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters] that strike the right balance of preserving a plan\u2019s ability to control costs while also putting the patient first,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nIn the letter, the senators also push for their Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act to permanently prohibit the use of copay accumulators and require health plans and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to count the value of copay assistance towards a patient\u2019s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.\n\nIn addition to Senators Hirono, Kaine, and Marshall, the letter is signed by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), John Boozman (R-AR), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available below and here.\n\nDear Secretary Becerra, Acting Secretary Su, and Secretary Yellen:\n\nWe are writing in support of the recent decision from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that vacated the 2021 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP) Final Rule provision that permitted the use of copay accumulator adjustment programs (AAPs) and remanded to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to interpret the definition of \u201ccost-sharing.\u201d This decision is an important step in the right direction for low-income and other eligible patients who rely on manufacturer and nonprofit copay assistance programs to alleviate affordability and access challenges for their medicines. We are disappointed in HHS\u2019s decision to file a notice of appeal of the decision and HHS\u2019s articulated intention to not take any enforcement action against health insurance issuers or health plans that fail to count copay assistance toward the patient\u2019s maximum annual limitation on cost-sharing. Instead of appealing the court\u2019s ruling, we urge you to adopt policies from the 2020 NBPP that strike the right balance of preserving a plan\u2019s ability to control costs while also putting the patient first.\n\nPatient assistance programs (PAPs) help low-income and vulnerable patients with complex conditions access life-saving medicine. Historically, these copay assistance programs counted toward the annual limitation on cost-sharing, and the policy was reaffirmed under the Affordable Care Act. The patient protection on cost-sharing provided patients and families with greater predictability and certainty about their maximum out-of-pocket exposure on an annual basis. It also helped improve patient adherence to their medication and overall health outcomes. For example, one study showed that reduced cost-sharing for cardiovascular medicines increased adherence and had a greater impact on reducing the risk of vascular events and medical costs among non-white patients.\n\nIn recent years, health plans, pharmacy benefit managers, and third-party administrators have used AAPs to help to control costs. However, like cost utilization management, AAPs can be used as a profit-seeking tactic. When HHS published the 2021 NBPP final rule, it permitted group health plans and health insurance issuers to use AAPs without limitation. The Administration believed this \u201copen door\u201d would not necessarily lead to an increased uptake of AAPs by PBMs, but they were wrong. These programs proliferated in the intervening years. Nearly two-thirds of individual health plans available on the ACA marketplace included AAPs. It was also estimated that of all commercial markets in 2021, 43% of covered lives were in commercial health plans that had implemented AAPs.\n\nAs a result of this policy change, patients in our home states suffered, facing financial hardship and barriers to their once-accessible life-saving medicine. In many cases, patients or their family members found out about the AAP not counting their assistance at the pharmacy counter. They were left embarrassed, anxious, and without recourse. A recent survey showed that between 25- 36% of respondents discontinued therapy when they received an unexpected high charge of over $1,500 during the plan year as a result of AAPs. For many chronic disease patients, discontinuation of therapy can lead to irreversible and in some cases life-threatening health consequences. Further, six in 10 said they would have extreme difficulty affording their treatments without copay assistance programs being applied to their cost-sharing. Moreover, recent research has shown that non-white patients are 31% more likely to be exposed to an AAP than white patients. It was for these reasons, and more, that patient groups took action against the 2021 NBPP. Patients were not the only stakeholder to respond. State regulators have passed and are in the process of passing legislation. To date, 19 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have banned or limited the use of AAPs.\n\nAs you consider next steps, we strongly encourage you to support patients by reconsidering your appeal of the court\u2019s ruling and instead adopting the 2020 NBPP policy. It required plans to count manufacturer copay assistance toward the annual limitation on cost-sharing for drugs that do not have a medically appropriate generic equivalent available. In the 2020 rule, HHS reasoned that it would be less likely that the manufacturer\u2019s assistance would disincentivize a lower cost alternative and thereby distort the market. HHS itself acknowledged situations when a patient has been subject to significant out-of-pocket costs because the patient has not progressed through the deductible phase of the health plan due to AAPs not applying the value of the manufacturer-sponsored assistance to the patient\u2019s deductible. HHS further noted that \u201cwhen this happens, the patient may be forced to stop taking the drug, switch to an alternative offered by the plan, or pay the full bill for the non-formulary drug, none of which are patient-friendly, especially for those patients with rare and life-threatening conditions.\u201d\n\nWe also strongly believe that federal legislative action is also needed to restore this vital patient protection. In fact, Congress is currently working on a bipartisan, bicameral basis to advance legislation to ensure copay assistance counts toward the patient\u2019s maximum annual limitation on cost-sharing.\n\nThank you for your consideration of this request. We look forward to your reply and your plan to ensure patients receive cost-sharing protections.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-to-receive-nearly-4-million-in-additional-federal-disaster-aid-to-support-mauis-recovery-from-fires", "Schatz: Hawai\u2018i To Receive Nearly $4 Million In Additional Federal Disaster Aid To Support Maui\u2019s Recovery From Fires", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) announced that Hawai\u2018i will receive $3.9 million in new federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support the ongoing recovery effort on Maui following the fires in August. The funding, which comes from the Disaster Relief Fund which Congress replenished in September following calls from Schatz and others, will support staff who have been working on the emergency response effort.\n\n\u201cThe federal government continues to support Maui in every step of the recovery process,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cWe\u2019ll keep doing everything we can to make sure the people of Lahaina have what they need to get back on their feet.\u201d\n\nWorking closely with the Biden Administration and congressional leaders, Schatz has led efforts to bring federal resources to Maui. To date, Hawai\u2018i has received more than $412 million in federal funding for the response to the fires, including more than $300 million in direct assistance to survivors from FEMA and the Small Business Administration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-push-to-keep-anti-lgbtq-and-anti-abortion-provisions-out-of-critical-government-funding-bills", "Hirono, Colleagues Push to Keep Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-Abortion Provisions Out of Critical Government Funding Bills", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and 44 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) urging them to reject any new poison pill policy riders in the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills, including the anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion policy provisions that House Republicans inserted into their appropriations bills.\n\n\u201cThe Senate has had tremendous success both passing bipartisan bills in committee and on the Senate floor because these bills are free of new poison pill riders,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cUnfortunately, the House appropriations bills are filled with new highly partisan provisions, including anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ riders, that should be removed from any final appropriations bills.\u201d\n\nThese \u201cpoison pill policy riders\u201d aim to make changes to laws that would fail to withstand scrutiny of congressional debate by attaching them to \u201cmust-pass\u201d measures such as appropriation bills.\n\n\u201cOur country is facing a reproductive health care crisis, one that has been accelerated by the Supreme Court\u2019s extremist decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization,\u201d the Senators continued. \u201cHouse Republicans have proposed several new anti-abortion policy riders. These riders include a provision to force back in place medically unnecessary restrictions on medication abortion, a measure to stop the implementation of the Biden administration\u2019s executive orders to protect access to abortion care, and a measure that would jeopardize access to essential postgraduate medical training in abortion care.\u201d\n\nNot only are there anti-abortion poison pills included in the House bills, there are attacks on the LGBTQ+ community as well.\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans have used the appropriations process to push extremist anti-LGBTQ+ measures, which threaten to disrupt the lives and fundamental dignity of the LGBTQ+ community,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cAgainst this backdrop, House Republicans have introduced more than 50 anti-LGBTQ+ provisions across all 12 appropriations bills. These provisions include those allowing the government to discriminate against married same-sex couples as well as language to prevent the administration from enforcing laws to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination. Seven of the House\u2019s twelve appropriations bills also contain dangerous riders that ban access to gender-affirming care, which would deprive transgender people of medically necessary and often life-saving healthcare.\u201d\n\nThe Senators concluded, \u201cControversial poison pill provisions like those riddled throughout the House appropriations bills will severely undermine Congress\u2019 ability to push forward must-pass funding measures to keep the government open and working for the American people.\u201d\n\nThe letter is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Guttmacher Institute, Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Transgender Equality, National Council of Jewish Women, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Women\u2019s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), Whitman-Walker Institute.\n\nIn addition to Senators Hirono, Baldwin, Merkley, and Booker on this letter are Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Chair Murray and Vice Chair Collins:\n\nWe write to urge you to keep the FY24 appropriations bills free of any new poison pill policy riders. Partisan, discriminatory, and harmful policy riders have no place in appropriations bills. The Senate has had tremendous success both passing bipartisan bills in committee and on the Senate floor because these bills are free of new poison pill riders. Unfortunately, the House appropriations bills are filled with new highly partisan provisions, including anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ riders, that should be removed from any final appropriations bills.\n\nOur country is facing a reproductive health care crisis, one that has been accelerated by the Supreme Court\u2019s extremist decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization. As of November 7, 2023, 14 states are enforcing abortion bans at any point in pregnancy and seven states have imposed abortion bans with limits that range from six to 18 weeks. These bans leave 1 in 3 women, as well as transgender and nonbinary people, without access to abortion and disproportionately impact people of color, people with disabilities, young people, people living in rural areas, and people with low incomes.\n\nYet in the midst of this crisis, House Republicans have proposed several new anti-abortion policy riders. These riders include a provision to force back in place medically unnecessary restrictions on medication abortion, a measure to stop the implementation of the Biden administration\u2019s executive orders to protect access to abortion care, and a measure that would jeopardize access to essential postgraduate medical training in abortion care. If adopted, these provisions would seriously undermine pregnant people\u2019s ability to make decisions about their bodies and providers\u2019 ability to provide necessary care.\n\nAt the same time, House Republicans have used the appropriations process to push extremist anti-LGBTQ+ measures, which threaten to disrupt the lives and fundamental dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is already on the rise; in 2023 alone, more than 575 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across 41 state legislatures, and more than 80 of those bills have been signed into law.\n\nAgainst this backdrop, House Republicans have introduced more than 50 anti-LGBTQ+ provisions across all 12 appropriations bills. These provisions include those allowing the government to discriminate against married same-sex couples as well as language to prevent the administration from enforcing laws to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination. Seven of the House\u2019s twelve appropriations bills also contain dangerous riders that ban access to gender-affirming care, which would deprive transgender people of medically necessary and often life-saving healthcare.\n\nControversial poison pill provisions like those riddled throughout the House appropriations bills will severely undermine Congress\u2019 ability to push forward must-pass funding measures to keep the government open and working for the American people.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-highlights-biden-harris-administrations-progress-for-working-people-commends-acting-secretary-of-labor-julie-su", "VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Highlights Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s Progress for Working People, Commends Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), delivered remarks on the Senate floor highlighting the historic progress made by the Biden-Harris Administration to create over 14 million jobs and keep unemployment rates low. In her remarks, Senator Hirono also commended Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su for her work in achieving these milestones and called out unfair criticisms of the Acting Secretary.\n\n\u201cAfter decades of declining union membership, working people are coming together to demand their fair share of the economic success our country is experiencing\u2014success they make possible,\u201d said Senator Hirono during her remarks. \u201cSince assuming the top role at the Labor Department earlier this year, Acting Secretary Su has played a critical role supporting workers and finding consensus to move our economy forward.\u201d\n\nSenator Hirono highlighted the crucial role Acting Secretary Su played in mediating several contentious labor disputes, including the potentially-disastrous strike at ports along the west coast, the largest health care strike in our nation\u2019s history carried out by Kaiser Permanente employees, and the historic deal between the United Auto Workers and the Big Three auto companies.\n\n\u201cIn addition to these and many other settled labor disputes, Acting Secretary Su is leading major initiatives to make life better for working people in our country and grow the middle class\u2014from expanding overtime protections, to strengthening apprenticeship and work training programs and much more,\u201d continued Senator Hirono. \u201cJulie Su\u2019s work speaks for itself. She listens, she finds consensus, and she helps those around her stay the course for as long as it takes. What more could we ask of a Secretary of Labor?\u201d\n\nIn her remarks, Senator Hirono also called out the double-standards often applied to women of color in leadership positions.\n\n\u201cTo be blunt, Mr. President, sexism, racism, and double standards applied to women of color are all too common, in spite of their denials all around,\u201d Senator Hirono continued. \u201cJulie Su has been doing the job of Secretary of Labor for months, and she\u2019s been doing the job well. But still, some of our colleagues cling to baseless criticisms, insisting she\u2019s unfit to serve. It\u2019s unfair to Acting Secretary Su, and to the millions of workers whose lives she\u2019s helped to improve.\u201d\n\nSenator Hirono has remained a strong advocate on behalf of Julie Su\u2019s nomination to become Secretary of Labor. If confirmed, Su would be the first Asian-American in the Biden administration to serve in the Cabinet at the secretary level.\n\nSenator Hirono\u2019s full remarks are below and video is available for download here.\n\nM. President, as 2023 comes to a close, I rise to mark a year of historic progress for working people in our country. Since President Biden took office, we\u2019ve created more than 14 million jobs, including 1.5 million jobs created in manufacturing, construction and engineering. Meanwhile, unemployment has been under 4% for 22 months in a row\u2014the longest stretch in over 50 years. And across the country, we\u2019re seeing the labor movement reclaim its strength.\n\nAfter decades of declining union membership, working people are coming together to demand their fair share of the economic success our country is experiencing\u2014success they make possible. None of this is happening by accident, M. President. These victories are thanks, in large part, to the commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration and, to give credit where credit is due, the work of Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su.\n\nSince assuming the top role at the Labor Department earlier this year, Acting Secretary Su has played a critical role supporting workers and finding consensus to move our economy forward. In June, just months after taking over the Department, she helped avert a potentially-disastrous strike at ports all along the west coast. Had major ports come to a screeching halt, our country would have experienced massive supply chain disruptions, costing our economy billions of dollars. Such a shutdown would have been particularly chaotic for Hawaii, where the vast majority of our goods are shipped to the state.\n\nGene Seroka, the Director of the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest container port in the country, said Julie was \u201ca constant and reassuring voice of reason that helped to keep both sides at the bargaining table and focused on resolution.\u201d In October, Acting Secretary Su helped settle a labor dispute between Kaiser Permanente and nearly 75,000 of its union employees who staged the largest health care strike in our nation\u2019s history. After weeks of bargaining, Kaiser and its employees had failed to reach an agreement, endangering the care they provided to millions of Americans across our country.\n\nAt the invitation of both parties, Acting Secretary Su flew to California to sit at the bargaining table and encourage both sides to continue talking in good faith. To help bridge the gap between labor and management, and keep the lines of communication open, Acting Secretary Su was regularly moving from room to room, serving as a critical liaison in the negotiations. With her help, Kaiser workers reached a historic deal that included a record 21% wage increase over four years. Both sides agree she was critical to reaching a deal, with the union calling her support \u201cinstrumental\u201d and Kaiser\u2019s Senior Vice President of Labor Relations saying that Julie was \u201cable to get us to articulate where we have commonalities, not about a particular package, but about our interests in the employees, and in health care.\u201d That\u2019s what Julie does\u2014she helps people find common ground, setting workers, businesses, and our economy up for success. But even after that historic success, many continued to doubt Acting Secretary Su\u2019s acumen\u2014with one labor economist going so far as to question her skills as a mediator.\n\nLet\u2019s face it, it is not unusual for so-called experts to question the leadership qualities of women with little evidence to substantiate their criticisms. In spite of her detractors, just weeks later, Julie Su helped mediate a truly historic deal between the United Auto Workers and the Big Three auto companies, resolving the most significant auto strike in modern American history. Like Kaiser workers, with Acting Secretary Su\u2019s support, autoworkers secured a transformational contract\u2014a contract that will see UAW salaries rise more in the next four years than they have in the previous 20.\n\nShawn Fain, the newly-elected UAW President, showed his mettle in these negotiations as the country watched. Significantly, he too praised Julie Su\u2019s leadership, citing her work to build trust between labor and management and encouraging them to focus on their shared goals. In addition to these and many other settled labor disputes, Acting Secretary Su is leading major initiatives to make life better for working people in our country and grow the middle class\u2014from expanding overtime protections, to strengthening apprenticeship and work training programs, and much more.\n\nM. President, Julie Su\u2019s work speaks for itself. She listens, she finds consensus, and she helps those around her stay the course for as long as it takes. What more could we ask of a Secretary of Labor? But still, there are those who question Julie\u2019s ability to do the job, either ignoring or willfully dismissing her track record of successes. To be blunt, M. President, sexism, racism, and double standards applied to women of color are all too common, in spite of their denials all around.\n\nJulie Su has been doing the job of Secretary of Labor for months, and she\u2019s been doing the job well. But still, some of our colleagues cling to baseless criticisms, insisting she\u2019s unfit to serve. It\u2019s unfair to Acting Secretary Su, and to the millions of workers whose lives she\u2019s helped to improve. Like the committed public servant she is, Julie perseveres, focusing on the important work of her Department. Along with millions of working people all across our country, I\u2019m grateful for all she and the Biden-Harris Administration have done for workers, businesses, and our economy.\n\nThis Administration and Acting Secretary Su understand that workers are the force that keeps our country moving forward. With their continued leadership, I look forward to more wins for workers and our economy in the years ahead.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-bill-to-provide-construction-funding-to-federally-impacted-school-districts", "Hirono Leads Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Provide Construction Funding to Federally-Impacted School Districts", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led 10 of her colleagues in introducing the Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act, legislation that would provide a total of $1 billion over four years for Impact Aid Construction Grants to address the significant backlog of facility needs at federally impacted school districts. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative John Garamendi (D-CA).\n\n\u201cAll students deserve access to a quality education in a safe environment where they can learn and grow, and as a Co-Chair of the Senate Impact Aid Coalition, I am proud to have introduced this bill to fund long-overdue repairs for schools in Hawaii and across the country,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cFederal Impact Aid provides critical funding for federally-impacted schools. But too often, that funding is not enough to meet maintenance needs. By providing $1 billion for needed upgrades, this legislation will enable schools to address the significant backlog of school construction, repair, and maintenance needs to help our students learn in a suitable learning environment.\u201d\n\nThe Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act would ensure that federally impacted school districts have the resources needed to provide every student with a quality education and safe learning environment by authorizing $250,000,000 annually for four years for Impact Aid Construction Grants. Of this funding, 25% would be made available via formula funding to all eligible school districts. The Department of Education would disseminate the remaining 75% as competitive grants with priority for those school districts with acute emergencies in their facilities.\n\n\u201cI am grateful to Senator Hirono for introducing this legislation in the Senate and for fighting for safe environments for teachers and students,\u201d said Garamendi. \u201cThis bill addresses long-overdue repair needs to ensure equitable access to quality education and safe learning environments for students across the country. Every child should have the opportunity to learn and excel in a safe environment. This legislation brings us closer to realizing that goal.\u201d\n\nAdministered by the Department of Education, Impact Aid offers federal support for public school districts where federal activity has reduced the available tax base. As federal lands are tax exempt, including military installations, Indian treaty, trust, or Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and federal properties and facilities, federally impacted school districts have significantly less tax revenue and bonding capacity to meet their needs. Currently, Impact Aid supports over 1,100 school districts, totaling more than 10 million students.\n\n\u201cThe importance of safe, modern educational facilities in maximizing student outcomes, both academically and in other important ways, is well documented,\u201d said National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS) Executive Director Nicole Russell. \u201cThere has been an Impact Aid Construction program since 1950, but it has been woefully underfunded for decades. School districts that benefit from this program educate some of our nation\u2019s most vulnerable students, including large numbers of military children, Native American children and students residing in low-income housing. This legislation is an important step towards ensuring that these students have access to the resources and opportunities needed to meet their full potential.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe \u2018Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act\u2019 is an effort to address the documented backlog of need for school construction/renovation and teacher housing in federally impacted school districts. Indian lands, military and federal property districts have limited to no bonding capacity to generate funding for school construction in contrast to the majority of America\u2019s public school districts. The Act would begin to level the playing field by providing construction funding for school facilities and teacher housing to districts with limited to no bonding capacity. It is our belief that all children deserve a high quality education in a modern safe school environment; IAIPA will take us one step closer to realizing our dream. The Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act is an investment that will yield long-term benefits to generations to come,\u201d said Executive Director of the National Indian Impacted Schools Association (NIISA) Brent Gish.\n\nThe Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act is endorsed by the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools and the National Indian Impacted Schools Association.\n\nThis legislation was cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Tina Smith (D-MN).\n\nThe full text of the bill available here.\n\nSenator Hirono serves as the Co-Chair of the Senate Impact Aid Coalition and has been a long-time advocate for boosting Impact Aid funding and other federal funding to support school infrastructure projects. Senator Hirono first introduced this bill in 2020 and reintroduced it again in 2021. In July 2023, Senator Hirono introduced the Rebuild America\u2019s School\u2019s Act, bicameral legislation that would target new federal infrastructure funding to help local school districts address school building and modernization needs. This bill would improve public school infrastructure and environments to ensure that school facilities are safe, healthy, sustainable, and offer positive learning environments for all students.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-introduce-resolution-commemorating-80th-anniversary-of-the-repeal-of-the-chinese-exclusion-act", "Hirono, Chu Introduce Resolution Commemorating 80th Anniversary of the Repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) introduced a resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and celebrating the contributions that Chinese American communities have made to the United States. The Magnuson Act, which repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act, passed on December 17, 1943. The House companion of the resolution was introduced by Representative Judy Chu (D-CA).\n\n\u201cAs we mark the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting any and all types of discrimination,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cI am proud to lead this resolution with CAPAC commemorating the day our country ended the injustice of the Chinese Exclusion Act and acknowledging the valuable contributions of Chinese Americans and immigrants. Diversity makes this country stronger and as we work to empower AANHPI communities, we must continue fighting hate in all its forms.\u201d\n\nThe Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was one of the first restrictions on immigration by race in U.S. history. The discriminatory bill banned the immigration of Chinese laborers and led to legislation that prohibited them from entering the U.S. for over six decades.\n\nIn addition to Senator Hirono, the resolution was cosponsored by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-call-on-treasury-and-irs-to-expand-access-to-vehicle-refueling-infrastructure-credits", "Hirono, Colleagues Call on Treasury and IRS to Expand Access to Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Credits", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined 13 of her Senate colleagues in calling on the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to finalize guidance for and maximize inclusive access to the 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included an extension of this tax credit, which provides billions of dollars for eligible refueling infrastructure investments such as zero-emission truck stops, intermodal facilities, and warehouses.\n\nCompared to a more restrictive threshold, the recommendations of the letter would expand eligibility to cover an estimated 32 million additional people, including 4.7 million rural residents, 2.1 million people living in poverty, 2.2 million Black people, and 3.6 million Latinos.\n\n\u201cEffective implementation of Section 30C is critical to realizing the Administration\u2019s goal of deploying 500,000 chargers by 2030 and facilitating the swift decarbonization of our transportation sector,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\nThe letter, led by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), also requests that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and IRS commissioner Daniel Werfel adopt temporary safe harbor conditions in their guidance to protect taxpayers who already installed infrastructure over the last year and to minimize negative impacts on future investment and planning decisions.\n\nIn addition to Senators Hirono, Padilla, and Cortez Masto, the letter was signed by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Yellen and Commissioner Werfel:\n\nWe write to urge you to swiftly finalize guidance for the Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, which was significantly expanded through the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA, P.L. 117-169). We also ask that you, in this guidance, establish an inclusive census tract definition, clarify per single item basis, and provide a safe harbor provision for certain investments already made. Effective implementation of Section 30C is critical to realizing the Administration\u2019s goal of deploying 500,000 chargers by 2030 and facilitating the swift decarbonization of our transportation sector.\n\nAs you know, to qualify under Section 30C, the IRA requires properties to be placed in service in an \u201celigible census tract,\u201d which excludes \u201curban areas\u201d as designated by the Secretary of Commerce. We urge you to define eligible census tracts in the most inclusive manner possible. Specifically, we advocate for making eligible any and all census tracts in which no less than 10 percent of census blocks are classified as rural, consistent with the recommendations endorsed by a coalition of more than 30 environmental, industry, consumer, and labor stakeholders in June. The interpretation will incentivize significant additional public and private sector investments in zero-emission truck stops, intermodal facilities, warehouses, and other foundational locations, as Congress intended.\n\nAdditionally, the IRA amended Section 30C to provide incentives on a per single item basis rather than a per location basis, dramatically increasing the availability of the credit and better aligning this important investment in the Nation\u2019s charging infrastructure with current and future technologies. We urge that each port at a refueling property be considered a single item, consistent with the Department of Transportation\u2019s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. This will provide flexibility as refueling properties increase in size and capabilities, improving longevity and enabling future innovation.\n\nGiven the delays and uncertainty created by the current lack of guidance, we encourage the adoption of a temporary safe harbor for taxpayers who have acted in good faith to comply with Section 30C requirements. This should also be accompanied with the development and dissemination of maps and other user-friendly materials or tools to help navigate eligibility. Such actions will protect taxpayers who installed infrastructure over the last year and minimize negative impacts on future investment and planning decisions.\n\nWe appreciate your attention to this matter, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that federal investments are consistent with the Administration\u2019s broader climate and environmental justice goals.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-demand-va-do-more-to-protect-veterans-from-prescription-drug-abuse", "Hirono, Colleagues Demand VA Do More to Protect Veterans from Prescription Drug Abuse", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), in sending a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough, urging them to take swift action to protect veterans seeking opioid prescriptions following concerning reports that found some providers of veterans\u2019 health care are not meeting VA prescription opioids safety standards.\n\n\u201cWe write today to discuss our concerns with the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 oversight of non-VA providers who prescribe opioids to veterans,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cIn Fiscal Year 2022, the Department spent more than $27 billion in the community for health care services for veterans. VA must ensure the dollars it spends result in high-quality, safe care for veterans.\u201d\n\nIn 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services declared opioid deaths a public health emergency. At the time, studies indicated veterans were twice as likely to die from accidental opioid overdoses. To combat this, Congress included a provision in the VA MISSION Act of 2018 to ensure non-VA providers were informed of VA best practices and evidence-based guidelines when prescribing opioids under VA\u2019s Opioid Safety Initiative (OSI). Congress also required third-party administrators responsible for contracting with VA community care providers to check their states prescription drug monitoring program to mitigate prescription drug abuse and overdose by veterans using VA community care.\n\nHowever, a recent report from the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) found the third-party administrators failed to provide adequate oversight of whether Veterans Community Care Network health care providers were completing and certifying VA\u2019s OSI training module. The OIG also found that approximately 14,700 of 18,200 non-VA providers in the Community Care Network who prescribed opioids to veterans in fiscal year 2021 had not completed VA\u2019s OSI training module and did not certify their mandated review of VA\u2019s guidelines. An additional VA OIG report found a similar lapse in oversight resulted in patients being overprescribed opioids from both VA and Community Care Network providers\u2014increasing veterans\u2019 risk of sedation and overdose.\n\n\u201cIt is clear VA and its contracted third-party administrators failed to do their due diligence in ensuring the health and safety of the veterans in their care\u2026 As stated many times before, we feel if there is an issue at one location, it will likely occur elsewhere,\u201d the Senators continued. \u201cThe Department must work not only to address the shortcomings outlined in these OIG reports but also to ensure lessons learned are implemented system-wide.\u201d\n\nContinuing their efforts to protect veterans and ensure they are being provided high-quality care, the Senators urged VA to provide an update on their implementation of recommendations from the OIG reports. These recommendations include issuing formal guidance to VA pharmacy staff regarding best practices related to prescription drug monitoring programs after receiving controlled substance prescriptions from community providers, and strengthening its own monitoring controls over third-party administrators.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded their letter by urging VA to move swiftly to address their concerns and protect veterans: \u201cIt is the responsibility of VA to ensure the veterans in its care, or that of its community partners, are being provided high-quality care. We urge VA to act to ensure our nation\u2019s veterans are not put at risk when seeking care in the community\u2026VA can outsource the work \u2013 but it cannot outsource the responsibility for taking care of our veterans.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-welch-van-hollen-kaine-booker-call-on-biden-to-urge-israeli-egyptian-governments-to-allow-journalists-into-gaza-protect-free-press", "Schatz, Welch, Van Hollen, Kaine, Booker Call On Biden To Urge Israeli, Egyptian Governments To Allow Journalists Into Gaza, Protect Free Press", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) today called on President Joe Biden to urge the governments of Israel and Egypt to protect press freedom and allow journalists into Gaza to cover the war. In their letter to the president, the senators underscored the importance of safe access into Gaza for journalists and the need for accurate and independent reporting from inside the warzone.\n\n\u201cWe ask you to further urge the Israeli government, as well as the Egyptian government, to respect press freedom by allowing all interested journalists to report without restriction from Gaza, with the exception of operational security requirements for embedded journalists, and provide journalists with the appropriate protections to carry out their essential work,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cWithout protections for journalists in Gaza and access for international journalists, the world is unable to get a complete and accurate understanding of events. Journalists play a vital role in a free society by holding individuals, organizations, and governments accountable for their actions. The lack of transparency caused by limited journalistic access is at odds with the obligation all governments have to allow citizens to access factual information. Especially in a time of rampant mis- and disinformation, journalists both provide the international community with up-to-date news about the war and equip the local population with potentially life-saving information about fast-changing developments.\u201d\n\nThe senators continued, \u201cAmerican democracy rests on a bedrock commitment to a free press and we must insist on the same from others, including our closest allies and partners. The principles for which the United States advocates send strong messages to foreign governments and help establish essential international norms.\u201d\n\nSchatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been leading efforts to protect journalists around the world, and is the author of the Global Press Freedom Act, bipartisan legislation that would direct the U.S. State Department to establish an Ambassador-at-Large for press freedom and train Foreign Service Officers on how to help promote media independence and protect foreign journalists.\n\nThe full text of the senators\u2019 letter to President Biden can be found below and is available here.\n\nDear President Biden,\n\nWe appreciate your continued engagement with Congress on issues related to the war in Gaza and welcome your efforts to secure the release of hostages, limit civilian casualties, and provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians in desperate need of assistance. We write to you today because we are deeply concerned about the inability of international journalists to enter and report from Gaza and the lack of safety for journalists covering the war in Gaza, which keeps the public from understanding the full dimensions of this war. We were glad to see Secretary Blinken\u2019s letter to the Agence France-Presse (AFP) about the U.S. commitment to protecting journalists during armed conflict and his comments on the \u201cvital importance of their mission\u201d in recent days, but more must be done. Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, does not respect a free press, given its history of using propaganda and harassing, obstructing, torturing, and using physical violence against journalists in Gaza\u2014actions that must be condemned and stopped. Israeli journalists were among the 1,200 killed in Hamas\u2019s unspeakably brutal attacks on October 7th. As Israel addresses legitimate and ongoing threats from Hamas, we ask you to further urge the Israeli government, as well as the Egyptian government, to respect press freedom by allowing all interested journalists to report without restriction from Gaza, with the exception of operational security requirements for embedded journalists, and provide journalists with the appropriate protections to carry out their essential work.\n\nNews organizations, including those in Israel, are not able to independently access Gaza. In November, 11 news organizations sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi urging them to allow their journalists into Gaza to report on the war. According to the Israeli government, over 2,000 international journalists have come to Israel since October 7th. A small number of reporters have been allowed to access Gaza as part of a tour organized by Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Under this arrangement, journalists must remain with the IDF, and in some cases, face requirements to submit their footage to the IDF for review before publication. One journalist has been able to enter and report from Gaza without IDF supervision, but only for a matter of hours at a United Arab Emirates field hospital in southern Gaza. Other journalists who have requested to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing have been refused, receiving conflicting answers from the Egyptian and Israeli governments about why they are unable to cross the border. This setup is wholly inadequate and severely restricts the flow of independent information.\n\nReporting on military operations is a dangerous, but extremely important, job. Today, journalists are risking their lives reporting from conflict zones around the globe, including in Ukraine, to share stories about the reality and impacts of war with the world. Israel, which almost entirely controls access to Gaza, allowed international (though, not Israeli) journalists access to the territory during its 2014 military offensive, permitting in-depth, on-the-ground reporting on the war. Journalists understand that entering a warzone puts themselves in harm\u2019s way, but they should be the ones to decide their risk tolerance, not the Israeli or Egyptian governments. You spoke of the importance and the costs of reporting on the war in Ukraine last year, honoring the \u201ccourage and sacrifice of journalists around the world.\u201d Let us listen to the nearly 100 French journalists who signed a petition calling for international journalists to be allowed to report in Gaza, writing \u201cLet us enter the Gaza Strip to do our job. We know the risks.\u201d\n\nAccess for international journalists is even more important given the dire situation facing Gazan reporters. Since October 7th, the world has relied on Gazan journalists, many of them freelancers, to report on and share information. They, at great risk to themselves, have continued working while fleeing their homes, losing family members, and living under constant threat of violence. The scale of the killings of journalists and media workers is unprecedented in recent times. In October, the IDF told Reuters and AFP that it cannot guarantee the safety of their journalists during IDF operations in Gaza, and devastatingly, dozens of journalists in Gaza have been killed, as have reporters working outside Gaza on the Lebanese border. Others are injured and unable to leave Gaza. With no new reporters or media workers allowed to enter Gaza, there is no flexibility for rotating people in and out of the field. Palestinian journalists in Gaza are cut off from international support, so have been unable to receive personal protective gear, including bulletproof vests and helmets. Media and communications blackouts limit their ability to report and publish information. The inability for reporters or their families to leave Gaza leaves them trapped in a humanitarian nightmare. The international community must make clear that those restrictions on or mistreatment of journalists is unacceptable.\n\nWithout protections for journalists in Gaza and access for international journalists, the world is unable to get a complete and accurate understanding of events. Journalists play a vital role in a free society by holding individuals, organizations, and governments accountable for their actions. The lack of transparency caused by limited journalistic access is at odds with the obligation all governments have to allow citizens to access factual information. Especially in a time of rampant mis- and disinformation, journalists both provide the international community with up-to-date news about the war and equip the local population with potentially life-saving information about fast-changing developments.\n\nAmerican democracy rests on a bedrock commitment to a free press and we must insist on the same from others, including our closest allies and partners. The principles for which the United States advocates send strong messages to foreign governments and help establish essential international norms.\n\nWe respectfully request your administration urge the Israeli government, and where appropriate, the Egyptian government, to:\n\nExpeditiously allow journalists interested in covering the war into Gaza;\n\nProvide the standard protections for Palestinian journalists already in Gaza, including respecting media credentials and press insignia, and convey and follow rules of engagement regarding the press that guarantee basic protection;\n\nAllow personal protective and professional equipment into Gaza to help journalists conduct their reporting duties, including bulletproof vests, helmets, and phone chargers;\n\nPermit journalists in Gaza who desire to leave the territory to do so;\n\nRefrain from using media and communications blackouts and take care to preserve telecommunications infrastructure needed for reporting;\n\nEnsure that reporters are not to be harassed, detained, threatened or otherwise prevented from doing their jobs in areas adjacent to Gaza, including in Israel, Egypt, Lebanon, and the West Bank, and release unduly detained journalists; and\n\nConduct swift, transparent, and thorough investigations into killings and other attacks on journalists, following internationally accepted standards.\n\nWe appreciate your emphasis on protecting civilians as Israel addresses the security threats posed by Hamas. We are grateful for your leadership in negotiating the week-long humanitarian pause, which secured the release of many hostages and allowed desperately needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza. As you continue to engage with the Israeli and Egyptian governments, we ask that you advocate for the safety and freedom of journalists in this conflict.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-department-of-education-omb-to-prioritize-funding-for-open-textbook-pilot-in-fiscal-year-2025", "Hirono, Colleagues Urge Department of Education, OMB to Prioritize Funding for Open Textbook Pilot in Fiscal Year 2025", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), and nine other colleagues in sending a letter to the Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Shalanda Young, urging the agency leaders to include strong funding for the Open Textbooks Pilot (Pilot) in the Biden Administration\u2019s Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget request. The Pilot is a competitive grant program to support the creation and expansion of open college textbooks \u2013 textbooks that are freely available under an open license, allowing professors, students, researchers, and others to freely access the materials. The grant program aims to significantly reduce the cost of higher education for students.\n\n\u201cAs the cost of college continues to rise, it is crucial to ensure college is affordable for all students. With a single textbook potentially costing hundreds of dollars, textbook costs, unlike tuition and other college costs, are often overlooked. However, they can create an unnecessary barrier to attaining a college education,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cThe high cost of textbooks disproportionately impacts low-income students and students of color who are unable to purchase required course materials, placing them at an academic disadvantage.\u201d\n\nAccording to the College Board, the average student at a four-year public college spends roughly $1,240 on books and class supplies. Additionally, U.S. Public Interest Research Group found in a 2020 survey that 65 percent of students skipped buying a textbook because of the cost, and 90 percent of those students were worried it would affect their grade negatively.\n\n\u201cOpen textbooks\u2014education resources that are licensed under an open license and made available free of charge to the public\u2014offer quality, cost-effective alternatives to traditional textbooks. When open textbooks are used, students save money,\u201d the Senators continued. \u201cFurther, faculty members have greater flexibility to adapt and customize materials to meet their specific needs. The expanded use of open textbooks also has the potential to promote healthy competition in the traditional textbook market, which would reduce prices overall.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe urge you to continue to work to make college affordable for students by including robust funding for the Pilot in the Administration\u2019s FY 2025 budget request,\u201d the letter concluded.\n\nIn addition to Senators Hirono, Durbin, King, and Smith, the letter was signed by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nThe full text of the letter available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Cardona and Director Young:\n\nWe write to request that you include robust funding for the Open Textbooks Pilot (Pilot) in the Administration\u2019s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget request.\n\nAs the cost of college continues to rise, it is crucial to ensure college is affordable for all students. With a single textbook potentially costing hundreds of dollars, textbook costs, unlike tuition and other college costs, are often overlooked. However, they can create an unnecessary barrier to attaining a college education. According to the College Board, the average student at a four-year public college spends approximately $1,240 on books and supplies. According to a 2020 survey by U.S. PIRG, 65 percent of students skipped buying a textbook because of the cost, and 90 percent of those students were worried it would affect their grade negatively. The high cost of textbooks disproportionately impacts low-income students and students of color who are unable to purchase required course materials, placing them at an academic disadvantage.\n\nOpen textbooks\u2014education resources that are licensed under an open license and made available free of charge to the public\u2014offer quality, cost-effective alternatives to traditional textbooks. When open textbooks are used, students save money. Further, faculty members have greater flexibility to adapt and customize materials to meet their specific needs. The expanded use of open textbooks also has the potential to promote healthy competition in the traditional textbook market, which would reduce prices overall.\n\nColleges and universities increasingly are seeking to utilize open textbooks programs, such as those supported by the Pilot. Since the creation of the Pilot in FY 2018, the Department of Education has received 69 applications for projects while only being able to fund 18 projects. Further, programs supported by the Pilot are estimated to have saved students $250 million. Additional funding would increase these savings for students.\n\nWe urge you to continue to work to make college affordable for students by including robust funding for the Pilot in the Administration\u2019s FY 2025 budget request. Thank you for your consideration.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-national-defense-authorization-act-containing-over-35-billion-in-hirono-led-provisions-to-strengthen-national-security", "Senate Passes National Defense Authorization Act Containing Over $3.5 Billion in Hirono-Led Provisions to Strengthen National Security", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, voted to pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the U.S. Senate, securing several key provisions for Hawaii and the Pacific region, U.S. military servicemembers, the Department of Defense\u2019s (DOD) environmental initiatives, and the maintenance and modernization of DOD infrastructure. Senator Hirono\u2019s provisions include over $1.7 billion for projects in Hawaii and more than $1.8 billion for projects throughout the Indo-Pacific region, while prioritizing environmental initiatives. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13 and now heads to the House for consideration.\n\n\u201cThe Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act contains critical investments in our servicemembers, our national security, and the modernization of our aging DOD infrastructure to ensure our continued readiness,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cAs Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness, I have worked to secure key provisions to modernize DOD infrastructure and support families and servicemembers in Hawaii and across the country. At a time of global instability, this NDAA is an investment in our national security and that of our partners and allies around the world. I was proud to vote to pass this year\u2019s NDAA and look forward to it being signed into law.\u201d\n\nThe FY 2024 NDAA includes several of Senator Hirono\u2019s key priorities, including:\n\nInvesting in Critical Infrastructure\n\nDirects the Defense Department to develop a master plan to modernize critical infrastructure at military installations in the State of Hawaii.\n\nRequires the DOD to develop and implement a standardized system to measure and report on the condition of non-privatized critical infrastructure systems on military installations to better assess and invest in military facilities, including in Hawaii.\n\nCreates a pilot program to replace substandard enlisted barracks and a uniform condition index and certification of habitability for all unaccompanied housing.\n\nAuthorize $150 million for a military construction pilot in the INDOPACOM area of operations which, along with expanded authority to conduct minor military construction, will help improve infrastructure and posture throughout INDOPACOM.\n\nDirects a study assessing the maintenance and modernization requirements at the Reagan Missile Defense Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll. The study will review the use of technologies to prevent corrosion damage and to reduce dependence on imported bulk fuel through use of renewable energy sources.\n\nAuthorizes funds for a military construction pilot in the INDOPACOM area of operations which, along with expanded authority to conduct minor military construction, will help improve infrastructure and posture throughout INDOPACOM.\n\nCalls for the development of a plan to bring 5G telecommunication infrastructure to INDOPACOM installations.\n\nIncludes an additional $69 million authorization for INDOPACOM planning and design, which will set up significant future infrastructure investment within the Pacific region.\n\nAuthorizes an additional $62 million for INDOPACOM unspecified minor military construction projects.\n\nSupports People\n\nIncludes a 5.2 percent pay increase for military and civilian personnel, which is the highest pay raise in over 20 years for military members and over 40 years for our civilian team.\n\nLimits the DOD from making substantial cuts to the Overseas Cost-of-Living Allowances (OCOLA) and directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on the fairness and equity of the processes used by the Department of Defense to determine (OCOLA) for service members.\n\nContinues the Hawaii delegation\u2019s work to ensure the Department of Defense reviews and reports on its work connecting community members affected by the Red Hill Fuel leak with federal resources, and establishes a feasibility study for further research into the long-term health impacts of petroleum exposure.\n\nAffirms that military members and beneficiaries affected by the Red Hill fuel spill will be eligible to receive medical care from a provider that has received training on and has access to best practices for fuel exposure and will always have access to their documented exposure through their medical record.\n\nRequires DOD installations to have a liaison to Native Hawaiian Organizations for facilities in proximity with their interests when the DOD authorizes appropriations.\n\nAuthorizes impact aid for schools with military dependent students and children with severe disabilities.\n\nDirects the DOD to update its strategic plan for the Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) program to improve cooperation between relevant military departments and Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies and to review its methods for combating trafficking in persons to adapt new best practices.\n\nImproves on Senator Hirono\u2019s work on the Stayskal Act by adjusting the DOD medical malpractice claims process to allow only board-certified physicians to provide expert medical opinions, to provide a claimant whose claim is denied with detailed reasoning justifying the denial, including access to the reports upon which the denial is based, and directs the military to report to Congress details of how each Service reviews medical malpractice claims.\n\nEncourages the Defense Department to work in conjunction the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide transition assistance, specifically as it relates to support and resources for veteran-specific mental health issues and calls on the Defense Department to examine skilled-trade and training programs that can be used to both support DOD workforce and assist transitioning servicemembers.\n\nDirects the Secretary of Defense to examine transition programs aimed at providing mental health support to transitioning service members and the feasibility of a study that would educate members on the specific mental health risks that can contribute to suicide.\n\nSupports the Defense Civilian Training Corp pilot, which modernizes and strengthens the DOD civilian pipeline, and recommends DOD include the Corp in the FY25 budget request.\n\nDirects the Defense Department to study whether offering no-cost cryopreservation services to military members would assist family planning and boost retention.\n\nEncourages the Defense Department to work in conjunction the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide transition assistance, specifically as it relates to support and resources for veteran-specific mental health issues.\n\nRequires a study on the consolidation or transfer of the space functions of the National Guard that must include a cost benefit analysis for each of the potential futures for these units: the creation of a Space National Guard, the status quo, or the transfer of these space functions into the Space Force.\n\nExtends the H-2B Visa program for admission to Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for certain non-immigrant workers through 2029.\n\nStrengthen Our Ability to Protect the Pacific Region\n\nDirects the Defense Department to develop a plan for the missile defense of Hawaii as well as planning for military construction projects that will enable the timely deployment of air and missile defense capabilities across all locations in INDOPACOM.\n\nRecommends and provides the authority to allow the State Department and DOD to consult with the national security councils of the COFA States to increase partnership on emergency response, law enforcement, maritime security activities, and for enhancing resilience.\n\nAuthorizes $1 billion in incremental funding for LPD-33 in order to support the Marine Corps\u2019 future ability to deter aggression in the Pacific, respond to contingencies, and support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.\n\nAuthorizes the Commander of INDOPACOM to carry out exercises that will strengthen alliances and partnerships, deter aggression by adversaries, and allow the U.S. Armed Forces to coordinate and operate with foreign military partners in the region and included an additional $508.0 million for these activities - $360.0 million for the Army, $104.0 million for the Air Force, $8.0 million for the Marine Corps, and $36.0 million for the Navy.\n\nRecognizes the importance of land forces in the Pacific with an emphasis on the Army\u2019s Multi-Domain Task Forces and Security Assistance Brigades along with the Marine Corps Marine Littoral Regiments.\n\nGrants special authorities for combatant commanders, including INDOPACOM, to request emergency, rapid contracting response.\n\nEncourages the Air Force to consider the training potential for F-22 Block 20 aircraft, which are currently flown by the Hawaii Air National Guard.\n\nDirects a report on the DOD\u2019s efforts to support the tri-lateral agreement known as AUKUS by leveraging the expertise of U.S. public shipyards, including lessons learned from SIOP, to help improve Australian shipyards and worker training.\n\nIncreases funding for Seabed Sensing and Threat Detection by $5 million.\n\nFunds Autonomous Long-Range Resupply with $2.5 million.\n\nDelivering for Hawaii\n\nContinuing last year\u2019s work, authorizes $18 million in additional funds for the Navy to pay for the cost to transfer customers off the Navy\u2019s electrical system at Kalaeloa.\n\nInvests in DOD facilities in Hawaii to include funding for:\n\n$1.3 billion for the replacement of Dry Dock 3 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.\n\n$60 million in planning and design (P&D) funds for the waterfront production facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.\n\n$16 million for a water storage tank at Schofield Barracks.\n\n$134 million for a water reclamation facility compliance upgrade at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay.\n\n$23 million for a new water well and booster pump at Fort Shafter.\n\n$33 million for a water well and storage tank at Helemano Military Reservation.\n\n$20 million for a water storage tank at Aliamanu Military Reservation.\n\n$5.4 million in planning and design funds for an air traffic control tower at Wheeler Army Airfield.\n\n$7.4 million for to complete a 500-kilowatt solar covered parking lot and electric vehicle charging station at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.\n\n$21 million for an elevated water tank and distribution line at Schofield Barracks.\n\n$13 million to complete primary electrical distribution at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.\n\n$75 million for military housing restructuring at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam.\n\nAuthorizes $40 million for the procurement of a dual-use, FAA aviation safety and missile defense radar in support of the defense of Hawaii.\n\nIncreases funding of the Shipyard and Ship Repair Workforce Training program beyond the President's Budget by $3 million.\n\nAdded an additional $5 million above the President\u2019s budget request to continue to the work of the Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative (P3I), which creates a local skilled workforce to meet DOD demand for intelligence, IT, and cyber professionals in Hawaii.\n\nAmends acquisition regulations to require consideration of the past performance of small businesses when they bid on a Department of Defense contract, which will help small businesses in Hawaii grow their opportunities for work with the Department of Defense.\n\nPrioritizing Sustainability\n\nRequires DOD to establish policies and procedures to identify, recycle, and reuse end-of-life equipment that contains rare earth elements and other strategic and critical materials.\n\nDirects the Army to provide a briefing on a strategy that focuses on the timely removal of unexploded ordnance at Waikoloa Maneuver Area near the Army\u2019s Pohakuloa Training Area.\n\nAdds $20.2 million in additional funds to the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program (REPI), which has funded several projects in Hawaii since its inception.\n\nFacilitates a strategy for the rapid acquisition of the Army\u2019s Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Program that includes vehicle electrification.\n\nContinues a pilot program on the increased use of sustainable building materials.\n\nSecured an increase in funding beyond the President\u2019s budget for Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup in Vietnam.\n\nWith today\u2019s passage of the Senate version, the bill now heads to the House for consideration. Once approved by both chambers, the bill will be sent to the President to be signed into law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-cop28-agreement-makes-historic-progress-in-tackling-climate-crisis", "Schatz: COP28 Agreement Makes 'Historic Progress' In Tackling Climate Crisis", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) today released the following statement after nearly 200 countries struck a landmark agreement to transition away from fossil fuels at the annual UN climate conference, COP28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s agreement makes historic progress in the fight to save the future of the planet,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cTransitioning away from oil and gas; aggressively reducing emissions; tripling renewables and accelerating the adoption of clean energy technologies \u2013 all of these are essential steps to preventing the very worst outcomes of climate change. While this compromise agreement doesn\u2019t fully reflect the urgent timeline island nations and frontline communities are facing, it sends a strong signal and unites global governments and stakeholders around the shared goal of confronting the climate crisis with the bold policies it demands. Now comes the difficult work of putting these words into action.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-more-than-18-million-in-federal-funding-for-safer-roads-sidewalks-heading-to-hawaii-island-maui-oahu", "Schatz: More Than $18 Million In Federal Funding For Safer Roads, Sidewalks Heading to Hawai\u2018i Island, Maui, O\u2018ahu", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) today announced that Maui County, Hawai\u2018i County, and the City and County of Honolulu will receive more than $18 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for projects to improve safety on roads and sidewalks. The funding comes from DOT\u2019s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program which Schatz helped create as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that passed in 2021, and builds on previous Schatz-led efforts to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Schatz worked with the counties and advocated for these projects with U.S. DOT.\n\n\u201cOur roads should be safe for everyone to get around, including pedestrians and cyclists,\u201d said Senator Schatz, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. \u201cThis funding from the historic infrastructure law will improve road and sidewalks and keep our communities safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are thrilled to secure substantial funds aimed at enhancing the safety and accessibility of our streets for all our residents,\u201d said Hawai\u2018i County Mayor Mitch Roth. \u201cThanks to Senator Brian Schatz\u2019s advocacy, we have the opportunity to implement cutting-edge technology in a pilot program on Hilo\u2019s streets. Our gratitude extends to our dedicated team for their tireless commitment to Complete Streets and Hawai\u2018i County\u2019s Vision Zero Action Plan.\u201d\n\n\u201cBesides prioritizing safety, this grant comes at a critical time to support rebuilding our Lahaina community. We thank USDOT, Senator Schatz, and the congressional delegation for its continued support of our county,\u201d said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen.\n\n\u201cThis federal grant will help the City further strengthen our commitment to road safety with our Vision Zero and Complete Streets initiatives, and we are especially grateful to Sen. Schatz and the members of our congressional delegation for their support,\u201d said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. \u201cWith this award, the City\u2019s Department of Transportation Services will advance transformative improvements on some of our busiest roadways across the urban core to help reduce pedestrian-involved crashes and achieve safer streets for all.\u201d\n\nThe grants to Hawai\u2018i include:\n\n$13.4 million to the County of Maui for safety improvements on Keawe Street in West Maui. The project includes crosswalks improvements, pedestrian refuge islands, roundabouts, and a buffered bicycle lane to separate vehicular traffic from pedestrians and cyclists. These improvements will enhance road safety for all users and support other development efforts in the surrounding area.\n\n$3.3 million to the County of Hawai\u2018i to update the Hawai\u2018i Island Vision Zero Action Plan. The funding will also be used to pilot technology demonstration activities to design and test innovative ways to improve pedestrian safety.\n\n$1.6 million to the City and County of Honolulu for additional planning activities around solutions for pedestrian and bike safety improvements across seven corridors in the downtown Honolulu area.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-national-defense-bill-includes-schatz-provisions-to-study-report-on-health-impacts-of-red-hill-leak-protect-hawaii-shipyard-workforce-authorize-16-billion-for-infrastructure-projects", "Senate Passes National Defense Bill, Includes Schatz Provisions To Study, Report On Health Impacts Of Red Hill Leak, Protect Hawai\u2018i Shipyard Workforce, Authorize $1.6 Billion For Infrastructure Projects", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The U.S. Senate today passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included several provisions authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i). The bill included bipartisan legislation led by Schatz and U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-Hawai\u2018i) to collect data, study, report on, and better understand the health impacts for those exposed to water contamination from the Red Hill fuel leak. The Schatz-Case provision is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai\u2018i).\n\n\u201cPeople who were exposed to toxic fuel from this leak should know what kind of impact that might have on their long-term health and what kind of additional federal help they can get,\u201d said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. \u201cThis study will give doctors, public health experts, and those affected by the leak a better understanding of what that kind of exposure can do to someone\u2019s health.\u201d\n\nOther Schatz-led provisions in the NDAA include measures to protect Hawai\u2018i\u2019s shipyard workforce as a part of the crucial Australia \u2013 United Kingdom \u2013 United States (AUKUS) submarine partnership, authorize $1.6 billion in infrastructure projects, and create a new presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed diplomatic post to the Pacific Islands Forum. The NDAA now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.\n\nSenator Schatz continued, \u201cThese provisions will help strengthen our national security, support our servicemembers, and promote greater engagement with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.\u201d\n\nThe Schatz-secured provisions include:\n\nStudying health impacts from Red Hill fuel leak \u2013 legislation to collect data, study, and help better understand the health impacts of those exposed to water contamination from the Red Hill fuel leak and to conduct critical oversight of the Department of Defense as it conducts this study.\n\n$1.6 billion for water and port infrastructure projects, including:\n\n$20 million for a new water storage tank at Aliamanu Military Reservation\n\n$23 million for a clearwell to store filtered water and booster pump Fort Shafter\n\n$33 million to improve wells, water storage tanks, a water pump station at Helemano Military Reservation\n\n$37 million for a water distribution line, water storage tanks, and a water pump station at Schofield Barracks\n\n$134 million at Marine Corps Base Hawai\u2018i to upgrade and improve MCBH\u2019s Water Reclamation Facility\n\n$5.4 million to improve an air traffic control tower at Wheeler Army Airfield\n\n$1.3 billion to enable the construction of Dry Dock 5\n\n$15 million to improve the waste water treatment plant at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam\n\nProtecting Hawai\u2018i\u2019s shipyard workforce \u2013 a provision to develop and increase the submarine industrial base workforce by allowing the DoD to reinvest funds secured from the transfer of submarines to Australia under the historic AUKUS partnership in recruiting, training, and retaining key specialized labor at shipyards in Hawai\u2018i and across the country.\n\nInvesting in facilities and infrastructure to support submarine repairs \u2013 a provision that allows DoD to reinvest funds secured from the transfer of submarines to Australia under the historic AUKUS partnership to upgrade facilities, equipment, and infrastructure used by shipyard workforces in Hawai\u2018i and across the country to repair and maintain submarines.\n\nElevating diplomatic post to engage with Pacific Island nations \u2013 a provision elevating the Special Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum to a Senate-confirmed position.\n\nFighting child sexual exploitation \u2013 a measure requiring the DoD to report on progress in their efforts to enhance the capability of military criminal investigation organizations to prevent and combat child sexual exploitation.\n\nExpanding access to family and medical leave for veterans working as federal employees \u2013 a provision to allow federal employees who have served in the armed forces eligibility to take Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave, including paid parental leave, sooner.\n\nOther highlights for Hawai\u2018i include provisions to upgrade the electrical grid at Kalaeloa; study the housing needs of military families and the impact on housing supply in the surrounding communities; and create a new coordinator to engage with communities and the state, as negotiations on land leases begin.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-usda-omb-to-boost-public-food-and-agriculture-research-funding-in-fiscal-year-2025", "Hirono, Colleagues Urge USDA, OMB to Boost Public Food and Agriculture Research Funding in Fiscal Year 2025", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined 13 of her colleagues in sending a letter to the Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack and Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Shalanda Young urging the agency leaders to increase the Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) research budget by at least five percent, plus inflation, for Fiscal Year 2025. In the letter, led by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), the Senators emphasized the importance of public funding for food and agriculture research as it ensures that the U.S. remains competitive in the global market.\n\nThe U.S. share of public agriculture research investments globally among high-income countries as a group has declined from 35 percent in 1960 to less than 25 percent by 2013. By comparison, in the past 30 years, China\u2019s investments in public agriculture research has risen eight-fold, with China now the world\u2019s largest public funder of agriculture research. According to a 2021 report jointly commissioned by the American Farm Bureau Federation and the Farm Journal Foundation, U.S. public spending on food and agriculture has been flat for the past decade, threatening the competitiveness of U.S food systems, a growing concern as the global population may reach 10 billion by 2050, and food production needs will increase by 60 to 70 percent.\n\n\u201cAs the President\u2019s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget request is prepared, we request that an increase of at least five percent, plus inflation, above the FY 2024 funding levels proposed by the Senate, be provided across the board for all USDA research activities underway within the Agricultural Research Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Economic Research Service, and the National Agricultural Statistics Service,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nThe letter continues on, noting that public research leads to rapid discoveries that widely benefit society.\n\n\u201cThe public sector can pursue research into subjects and specialties that the private sector cannot or will not, while allowing for unrestricted and greater dissemination of shared research and the exploration of multiple applications of that knowledge,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cSuch open-access research helps to increase the pace of discoveries whereby the cost-benefits of the initial investment can have a dramatically expanded payback to society, by some estimates ranging between a 20 to 60 percent rate of return.\u201d\n\nThe Senators reiterated that this increased funding will prepare the food and agricultural sector for future challenges including global population growth, sustainability, changing weather patterns, and plant and animal diseases.\n\nIn addition to Senators Hirono and Durbin, the letter was also signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Vilsack and Director Young:\n\nAs the President\u2019s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget request is prepared, we request that an increase of at least five percent, plus inflation, above the FY 2024 funding levels proposed by the Senate, be provided across the board for all USDA research activities underway within the Agricultural Research Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Economic Research Service, and the National Agricultural Statistics Service.\n\nFor decades, public and private sector contributions to domestic food and agricultural research in the U.S. remained relatively steady, each contributing roughly half of total expenditures. Between 2008 and 2013, however, public investments in food and agricultural research dropped by 20 percent in inflation-adjusted terms, while the contributions by large private-sector corporations have increased by 64 percent over the same period.\n\nPrivate research has achieved noteworthy and widespread breakthroughs, but typically entails proprietary protections and provides a more immediate return for the sponsoring enterprise. It is not a substitute for public research. The public sector can pursue research into subjects and specialties that the private sector cannot or will not, while allowing for unrestricted and greater dissemination of shared research and the exploration of multiple applications of that knowledge. Such open-access research helps to increase the pace of discoveries whereby the cost-benefits of the initial investment can have a dramatically expanded payback to society, by some estimates ranging between a 20 to 60 percent rate of return.\n\nWhile U.S. public agricultural research spending has declined during the past 30 years, China\u2019s public agricultural research spending has increased by eight times, surpassing U.S. public investments more than 10 years ago. This is concerning given global population growth, increasing consumer demand for sustainability, changing weather patterns, and greater risks for plant and animal disease transmissions. Trends in life sciences, communications, data management, robotics, and engineering, strongly suggest that American agriculture is on the cusp of yet another sweeping transformation similar to that which emerged after the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.\n\nWe ask your support for food and agricultural research by providing an increase of at least five percent, plus inflation, above the FY 2024 levels proposed by the Senate for USDA research activities for FY 2025. Thank you for your consideration.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-maui-fires-schatz-leads-hearing-to-push-for-more-immediate-consistent-relief-funding-for-local-communities-impacted-by-natural-disasters", "Following Maui Fires, Schatz Leads Hearing To Push For More Immediate, Consistent Relief Funding For Local Communities Impacted By Natural Disasters", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, led a hearing today to underscore the need for immediate relief funding for local communities impacted by natural disasters. Schatz is the author of the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act (S.1686), bipartisan legislation that would strengthen the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2019s (HUD) disaster recovery program and help provide more immediate help for states, local governments, and tribes in the wake of a natural disaster.\n\n\u201cThis past summer, Lahaina on the island of Maui experienced the nation\u2019s deadliest wildfire in over a century. The fire killed a hundred people and decimated entire neighborhoods; 2,200 structures, most of which were homes, were destroyed. For four months now, almost 7,000 people have been shuffling from one hotel to the next. For many, rebuilding and recovery is still years away as debris removal is extensive and complex,\u201d said Chair Schatz. \u201cLahaina is just one example. Every community devastated by a disaster deserves help. Help that is timely, predictable, consistent, and proportional to the needs of the recovery. And so while Congress took an important step in September to fund FEMA disaster relief, much more is needed in programs like the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program. FEMA is only one piece of the puzzle.\u201d\n\nWorking closely with the Biden Administration and congressional leaders, Schatz has led efforts to bring federal resources to Maui. To date, Hawai\u2018i has received more than $412 million in federal funding for the response to the fires, including more than $300 million in direct assistance to survivors from FEMA and the Small Business Administration.\n\nThe following witnesses participated in the oversight hearing:\n\nU.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.)\n\nShaun Donovan, CEO and President, Enterprise Community Partners\n\nJennifer Gray Thompson, Founder and CEO, After the Fire USA\n\nRan Reinhard, Director of Operations, South Carolina Office of Resilience\n\nThe full video of the oversight hearing is available here.\n\nThe full text of Chair Schatz\u2019s opening remarks as prepared for delivery follows.\n\nGood morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us. I want to welcome our witnesses to the subcommittee, and thank Ranking Member Hyde-Smith for her continued partnership and commitment to this important issue.\n\nBefore we begin, I want to take a moment to extend my sympathies to all the families affected by the recent tornados across the south this weekend that left six dead in Tennessee, and thanks to all the first responders who have been engaged in search and rescue.\n\nProviding timely relief to communities recovering from disasters is one of our most fundamental responsibilities as United States Senators. Disasters, driven by climate change, are getting more frequent and more severe and they\u2019re wreaking untold havoc on Americans all across the country.\n\nThis year alone, we\u2019ve had 25 extreme weather and climate-related disasters, which have claimed hundreds of lives and each cost over a billion dollars in damages. As survivors navigate the long and arduous process of recovery, they can\u2019t afford to wait to get help. And so today, we\u2019ll hear from our witnesses who all have extensive experience working on disasters about how Congress can better serve recovery needs.\n\nThis past summer, Lahaina on the island of Maui experienced the nation\u2019s deadliest wildfire in over a century. The fire killed a hundred people and decimated entire neighborhoods; 2,200 structures, most of which were homes, were destroyed. For four months now, almost 7,000 people have been shuffling from one hotel to the next. For many, rebuilding and recovery is still years away as debris removal is extensive and complex.\n\nLahaina is just one example. Every community devastated by a disaster deserves help. Help that is timely, predictable, consistent, and proportional to the needs of the recovery. And so while Congress took an important step in September to fund FEMA disaster relief, much more is needed in programs like the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program. FEMA is only one piece of the puzzle.\n\nCongress has provided nearly $100 billion to HUD\u2019s CDBG-DR program over the last 30 years. These funds have helped communities in nearly every state in the country rebuild after disasters. At its best, the program provides needed resources to help the most impacted communities recover. But the way we currently run it doesn\u2019t make sense.\n\nBy failing to authorize CDBG-DR, we force HUD to rewrite rules for funding every time we finally get around to providing funding, meaning communities are left waiting months or years for aid to arrive.\n\nAnd without certainty about when and how much aid will come, local governments end up doing some things twice and other things not at all. From a governance standpoint, it\u2019s wasteful and inefficient. And for survivors, the uncertainty and delays make the already-difficult task of recovery even harder.\n\nThat has to change. The bill I\u2019ve introduced along with Senators Hyde-Smith, Murray, Collins, and others would permanently authorize the CDBG-DR program, enabling communities to plan faster and with greater clarity\u2026and ultimately, recover faster. Communities like West Maui that are in the throes of recovery need to know what resources they have to work with, so they can make the best possible decisions for rebuilding.\n\nWe can create a win-win scenario for everyone \u2013 all by streamlining the funding process.\n\nI\u2019ll close by reiterating: disasters-stricken communities like Lahaina desperately need help. It\u2019s our responsibility here in Congress to provide at least the $2.8 billion request of the Administration quickly, and do it in a way that sets them up for success in the long run. And with that, I\u2019ll turn it over to Ranking Member Hyde-Smith for her opening statement.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-statement-opposing-gop-proposed-immigration-policies", "Hirono, Chu Statement Opposing GOP-Proposed Immigration Policies", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), released the following statement opposing draconian immigration policy changes being considered as part of a supplemental national security aid package:\n\n\u201cWe are deeply alarmed by the latest reports on Republican demands for permanent anti-immigrant policies in exchange for temporary funding for Ukraine. In addition to demanding sweeping changes to our asylum system that will fail to improve conditions at the border and result in vulnerable people being sent back to danger, Republicans are demanding a more expansive return to Trump-era programs with nationwide Expedited Removal. This will terrorize undocumented communities throughout the country and could lead to the deportation of people who have been in the United States for years\u2014all without the basic due-process protection of even seeing an immigration judge.\n\n\u201cAsylum seekers fleeing political oppression or religious persecution, including an increasing number of individuals from Asian countries arriving at our Southern Border, deserve a fair chance at asylum in the United States. In addition to the grave human consequences, turning away individuals fleeing oppressive regimes will also send a dangerous message to autocratic governments everywhere that the United States has abdicated its leadership on defending human rights, opening the door for them to abandon their international obligations as well.\n\n\u201cOur immigration system is badly broken, and the supplemental package contains critical funding priorities. But pitting vulnerable groups against each other is a recipe for bad policymaking. While we stand ready to work with anyone on comprehensive immigration reform, the latest Republican proposal should be rejected outright.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-concludes-mission-to-un-climate-conference-cop28", "Schatz Concludes Mission To UN Climate Conference, COP28", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "DUBAI \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, concluded a mission to the annual United Nations climate conference, COP28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Schatz touted the progress made since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act last year, including the creation of hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs and lower energy prices for Hawai\u2018i families.\n\nSchatz was part of a Senate delegation which was led by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and also included U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass).\n\n\u201cOur message to the world at COP28 was simple: America took the biggest climate action in human history, and it\u2019s working,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cThe Inflation Reduction Act is proof that climate action is good for the economy and good for the planet. We proved the doubters wrong and sincerely hope that governments across the world will follow suit.\u201d\n\nThe Senators were briefed by U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry as well as State Department officials, and met with foreign delegations including from Ukraine, Japan, South Korea, and the Pacific Islands Forum, among others. They also participated in various events highlighting the United States\u2019 work on tackling the climate crisis; how other nations can replicate the success of the IRA to spur economic and climate progress of their own; and solutions to various global challenges related to climate, including deforestation.\n\nPhotos of Schatz and the Senate delegation are available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-provisions-to-protect-hawaii-shipyard-workforce-authorize-16-billion-for-infrastructure-projects-create-new-diplomatic-post-to-engage-with-pacific-island-nations-included-in-defense-bill", "Schatz Provisions To Protect Hawai\u2018i Shipyard Workforce, Authorize $1.6 Billion For Infrastructure Projects, Create New Diplomatic Post To Engage With Pacific Island Nations Included In Defense Bill", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) secured the inclusion of several provisions to the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including measures to protect Hawai\u2018i\u2019s shipyard workforce as a part of the crucial Australia \u2013 United Kingdom \u2013 United States (AUKUS) submarine partnership, authorize $1.6 billion in infrastructure projects, and create a new presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed diplomatic post to the Pacific Islands Forum.\n\n\u201cThese provisions will help strengthen our national security, support those who serve, and promote greater engagement with our friends and partners in the Indo-Pacific,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\nSchatz-secured provisions include:\n\nStudying health impacts from Red Hill fuel leak \u2013 legislation to collect data, study, and help better understand the health impacts of those exposed to water contamination from the Red Hill fuel leak and to conduct critical oversight of the Department of Defense as it conducts this study.\n\n$1.6 billion for water and port infrastructure projects, including:\n\n$20 million for a new water storage tank at Aliamanu Military Reservation\n\n$23 million for a clearwell to store filtered water and booster pump Fort Shafter\n\n$33 million to improve wells, water storage tanks, a water pump station at Helemano Military Reservation\n\n$37 million for a water distribution line, water storage tanks, and a water pump station at Schofield Barracks\n\n$134 million at Marine Corps Base Hawai\u2018i to upgrade and improve MCBH\u2019s Water Reclamation Facility\n\n$5.4 million to improve an air traffic control tower at Wheeler Army Airfield\n\n$1.3 billion to enable the construction of Dry Dock 5\n\n$15 million to improve the waste water treatment plant at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam\n\nProtecting Hawai\u2018i\u2019s shipyard workforce \u2013 a provision to develop and increase the submarine industrial base workforce by allowing the DoD to reinvest funds secured from the transfer of submarines to Australia under the historic AUKUS partnership in recruiting, training, and retaining key specialized labor at shipyards in Hawai\u2018i and across the country.\n\nInvesting in facilities and infrastructure to support submarine repairs \u2013 a provision that allows DoD to reinvest funds secured from the transfer of submarines to Australia under the historic AUKUS partnership to upgrade facilities, equipment, and infrastructure used by shipyard workforces in Hawai\u2018i and across the country to repair and maintain submarines.\n\nEstablishing a new diplomatic post to engage with Pacific Island nations \u2013 a provision creating a Senate-confirmed Special Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum.\n\nFighting child sexual exploitation \u2013 a measure requiring the DoD to report on progress in their efforts to enhance the capability of military criminal investigation organizations to prevent and combat child sexual exploitation.\n\nExpanding access to family and medical leave for veterans working as federal employees \u2013 a provision to allow federal employees who have served in the armed forces eligibility to take Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave, including paid parental leave, sooner.\n\nOther highlights for Hawai\u2018i include provisions to upgrade the electrical grid at Kalaeloa; study the housing needs of military families and the impact on housing supply in the surrounding communities; and create a new coordinator to engage with communities and the state, as negotiations on land leases begin.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-to-attend-un-climate-conference-in-united-arab-emirates", "Schatz To Attend UN Climate Conference In United Arab Emirates", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "DUBAI \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and a Senate delegation will attend the annual UN climate conference, COP28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Schatz plans to highlight the progress made possible so far by the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law a year ago. The law \u2013 the biggest climate action in history \u2013 invests in clean energy, helps lower energy costs for Hawai\u2018i families, and aims to cut U.S. carbon pollution by 40 percent in 2030.\n\n\u201cA year ago, Congress passed the biggest climate action in American history with the Inflation Reduction Act. The law made historic investments to dramatically reduce emissions, accelerate the clean energy transition, and make our communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cA year in, the results have already exceeded our most hopeful projections. And none of the doom and gloom predictions made by fossil fuel companies and other big corporate interests have come to pass. The IRA is creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, unleashing a manufacturing renaissance not seen in years, and helping shore up communities to be more resilient to extreme weather. The IRA is proof that big, bold climate action is not just possible, but it benefits everyone. It\u2019s good for the environment and it\u2019s good for the economy.\n\n\u201cThe IRA can and should be a blueprint for the rest of the world for delivering bold climate action. We no longer have to imagine what will happen. Climate action works for everyone \u2013 we did it and so should other countries,\u201d Schatz continued.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-announce-amendment-requiring-that-use-of-us-supplemental-aid-comply-with-us-international-law", "Hirono, Colleagues Announce Amendment Requiring that Use of U.S. Supplemental Aid Comply with U.S., International Law", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, joined a group of her Senate colleagues in announcing that they are working on an amendment to require that the weapons received by any country under the proposed national security supplemental are used in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict.\n\n\u201cThis amendment will further ensure that American aid is used in accordance with international law and American values,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cAs we support Israel\u2019s right to defend itself, we must continue working to create the conditions for a two-state solution and lasting peace in the region.\u201d\n\nThe Senators\u2019 amendment also requires that the president report to the Congress on whether countries receiving military equipment paid for by American taxpayers meet that test and whether the use of U.S-supplied weapons comports with established presidential directives on arms transfers and Defense Department policies for reducing harm to civilians. And it would buttress current law that prohibits U.S. security assistance to any country that prevents or restricts U.S. humanitarian assistance to those in need, subject to a presidential waiver. The amendment does not apply to funds for air defense systems or other systems that the president determines will be used for strictly defensive purposes.\n\nSpecifically, the Senators\u2019 amendment:\n\nRequires that the weapons received by any country under this bill are used in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict;\n\nRequires that the president obtain assurances that any country receiving weapons through this bill cooperate fully with U.S.-supported efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, subject to a presidential waiver;\n\nRequires that the president report to the Congress within 30 days on whether each country receiving U.S. security assistance through this bill is:\n\nUsing U.S.-funded military equipment in accordance with:\n\nTheir intended purposes and U.S. end-use monitoring programs;\n\nInternational humanitarian law, the law of armed conflict, and U.S. law;\n\nThe President\u2019s 2023 Conventional Arms Transfer (CAT) Policy and the Defense Department\u2019s Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP);\n\nFully cooperating with U.S. efforts and U.S.-supported international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians; and\n\n4. Clarifies that these provisions do not apply to funds for air defense systems or other systems that the president determines will be used for strictly defensive purposes.\n\nIn addition to Senator Hirono, the announcement was made by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tom Carper (D-DE), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Ed Markey (D-MA).\n\nThe full text of the amendment is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-urges-colleagues-to-pass-critical-national-security-legislation", "VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Urges Colleagues to Pass Critical National Security Legislation", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, delivered remarks on the Senate floor emphasizing the need to pass critical national security legislation, including the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the supplemental funding package with aid for Ukraine and Israel, and the Compacts of Free Association (COFA).\n\n\u201cWhile this year is quickly coming to an end, our work in this body is far from over\u2014especially as it relates to our national security,\u201d said Senator Hirono during her remarks. \u201cAt a time of global instability, it is essential that we pass this conference report\u2014as we have every year for the last 62 years\u2014to protect our nation and reaffirm our global leadership.\u201d\n\nSenator Hirono highlighted critical investments in our country\u2019s servicemembers, military infrastructure, and provisions to strengthen our posture throughout the Indo-Pacific included in the FY 2024 NDAA. She also condemned Republicans for holding up essential aid for Ukraine and Israel in exchange for unrelated policy changes regarding immigration and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax enforcement.\n\n\u201cThe United States plays a key role and a vital role in supporting our allies across the globe,\u201d continued Senator Hirono. \u201cThat\u2019s why the Senate is also working on a supplemental funding package to provide much-needed assistance to our international partners, including two nations defending their right to exist.\u201d\n\nIn her remarks, Senator Hirono also emphasized the importance of renewing COFA, agreements that are critical to our country\u2019s national security.\n\n\u201cThese Compacts\u2014with Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Micronesia\u2014provide the U.S. exclusive military jurisdiction in these strategic Pacific nations\u2014critical to our national security\u2014in exchange for defense and other benefits for COFA citizens,\u201d the Senator continued. \u201cIt is hard to overstate the importance of these Compacts to our operations in the Pacific and to our national security.\u201d\n\nSenator Hirono\u2019s full remarks are below and video is available for download here.\n\nM. President, we now have one week left until the Senate is scheduled to recess for the end of the year. While this year is quickly coming to an end, our work in this body is far from over\u2014especially as it relates to our national security. Yesterday, M. President, the Armed Services Committee, on which I sit, released the text of FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report.\n\nThis year\u2019s NDAA contains critical investments in our servicemembers, our military infrastructure, and our national security at large. Importantly, this year\u2019s NDAA contains a 5.2% pay raise for our troops\u2014the most significant raise in more than 20 years\u2014and prevents large cuts to servicemembers\u2019 overseas cost of living adjustment accounts. The bill also includes several provisions I fought to secure to improve Servicemember quality of life, including a pilot program to give military Secretaries greater authority to replace substandard barracks.\n\nAs we work to defend our allies and prevent conflict in the Pacific, this year\u2019s NDAA contains a number of provisions to strengthen our posture throughout the Indo-Pacific, including: establishing a strategy for missile defense of Hawaii and the Indo-Pacific region; providing greater flexibility to bolster infrastructure in the region; and authorizing funding for multilateral training campaigns with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.\n\nAs home to Indo-Pacific Command, and the tip of the spear of any conflict in the Pacific, Hawaii plays an especially important role in our common defense\u2014a role that is even more meaningful today, on the 82nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. But as is the case across our country, much of the Defense Department\u2019s post-World War II infrastructure in Hawaii is in desperate need of repair or replacement. That\u2019s why I secured language in the bill directing INDOPACOM to provide a report to Congress on the state of all DOD infrastructure in Hawaii, so that we can get serious about modernization.\n\nAt a time of global instability, it is essential that we pass this conference report\u2014as we have every year for the last 62 years\u2014to protect our nation and reaffirm our global leadership. The United States plays a key role and a vital role in supporting our allies across the globe. That\u2019s why the Senate is also working on a supplemental funding package to provide much-needed assistance to our international partners, including two nations defending their right to exist.\n\nFor nearly two years, Ukrainians have bravely fought off Putin\u2019s unjust and brutal invasion with the support of the United States\u2014support President Zelensky himself has said is essential to his country\u2019s success. But now, at a critical moment in this war, Republicans are holding up essential aid for Ukraine in exchange for unrelated, permanent immigration policy changes.\n\nThe Biden Administration, and the Ukrainians, have been clear: time is of the essence and without U.S. aid, Putin will likely be able to gain ground. Meanwhile, Israel is working to defend itself and its fundamental right to exist in the wake of Hamas\u2019 brutal October 7th terror attack. In the days following the attack, there seemed to be bipartisan consensus about the need to get additional aid to Israel as quickly as possible. But just days later, House Republicans opted to tie this much-needed assistance to an unrelated partisan domestic policy demand\u2014gutting IRS tax enforcement.\n\nRepublicans claimed this proposal would offset the cost of the aid to Israel when, in fact, it would cost our government money in terms of lost tax revenues. The House Republican bill also neglected to include any of the White House\u2019s request for funding to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.\n\nIn addition to funding for Ukraine and Israel, the Senate package also includes language to renew the Compacts of Free Association, or COFA. These Compacts\u2014with Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Micronesia\u2014provide the U.S. exclusive military jurisdiction in these strategic Pacific nations\u2014critical to our national security\u2014in exchange for defense and other benefits for COFA citizens.\n\nIt is hard to overstate the importance of these Compacts to our operations in the Pacific and to our national security. For the first time in nearly 30 years, these agreements also reinstate access to federal benefits for COFA citizens, thousands of whom legally live, work, and pay taxes in the U.S.\n\nM. President, the American people are counting on us, and perhaps, more importantly, they are looking to us, watching to see whether we can put partisan politics aside and do our jobs. If we fail to pass this supplemental national security funding package, it will send a message to our allies and adversaries alike, that when it matters most, the U.S. cannot be counted on and this Congress cannot do its job. This is not a game. There is no backstop here.\n\nIf we fail to do our jobs, people will die, our allies will suffer losses, our national security will be degraded and our leadership role as a great nation that defends democratic values will be significantly undermined. I thank Leader Schumer, Chairman Reed, and those of our Republican colleagues who are working diligently in good faith to find a path forward on all of these priorities\u2014because failure is not an option here. With stakes this high, we have to get this done. I implore my colleagues to come to the table so we can do so. The world is watching.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-case-legislation-to-study-health-impacts-of-red-hill-water-contamination-included-in-national-defense-bill", "Schatz-Case Legislation To Study Health Impacts Of Red Hill Water Contamination Included In National Defense Bill", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-Hawai\u2018i) today secured the inclusion of several provisions to the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including bipartisan legislation to collect data, study, and help better understand the health impacts of those exposed to water contamination from the Red Hill fuel leak. The Schatz-Case provision is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) in the Senate and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai\u2018i) in the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cPeople who were exposed to toxic fuel from this leak should know what kind of impact that might have on their long-term health and what kind of additional federal help they can get,\u201d said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. \u201cThis study will give doctors, public health experts, and those affected by the leak a better understanding of what that kind of exposure can do to someone\u2019s health.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe potential health impacts of this crisis remain one of my highest priorities,\u201d said Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. \u201cTo address these concerns, this year\u2019s NDAA also directs the government to track the health implications of fuel leaks from Red Hill for members of the armed forces and their dependents. These actions must be done in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Hawai\u2018i Department of Health to ensure a holistic and unified approach that documents and ultimately address illnesses affecting service members, dependents and civilians.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan Red Hill Health Impact Act would require the Department of Defense to work with health experts to conduct a study to assess the health impacts of water contamination among those exposed to the Red Hill fuel leak and annually report on their findings in consultation with the impacted community. The bill also requires DoD to work with the State of Hawai\u2018i, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other federal agencies to help identify any additional resources those impacted may have access to.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-braun-blumenauer-fitzpatrick-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-stop-illegal-deforestation-around-the-world-fight-climate-change", "Schatz, Braun, Blumenauer, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Help Stop Illegal Deforestation Around The World, Fight Climate Change", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) introduced the Fostering Overseas Rule of Law and Environmentally Sound Trade (FOREST) Act, bipartisan legislation that creates a framework for the federal government to deter commodity-driven illegal deforestation around the world. The FOREST Act restricts access to U.S. markets for commodities originating from illegally deforested land, reducing the incentive to sacrifice forests for agriculture use and using this market leverage to improve laws, monitoring, and enforcement in countries experiencing illegal deforestation. The United Kingdom and the European Union have recently enacted similar measures to fight deforestation.\n\n\u201cProducts of illegal deforestation are everywhere. Half of the products in American grocery stores contain palm oil and most of that is coming from illegally deforested land around the world,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cIllegal deforestation is threatening local communities and wildlife and is a major driver of climate change. American consumers are unknowingly and unintentionally driving this destruction, and our bill will help put an end to that.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe FOREST Act stops imported products that were created through illegal deforestation. This bill will help fight an international commodity-driven crime that subsidizes foreign competition and preserve at-risks forests around the world,\u201d said Senator Braun.\n\n\u201cIllegal logging threatens our most vulnerable forests and wildlife, intensifies the climate crisis, and exploits Indigenous people. American consumers should not have to worry if they are unintentionally contributing to this destruction. Building on the success of the Lacey Act amendments, our bipartisan legislation works to bring us closer to ending illegal deforestation for good,\u201d said Representative Blumenauer.\n\n\u201cIllegal deforestation poses a grave threat to our environment and our planet,\u201d said Representative Fitzpatrick. \u201cI am proud to join Representative Blumenauer (OR-03) and Senators Schatz (HI) and Braun (IN) in reintroducing the FOREST Act. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation establishes a commonsense framework for the U.S. government to combat this commodity-driven crime and provides greater transparency for American consumers. By using the market-based tools at our disposal, the U.S. can ensure that it responsibly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving species biodiversity, and protecting critical habitats around the globe.\u201d\n\nDeforestation accounts for about 10 percent of the world\u2019s annual greenhouse gas emissions, with nearly 40 percent of all tropical deforestation the result of illegal clearing. Driven primarily by the cultivation of cattle, soy, palm oil, and wood products, illegal deforestation is often associated with corruption, organized crime, and human rights abuses. The FOREST Act builds on the success of the Lacey Act, which prohibits the trade of wildlife and timber from illegal sources, to protect biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in the face of a changing climate. By reducing deforestation, the FOREST Act will also reduce the chances of new global pandemics. Specifically the bill:\n\nCreates a risk-based framework for increasing transparency and reporting in companies\u2019 international supply chains;\n\nProvides financial and technical assistance that enable countries, companies, and the U.S. federal government to coordinate solutions to reduce illegal deforestation;\n\nIncorporates deforestation in financial crime statutes so the Unites States can prosecute those who use the proceeds from deforestation to fund other criminal or terrorist enterprises; and\n\nEstablishes a purchasing preference for the federal government for deforestation-free products.\n\nThe framework creates a whole-of-government approach, drawing on expertise from the U.S. Trade Representative, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Departments of State, Justice, the Interior, and Agriculture. The bill also creates a standing advisory committee to bring the expertise of companies and civil society into the process. Companies have long worked on the ground in foreign countries to reduce deforestation, while numerous non-profit organizations have partnered with the U.S. government to identify and provide information about illegal activities related to deforestation. The advisory committee ensures program implementation will be informed by these experiences and expertise.\n\n\u201cAs a major importer of the agricultural products driving deforestation and habitat loss worldwide, the United States needs to lead the way in protecting and conserving the world\u2019s remaining forests, supporting other countries\u2019 efforts to halt illegal deforestation, and leveling the playing field for law-abiding producers. The FOREST Act aims to do just that by ensuring that the agricultural products that reach our shores don\u2019t fuel the illegal clearing of forests around the world,\u201d said Kerry Cesareo, Senior Vice President for Forests at the World Wildlife Fund.\n\n\u201cThis groundbreaking bipartisan legislation, if enacted, would establish the U.S. as a leader in global efforts to halt deforestation and associated environmental crime, while ensuring that responsible, law-abiding U.S. businesses do not face unfair competition from illegally produced goods entering the U.S. market. This legislation is a win for American consumers and farmers, the world\u2019s forests, and the livelihoods, biodiversity and climate these forests support. There is no time to lose; we urge Congress to swiftly pass the FOREST Act,\u201d said Alexander von Bismarck, Executive Director of the Environmental Investigation Agency U.S.\n\n\u201cThe bipartisan FOREST Act provides the Biden administration a chance at fulfilling a significant piece of its pledge to address the United States\u2019 deforestation footprint, taking meaningful action on climate change, international crime and support for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Forests support the livelihoods of billions of people around the world, and critical biodiversity required for a safe environment and economic prosperity. The FOREST Act, if enacted, would provide the regulatory backbone to decades of United States programs supporting developing countries\u2019 efforts in combatting environmental crime and halting deforestation. The FOREST Act would complement efforts by other world leaders in ending financial incentives for illegal deforestation, supporting free and fair economies, and halting the persecution of Indigenous Peoples and forest-dependent communities,\u201d said Peter Graham, Managing Director of Policy and Research at Climate Advisers.\n\nThe FOREST Act is supported by U.S. Cattlemen\u2019s Association, R-CALF, National Wildlife Federation, World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Environmental Investigation Agency, Conservation International, and Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-urges-usda-to-provide-all-maui-students-with-free-school-meals", "Hawaii Delegation Urges USDA to Provide All Maui Students with Free School Meals", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Ed Case (D-HI) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack, urging USDA to grant the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) the flexibility to provide all students on Maui with free school meals for at least the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year.\n\n\u201cBefore the wildfires, more than 3,000 students and hundreds of teachers and staff members from HIDOE\u2019s Lahainaluna Complex were getting ready to start their school year,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cBut these students, teachers, and staff members had their lives completely upended by the wildfires, which displaced many of them to other communities. Since then, it has been clear that the impacts of the wildfires are being experienced by the entire island.\u201d\n\nFollowing the devastating Lahaina wildfires, Maui has been impacted by higher unemployment rates, increased reliance on programs like the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and lower business revenue. The lawmakers\u2019 request for would help to alleviate these burdens, providing thousands of students across the island with access to healthy, nutritious meals at no cost to their families during this difficult time.\n\n\u201cGiven the tremendous work that lies ahead for Maui, it would be fully appropriate for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide HIDOE with the flexibility to provide all Maui students with free school meals for at least the remainder of 2023-2024 school year\u2014and possibly longer,\u201d concluded the lawmakers.\n\nThe full text of the letter is below and available here.\n\nDear Secretary Vilsack:\n\nWe write today to request that you provide the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) with the flexibility to provide all students on Maui with free school meals for at least the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year. Since the Hawaii Wildfires (DR-4724-HI) burned down Lahaina in August, students across Maui have been dealing with inconceivable circumstances. Given the current situation on the ground and the time it will take to rebuild, providing them with free meals is fully appropriate.\n\nOn Aug. 8, 2023, an entire community on Maui was devastated by wildfires. Before the wildfires, more than 3,000 students and hundreds of teachers and staff members from HIDOE\u2019s Lahainaluna Complex were getting ready to start their school year. But these students, teachers, and staff members had their lives completely upended by the wildfires, which displaced many of them to other communities. Since then, it has been clear that the impacts of the wildfires are being experienced by the entire island.\n\nFollowing the wildfires, initial unemployment insurance claims on Maui have sharply increased and the unemployment rate is expected to steadily rise. By some estimates, the unemployment rate could increase to 11 percent later this year and remain above 4 percent until late 2026.[1] As a result, individuals affected by the wildfires have been relying on programs like the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), for which the Hawaii State Department of Human Services (DHS) received over 3,600 applications during the enrollment period between Sept. 18, and Sept. 23, 2023. The conditions are hardly better for businesses, which, immediately after the wildfires, were losing $13 million in visitor spending per day. Clearly the impacts of the wildfires have been experienced across the island.\n\nGiven the tremendous work that lies ahead for Maui, it would be fully appropriate for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide HIDOE with the flexibility to provide all Maui students with free school meals for at least the remainder of 2023-2024 school year \u2013 and possibly longer. We therefore ask you to use your authority as Secretary to provide this flexibility to HIDOE.\n\nThank you for your consideration. We look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-schatz-vote-to-confirm-shanlyn-park-to-serve-on-us-district-court-for-hawaii", "Hirono, Schatz Vote to Confirm Shanlyn Park to Serve on U.S. District Court for Hawaii", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) released the following statement after voting to confirm Shanlyn A.S. Park to serve as a federal judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Park was among those recommended to President Biden by Senators Hirono and Schatz, and a merit-based Federal Judicial Selection Commission, and was confirmed by a bipartisan vote of 53-45.\n\n\u201cWith decades of experience practicing law in Hawaii, Judge Park has led a distinguished career dedicated to public service. She has exhibited a commitment to justice, fairness, and impartiality throughout her career and is highly qualified to serve on the U.S. District Court. As the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as a federal district court judge, Judge Park\u2019s confirmation reflects the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s commitment to building a federal judiciary that reflects the diversity of our communities. We were proud to support her nomination and know that she will serve Hawaii and our country with honor.\u201d\n\nJudge Shanlyn A.S. Park has been a state court judge on the First Circuit Court on Oahu since 2021. Previously, Judge Park worked from 2017 to 2021 at the Honolulu law firms McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, L.L.P. and Gallagher Kane Amai & Reyes. From 1997 to 2017, Judge Park served in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Hawaii. Prior to her service in that office, Judge Park was in private practice at Hisaka Stone & Goto from 1996 to 1997. She served as a law clerk for Magistrate Judge Francis I. Yamashita on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii from 1995 to 1996. Judge Park received her J.D. from the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law in 1995 and her B.A., cum laude, from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 1991.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/11/29/2023/11/30/2023/schatz-van-hollen-reed-release-statement-following-white-house-meeting-on-situation-in-israel-and-gaza", "Schatz, Hirono Vote To Confirm Shanlyn Park To Serve On U.S. District Court For Hawai\u2018i", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai\u2018i) released the following statement after voting to confirm Shanlyn A.S. Park to serve as a federal judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Park was among those recommended to President Biden by Senators Hirono and Schatz, and a merit-based Federal Judicial Selection Commission, and was confirmed by a bipartisan vote of 53-45.\n\n\u201cWith decades of experience practicing law in Hawai\u2018i, Judge Park has led a distinguished career dedicated to public service. She has exhibited a commitment to justice, fairness, and impartiality throughout her career and is highly qualified to serve on the U.S. District Court. As the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as a federal district court judge, Judge Park\u2019s confirmation reflects the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s commitment to building a federal judiciary that reflects the diversity of our communities. We were proud to support her nomination and know that she will serve Hawaii and our country with honor.\u201d\n\nJudge Shanlyn A.S. Park has been a state court judge on the First Circuit Court on Oahu since 2021. Previously, Judge Park worked from 2017 to 2021 at the Honolulu law firms McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, L.L.P. and Gallagher Kane Amai & Reyes. From 1997 to 2017, Judge Park served in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Hawaii. Prior to her service in that office, Judge Park was in private practice at Hisaka Stone & Goto from 1996 to 1997. She served as a law clerk for Magistrate Judge Francis I. Yamashita on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii from 1995 to 1996. Judge Park received her J.D. from the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law in 1995 and her B.A., cum laude, from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 1991.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-set-to-receive-76-million-to-protect-coastal-communities-fish-and-wildlife-across-the-state", "Schatz: Hawai\u2018i Set To Receive $7.6 Million To Protect Coastal Communities, Fish And Wildlife Across The State", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced that Hawai\u2018i will receive $7.6 million in new grant funding to support natural infrastructure projects across the state. The six grants to Hawai\u2018i, provided by the Infrastructure Law, will support design and implementation of projects to enhance the resilience of coastal communities and improve habitat for fish and wildlife.\n\n\u201cThese projects across Hawai\u2018i will help restore or protect wetlands, watersheds, and coral reef and will help keep communities safe from flooding and coastal erosion,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\nThe projects receiving grant funding include:\n\nKako\u2018o \u2018Oiwi \u2013 $3.6 million\n\nThe funding will be used to help restore 24 acres of wetland bird habitat, implement 20 acres of constructed wetlands/traditional agriculture integrated systems, protect and enhance 88 acres of traditional fishpond floodplain detainment basin and enhance 6 miles of coral reef shoreline.\n\nMoloka\u2018i Land Trust \u2013 $255,300\n\nThe grant will help build on multi-partner wetland prioritization planning that identified suitable wetlands for restoration in Moloka\u2018i by advancing priority sites to 50 percent design, assessing resiliency potential and planning\n\nMalama Haleakala Foundation \u2013 $354,000\n\nThe funding will be used to conduct site assessment and preliminary design for a detention basin along Kulanihako'i Stream to prevent flooding on the leeward slopes of Haleakala and protecting aquatic and marine habitats for many species of plants, birds, coral reefs, and fish.\n\nHanalei Watershed Hui \u2013 $874,300\n\nComplete final designs, specifications, construction cost estimates and permitting for a floodplain restoration plan and waterbird habitat enhancement in Hanalei, Hawai\u2018i. The project will increase system resiliency by creating detention basins to attenuate floods and provide waterbird habitat.\n\nCounty of Hawai\u2018i \u2013 $2 million\n\nThe funding will help create a community resilience and watershed management plan that utilizes nature-based solutions to enhance resilience along the Hilo Bay coastline and within the Hilo Bay Watershed, protecting the watershed\u2019s unique ecosystem and critical habitats for endemic, endangered marine flora and fauna.\n\nHawai\u2018i Local2030 Hub \u2013 $498,600\n\nDevelop a mobile stormwater assessment app to prioritize Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) installations within disadvantaged communities of the Ala Wai watershed and analyze barriers and opportunities for incorporating decentralized GSI retrofit solutions on private properties. The project will provide resilience benefits to reduced flood risk, maintain adequate drinking water supply and mitigate land-based pollution to critical nearshore marine habitats.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-joins-colleagues-in-joint-statement-on-proposed-threats-to-asylum-system-in-supplemental-aid-package-negotiations", "Hirono Joins Colleagues in Joint Statement on Proposed Threats to Asylum System in Supplemental Aid Package Negotiations", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined ten of her Senate colleagues in issuing the following joint statement in response to reports of potentially harmful changes to the U.S. asylum system being considered in the ongoing bipartisan negotiations around the supplemental aid package:\n\n\u201cAs negotiations surrounding the supplemental aid package progress, we are concerned about reports of harmful changes to our asylum system that will potentially deny lifesaving humanitarian protection for vulnerable people, including children, and fail to deliver any meaningful improvement to the situation at the border. Using a one-time spending package to enact these unrelated permanent policy changes sets a dangerous precedent and risks assistance to our international partners. Any proposal considering permanent changes to our asylum and immigration system needs to include a clear path to legalization for long-standing undocumented immigrants.\n\nWe remain committed to working in good faith to modernize our outdated immigration system on a bipartisan basis and through a deliberative process. We cannot truly secure our border and help American communities without increasing lawful pathways for migration and legalizing long-time undocumented immigrants who put food on our tables, care for our elderly, and form the fabric of our communities.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Senator Hirono, the statement was signed by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-schatz-vote-to-confirm-micah-smith-to-serve-on-us-district-court-for-hawaii", "Hirono, Schatz Vote to Confirm Micah Smith to Serve on U.S. District Court for Hawaii", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) released the following statement after voting to confirm Micah Smith to serve as a federal judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Smith was among those recommended to President Biden by Senators Hirono and Schatz, and a merit-based Federal Judicial Selection Commission, and was confirmed by a bipartisan vote of 57-41.\n\n\u201cThroughout his career, Micah Smith has proven to be a fair and impartial jurist, and it\u2019s the reason he was confirmed with broad bipartisan support. He has the legal acumen as well as the character and temperament to serve on the federal bench. We were proud to support his nomination and look forward to him serving Hawai\u2018i and the nation with integrity.\u201d\n\nA graduate of Kauai High School, Micah W. J. Smith has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the District of Hawaii since 2018. He is currently Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division and Criminal Civil Rights Coordinator in that office. He has also been the office\u2019s Chief of Appeals and Legal Strategy since 2022. Previously, Smith served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Southern District of New York from 2012 to 2018. From 2008 to 2012, he was an associate and counsel at O\u2019Melveny & Myers L.L.P. in Washington, D.C. Smith served as a law clerk for Justice David H. Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court from 2007 to 2008 and Judge Guido Calabresi on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2006 to 2007. Smith received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 2006 and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in 2003.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-condemns-republicans-anti-immigrant-proposal-calls-for-bipartisan-comprehensive-immigration-reform", "VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Condemns Republicans\u2019 Anti-Immigrant Proposal, Calls for Bipartisan Comprehensive Immigration Reform", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor emphasizing the need for bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform and condemning Congressional Republicans\u2019 demand for permanent anti-immigrant policy changes in exchange for continued aid for Ukraine.\n\n\u201cAs the only immigrant serving currently in the Senate, I know that the challenges confronting immigrants are not hypothetical,\u201d said Senator Hirono during her remarks. \u201cThis isn\u2019t about statistics, it\u2019s about people\u2014people desperate for opportunity and the hope of building a better life in our country.\u201d\n\nIn exchange for one-time funding for Ukraine, Republicans are demanding drastic anti-immigrant policy changes that would effectively weaken the United States\u2019 immigration system by complicating the country\u2019s asylum system and sowing further chaos at the southern border.\n\n\u201cPitting vulnerable groups against each other\u2014Ukrainians fighting an unjust invasion and asylum seekers fleeing persecution\u2014is a recipe for bad policymaking,\u201d continued Senator Hirono. \u201cI stand ready to work in good faith with anyone looking to meaningfully improve our nation\u2019s badly outdated and broken immigration system. However, that is not what the current Republican proposal does.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American people are tired of rhetoric\u2014they are looking to us to act,\u201d concluded Senator Hirono. \u201cI believe this body has the ability to come together and enact comprehensive immigration reform, and I hope we\u2014Democrats and Republicans, we both acknowledge that the immigration system is broken\u2014can find the will to do so.\u201d\n\nSenator Hirono\u2019s full remarks are below and video is available for download here.\n\nM. President, I rise today alarmed at Republicans\u2019 demand for drastic anti-immigrant policy changes in exchange for continued support for Ukraine. For nearly two years, our allies in Ukraine have fought off Putin\u2019s unjust invasion with the support of the United States\u2014support President Zelensky himself has said is essential to his country\u2019s success. But now, as Ukrainians fight to defend their country and democracy itself, Republicans are holding additional aid hostage in exchange for unrelated immigration policy changes. In exchange for one-time funding for Ukraine, Republicans are demanding permanent policy changes that would further weaken our broken immigration system.\n\nThe proposal put forward by several of my Republican colleagues earlier this month would further complicate our asylum system and sow further chaos at the southern border. This plan would require asylum seekers to apply for asylum in every country through which they transit\u2014a clear violation of international law that would effectively deny asylum to almost anyone outside of Mexico or Canada who cannot fly directly to the United States.\n\nSimilarly, raising the standard for initial asylum screenings\u2014known as Credible Fear Interviews\u2014would require asylum seekers to present even more detailed asylum claims within just days of a traumatic journey to the United States, typically while detained in DHS custody and without the assistance of counsel. By making it even harder for the most vulnerable to seek asylum, these changes would result in political dissenters and persecuted minorities being sent back to danger and, in some instances, to their deaths.\n\nThe Republicans\u2019 plan would also make the situation at the southern border more chaotic by eliminating the President\u2019s parole authority, which the Biden administration has used to create safe, orderly pathways for nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the United States. Eliminating this parole authority would force vulnerable people from these countries to make a dangerous journey to our border to seek protection, rather than applying for protection in advance.\n\nM. President, as the only immigrant serving currently in the Senate, I know that the challenges confronting immigrants are not hypothetical. This isn\u2019t about statistics, it\u2019s about people\u2014people desperate for opportunity and the hope of building a better life in our country. A plan that villainizes and degrades those seeking to enter our country is bad enough, but this plan does little to address the actual issues facing immigrants\u2014failing to acknowledge the plight of DACA recipients, Temporary Protected Status holders, and undocumented individuals living in the shadows while contributing to our communities and our economy.\n\nJust this month, the Judiciary Committee, on which I sit, held a hearing on how to improve immigration courts. Immigration experts shared meaningful, thoughtful ways to improve this key component of our immigration system. Disappointingly, but not surprisingly\u2014sad to say\u2014none of the solutions discussed at that hearing are included in the Republicans\u2019 proposal. Beyond the problematic content of their proposal is the precedent that Republicans are attempting to set by tying one-time funding for Ukraine to permanent anti-immigrant policy changes.\n\nPitting vulnerable groups against each other\u2014Ukrainians fighting an unjust invasion and asylum seekers fleeing persecution\u2014is a recipe for bad policymaking. Exchanging permanent policy changes for temporary funding all but guarantees additional Republican demands on immigration next year.\n\nThere was a serious effort to enact bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform in the Senate in 2013. I was here then, I had just gotten elected to the Senate. 2013 was the last time this body attempted to address this issue\u2014of a broken immigration system\u2014in a comprehensive way. To this day, I consider that bill that we worked on in a bipartisan way in 2013, as one of the most important issues and bills I\u2019ve ever worked on in the Senate.\n\nComprehensive immigration reform was needed then and it is desperately needed now. I stand ready to work in good faith with anyone looking to meaningfully improve our nation\u2019s badly outdated and broken immigration system. However, that is not what the current Republican proposal does.\n\nM. President, the American people are tired of rhetoric\u2014they are looking to us to act. I believe this body has the ability to come together and enact comprehensive immigration reform, and I hope we\u2014Democrats and Republicans, we both acknowledge that the immigration system is broken\u2014can find the will to do so. We did it in 2013 and we can do it again.\n\nEarlier today, Senator Hirono also joined a group of her colleagues in issuing a joint statement in response to reports of potentially harmful changes to the U.S. asylum system being considered in the ongoing bipartisan negotiations around the supplemental aid package.\n\nSenator Hirono is a leading champion in the fight to expand access to federal benefits to lawfully-present immigrants. Earlier this month, Senator Hirono joined over a hundred colleagues from the House and Senate in calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to finalize their proposed rule to expand health coverage for those participating in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, crime victims, and immigrant children. Also this month, Senator Hirono led 15 of her Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) colleagues in urging President Biden to reduce the visa backlog, which keeps millions of immigrants\u2014including many immigrants from Asia\u2014separated from their families. In October, Senator Hirono introduced new legislation to provide a comprehensive framework to reform the federal government\u2019s care and custody of unaccompanied noncitizen children (UC).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-highlights-support-for-hawaii-federal-judge-nominees-ahead-of-confirmation-votes", "VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Highlights Support for Hawaii Federal Judge Nominees Ahead of Confirmation Votes", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor in support of two nominees to serve as federal judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Shanlyn A.S. Park\u2019s and Micah Smith\u2019s nominations were announced by Senator Hirono and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) earlier this year. Smith was confirmed earlier today by a bipartisan vote of 57-41 and Park\u2019s nomination is expected to be voted on tomorrow.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad that later today the Senate will vote to confirm Micah Smith and tomorrow, Shanlyn Park, as judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii,\u201d said Senator Hirono during her remarks. \u201cI believe both nominees\u2019 experience, temperament, and demonstrated commitment to public service, along with their deep roots in Hawaii, will make them excellent judges on Hawaii\u2019s District Court. I look forward to voting to confirm them.\u201d\n\nSenator Hirono\u2019s full remarks are below and video is available for download here.\n\nM. President, I\u2019m glad that later today the Senate will vote to confirm Micah Smith and tomorrow, Shanlyn Park, as judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Shanlyn Park, who currently serves as a Hawaii Circuit Court judge, was born and raised in Hawaii, where her career has been spent almost entirely in public service. After graduating from Chaminade University and the William S. Richardson School of Law, Judge Park served as a Federal Public Defender in Hawaii for 20 years.\n\nAs a judge, she has earned high marks for her evenhanded approach and well-reasoned decisions. Importantly, if confirmed, Judge Park would make history as the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as a federal district court judge. It\u2019s high time and long overdue. Representation matters.\n\nLike Judge Park, Micah Smith has also had an impressive legal career. After graduating from Lock Haven University and Harvard Law School, he clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and then on the Supreme Court for Justice Souter. He went on to became a federal prosecutor, a job he has held for the last 12 years.\n\nHe began at U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Southern District of New York and, in 2018, returned home to Hawaii to join the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office in Honolulu. I believe both nominees\u2019 experience, temperament, and demonstrated commitment to public service, along with their deep roots in Hawaii, will make them excellent judges on Hawaii\u2019s District Court. I look forward to voting to confirm them.\n\nLast month, Senator Hirono introduced and voted to advance the nominations of both nominees during two judiciary committee hearings.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/11/29/2023/schatz-van-hollen-reed-release-statement-following-white-house-meeting-on-situation-in-israel-and-gaza", "Schatz, Hirono Vote To Confirm Micah Smith To Serve On U.S. District Court", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 By a vote of 57-41, the U.S. Senate today voted to confirm Micah Smith to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai\u2018i. Smith was recommended to President Biden by Senators Schatz and Hirono, and a merit-based Federal Judicial Selection Commission.\n\n\u201cThroughout his career, Micah Smith has proven to be a fair and impartial jurist, and it\u2019s the reason he was confirmed with broad bipartisan support. He has the legal acumen as well as the character and temperament to serve on the federal bench. We were proud to support his nomination and look forward to him serving Hawai\u2018i and the nation with integrity.\u201d\n\nA graduate of Kaua\u2018i High School, Micah W. J. Smith has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the District of Hawai\u2018i since 2018. He is currently Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division and Criminal Civil Rights Coordinator in that office. He has also been the office\u2019s Chief of Appeals and Legal Strategy since 2022. Previously, Smith served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Southern District of New York from 2012 to 2018. From 2008 to 2012, he was an associate and counsel at O\u2019Melveny & Myers L.L.P. in Washington, D.C. Smith served as a law clerk for Justice David H. Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court from 2007 to 2008 and Judge Guido Calabresi on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2006 to 2007. Smith received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 2006 and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in 2003.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-van-hollen-reed-release-statement-following-white-house-meeting-on-situation-in-israel-and-gaza", "Schatz, Van Hollen, Reed Release Statement Following White House Meeting On Situation In Israel & Gaza", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), and Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) released the following statement on their meeting yesterday with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and over a dozen of their colleagues to discuss the letter the Senators led with 23 of their colleagues to President Biden condemning the brutal terror attacks by Hamas, expressing support for immediate funding to replenish Israel\u2019s defensive systems, and seeking information on two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza.\n\n\u201cFollowing the brutal terror attacks that Hamas conducted against Israel, America has stood united in our support for Israel\u2019s duty to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable. As we noted in our letter, we believe the U.S. should immediately provide Israel with funding to support this effort, including funds to replenish its defensive systems.\n\n\u201cBut to better understand the efficacy of U.S. funding that supports Israel\u2019s operations inside Gaza, we requested answers from the President on how these funds are being used in order to ensure they support an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas while taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza. In our letter to President Biden, we raised several key issues, including maintaining a focus on returning hostages, reducing civilian casualties, delivering humanitarian aid, establishing a plan for post-war governance and the future of the region, and addressing extremist violence in the West Bank. During yesterday\u2019s briefing, we had an opportunity to discuss with the Administration each of the questions raised in our letter.\n\n\u201cAs we expressed in the meeting, we are grateful for their leadership in negotiating a temporary ceasefire to secure the release of many hostages and to allow some desperately needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza. We also expressed our appreciation for President Biden\u2019s strong statements on the rising extremist settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank as well as their intention to place visa restrictions and their consideration of other forms of sanctions, on these extremist settlers. We support these efforts.\n\n\u201cBut as the end of the temporary ceasefire looms ahead, we must do more to ensure the protection of innocent civilians. With the Netanyahu government\u2019s indication that it intends to continue its ground invasion into the South and Khan Yunis, humanitarian considerations must remain front and center. This city \u2013 at the heart of southern Gaza \u2013 has nearly doubled in population as many of the 1.7 million Palestinians who have fled the north in compliance with IDF orders have sought refuge there. To aid civilians, as we noted in our letter, \u2018we must not only do our part to provide urgently needed humanitarian relief to Gaza, but also insist that Israel take all necessary measures to help us facilitate such relief.\u2019\n\n\u201cWe are gravely concerned that a resumption in fighting threatens to once again renew the high rate of civilian casualties and further deepen the humanitarian crisis. We expressed these concerns in our meeting, and we appreciated the Administration\u2019s acknowledgment of these issues. We are committed to working with the President and his Administration to address these concerns and to secure assurances from the Netanyahu coalition on them.\n\n\u201cAs we made clear yesterday, this meeting was not a substitute for a public response to our questions \u2013 the Administration must provide transparent responses to the American people on these matters \u2013 but we appreciated the opportunity to discuss these issues in depth.\n\n\u201cWe continue to support additional assistance to Israel in the aftermath of the brutal Hamas attacks \u2013 but we are all in agreement that this assistance must be consistent with our interests and values and used in a manner that adheres to international humanitarian law, the law of armed conflict, and U.S. law. We need to find a better path toward helping Israel achieve legitimate military and security objectives. U.S. assistance has never come in the form of a blank check \u2013 regardless of the recipient.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-statement-on-red-hill-wai-report", "Hawaii Delegation Statement On Red Hill WAI Report", "2023-11-28", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) issued the following statement on the report released today by the Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative (WAI).\n\n\u201cAs we\u2019ve worked to secure the federal resources needed for defueling and closing Red Hill, we have consistently pushed to ensure DOD, EPA, and other federal agencies are responsive to community input. This report underscores the importance of continued collaboration between all levels of government throughout this process to ensure we protect the environment and Oahu\u2019s drinking water. As this process moves forward, we will continue working as a delegation to ensure Hawaii has the resources it needs and that the federal government, working with the state and local governments in Hawaii, meets its obligation to keep our communities and environment safe.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-statement-on-red-hill-wai-report", "Hawai\u2018i Delegation Statement On Red Hill WAI Report", "2023-11-28", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai\u2018i) issued the following statement on the report released today by the Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative (WAI).\n\n\u201cAs we\u2019ve worked to secure the federal resources needed for defueling and closing Red Hill, we have consistently pushed to ensure DOD, EPA, and other federal agencies are responsive to community input. This report underscores the importance of continued collaboration between all levels of government throughout this process to ensure we protect the environment and Oahu\u2019s drinking water. As this process moves forward, we will continue working as a delegation to ensure Hawaii has the resources it needs and that the federal government, working with the state and local governments in Hawaii, meets its obligation to keep our communities and environment safe.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-fta-approves-updated-grant-agreement-set-for-final-hart-review", "Schatz: FTA Approves Updated Grant Agreement, Set For Final HART Review", "2023-11-27", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Following a lengthy process facilitated by U.S Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit\u2019s (HART) updated full funding grant agreement (FFGA), which is now set for a final review from the HART Board of Directors and the Honolulu City Council.\n\n\u201cAfter a long and difficult process, we are close to finalizing an updated full funding grant agreement that will help us complete Honolulu\u2019s Skyline. While we still have more work to do, this key milestone recognizes the hard work HART and the City have done to provide more accountability and get this project back on track. I will continue to work with our federal and state partners to make sure we close the deal and finish this project for the people of Honolulu.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-israel-hamas-agreement-to-release-hostages-and-enable-flow-of-humanitarian-aid", "Hirono Statement on Israel-Hamas Agreement to Release Hostages and Enable Flow of Humanitarian Aid", "2023-11-22", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, released the following statement after Israel and Hamas agreed to a four-day humanitarian pause in order to facilitate the release of 50 hostages held by Hamas and allow for humanitarian aid to help Palestinian civilians in Gaza.\n\n\u201cI welcome this agreement to allow for the release of American and Israeli hostages being cruelly and unjustly held by Hamas. This humanitarian pause will enable the flow of critical aid and supplies into Gaza and I commend President Biden and his team for their determination in facilitating this agreement. My thoughts are with all of the people and families who have endured this horrific violence. We must continue working to reunite all of the hostages with their families, secure humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Gaza, and determine a way to achieve a two-state solution and facilitate peace in the region. \u201d\n\nLast month, Senator Hirono joined a group of her Senate colleagues in calling for humanitarian pauses and hostage releases in the Israel-Hamas war.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-joins-colleagues-in-bipartisan-push-to-bolster-vas-emergency-response", "Hirono Joins Colleagues in Bipartisan Push to Bolster VA\u2019s Emergency Response", "2023-11-21", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, joined Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) in introducing the Advancing VA\u2019s Emergency Response to (AVERT) Crises Act of 2023, legislation to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 (VA) emergency response.\n\n\u201cIn August, one of the deadliest fires in U.S. history destroyed an entire town, causing devastation to businesses, families, and impacting entire communities on Maui and across the state of Hawaii,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cHawaii has been affected by other fires as well, most recently in upcountry Maui, on Hawaii Island, and on Oahu. As natural disasters and extreme weather events \u2013 such as wildfires \u2013 become increasingly common across the country, it is crucial that the VA has the resources it needs to respond to these events. The AVERT Crises Act will help the VA in its efforts to fulfill its emergency preparedness mission and enable Congress to determine how it can provide the agency with additional support to strengthen its response to future extreme weather events and disasters.\u201d\n\nThe AVERT Crises Act would improve VA\u2019s response to natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies to ensure continuity of VA medical care for veterans, and that the Department is better prepared to activate their Fourth Mission authority\u2014VA\u2019s role in improving the nation\u2019s response to emergencies. It would require VA to implement fully operational emergency communications systems throughout VA medical facilities, and improve VA\u2019s emergency cache program\u2014stored reserves at VA medical facilities containing drugs and medical supplies to be used during an emergency.\n\nThe Senators\u2019 legislation addresses lessons learned from VA\u2019s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, recent natural disasters, and the findings of numerous reports from the VA Office of Inspector General. Recently, natural and weather-related disasters have increased in frequency and intensity, and VA plays a critical role in responding to these emergencies.\n\nAmong its many provisions, the AVERT Crises Act would:\n\nRequire VA to implement a fully operational emergency communications system throughout their medical facilities;\n\nRequire VA to report to Congress on the current status of its Regional Readiness Centers, and on recommendations for improving the alignment of its offices involved with emergency management to ensure there is not redundancy between offices;\n\nRequire VA to ensure its emergency pharmacy vehicles and emergency caches are fully stocked with unexpired inventory; and\n\nRequire VA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to analyze cross-Department coordination during emergencies.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-resolution-to-commemorate-transgender-day-of-remembrance", "Hirono Leads Colleagues in Introducing Resolution to Commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance", "2023-11-20", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led eight of her Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution commemorating November 20, 2023, as Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). The House companion bill was introduced by Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Sara Jacobs (D-CA).\n\n\u201cTransgender and gender-nonconforming people, particularly trans women of color, continue to face senseless discrimination and violence throughout the country,\u201d said Senator Mazie Hirono. \u201cThis resolution honors the memory of the transgender and gender non-conforming people whose lives were lost in acts of violence and raises awareness of the dangers trans people face today. No one should have to live their lives in fear simply for existing. Trans rights are human rights, and I will continue fighting so people in Hawaii and across the country\u2014regardless of their gender identity\u2014can live their lives freely and authentically.\u201d\n\nFollowing the still-unsolved murder of Rita Hester, a transgender woman of color, Gwendolyn Ann Smith\u2014a transgender writer, designer, and activist\u2014founded TDOR to honor Hester and other transgender people whose lives were lost to violence. The TDOR resolution memorializes the lives of transgender people lost due to violence in the United States and around the world.\n\nIn addition to Senator Hirono, the resolution was cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-over-66-million-to-improve-early-childhood-programs-and-services-in-hawaii", "Hirono Announces Over $6.6 Million to Improve Early Childhood Programs and Services in Hawaii", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) announced that the University of Hawaii (UH) will receive over $6.6 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program. This funding will support existing child care programs in Hawaii and efforts to better connect and align child care programs and services throughout the state.\n\n\u201cIn 2023, federal and state early learning opportunities will serve nearly 9,000 children and families in Hawaii,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThese programs provide supportive environments to build a strong foundation for our keiki and set them up to lead successful lives. Expanding access to high-quality, affordable early childhood programs has long been a priority of mine, which is why I am glad to announce this important investment. This funding will help children and families continue to access quality child care and early learning programs.\u201d\n\nSenator Hirono has continued to play an important role in advocating for PDG B-5. Earlier this year, she, along with Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Tina Smith (D-MN), led 42 of their colleagues in sending a letter asking the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, to substantially increase funding for PDG B-5 and other early childhood programs such as the Child Care and Development Block Grant program, Head Start, and Early Head Start. Previously, in 2018, she also led a letter of support for the Hawaii State Department of Human Services to receive an initial grant through PDG B-5. In the letter, she advocated for funding to assist Hawaii\u2019s plans to provide new and improve existing programing and services for children from birth to age five.\n\nPDG B-5 helps states improve their child care and early learning programs. The funding is used to provide working families, and their children, with access to high-quality early childhood programs. Specifically, the grants:\n\nHelp improve quality and safety across child care programs;\n\nImprove state collaboration across multiple early childhood programs, systems, and agencies; and\n\nAssist states in collecting data to enable programs to run more effectively and efficiently.\n\nSenator Hirono is a strong advocate for expanding access to early childhood programs. In April, she and Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Casey reintroduced the Child Care for Working Families Act, which would significantly increase access to child care and preschool for working and middle class families. In 2021, Senator Hirono helped pass the American Rescue Plan Act, which included $39 billion for child care programs in the United States\u2014including nearly $130 million to support Hawaii child care programs. As Hawaii Lieutenant Governor, Senator Hirono led the development of the Hawaii Pre-Plus Program, which expanded access to preschool programs in the state.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-20-million-to-strengthen-climate-resilience-for-native-hawaiian-community", "Hirono Announces $20 Million to Strengthen Climate Resilience for Native Hawaiian Community", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced the availability of $20 million in funding to help strengthen climate resilience in the Native Hawaiian community. The funding will support the U.S. Department of the Interior\u2019s Office of Native Hawaiian Relations\u2019 (ONHR) new Kapapahuliau Climate Resilience Program, which will provide Native Hawaiian organizations with resources to navigate the effects of climate change.\n\n\u201cCompared to the rest of the country, Hawaii is unique in many ways\u2014our food, our communities, our local culture\u2014and the climate challenges we face are no exception,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cSea level rise, higher land and ocean temperatures, and invasive species all present serious challenges to our islands. By making $20 million available specifically for Native Hawaiian Organizations, this new program reflects the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s commitment to supporting indigenous communities\u2019 needs, values, and priorities. Environmental stewardship is an important part of Native Hawaiian culture, so I\u2019m glad that this funding will be available to support the community\u2019s efforts to combat the effects of climate change and strengthen climate resilience.\u201d\n\nThe funding is provided through the Inflation Reduction Act, which Senator Hirono helped pass into law in 2022. The funding follows the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s release of the Fifth National Climate Assessment, a congressionally mandated report assessing the science of climate change in the United States, its impacts, and options for reducing present and future risk, including specific impacts on Hawaii and U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands.\n\nONHR will be hosting two 120-minute virtual pre-proposal informational sessions on November 29 and December 13, 2023 at 2:00 pm HT to provide an overview of the Kapapahuliau Program and address questions for interested applicants. The deadline to apply for funding is Thursday, February 29, 2024.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Hirono has championed legislation to protect Hawaii\u2019s environment, fish, wildlife, and plants, while also working to support local farmers and agriculture, and speed the transition to clean, renewable energy in Hawaii and across the country. Last month, Senator Hirono announced $2 million in federal support for three projects working to advance environmental justice across Hawaii. She also applauded the news that the Department of Energy was awarding a combined $17.9 million in grants to the Hawaii Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism\u2014$1.7 million towards enabling high penetration renewables with Synchronous Condenser Conversion Technology and $16.3 million towards solar grid forming technology. In September, Senator Hirono introduced the AuGmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful (AG RESEARCH) Act, legislation to provide billions in funding to address deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture, including the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH CTAHR), and USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facilities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-protect-domestic-abuse-survivors-from-gun-violence", "Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Domestic Abuse Survivors from Gun Violence", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), and U.S. Representative Jim Hymes (D-CT) in introducing the Lori Jackson \u2013 Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act to protect domestic violence survivors from gun violence.\n\nThe legislation would expand on a provision in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that denies firearm sales to dating partners with misdemeanor domestic violence convictions \u2013 and not just abusers who had been married to, lived with, or had children with their victim.\n\nThe bill is named for two women who were both shot and killed by their abusive, estranged partners even after securing emergency restraining orders: Lori Jackson, from Oxford, Connecticut; and Nicolette Elias from Portland, Oregon.\n\nLori Jackson was a 32-year-old mother of two who fled her home with her two children and filed for a restraining order to protect her family from her estranged husband. She moved in with her mother in Oxford, Connecticut, and the court granted her a temporary protective order while she waited for a hearing to obtain a permanent restraining order. The day before the hearing was scheduled, Lori's husband shot and killed her and injured her mother Merry Jackson using a gun he legally possessed because a permanent protective order was not yet in place.\n\nNicolette Elias was a 46-year-old Portland mother of two young daughters who for years sought and secured restraining orders and temporary stalking orders against her estranged and abusive ex-husband. Despite all her attempts to protect herself and her daughters from a man who frequently threatened them and had access to firearms, in 2014, Nicolette was murdered by her former spouse in front of their children with a handgun that he refused to relinquish. He then forced their daughters out of the home, past their mother\u2019s body, and kidnapped them, taking them to his own home. There, later that day, he took his own life, shooting himself in the chest in front of the police.\n\nCurrent federal law protects domestic violence survivors from gun violence by preventing their abusers from purchasing or possessing a firearm \u2013 but only once the court has issued a final restraining order. This leaves survivors unprotected exactly when they are in the most danger: when a domestic abuser first learns his or her victim has left and only an emergency restraining order is in place. Further, the current definition of \u201cintimate partner\u201d used to prohibit respondents to restraining orders from purchasing or possessing a firearm includes spouses, former spouses, people with a child in common, and cohabitants. However, there are many survivors of dating violence who were never married, do not live with their abuser, and have no children.\n\nThe Lori Jackson \u2013 Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act would restrict those under emergency restraining orders from purchasing or possessing a firearm, and would extend protections to domestic violence survivors who have been abused by their dating partners.\n\nThe bill would also establish a new grant program to help state and local governments implement policies that keep firearms out of the hands of domestic violence perpetrators while they are subject to a temporary or emergency restraining order. These policies include: requiring a domestic violence abuser to surrender or sell any firearm or ammunition in their possession; revoking their permit or license to purchase, possess or carry a firearm or ammunition while the restraining order is in effect; and requiring that a background check to be performed before any firearm or ammunition is returned to the person subject to the restraining order.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady, Giffords, March for Our Lives, Sandy Hook Promise, Newtown Action Alliance, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, and Jewish Women International.\n\nIn addition to Senator Hirono, the bill is cosponsored Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Patty Murray (D-WA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Chris Murphy (D-CT).\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-murkowski-kaine-reintroduce-resolution-calling-on-us-senate-to-ratify-un-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea", "Hirono, Murkowski, Kaine Reintroduce Resolution Calling on U.S. Senate to Ratify UN Convention on the Law of the Sea", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, on the 29th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) entering into force, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced a resolution calling on the U.S. Senate to ratify UNCLOS. UNCLOS, which has been ratified by 168 nations and the European Union, details the rights and responsibilities of countries regarding the world\u2019s oceans, including guidelines for businesses and the management of marine natural resources, and provides a legal framework to protect those rights while avoiding conflict.\n\n\u201cMore than twenty years after UNCLOS took effect, the U.S. is one of just a handful of signatories that has not ratified it, preventing us from engaging in important international conversations about our oceans and seas,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThis long overdue step would help strengthen our national security, expand oceanic access for maritime industries, and support efforts to preserve the environmental health of our oceans. Ratifying UNCLOS enables the U.S. to participate in the decision making process regarding our planet\u2019s oceans and seas.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe longer we sit out, the longer the rest of world will continue to set the agenda of maritime domain, from seabed mining to critical subsea infrastructure,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cRatifying the Law of the Sea Treaty will help us keep China\u2019s illegal territorial advances at bay in the South China and is also critical to our national interest in the maritime domain, especially as other Arctic nations look to define their rights to seabed areas beyond their existing exclusive economic zones. It is time for America to not just join the world at the table, but to make sure we are helping to set the rules going forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cEnsuring our seas remain free and open is critical to protecting our economy and our national security. U.S. ratification of UNCLOS would underscore our commitment to freedom of navigation worldwide and the importance of this agreement. As Chairman of the Armed Services\u2019 Subcommittee on Seapower and a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, I\u2019ll keep working with my colleagues to make progress on this issue,\u201d said Senator Kaine.\n\n\u201cThe United States must be in the conversation when it comes to defining international maritime laws,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWhile the U.S. dallies, Russia and China are moving into seabed mining. UNCLOS will protect our domestic shipping industry, national security, and economic security by ensuring we are able to compete with existing monopolies at sea.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica is an Arctic Nation, but as we fail to assert our rights, we allow rival countries \u2013 near-Arctic nations and otherwise \u2013 to seize opportunities in our maritime territory,\u201d said Arctic Caucus Co-Chair Senator Angus King (I-ME). \u201cSigning on to the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea would give us our rightful seat at the table for international conversations about territorial rights, navigation, environmental protections and economic opportunities \u2013 especially in the race for critical minerals that will unlock our technological future. That\u2019s why ever military official I have met with has said it would assist in advancing America\u2019s interests and strengthening our security. The High North offers historical possibilities for America\u2019s future, but we are holding ourselves back by standing still.\u201d\n\n\u201cSitting on the sidelines of UNCLOS not only undermines our standing to advocate for international freedom of navigation and the protection of our oceans \u2013 it also undercuts our ability to protect our own national security and commercial interests in the seas. It is critical that the U.S. ratify this Convention so we can more credibly defend international law of the sea,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\nUNCLOS is a comprehensive legal framework governing all uses of the world\u2019s oceans and seas, and their resources. It also allows for further development of specific areas of the law of the sea. It is the globally recognized framework for dealing with all matters relating to the law of the sea, governing areas including, but not limited to, environmental control, marine scientific research, economic and commercial activities, and the settlement of disputes relating to ocean matters.\n\nThe treaty was opened for signature on December 10, 1982 and was entered into force on November 16, 1994. The United States signed UNCLOS on July 29, 1994, but the U.S. Senate has not yet voted to ratify the treaty, despite urging from environmental, scientific, labor, and industry organizations. This resolution has been previously introduced by Senators Hirono and Murkowski in the 116th and 117th Congresses.\n\nIn addition to Senators Hirono, Murkowski, and Kaine, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Angus King (I-ME), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-cassidy-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-create-new-national-board-to-investigate-natural-disasters-provide-recommendations-to-mitigate-future-impact", "Schatz, Cassidy Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill To Create New National Board To Investigate Natural Disasters, Provide Recommendations To Mitigate Future Impact", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) today reintroduced the Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act, bipartisan legislation that would create an independent board to investigate major natural disasters nationwide. The National Disaster Safety Board (NDSB) would specifically study the underlying causes of disaster-related fatalities and property damage, and make recommendations to all levels of government on how to make communities more resilient to the impacts of disasters.\n\n\u201cNatural disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe every year, killing hundreds of people and destroying communities across the country \u2013 an unfortunate reality Hawai\u2018i witnessed this past summer with the devastating fires on Maui,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cBut much of this death and destruction is predictable and preventable, and we need to do everything we can to protect people and make our communities more resilient. Our bill would create an independent board to investigate major natural disasters and provide policymakers and the public with a full account of what happened as well as data-informed recommendations that will prepare them for the next crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cJust because Louisiana had a relatively quiet hurricane season this year, doesn\u2019t mean it will stay this way,\u201d said Senator Cassidy. \u201cA natural disaster safety board memorializes lessons learned from past storms to save lives and possibly prevent future disasters across the country.\u201d\n\nCurrently, policymakers have to rely on a patchwork of studies, after-action reports, audits, and media reports \u2013 which are inconsistent and vulnerable to political pressure \u2013 to understand the impacts of natural disasters. The NDSB would aim to be a centralized national hub for data collection and analysis, helping communities across the country better understand disaster impacts and learn best practices for improving resiliency.\n\nThe NDSB is modeled after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) which investigates major transportation accidents and provides reviews and recommendations to prevent future ones. The NDSB\u2019s seven members would bring experience in emergency management, public health, engineering, social and behavioral sciences, as well as experience working at the state and local levels and with vulnerable communities.\n\nAdditionally, given that low-income communities, communities of color, the elderly, and people with disabilities suffer disproportionately during natural disasters, the NDSB would include a dedicated office focused on disaster impacts to these communities and ensure that specific recommendations are made to protect them. The NDSB would also offer technical assistance to support jurisdictions implementing its resiliency recommendations.\n\nU.S. Representative Katie Porter (D-Calif.) leads companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cThis year, the U.S. has faced 25 disasters exceeding $1 billion in losses, which have tragically caused over 460 deaths. To make federal disaster assistance programs more effective, mitigate risks, and ultimately save lives and costs, independent investigations of major disasters and proactive research are imperative,\u201d said former FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor and former HUD Deputy Secretary Pamela Patenaude, co-chairs of the Bipartisan Policy Center\u2019s Disaster Response Reform Task Force. \u201cWe commend Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) for reintroducing the Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act of 2023, which would create a National Disaster Safety Board and help address this critical need in our disaster management system.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management supports this pivotal bill that prioritizes equity for all,\u201d said Chauncia Willis, CEO of I-DIEM. \u201cAs disasters disproportionately impact individuals and families nationwide, the investigation of inequity in combination with successful implementation of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery measures is a positive step towards increasing equitable outcomes. The National Disaster Safety Board allows us to evaluate and incorporate lessons learned into future policy and practice that supports resilience for vulnerable, underserved, and marginalized populations.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am pleased to continue lending my support to Senator Schatz as he reintroduces this important legislation. Emergency managers are often called to assist communities on their worst day and, given today\u2019s risks \u2013 both natural and manmade \u2013 it is a question of when, not if, we will be called upon to respond; so, we must continuously work to progress our profession,\u201d said Brock Long, Executive Chairman of Hagerty Consulting & Former FEMA Administrator (2017-2019). \u201cThe National Disaster Safety Board (NDSB) is designed to help us do just that \u2013 build upon successes while highlighting where there is room for improvement in a way that will transform the field of emergency management and those we serve.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a former FEMA Administrator, I support the creation of the National Disaster Safety Board,\u201d said Craig Fugate, former FEMA Administrator (2009-2017). \u201cCurrent review of disasters too often focus on individual performance failures rather than system failures. We fail to learn from the current response reviews and repeat many of these observed failures in the next event. A National Board that can review all levels of Government to learn what worked and what we should do differently before the next disaster will be key to building a resilient Nation against all hazards.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe lowest-income and most marginalized disaster survivors are often hardest hit by disasters, and they continue to face the steepest, longest path to a complete and equitable recovery,\u201d said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. \u201cBy analyzing the impact of our nation\u2019s disaster housing recovery response efforts and making this critical data publicly available, the Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act from Senators Schatz and Cassidy can help policymakers take important and necessary steps to reform America\u2019s broken system for disaster housing response and recovery.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis year we saw the climate crisis hit with full force \u2013 dangerous flooding, supercharged storms, and unprecedented fires. It\u2019s tragically clear that we need to do a better job of preparing for the next disasters,\u201d said Anna Weber, Senior Policy Advocate at NRDC. \u201cA National Disaster Safety Board will ensure we learn the lessons from each disaster so that we can apply those lessons to prevent suffering in the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere are many lessons to be learned after each and every natural disaster, yet we hardly ever take the time to do it,\u201d said Chad Berginnis, CFM, Executive Director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers. \u201cFlooding alone has cost our nation over $200 billion in economic losses in the past two years. We must be more intentional in learning from these events to be more resilient, and ASFPM applauds Senators Schatz and Cassidy for their introduction of the common sense Disaster Learning and Life Savings Act.\u201d\n\nThe Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act is supported by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, Enterprise Community Partners, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Association of State Floodplain Managers, and BPC Action.\n\nThe full text of the bill text is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-chairs-foreign-relations-committee-nominations-hearing-urges-swift-confirmation-of-american-diplomats", "Schatz Chairs Foreign Relations Committee Nominations Hearing, Urges Swift Confirmation Of American Diplomats", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz today chaired a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing to consider six nominees to the U.S. Department of State. The nominees include Jeffrey Prescott to be U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, Charlie Crist to be U.S. Representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Sean Patrick Maloney to be U.S. Representative to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Cardell Kenneth Richardson, Sr., to be Inspector General for the Department of State, Nicole Shampaine to be Ambassador to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and Joann Lockard to be Ambassador to Burkina Faso.\n\n\u201cThere are few responsibilities as important as confirming nominees to represent the United States on matters of foreign policy and national security,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cThat is especially true given the backlog of nominees that must be confirmed for our government to work at full strength, and to pursue our interests and values around the world.\u201d\n\nThe full text of Senator Schatz\u2019s opening remarks, as prepared for delivery, follows.\n\nWe\u2019re here today to consider six key nominations on two separate panels. I\u2019m honored to serve as chair for this hearing. And I am pleased to be joined by my friend from Tennessee, Senator Hagerty.\n\nThere are few responsibilities as important as confirming nominees to represent the United States on matters of foreign policy and national security.\n\nThat is especially true given the backlog of nominees that must be confirmed for our government to work at full strength, and to pursue our interests and values around the world. Currently, there are 36 nominees on the floor who are awaiting confirmation, and another 20 pending in committee. I cannot overstate how important it is to get these vacancies filled as soon as possible.\n\nOur first panel will consider the nominations of:\n\nMr. Jeffrey Prescott to be the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture;\n\nThe Honorable Charlie Crist to be the U.S. Representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization; and\n\nThe Honorable Sean Patrick Maloney, to be the U.S. Representative to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.\n\nCongratulations to all of you\u2026you are all eminently qualified for the positions for which you have been nominated. And we thank you for your service and your willingness to continue to serve at this challenging time.\n\nWe also thank your families, who in many ways, serve as well. When you have an opportunity to address the committee momentarily for your opening statements, we\u2019d welcome you to introduce them.\n\nFirst on the panel is Mr. Jeffrey Prescott, who, if confirmed, will serve as the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, with the rank of Ambassador. Mr. Prescott currently serves as deputy to the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. He previously served as a Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Iran, Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf States on the National Security Council during the Obama Administration. He also served as then-Vice President Biden\u2019s deputy national security advisor and his senior advisor for China and Asia.\n\nThe U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture is a critical position. The global hunger crisis is getting worse, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. With over 700 million people around the world facing chronic hunger, it\u2019s clear we have a lot of work to do to reach the Second UN Sustainable Development Goal of ending global hunger by 2030. And we need this vacancy to be filled for the United States to remain a leader in the global fight to end hunger.\n\nMr. Prescott is well qualified for this position, and I have here, a letter from members of his White House fellows\u2019 class, supporting his nomination. Without objection, I\u2019d like to enter this letter into the record.\n\nNext, we have the Honorable Charlie Crist, who has a wealth of public service experience, including serving as Florida\u2019s 44th Governor, and as the state\u2019s Attorney General and Education Commissioner. He most recently served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Florida\u2019s 13th district from 2016-2022. If confirmed, Mr. Crist will serve as the U.S. Representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO, with the rank of Ambassador.\n\nICAO covers a wide range of issues necessary to facilitating safe air travel around the world, including setting global standards for navigation, communication, and airline safety, mapping out airspace jurisdiction, and establishing \u201cfree range\u201d airspace over oceans and seas.\n\nWe also have Mr. Sean Patrick Maloney, who has spent much of his life devoted to public service, most recently representing the 18th district of New York. If confirmed, he will serve as the U.S. Representative to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD, with rank of Ambassador.\n\nThe OECD is a unique forum where the governments of 37 democracies with market-based economies collaborate to develop policy standards to promote sustainable economic growth. OECD member countries account for three-fifths of world GDP, three-quarters of world trade, over 90 percent of global official development assistance, and half of the world\u2019s energy consumption. We must fill this vacancy so we can more effectively advance shared values and interests with OECD allies and partners.\n\nThe positions for which you all have been nominated are highly important, each requiring extensive skills and experience. Once again, I thank you for your willingness to serve, and now yield to my colleague, Senator Hagerty.\n\nWe now will consider another set of important nominations:\n\nMr. Cardell Kenneth Richardson, Sr. to be the inspector general for the Department of State;\n\nMs. Nicole Shampaine to be Ambassador to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons; and\n\nMs. Joann Lockard to be Ambassador to Burkina Faso.\n\nCongratulations to each one of you. You are all extremely qualified for the positions for which you have been nominated and will meaningfully promote U.S. foreign policy and national security interests in your respective roles, if confirmed. We thank you for your service and your continued willingness to serve. Public service asks a lot of family members too, and so I\u2019d welcome you to introduce your family members when you have an opportunity to address the committee.\n\nFirst on the panel is Mr. Richardson, who currently serves as the Inspector General of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, where he provides independent oversight and objective assessments of agency programs and operations. He is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, having served 26 years on active duty. Mr. Richardson has been honored twice with the Presidential Rank Award for his service.\n\nNext, we have Ms. Nicole Shampaine \u2013 a career member of the Senior Foreign Service who currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt. She previously served as Charg\u00e9 d\u2019Affaires ad interim to the U.S. Mission in the Vienna Office of the United Nations and at the International Atomic Energy Agency, among other postings.\n\nMs. Shampaine is nominated to represent our nation at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, where she would support global efforts to permanently eliminate chemical weapons under the Chemical Weapons Convention.\n\nWe also have Ms. Joann Lockard, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, most recently serving as the Deputy Chief of Mission to the U.S. Embassy in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire. Ms. Lockard\u2019s assignments also have included serving as the Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassies in Uganda and Burkina Faso. If confirmed, Ms. Lockard will return to Burkina Faso as ambassador.\n\nBurkina Faso has experienced a coup and a military takeover in just the last year. Over 2 million people were internally displaced as of this past July and an estimated 4.7 million needed humanitarian assistance. It\u2019s a volatile situation to put it mildly\u2026and that makes this role especially challenging. But Ms. Lockard\u2019s deep knowledge of and experience in the region will be vital for U.S. efforts to support regional stability through the promotion of democratic values, respect for human rights, and sustainable economic development.\n\nThe positions that each of you have been nominated for are essential to promoting American values of democracy and equality around the world. Each role requires specific skills and experience that you all bring.\n\nOnce again, I thank you for your continued willingness to serve, and now yield to my colleague, Senator Hagerty.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-lead-capac-members-in-urging-biden-harris-administration-to-ease-visa-backlog", "Hirono, Chu Lead CAPAC Members in Urging Biden-Harris Administration to Ease Visa Backlog", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) led 15 of their Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) colleagues in urging President Biden to reduce the visa backlog, which keeps millions of immigrants\u2014including many immigrants from Asia\u2014separated from their families.\n\n\u201cThis backlog shows the inability of our immigration system to meet the needs of Americans as well as prospective immigrants,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cWhile we continue to work toward an immigration system that truly centers the needs of families, we ask your administration to act and help alleviate the pressures of a system that has long needed reform.\u201d\n\nDespite 4 million people waiting in family-based immigration backlogs, including 1.5 million people from Asia, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) records show only 165,642 of 226,000 available family-preference visas were issued in FY2022.\n\nThe letter urges the administration to implement policies to that end, including the administrative recapture of unused visas from the past two decades to add to family- and employment-based visa caps as well as the expansion of the use of family-reunification parole for individuals waiting in the backlog.\n\n\u201cThese common-sense reforms will reunite families that have been separated for far too long and will also help alleviate the pressures of continuing labor shortages and increased push factors causing individuals to seek a better life here in the United States,\u201d they conclude. \u201cAs Members of CAPAC, we are committed to working with you to help reform our broken immigration system. However, as Congress is unlikely to act as quickly as the moment demands, we ask that you act to help reunite families and contribute to the economic and societal well-being of our country.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Senator Hirono and Representative Chu, the letter was also signed by Representatives Grace Meng (D-NY), Mark Takano (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Al Green (D-TX), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), David Trone (D-MD), and Juan Vargas (D-CA), as well as Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-national-guard-and-reservists-debt-relief-extension-act", "Hirono, Colleagues Introduce National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in introducing the bipartisan National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act to reauthorize relief for an additional four years for qualifying members of the National Guard and Reserves experiencing financial hardship. The legislation would protect a long-standing bipartisan carveout from means-testing restrictions in Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases.\n\nThe National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2023 would reauthorize the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008, which included a clause exempting qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and the National Guard from provisions in the Bankruptcy Code, which limit access to Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on recent income. Because National Guard members and reservists often receive higher pay while on active duty than at their civilian jobs, these limits could otherwise prevent them from receiving financial relief in bankruptcy. The National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act ensures that they are not penalized for their service.\n\nIn addition to Senator Hirono, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Cornyn (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-biden-administration-to-expand-health-coverage-to-daca-recipients", "Hirono, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Expand Health Coverage to DACA Recipients", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined over a hundred colleagues from the House and Senate in calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to finalize their proposed rule to expand health coverage for those participating in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, crime victims, and immigrant children.\n\n\u201cDACA recipients are also disproportionately uninsured and tend to experience higher barriers to health care\u2014these trends all contribute to racial health disparities in the U.S.,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cYouth approved for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status often have to wait years before receiving a status adjustment. Due to confusion around current rule implementation, access to health coverage has been delayed for many.\u201d\n\nIn April 2023, the Department of HHS proposed a regulation to make DACA recipients eligible for coverage under Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This rule also enhances coverage for other groups, including those approved for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status and children applying for humanitarian relief. If this rule is not soon finalized, individuals in need may not be able to fully benefit from the 2024 Affordable Care Act open enrollment period, which began on November 1, 2023.\n\nThe lawmakers requested that the Biden Administration address the following questions:\n\nWhat is preventing HHS from finalizing the rule, and how can congressional allies help address any barriers?\n\nWhen the rule is finalized, what resources will your administration devote to ensuring newly eligible people are aware of their health coverage options? The preamble of the proposed rule stated, \u201cimplementation of these changes would be most effective during a period when there are many outreach and enrollment activities occurring.\u201d The time to finalize this policy and expand health coverage is now.\n\nThe letter, also led by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), was signed by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and over 90 other House members.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-to-date-nearly-2-billion-allocated-to-hawaii-from-historic-infrastructure-law", "Schatz: To Date, Nearly $2 Billion Allocated To Hawai\u2018i From Historic Infrastructure Law", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) today released the following statement on the second anniversary of the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). As chair of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Schatz worked with congressional leaders and Hawai\u2018i officials to ensure the state received its fair share of federal funding.\n\n\u201cThanks to the historic investments we made in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, nearly $2 billion in federal funding has been awarded to Hawai\u2018i to improve our roads, bridges, ports, public transit, and water infrastructure,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cThe law is helping make high-speed internet a reality for people across the state while also creating jobs and cuttings costs for Hawai\u2018i families. We\u2019ll keep working to make sure Hawai\u2018i continues to receive its fair share of federal dollars in the years to come.\u201d\n\nTo date, $1.9 billion in IIJA funding has been announced for more than 81 projects in Hawai\u2018i, including:\n\n$1.4 billion for transportation \u2013 to invest in roads, bridges, public transit, ports and airports;\n\n$164 million for clean water and water infrastructure; and\n\n$149.5 million to connect everyone in the state to reliable, high-speed internet which is helping more than 55,000 Hawai\u2018i households save on their monthly internet bills.\n\nAdditional projects that are awarded funding from the law will continue to be announced in the coming months.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-congressional-leadership-to-replenish-affordable-connectivity-programs-funding", "Hirono, Colleagues Urge Congressional Leadership to Replenish Affordable Connectivity Program\u2019s Funding", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "~ Members advocate $6 billion be allocated to ACP, as requested by President Biden\u2019s emergency supplemental funding proposal ~\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined the Chairs of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), and 100 of her colleagues in writing a letter to Senate and House of Representatives leadership, urging them to include $6 billion needed to replenish the highly popular and effective Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in any government funding package, as requested by President Biden\u2019s Fiscal Year 2024 emergency supplemental funding proposal.\n\n\u201cAt current enrollment rates, ACP is expected to run out of funds as soon as Spring of 2024, cutting off this critical support for millions of students, rural families, low-income households, elderly citizens, and other users,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cGiven today\u2019s economy with so many jobs, services, resources, and cultural opportunities only available online, that should be unthinkable.\u201d\n\nCreated in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, ACP has helped millions of American households obtain access to high speed internet. The $6 billion request would allow the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide free and discounted high speed internet for tens of millions of low-income households through December 2024. Without this funding, ACP will end and enrolled households will see the cost of internet service rise.\n\n\u201cThe impact of ACP exhaustion would be especially severe in communities of color where internet access and adoption still lag. Access to affordable and reliable internet is essential for full participation in today\u2019s 21st century economy,\u201d continued the Members. \u201cTherefore, lack of affordable high-speed internet will put these communities further behind.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-urges-secretary-of-defense-to-improve-dod-processes-for-addressing-major-mishaps-across-services", "Hirono Urges Secretary of Defense to Improve DOD Processes for Addressing \u201cMajor Mishaps\u201d Across Services", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, urged the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, to take steps to improve the way the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) handles major disasters across the services.\n\n\u201cOver the last half decade, the Department of Defense has experienced a spate of major disasters during routine operations that have cost Servicemembers their lives and taxpayers billions of dollars,\u201d wrote Senator Hirono.\n\nIn her letter, Senator Hirono addresses the way DOD currently handles these incidents and points to several recent major mishaps across the services, including the fuel spills at Red Hill in Hawaii.\n\n\u201cThough major disasters have occurred across all the Services, the mishap at Red Hill provides a particularly instructive example of inadequate processes and the Services\u2019 inability to hold its own leaders fully accountable,\u201d continued Senator Hirono. \u201cWhile only a review of one specific example of the outcome of a major mishap, it is clear that the actions taken by Navy leadership to date are not sufficient to address the root causes of this catastrophe.\u201d\n\nIn order to ensure better accountability to prevent future disasters, Senator Hirono proposes eight specific changes in her letter, including:\n\nEstablishing a new designation of \u201cmajor mishaps\u201d for mishaps that surpass $1 billion dollars in damage or incur a loss of 5 or more lives;\n\nPlacing responsibility for investigations into major mishaps completely out of the impacted Service;\n\nElevating the disposition authority for major mishaps above the Service Secretary of the impacted Service;\n\nCreating mandatory processing for administrative separation for Servicemembers materially involved in major mishaps;\n\nExpanding administrative options to hold Servicemembers and civilians accountable for their role in these major mishaps;\n\nContemplating accountability for the Service Secretary and/or Service Chief for large-scale mishaps;\n\nProviding quarterly reports to Congress on accountability and remediation measures for all major mishaps; and\n\nRequiring all criminal referrals or decisions on administrative punishment for major mishaps to be decided within 12 months of the incident.\n\n\u201cWhile I recognize that military operations are often inherently risky, and that there are existing investigative and legal processes for mishaps within the Services, there are disasters so calamitous as to require a higher level of mishap classification than presently exists with concomitant oversight and accountability,\u201d the Senator wrote. \u201cCatastrophes of this magnitude require in-depth, independent investigations and true accountability.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nThe Honorable Lloyd Austin\n\nSecretary of Defense\n\n7300 Defense Pentagon\n\nWashington, D.C.\n\n20301\n\nDear Secretary Austin,\n\nOver the last half decade, the Department of Defense has experienced a spate of major disasters during routine operations that have cost Servicemembers their lives and taxpayers billions of dollars. Examples can be found across multiple Services:\n\nIn 2017, the Navy lost seventeen Sailors in the USS McCain and USS Fitzgerald collisions. The 2020 in-port fire onboard USS Bonhomme Richard caused the loss of a two billion dollar warship. On May 6, 2021 and November 20, 2021, petroleum spills at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (\u201cRed Hill\u201d) tainted the water supply for more than 93,000 people and to date have cost over two billion dollars, which does not account for costs associated with closure and environmental remediation. In 2020, the Marine Corps lost eight Marines and a Sailor when an Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) sank during a training incident. This year, the Army lost nine Soldiers when two UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters collided while training over Kentucky.\n\nAs you know, DoD has established a system for classifying serious incidents as mishaps, pursuant to Department of Defense Instruction 6055.07, last updated in 2018. The most serious mishap classification\u2014a Class A Mishap\u2014is reserved for incidents resulting in death, total disability, damage equal to or greater than two million dollars, or the destruction of an aircraft (excluding certain unmanned aerial vehicles). DoD delegates the process of investigating these mishaps to each Service, with each creating its own process and governance for safety investigations. As a result, each Service has implemented DODI 6055.07 differently. Each Service has independently determined whether and how any additional administrative investigations\u2014which inform recommendations and accountability\u2014will be conducted.\n\nEach Service has developed a unique process for conducting administrative investigations; however, they all provide wide discretion over the level and breadth of the investigation. Leaving these decisions in the hands of individual commanding officers leads to significant differences in the quality and scope of each investigation. What\u2019s more, because administrative investigations into Class A Mishaps are often of high visibility, they frequently are conducted by senior leaders within the affected Service, specifically general or flag officers. Due to the limited number of these senior leaders, the investigating officer is often the peer of someone in the chain of command of the mishap. Investigating other general or flag officers is challenging because of existing relationships, parochial interest in preserving the stature of the Service, and the reality that these senior officers often lack the time and expertise necessary to conduct complex investigations. DoD mandates that its Components cannot initiate an investigation into allegations against senior officials without first reporting the allegations and then coordinating with OIG for these very reasons.\n\nWhile I recognize that military operations are often inherently risky, and that there are existing investigative and legal processes for mishaps within the Services, there are disasters so calamitous as to require a higher level of mishap classification than presently exists with concomitant oversight and accountability. These \u201cmajor mishaps\u201d could be defined by the loss of five or more lives and/or damages exceeding one billion dollars. Catastrophes of this magnitude require in-depth, independent investigations and true accountability. Such accountability should include actions against the individuals directly responsible for major disasters to penalize them for their specific failures. It also requires penalties severe enough to deter others from similar failures in the future. True accountability, more broadly, should also include punishment that reflects the magnitude of the harm caused by the disaster and address the often-systemic failures that a root cause analysis reveals.\n\nThough major disasters have occurred across all the Services, the mishap at Red Hill provides a particularly instructive example of inadequate processes and the Services\u2019 inability to hold its own leaders fully accountable. In this case, the Naval Supply Command directed the Deputy Officer in Charge, Naval Petroleum Office, to conduct the first investigation into the May 2021 release at Red Hill. After a second release occurred in November 2021, Admiral Paparo, Commander, U. S. Pacific Fleet reviewed this initial investigation and deemed it inadequate. Unfortunately, the inadequate quality of the initial investigation was only brought to light once the Navy had contaminated the drinking water of over 93,000 individuals on Oahu. Subsequently, Admiral Paparo directed Rear Admiral Cavanaugh, then Director, Maritime Headquarters and of Sustainment for Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, to conduct an investigation that included the November release and to re-investigate the May 2021 release. This investigation was completed on January 14, 2022 and is often referred to as \u201cthe Cavanaugh Report.\u201d Remarkably, even though the Cavanaugh Report was much more comprehensive than the first investigation, Admiral Lescher, then Vice Chief of Naval Operations deemed the Cavanaugh Report insufficient and directed Rear Admiral James Waters, Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy, to conduct a third investigation, as the Pacific Fleet investigation \u201cdid not include a sufficient review\u201d of previous spills from the Red Hill fuel facility. This third investigation was completed on June 13, 2022.\n\nThat same day, Admiral Lescher, in his role as Vice Chief of Naval Operations, appointed Admiral Caudle, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, as the Consolidated Disposition Authority, which delegated to him the authority and discretion to review all relevant information related to the two Red Hill releases and take administrative or disciplinary actions at all echelons, including against his four-star counterpart. On September 28, 2023\u2014over fifteen months after the establishment of the CDA, eight months after the completion of the second investigation, and two years and four months after the initial May 2021 release\u2014the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy announced Secretarial Letters of Censure for three retired admirals who were previously in the Red Hill chain of command, and Admiral Caudle announced non-judicial punishments and non-punitive letters of censure for a number of Servicemembers involved in the mishap. Some of these actions have little or no effect, as they have been imposed on retired sailors. In other cases, the punishment will not even be documented in the individual\u2019s official record.\n\nWhile only a review of one specific example of the outcome of a major mishap, it is clear that the actions taken by Navy leadership to date are not sufficient to address the root causes of this catastrophe. To that end, I have consistently called for changes from the DoD related to accountability and independent investigations. In addition to calling for an Inspector General investigation into the Navy\u2019s handling of Red Hill in 2021, I wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Navy in July 2022 describing my concerns with the Navy\u2019s command and control processes leading up to the Navy\u2019s recent major disasters. This past January, I wrote a third letter requesting updates on the Navy\u2019s implementation of Admiral Samuel Paparo\u2019s investigation into Red Hill, focusing on both his objective recommendations and his longer-term cultural and systemic recommendations. Finally, in multiple Senate Armed Services Committee hearings, I have expressed my concern with the Department of Defense\u2019s culture of accountability. For example, on April 18, 2023, I asked Secretary Del Toro about ways to enhance accountability within the Navy to prevent the types of systemic failures that led to the spills at Red Hill. On July 11, 2023, I asked General Charles Q. Brown Jr. during his nomination hearing about the burden of command, leadership, and accountability. Despite my continued engagement on this issue, I do not believe the Navy has adequately addressed my concerns.\n\nThis sequence of events and the actions of Navy leadership have led to my conclusion that the existing processes related to major mishaps are insufficient to ensure independent investigations, adequate discipline, or implementation of appropriate governance changes by the Services to prevent these types of mishaps in the future. Accountability cannot only mean identifying bad actors and administratively punishing them for their behavior, it must also include significant changes to address the underlying causes of the mishap and the culture that permitted the mishap to occur. In this case, the limited administrative punishment offered does little to recognize the magnitude of the harm this mishap caused, deter others, or demonstrate that the Navy understands its responsibility for the systemic failures that caused the Red Hill spills.\n\nFor these reasons, I propose you make changes to the way DoD investigates and executes accountability actions for major disasters. I believe there are specific changes you can make to ensure better accountability to prevent future disasters, including:\n\nEstablishing a new designation of \u201cmajor mishaps\u201d for mishaps that surpass $1 billion dollars in damage or incur a loss of 5 or more lives.\n\nPlacing responsibility for investigations into major mishaps completely out of the impacted Service.\n\nElevating the disposition authority for major mishaps above the Service Secretary of the impacted Service\n\nCreating mandatory processing for administrative separation for Servicemembers materially involved in major mishaps.\n\nExpanding administrative options to hold Servicemembers and civilians accountable for their role in these major mishaps.\n\nContemplating accountability for the Service Secretary and/or Service Chief for large-scale mishaps.\n\nProviding quarterly reports to Congress on accountability and remediation measures for all major mishaps.\n\nRequiring all criminal referrals or decisions on administrative punishment for major mishaps to be decided within 12 months of the incident.\n\nI welcome your thoughts on these proposed changes, and ask for your own insights, to include legislative proposals, into any additional ways the DoD may ensure adequate accountability for major mishaps in the future.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-biden-signs-hirono-legislation-to-help-korean-american-veterans-access-medical-services-through-va", "President Biden Signs Hirono Legislation to Help Korean American Veterans Access Medical Services Through VA", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 President Joseph R. Biden signed into law bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, and Senator Mike Braun (R-IN). The Korean American VALOR Act allows veterans who served in the armed forces of the Republic of Korea during the Vietnam War, and have since become naturalized U.S. citizens, to become eligible for healthcare services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The House companion legislation was introduced by Representative Mark Takano (D-CA).\n\n\u201cThanks to the Korean American VALOR Act, approximately 3,000 Korean American veterans in Hawaii and across the country will be able to access medical services through the VA,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cI am glad President Biden has signed our legislation into law, to help ensure our veterans have access to the quality VA healthcare they need and deserve.\u201d\n\nSince 1958, the VA has provided healthcare services to veterans of allied European nations during World War I and World War II through the Allied Beneficiary Program. The Korean American VALOR Act amends title 38 of the U.S. Code to allow the VA Secretary to enter into a similar reciprocal agreement with the Republic of Korea. Approximately 3,000 Korean American Vietnam veterans are naturalized citizens, and the VALOR Act would provide an avenue for these veterans to access medical services and care through the VA.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-20-million-for-native-hawaiian-climate-resilience", "Schatz: $20 Million For Native Hawaiian Climate Resilience", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today announced $20 million in new funding for the Kapapahuliau Climate Resilience Program. The new U.S. Department of the Interior program, funded through a Schatz-authored provision of the Inflation Reduction Act, will support the Native Hawaiian Community\u2019s climate resilience efforts.\n\n\u201cThrough the Kapapahuliau Climate Resilience Program, the federal government is directly funding Native Hawaiian-led climate solutions for the first time ever,\u201d said Chairman Schatz. \u201cThis $20 million down payment \u2013 part of the Inflation Reduction Act\u2019s historic investment in climate action \u2013 recognizes the critical role of the Native Hawaiian Community in charting a path towards a sustainable, climate resilient future in Hawai\u2018i and beyond.\u201d\n\nTo learn more about the program and the funding opportunity visit the Native Hawaiian climate resilience webpage here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-fifth-national-climate-assessment", "Schatz Statement On Fifth National Climate Assessment", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) today issued the following statement after the release of the fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5), a comprehensive federal review of the impacts of climate change mandated by Congress.\n\n\u201cThis report makes clear what we\u2019ve long known to be true: the impact of the climate crisis is only getting worse, and we need to take big, bold action to address it,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cThe historic investments Congress made through the Inflation Reduction Act and the infrastructure legislation are already helping unlock clean energy and making communities across America more climate-resilient. But there\u2019s still much more work to do, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Biden administration to take the kind of bold steps we need on climate to meet this moment.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-legislation-to-incorporate-art-in-public-transport-facilities", "Hirono Leads Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Incorporate Art in Public Transport Facilities", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, ahead of World Public Transport Day, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led the introduction of the Saving Transit Art Resources (STAR) Act, legislation that would allow local transit authorities to incorporate art into federally-funded transportation project through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).\n\n\u201cThrough its many forms, art is a reflection of our cultural and societal values,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cIt has the power to engage people and form connections and art in public transit has been shown to provide numerous benefits, such as encouraging ridership, deterring vandalism, and enhancing rider experience. For example, each of the stations on the Honolulu rail line incorporate unique artwork that celebrates the history of those communities. The STAR Act would enable local transit authorities to utilize federal funding to incorporate art into public transportation facilities once again, making art more accessible to the public and fostering a sense of safety, place, and identity in communities across the country.\u201d\n\nSince the 1800s, public art has been incorporated into U.S. transportation projects to help make mass transit friendly to commuters and communities. In addition to encouraging ridership and deterring vandalism, incorporating art into these projects has helped create a positive perception of public transit and increased safety and security. Transit agencies across America, including those in Hawaii, have employed artists as planners, engineers, community relations staff, and architects, to enhance their projects by integrating artistic elements.\n\nHowever, since 2015, federal transit law no longer allows FTA funds to be used towards the incremental costs of incorporating art or non-functional landscaping into facilities. In addition, once FTA funds are used for a transit project, local funding adopts the same federal restrictions, thereby limiting the ability to use those funds to incorporate art into these projects. The STAR Act would reverse this prohibition and restore local control to transit authorities regarding the integration of art and non-functional landscaping into federally funded transit projects and facilities.\n\nThe bill is cosponsored by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI).\n\nThe bill is also endorsed by Americans for the Arts.\n\n\u201cThe arts can play a significant role in providing accessibility, educational opportunities, as well as building the social and cultural aspects of the communities in which its residents take pride,\u201d said Nolen Bivens, President, and CEO of Americans for the Arts. \u201cWhether it\u2019s a mural, a musical installation, sculpture, or practical yet innovative way of finding solutions in transportation and infrastructure projects across the nation, the arts contribute to the aesthetic appeal and engagement of our neighborhoods. All of this in turn supports jobs and economic prosperity as found in our recent Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 Study. Senator Hirono\u2019s introduction of the Saving Transit Art Resources Act, furthers the ability to continue the necessary integration of art into our communities as advanced during the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and White House Domestic Policy Council Convening on Whole-of-Government Approach to Arts and Culture which I fully support.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-van-hollen-murphy-and-reed-lead-majority-of-democratic-caucus-in-push-for-more-information-around-strategy-to-defeat-hamas-protect-civilians-in-gaza", "Schatz, Van Hollen, Murphy, And Reed Lead Majority Of Democratic Caucus In Push For More Information Around Strategy To Defeat Hamas, Protect Civilians In Gaza", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) led the majority of the Senate Democratic Caucus in a letter to President Biden condemning the brutal terror attacks by Hamas, expressing support for immediate funding to replenish Israel\u2019s defensive systems, and seeking information on two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza.\n\nIn addition to Senators Schatz, Van Hollen, Murphy, and Reed the letter was signed by Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai\u2018i), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).\n\n\u201cWe have joined you in condemning the brutal terror attacks that Hamas conducted against Israel and agree with you that Israel has the right to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable. We applaud your actions to secure the release of two American citizens held hostage and support your continued efforts to free the remaining hostages. In the days and weeks since these attacks, you have rightly demonstrated America\u2019s commitment to support Israel in this dark hour,\u201d the Senators begin.\n\nThey continue, \u201cThe attacks of October 7th brought back chilling memories of the United States\u2019 own confrontation with terror twenty-two years ago. In light of our own experience, we want to underscore how critical it is that Israel: (1) learn from the mistakes the United States made in our fight against terrorism by focusing on realistic and achievable military goals; and (2) abide by the laws of war, including the protection of civilians. Doing so also offers Israel the very best chance of success against Hamas in the days and weeks ahead. These steps are also necessary to create the conditions for a lasting peace, including two states for two peoples.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe believe the United States should immediately provide Israel with the funding it needs to replenish its defensive systems, including Iron Dome and other air defense capabilities. But to better understand the efficacy of U.S. funding that supports Israel\u2019s operations inside Gaza, we respectfully ask your team to provide us with information relative to these two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza,\u201d the Senators write.\n\nThe Senators go on to ask for responses on a series of wide-ranging points, including an assessment of the viability of Israel\u2019s military strategy in Gaza, and whether it prioritizes the release of hostages, whether there is an achievable plan for governing Gaza when the Israeli military operation ends, and if Israel supports the conditions necessary to ultimately achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Senators also ask what specific mechanisms the Administration is putting in place to ensure that Israeli military operations conducted inside Gaza are carried out in accordance with international humanitarian law and to ensure that any U.S.-provided equipment is used in a manner consistent with U.S. law. They request an assessment of whether Israel\u2019s military rules of engagement, particularly regarding mitigation of civilian casualties, align with U.S. policy and practice. And they ask the Administration to seek immediate public assurances from Prime Minister Netanyahu that his coalition government will immediately stop the escalating extremist settler violence directed against unprotected Palestinians in the West Bank, as well as assurances from President Abbas that his government take steps to quell any violence against Israelis.\n\nLastly, in their letter, the Senators press for answers on how assistance will advance our efforts to engage with Israel, Egypt, and the broader international community to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, noting, \u201cwe must not only do our part to provide urgently needed humanitarian relief to Gaza, but also insist that Israel take all necessary measures to help us facilitate such relief to the two million civilians living there, half of them children. That includes fully restoring water, electricity, and communication services, expediting fuel deliveries through already well-established systems for avoiding diversion to Hamas, and opening the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Israel to increase urgently needed humanitarian relief to Gaza. Aid workers and civilian sites like schools, hospitals, and UN facilities must be protected.\u201d\n\nThey close, \u201cWe support additional assistance to Israel that: 1) aligns with an Israeli strategy that you believe will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas; 2) prioritizes the release of hostages; 3) advances a viable and achievable military plan that supports a long-term vision for peace, security and Palestinian self-determination in the form of a two-state solution; 4) abides by U.S. and international law, including the protection of civilians; and 5) advances efforts to provide desperately needed humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. The information requested in this letter will help us assure that U.S support for Israel\u2019s operations inside Gaza achieves these objectives.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear President Biden:\n\nWe have joined you in condemning the brutal terror attacks that Hamas conducted against Israel and agree with you that Israel has the right to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable. We applaud your actions to secure the release of two American citizens held hostage and support your continued efforts to free the remaining hostages. In the days and weeks since these attacks, you have rightly demonstrated America\u2019s commitment to support Israel in this dark hour.\n\nThe attacks of October 7th brought back chilling memories of the United States\u2019 own confrontation with terror twenty-two years ago. In light of our own experience, we want to underscore how critical it is that Israel: (1) learn from the mistakes the United States made in our fight against terrorism by focusing on realistic and achievable military goals; and (2) abide by the laws of war, including the protection of civilians. Doing so also offers Israel the very best chance of success against Hamas in the days and weeks ahead. These steps are also necessary to create the conditions for a lasting peace, including two states for two peoples.\n\nWe believe the United States should immediately provide Israel with the funding it needs to replenish its defensive systems, including Iron Dome and other air defense capabilities. But to better understand the efficacy of U.S. funding that supports Israel\u2019s operations inside Gaza, we respectfully ask your team to provide us with information relative to these two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza.\n\nFirst, it is in America\u2019s interest to ensure that any military plans to fight Hamas do not produce the same strategic mistakes as many U.S. military operations over the past few decades. As we review the Administration\u2019s supplemental request for military assistance to Israel, we respectfully ask that you share with us your assessment of the viability of Israel\u2019s military strategy in Gaza, and whether it prioritizes the release of hostages. We would also like to better understand whether there is an achievable plan for governing Gaza when the Israeli military operation ends. We further seek to understand if Israel supports the conditions necessary to ultimately achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.\n\nSecond, we ask you to inform us about what specific mechanisms you are putting in place to ensure that Israeli military operations conducted inside Gaza are carried out in accordance with international humanitarian law and to ensure that any U.S.-provided equipment is used in a manner consistent with U.S. law. Relatedly, we would like to know your assessment of whether Israel\u2019s military rules of engagement, particularly regarding mitigation of civilian casualties, align with U.S. policy and practice. In addition, to prevent another front from opening in the West Bank, we ask that you obtain public assurances from Prime Minister Netanyahu that his coalition government will immediately stop the escalating extremist settler violence directed against unprotected Palestinians there, as well as assurances from President Abbas that his government take steps to quell any violence against Israelis.\n\nFinally, we request information on how our assistance will advance our efforts to engage with Israel, Egypt, and the broader international community to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. As we consider additional military assistance to Israel, we must not only do our part to provide urgently needed humanitarian relief to Gaza, but also insist that Israel take all necessary measures to help us facilitate such relief to the two million civilians living there, half of them children. That includes fully restoring water, electricity, and communication services, expediting fuel deliveries through already well-established systems for avoiding diversion to Hamas, and opening the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Israel to increase urgently needed humanitarian relief to Gaza. Aid workers and civilian sites like schools, hospitals, and UN facilities must be protected.\n\nWe support additional assistance to Israel that: 1) aligns with an Israeli strategy that you believe will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas; 2) prioritizes the release of hostages; 3) advances a viable and achievable military plan that supports a long-term vision for peace, security and Palestinian self-determination in the form of a two-state solution; 4) abides by U.S. and international law, including the protection of civilians; and 5) advances efforts to provide desperately needed humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. The information requested in this letter will help us assure that U.S support for Israel\u2019s operations inside Gaza achieves these objectives.\n\nMr. President, your leadership at this time of crisis has been vital. We appreciate your attention to these urgent matters.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/under-questioning-from-schatz-homeland-security-secretary-commits-to-helping-residents-impacted-by-maui-fires-stay-in-their-communities", "Under Questioning From Schatz, Homeland Security Secretary Commits To Helping Residents Impacted By Maui Fires Stay In Their Communities", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) called on Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to commit to helping Maui residents impacted by the August fires remain in their communities.\n\nSchatz asked Secretary Mayorkas, \u201cShould the federal government help disaster survivors stay in their communities?\u201d\n\nIn response, Mayorkas said, \u201cSenator, I believe the answer is yes. We should strive to do everything possible to rebuild, restore, and prove the resiliency of a community\u2026 I do believe in devoting resources and energy to the rebuilding of a community, rather than solely an exodus from it.\u201d\n\n\u201cI don\u2019t want the memory of the fire itself to fade,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cHawai\u2018i is the most isolated, heavily populated place on the planet. West Maui is even more isolated and even more expensive. As we think about helping people rebuild, it is not a matter of giving them a voucher and allowing them to fly to the mainland. And I appreciate your continued attention to this.\u201d\n\nSince the devastating fires in August, FEMA has provided nearly $250 million in federal assistance, while the Small Business Administration has delivered more than $215 million in disaster loans for affected Maui homeowners, renters and businesses.\n\nSchatz has led efforts to deliver additional federal disaster relief funding to Hawai\u2018i. Schatz worked with congressional leaders and his colleagues in the Hawai\u2018i delegation to ensure $16 billion in disaster relief money was included in the short-term spending bill signed into law in September.\n\nVideo of Schatz\u2019s full exchange with Secretary Mayorkas is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-reauthorize-and-reform-key-surveillance-law-secure-protections-for-americans-rights", "Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize and Reform Key Surveillance Law, Secure Protections for Americans\u2019 Rights", "2023-11-07", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Government Surveillance Reform Act, to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act with important new protections for Americans\u2019 constitutional rights.\n\nThe bill, led by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Mike Lee (R-UT), reauthorizes Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for 4 years, allowing intelligence agencies to continue to use the authorities granted by that law, but with key new protections against documented abuses and new accountability measures when abuses occur. It also includes a host of reforms to government surveillance authorities beyond Section 702, including requiring warrants for government purchases of private data from data brokers.\n\nAlthough surveillance proponents claimed that the previous 702 reauthorization included sufficient safeguards to prevent abuse, intelligence agencies have documented extensive new violations in recent years. Abuses include warrantless searches for a U.S. Senator, a member of Congress, and a state court judge, among others.\n\nThe bill\u2019s reforms include:\n\nProtecting Americans from warrantless backdoor searches, ensuring that foreigners aren\u2019t targeted as a pretext for spying on the Americans with whom they are communicating, and prohibiting the collection of domestic communications.\n\nExtending similar reforms to surveillance activities under Executive Order 12333, including by limiting warrantless searches of Americans\u2019 communications and prohibiting the targeting of foreigners as a pretext for surveilling Americans. It also limits the acquisition of Americans\u2019 information as part of large datasets.\n\nRequiring warrants for surveillance of Americans\u2019 location data, web browsing and search records, including AI assistants like Alexa and Siri, vehicle data and by prohibiting the government from purchasing Americans\u2019 data from data brokers.\n\nExceptions to ensure the government can continue to use Section 702 for defensive cybersecurity purposes, to assist in locating and rescuing hostages overseas and emergency provisions in cases where there isn\u2019t sufficient time to get a warrant in advance.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here. A one page summary is available here.\n\nIn addition to Senators Hirono, Wyden, and Lee, the legislation was cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Jon Tester (D-MT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ed Markey (D-MA).\n\nIn the House, the bill is led by Representatives Warren Davidson (R-OH) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and cosponsored by Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Thomas Massie (R-KY), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Judy Chu (D-CA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Lou Correa (D-CA), and Ted Lieu (D-CA).\n\nThe bill was hailed as the most comprehensive and balanced government surveillance legislation in years, by groups across the political spectrum. It has been endorsed by dozens of civil society organizations, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), AAPI Equity Alliance, AAPI Victory Alliance, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans for Prosperity, API Equality-LA, Asian American Federal Employees for Nondiscrimination (AAFEN), Asian Texans for Justice, Aurora Commons LLC, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, Center for Democracy & Technology, Chinese for Affirmative Action, Demand Progress, Due Process Institute, Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), Empowering Marginalized Asian Communities, Fight for the Future, FreedomWorks, Free Press Action, Libertas Institute, Media Alliance, Muslim Advocates, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), Oakland Privacy, OCA, OCA Greater Cleveland - Asian Pacific American Advocates, OCA Silicon Valley, Project for Privacy and Surveillance Accountability (PPSA), Project on Government Oversight (POGO), Restore the Fourth, Secure Justice, Stop AAPI Hate, Surveillance Technology Oversight Project and X-Lab.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-supports-judiciary-committee-vote-to-subpoena-key-players-in-supreme-court-ethics-investigation", "VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Supports Judiciary Committee Vote to Subpoena Key Players in Supreme Court Ethics Investigation", "2023-11-07", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, delivered remarks on the Senate floor emphasizing the need for the Senate Judiciary Committee to vote to authorize issuing subpoenas to Harlan Crow, Leonard Leo, and Robin Arkley II as part of the Committee\u2019s Supreme Court ethics investigation. The Judiciary Committee has scheduled a vote on the authorization for this Thursday, November 9.\n\n\u201cThese are individuals with immense power\u2014shouldn\u2019t they be held to the highest level of ethical accountability?\u201d said Senator Hirono during her remarks. \u201cNot because we disagree with some of the Court\u2019s decisions, but because its legitimacy depends on Americans having faith that those decisions were arrived at fairly and objectively, not influenced by moneyed special interests.\u201d\n\nCongress has a well-established role in oversight of the judiciary and updating ethics laws that apply to federal officials including justices and judges. For instance, Congress passed the Ethics in Government Act, which the justices are subject to, and created the Judicial Conference, which administers that law.\n\n\u201cInstead of having the strongest ethical rules\u2014or any binding ethical rules, for that matter\u2014the Supreme Court purports to follow a \u2018collection of principles\u2019 that are both nonbinding and weaker than the rules for government workers, for members of Congress, and for many private sector employees,\u201d continued Senator Hirono. \u201cIf the Supreme Court will not adopt a code of conduct for itself, then Congress has the constitutional power and responsibility to impose a code of conduct on it.\u201d\n\nSenator Hirono\u2019s full remarks are below and video is available for download here.\n\nM. President, I rise today because I, like the majority of Americans, am increasingly concerned about the legitimacy crisis at the United States Supreme Court. The Court consists of 9 members who have lifetime appointments and can make decisions regarding the quality of the air we breathe; the exercise of free speech on the internet; autonomy and control of our bodies; protection of our homes, cars, and cell phones from government intrusion\u2014these are just a few ways that Supreme Court decisions impact the lives of every single American, every single day.\n\nThese are individuals with immense power\u2014shouldn\u2019t they be held to the highest level of ethical accountability? Not because we disagree with some of the Court\u2019s decisions, but because its legitimacy depends on Americans having faith that those decisions are arrived at fairly and objectively, not influenced by moneyed special interests. Yet, instead of having the strongest ethical rules\u2014or any binding ethical rules, for that matter\u2014the Supreme Court purports to follow a \u201ccollection of principles\u201d that are both nonbinding and weaker than the rules for government workers, for members of Congress, and for many private sector employees.\n\nAs we have seen, the Supreme Court\u2019s honor system for financial disclosures and recusals is woefully inadequate. This is not a partisan issue. Justices appointed by both Democrats and Republican presidents have had ethical lapses. The public is paying attention and now, it appears there are sitting justices approved by both Democrats and Republican presidents that are publicly supporting an official code of conduct for the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court could have adopted such a code decades ago, and can do so today, if it wanted to. However, if the Supreme Court will not adopt a code of conduct for itself, then Congress has the constitutional power and responsibility to impose a code of conduct on it. This brings me to the topic of subpoenas.\n\nFor months, my colleagues and I on the Judiciary Committee have worked in good faith to gather information about gifts of luxury travel, and other gifts, made to certain justices to understand whether ethical violations occurred, and how and when. We sought information from the millionaires and billionaires who made those gifts about the kind of access they may have gained as a result. Despite lengthy negotiations, we have hit an impasse in our efforts with two of these individuals and their related corporations. Their refusals to provide the Committee with relevant information leave us no choice but to authorize subpoenas.\n\nWe need information from these individuals to understand the extent to which Supreme Court justices have failed to disclose gifts from parties with interests before the Court. Congress has a responsibility to craft and strengthen effective, comprehensive Supreme Court ethics legislation going forward. Some of my Republican colleagues say that issuing subpoenas to people who paid for luxury travel and gifts for Supreme Court justices somehow undermines democracy.\n\nM. President, those claims are preposterous. What undermines our democracy is Justices accepting gifts and appearing to use their office for personal gain. M. President, if the Court had done the right thing decades ago and adopted a comprehensive code of conduct, we likely would not be issuing subpoenas.\n\nWe have a responsibility to ensure that the highest court in the land adheres to at least\u2014at least\u2014the same ethical standards that apply to the other two branches of government and to pass appropriate legislation if it has failed to do so. Therefore, the Committee should continue to exercise its constitutional oversight authority and authorize subpoenas.\n\nThank you, M. President.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Hirono has consistently championed more robust ethics and accountability for the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court. Last month, Senator Hirono introduced the Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act, legislation to establish 18-year term limits and regularized appointments for Supreme Court justices. In July, she voted to advance the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act out of committee. The legislation, which she is an original cosponsor of, would require the Supreme Court to adopt an enforceable code of ethics. Earlier this year, she also introduced the Stop Judge Shopping Act, legislation to combat \u201cjudge shopping\u201d in federal courts by giving the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (D.D.C.) exclusive jurisdiction over cases that would have national implications.\n\nIn May, she joined all of her Senate Judiciary Committee Democratic colleagues in sending letters to Republican mega-donor Harlan Crow and the holding companies that own his private jet, private yacht, and Topridge Camp. That month, she also questioned a panel of legal experts about the need for a strong Supreme Court code of ethics during a judiciary committee hearing. Senator Hirono also joined all of the Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats, in sending a letter to Chief Justice John Roberts to investigate a ProPublica report that Justice Clarence Thomas accepted and failed to disclose 20 years\u2019 worth of lavish gifts and luxury travel from prominent Republican donor Harlan Crow.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-fema-allocates-53-million-in-federal-funding-to-build-temporary-king-kamehameha-iii-elementary-school-in-west-maui", "Schatz: FEMA Allocates $53 Million In Federal Funding To Build Temporary King Kamehameha III Elementary School In West Maui", "2023-11-06", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated $53 million in federal funding to build a temporary school in West Maui. The temporary facility will replace King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which was destroyed by the Maui fires in August. The money from FEMA\u2019s Disaster Relief Fund comes after Schatz led efforts to include $16 billion in supplemental funding for the program in a short-term government spending bill which was signed into law on September 30.\n\n\u201cThis new funding will give King Kamehameha III students a new temporary school that will help provide them with the resources they need to learn, connect with friends, and heal,\u201d said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. \u201cAs the recovery effort in Lahaina continues, we\u2019ll keep working as hard as we can to bring home more federal resources.\u201d\n\nFollowing the fires that destroyed King Kamehameha III Elementary School in Lahaina, students began sharing campus facilities with Princess Nahi\u2018ena\u2018ena Elementary School. The new temporary school will be located in Pulelehua and will provide students and staff with additional space and facilities to continue instruction as a permanent structure is designed and rebuilt.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/heeding-call-from-hawaii-delegation-sba-announces-loan-deferments-for-maui-businesses", "Heeding Call from Hawaii Delegation, SBA Announces Loan Deferments for Maui Businesses", "2023-11-03", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 In response to a letter from the Hawaii Congressional delegation, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it is implementing a 6-month deferment period for Maui businesses impacted by the Hawaii wildfires. This deferment period covers principal and interest payments, as well as a pause on interest accrual, and includes all COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and any previous disaster loans that are still being repaid.\n\n\u201cThousands of people, businesses, and families were impacted by the wildfires on Maui,\u201d said the delegation in a joint statement. \u201cAs our communities continue the recovery process, this deferment period will provide borrowers who have been impacted by the wildfires with additional time to determine next steps after the destruction. We are grateful the SBA has heeded our call and we\u2019ll continue to support our families, businesses, and communities to ensure they have the federal assistance they need to begin rebuilding.\u201d\n\nSBA will automatically place all COVID-19 EIDL and disaster loans for borrowers in Maui County that are still in repayment into deferment for 6 months. At the end of the deferment period, loan payments will return to the normal payment amount and interest accrual will resume on the outstanding principal balance. Borrowers still experiencing financial hardship at the end of the 6-month deferment period should contact SBA to discuss additional options, such as the Hardship Accommodation Plan for COVID-19 EIDL borrowers.\n\nBorrowers located in Hawaii, but outside of Maui County, can request a deferment of their payments and pause on interest accrual for 6 months due to financial hardship caused by the wildfires by submitting a request to their loan servicing center. Borrowers who are in Hawaii, but outside of Maui County, should request their deferment through the messaging feature in the MySBA Loan Portal. Eligible COVID-19 EIDL borrowers can also contact the COVID-19 EIDL Customer Service Center at 833-853-5638 or by email at COVIDEIDLServicing@sba.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-federal-firearm-licensing-act", "Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Federal Firearm Licensing Act", "2023-11-03", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and five of her colleagues in reintroducing the Federal Firearm Licensing Act, legislation that would require individuals to obtain a federal firearm license before purchasing or receiving a firearm.\n\n\u201cOur nation is awash with guns\u2014just this year alone, there have been more than 500 mass shootings in communities across our country,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cAs we work to combat our nation\u2019s gun violence epidemic, I hope this bill will move us closer to stemming the scourge of gun violence. I\u2019m proud to support the Federal Firearm Licensing Act to help protect our communities from gun violence.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would require:\n\nAn individual to complete firearm safety training, which must include a written test and hands-on training to ensure safe use and accuracy.\n\nAttorney General to conduct a history background check of any individual purchasing a firearm.\n\nThe federal firearm license must be renewed every five years at which point the applicant will have to go through a background check and undergo firearm safety training again. The bill contains a mechanism for the U.S. Department of Justice to revoke a license if an individual poses a danger to themselves or to others. The legislation would require the Federal Bureau of Investigation to regularly conduct checks to ensure that individuals are in compliance with federal license requirements and keep in place requirements that all people purchasing firearms from a federal firearms licensee undergo a background check.\n\nStudies have shown that licensing laws can significantly reduce gun violence in places that have enacted them. For example, according to the Giffords Law Center, Connecticut saw its gun homicide and gun suicide rates decrease by 28% and 33%, respectively, after passing a state licensing law. In contrast, after Missouri repealed its firearm licensing law, the state saw a 47% increase in its gun homicide rate and 24% increase in its gun suicide rate.\n\nThis bill is led by Senator Booker in the Senate and by Representative Andy Kim (D-NJ) in the House of Representatives. In addition to Senator Hirono, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\nSenator Hirono is a strong advocate for gun safety legislation and is continuously fighting to protect victims and survivors of gun violence. In September 2023, Senator Hirono joined more than 70 of her colleagues in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives in sending a letter to President Biden, urging him to take further executive action to combat gun violence and limit the sale of assault weapons. In June 2023, Senator Hirono reintroduced the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, legislation to ensure that victims of gun violence have their day in court and that negligent gun companies and gun sellers are not shielded from liability when they disregard public safety. In March 2023, Senator Hirono highlighted the impacts of the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen and how this decision could impact Hawaii and the increased risk of gun violence in public and private spaces.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/11/02/2023/statement-from-senator-schatz", "Statement From Senator Schatz", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe suffering in Gaza is worsening by the day, and a mutually agreed-upon humanitarian pause is the only way to deliver adequate aid to those in need, create space for negotiations for the release of hostages, and chart a path forward that protects civilians. Continued violence will no doubt compound this already dire situation. Israel has the right to defend its citizens from an ongoing terrorist threat, and a humanitarian pause does not undermine that right. While a temporary halt does not solve the fundamental, long-term security and humanitarian issues facing the region, the scale of human suffering right now is untenable. To achieve a just and lasting peace, we must redouble our efforts to get back on track to reach a two-state solution.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-braun-reintroduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-build-new-housing-near-public-transit-address-national-housing-shortage", "Schatz, Braun Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill To Build New Housing Near Public Transit, Address National Housing Shortage", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) today reintroduced the Build More Housing Near Transit Act. The bipartisan legislation seeks to address America\u2019s housing shortage by incentivizing local governments to build more housing near federally funded transit projects. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Ore.).\n\n\u201cThe clearest way out of our national housing shortage is by building more housing,\u201d said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. \u201cOur bipartisan bill will incentivize cities to build housing when they expand or redevelop their public transit systems. This will help put more families in homes, grow local economies, and cut carbon pollution. It\u2019s a win for everyone\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would direct the Secretary of Transportation to provide a scoring boost to the competitive grant application of public transit projects that include housing development near new stations.\n\n\u201cFor too long, transit and housing issues have run in parallel. This bill finally marries the two by giving local governments the tools they need to encourage high density and mixed use development to help relieve the affordable housing crisis. This bill gives local communities the resources they need to build more housing near transit systems and encourages them to enable their economies to grow through more housing options for families,\u201d said Senator Braun.\n\nCurrently, 47 percent of renter households are cost-burdened, meaning more than 30 percent of their income goes towards housing. Given that transportation costs are often a household\u2019s second-largest expenditure behind housing, building more housing in transit areas would help cut down on both costs.\n\nMoreover, by offering easier access to transit centers, the Build More Housing Near Transit Act will connect more employees with jobs and boost economic output, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased public transit ridership. It will also make federal transportation projects more efficient and ensure federal dollars are used most effectively.\n\nThe Schatz-Braun legislation is endorsed by Up for Growth Action, the American Planning Association, and others. For a full list of endorsing organizations, click here.\n\n\u201cAmerica is experiencing a severe shortage of homes, and nowhere is this crisis more acute than in transit-served neighborhoods,\" said Mike Kingsella, CEO of Up for Growth Action. \"The Build More Housing Near Transit Act addresses the critical link between transportation and housing, and will help spur the creation of more walkable, livable and equitable communities. If passed, this legislation will increase public transportation ridership and encourage the creation of housing that uses less land, taking cars off the road, and enabling more Americans to live closer to their jobs and other opportunities. We applaud the lead sponsors in the U.S. House and Senate for introducing the Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2023 and their ongoing leadership on this critical issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cEffective planning that coordinates transit, housing, jobs, and land use is vital to tackling today\u2019s housing supply and affordability crisis,\u201d said Angela Brooks, FAICP, President of the American Planning Association (APA). \u201cThe Build More Housing Near Transit Act will spur better coordination of housing and transportation promoting public transit projects that also increase mobility options and access to housing. This legislation encourages local governments to improve their housing and zoning policies through land use and zoning reforms, such as reducing parking minimums, allowing missing middle housing, and making use of public land for mixed-income housing. The American Planning Association is proud to support this legislation as a catalyst for housing reform and to ensure transportation provide the highest benefit to the nation\u2019s communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cYIMBY Action and our chapters across the country call for the swift introduction and passage of the Build More Housing Near Transit Act,\u201d said Laura Foote, Executive Director of YIMBY Action. \u201cHousing and transit go together, and this common sense approach will help us build more housing in walkable, transit-served areas. The national housing shortage has dramatically driven up the cost of living, eroding the middle class and driving millions of Americans into poverty. The Build More Housing Near Transit Act takes critical steps to help us build more sustainable communities, rich with opportunity for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s longstanding affordability crisis \u2013 fueled by a lack of housing at all price points \u2013 demands responsible and sustainable action from lawmakers, and the National Apartment Association (NAA) is proud to support the Build More Housing Near Transit Act as an important step in the right direction,\u201d said Bob Pinnegar, President and CEO of NAA. \u201cBy incentivizing local governments to increase critically-needed housing supply with close access to public transportation, this bipartisan and bicameral legislation will help improve housing access for generations of Americans to come. NAA thanks Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) \u2013 as well as Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Ore.) \u2013 for their steadfast leadership on this endeavor.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-spending-package-with-key-hirono-priorities-including-over-285-million-in-congressionally-directed-spending-for-hawaii", "Senate Passes Bipartisan Spending Package with Key Hirono Priorities, Including Over $285 Million in Congressionally Directed Spending for Hawaii", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) voted to pass a package of three Fiscal Year 2024 spending bills, which includes a provision secured by Senator Hirono to provide $2 million in federal funding to address deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture. The package\u2014which includes the Agriculture; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; and transportation, housing, and urban development appropriations bills\u2014also includes more than $285 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) that Senator Hirono requested for nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Hawaii. The bill passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 85-12 and now must be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan funding package invests in key priorities for Hawaii and our country,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cI am proud that my legislation to address deferred maintenance projects at agriculture schools across the country was included in this bill, especially as Hawaii works to strengthen its food sustainability and increase support for local farmers. I am also glad that funding requests I submitted for projects across Hawaii were included\u2014projects that will help protect native species, improve infrastructure, and construct facilities for keiki and kupuna in need. As we continue working to fund the federal government, I\u2019ll keep fighting to secure federal investments for people and communities across our state.\u201d\n\nSenator Hirono\u2019s deferred maintenance provision would provide funding for grants for construction of agricultural research facilities at schools of agriculture across the country. The grants\u2014available to universities and colleges of agriculture\u2014go towards construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of facilities and research equipment.\n\nAdditionally, Senator Hirono secured nearly 40 CDS requests in the bill, which would provide over $285 million in federal funding for a wide range of projects in Hawaii covering agriculture; military construction and veterans affairs; and transportation, housing, and urban development. While this funding is included in the Senate bill, it is not guaranteed until a final bill is signed into law. A full list of the projects is below:\n\nAGRICULTURE PROJECTS:\n\nHawaii Land Trust - $1,097,000\n\nTo install predator proof fencing to protect native forest species from invasive predators.\n\nMA\u2019O Organic Farms - $567,000\n\nTo construct an Agroforesty Training Baseyard as proper infrastructure to support a new offshoot of youth workforce programs.\n\nHoa Aina O Makaha - $96,000\n\nFor improvements to the infrastructure of Hoa Aina O Makaha including: complete renovation of the Front House; roof replacement for the tool shed building; electrical power line upgrading to code; termite inspection, treatment, and repair.\n\nHawaii Land Trust - $1,500,000\n\nTo restore the historic Dickey house structure to a Cultural Learning Center to provide a safe space for students, educators and practitioners from weather conditions, while connecting our community and school partners to the land through place-based experiential learning.\n\nMILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES (MILCON-VA) PROJECTS:\n\nJoint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam - $49,080,000\n\nThe planned Waterfront Production Facility will bring light industrial productive capacity and shipboard worker services closer to the drydocks in a permanent and modern facility.\n\nMarine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay - $109,000,000\n\nUpgrades a water reclamation facility at Marine Corps Base, Kaneohe Bay.\n\nFort Shafter - $23,000,000\n\nConstruct a Clearwell and Booster Pump System.\n\nHelemano Military Reservation Hawaii - $33,000,000\n\nConstruct wells, pump station and storage tank.\n\nSchofield Barracks - $21,000,000\n\nConstruct water storage tanks, pumping station and distribution lines.\n\nSchofield Barracks - $16,000,000\n\nConstruct elevated potable water storage tank and distribution lines.\n\nTRANSPORTATION, HOUSING, AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (THUD) PROJECTS:\n\nChild and Family Service - $1,181,000\n\nTo undertake demolition and infrastructure work on Child and Family Service\u2019s existing property in an effort to build a new youth residential crisis stabilization facility for children in crisis.\n\nCity and County of Honolulu - $2,500,000\n\nTo construct a Kupuna Resource Center (KRC) to better help kupuna access services as seamlessly as possible. The KRC will house a resource library and computer center, as well as workspace for Elderly Affairs Division staff to provide direct services.\n\nCounty of Kauai, DPW - $3,200,000\n\nThis funding will support design and construction of a roadway, sidewalks, and bike lanes.\n\nYWCA of Hawaii Island - $1,500,000\n\nTo replace a defunct swimming complex with a new, modern preschool, including age-appropriate play areas and a commercial kitchen.\n\nCounty of Kauai - $3,290,000\n\nTo replace the roof of the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall, including the curved auditorium, central lobby, and north lobby. The current roof, which was built in the 1960s, has exceeded its useful life.\n\nHui Malama O Ke Kai Foundation - $785,000\n\nTo construct a multi-purpose pavilion with a certified commercial kitchen and multipurpose space for educational and community activities.\n\nResidential Youth Services and Empowerment (RYSE) - $3,000,000\n\nTo build and renovate facilities to address youth homelessness through small census living models and residential care, programming, and supportive services.\n\nBig Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii - $1,500,000\n\nTo purchase and renovate a building to create a new headquarters for Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii. The headquarters will serve as a space to host youth programs, to facilitate community and family workshops, to distribute resources, and as a hub for mentoring services for youth and teens.\n\nCounty of Kauai - $1,600,000\n\nTo develop civil engineering and construction documents for the Kilauea Affordable Housing subdivision on approximately 50 acres of County-owned land in the town of Kilauea, including, stormwater systems, water systems, wastewater, roadways, and utilities.\n\nCounty of Kauai - $1,800,000\n\nTo undertake the engineering and design work for a wastewater treatment facility for the Kilauea Affordable Housing subdivision and other areas of Kilauea Town.\n\nIsland of Hawaii YMCA - $625,000\n\nTo acquire parcel of land adjacent to the existing Island of Hawaii YWCA, allowing the organization to expand program access.\n\nMalaai - $676,000\n\nTo replace an existing outdoor shelter, and be used as an outdoor classroom for the approximately 200 students of Waimea Middle School that participate in Malaai\u2019s programs.\n\nChild and Family Service - $2,000,000\n\nTo contribute to the construction of a 6,000 sq ft walk-in service and resource center adjacent to the organization\u2019s existing location.\n\nCounty of Kauai - $1,400,000\n\nTo develop civil engineering and construction documents for the Waimea 400 affordable housing subdivision, including the engineering and design of all required on- and off-site civil infrastructure including, stormwater systems, water systems, wastewater, roadways, and utilities.\n\nDepartment of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife - $900,000\n\nTo build a Hawaiian design-inspired educational center at the State Kawaiele and Mana Waterbird Sanctuary for locals and visitors to learn about the complex history of West Kauai and see five endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, including the nene, Hawaii\u2019s state bird.\n\nHui O Hauula - $5,399,000\n\nTo replace a community center in disrepair with a community resilience hub that functions as both a new community center and as a wind- and tsunami-resilient shelter in an area of Oahu that does not currently have that kind of shelter.\n\nThe Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Act fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill provides the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and related agencies $135.3 billion in non-defense discretionary funding, as well as $161.7 billion in mandatory funding, to fulfill our nation\u2019s obligations to our veterans. The bill further provides advance appropriations for our veterans in fiscal year 2025, including $112.6 billion for veterans\u2019 medical care and $193 billion for veterans benefits. The bill also includes $19.1 billion in defense spending for military construction and family housing this year\u2014an increase of $70 million over fiscal year 2023\u2014to upgrade and modernize critical infrastructure and support military families.\n\nThe bill:\n\nKeeps our sacred promise to veterans by fully funding veterans\u2019 medical care and benefits and fully funding VA programs, including by:\n\nDelivering a $2.3 billion increase in funding to get veterans the mental health care they deserve.\n\nProviding $557 million more to strengthen VA\u2019s caregiver program and reach more families, $439 million more to support women veterans\u2019 health care, and $23 million to expand the Child Care Pilot Program to eliminate barriers for veterans in need of child care while attending medical appointments.\n\nBoosting our investments in VA facilities to deliver better care for veterans across the country.\n\nInvesting $938 million in VA Medical and Prosthetic Research to advance efforts related to Traumatic Brain Injury, PFAS exposure, and more.\n\nStrengthens our national security by delivering a historic funding level to modernize critical military infrastructure and build our presence in key regions around the world, including by:\n\nBoosting funding to support critical maintenance projects, upgrade our shipyards, and improve the resiliency of our bases and military infrastructure, particularly in the face climate-driven threats.\n\nProviding more than $1.8 billion in funding for projects in the Indo-Pacific Command to support the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, delivering $300 million for projects to support the European Deterrence Initiative, and fully funding the U.S. commitment to support the NATO Security Investment Program.\n\nSupports our servicemembers and military families, including by:\n\nDelivering new resources to construct new family housing, maintain and upgrade existing units, and strengthen oversight of privatized housing.\n\nIncreasing funding for child development centers to expand access to child care for military families.\n\nProviding additional funding to address the threat posed by PFAS and to support environmental remediation at BRAC installations.\n\nThe Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill provides $25.993 billion in funding.\n\nThe bill:\n\nSupports kids and families by fully funding nutrition assistance programs and boosting funding for WIC to get more women, infants, and children the nutrition they need.\n\nIncreases WIC funding by $615 million to ensure over 6 million women, infants, and children can get the nutrition they need.\n\nFully funds SNAP to serve an estimated 42 million Americans each month\u2014and includes no new restrictions on eligibility.\n\nFully funds Child Nutrition Programs to ensure schools can continue serving healthy meals to millions of kids nationwide.\n\nInvests in agricultural research with new funding to support farmers and ranchers, particularly as they continue to respond to a changing climate.\n\nProtects the safety of America\u2019s food supply and helps keep American families healthy and safe by delivering new resources for FDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service to fulfill their critical missions.\n\nThe Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill provides $98.931 billion in total discretionary funding. The bill:\n\nGets Americans safely to where they need to be, including by:\n\nProviding $1.255 billion in new resources for the FAA to address the shortage of air traffic controllers, improve safety, reduce flight delays, and increase efficiency.\n\nAddressing rail safety deficiencies after recent derailments, disasters, and close calls with $32 million in new funding for the Federal Railroad Administration to improve safety and operations nationwide.\n\nContinuing critical investments in America\u2019s transit and transportation infrastructure.\n\nExpanding transportation infrastructure assistance for Tribes.\n\nIncreases America\u2019s housing supply and affordability and addresses the homelessness crisis, including by:\n\nIncreasing the supply of affordable housing nationwide with funding to build 10,000 new rental and homebuyer units.\n\nExtending funding for the \u201cYes In My Back Yard\u201d grant program to support efforts to increase our nation\u2019s housing supply and lower housing costs through state and local zoning changes.\n\nDelivering $275 million in new funding for Homeless Assistance Grants to help address homelessness in communities across the country and providing new resources to better connect people experiencing homelessness with health care services.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-hirono-senate-democratic-women-respond-to-election-of-anti-abortion-extremist-mike-johnson-as-speaker-abortion-is-a-fundamental-right-we-will-not-budge-on", "VIDEO: Hirono, Senate Democratic Women Respond to Election of Anti-Abortion Extremist Mike Johnson as Speaker: Abortion is a Fundamental Right We Will Not Budge On", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "~ Video of Senator Hirono\u2019s full remarks is available here ~\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) in holding a press conference to respond to the recent election of anti-abortion extremist Mike Johnson (R-LA) as Speaker of the House. At the press conference, the senators reaffirmed Democrats\u2019 unshakeable commitment to protecting abortion rights and sent a clear message that Johnson must put aside any extreme tactics and partisan policy riders when it comes to abortion\u2014or any other issue\u2014so that Congress can responsibly fund the government and tackle the other pressing challenges our nation is facing.\n\n\u201cMAGA Mike Johnson is as radical as they come\u2014he spent years as an attorney working to restrict abortion access, and has made clear that he wants to outlaw abortion nationwide,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cWith every member of the House GOP voting to make him Speaker, it\u2019s clear his radical stance is now the mainstream position of the Republican party. If Mike Johnson thinks he\u2019ll be able to get any anti-abortion legislation through this Congress, he better think again\u2014Senate Democrats will continue working to protect and defend reproductive freedom for all.\u201d\n\nNewly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson has openly advocated for and backed multiple bills that would ban abortion nationwide and criminalize providers\u2014including bans before many people even know they are pregnant and so-called personhood bills, which would not only criminalize abortion but also ban emergency contraception and other forms of birth control, stem cell research, and assisted reproductive technology like IVF. Johnson has received an A+ rating from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America for his long opposition to abortion rights and has celebrated efforts to criminalize health care providers, including praising a Louisiana law that would mean those who provide abortion care can be imprisoned at hard labor and fined up to $100,000. Prior to being elected to Congress, Johnson was an attorney for the anti-abortion legal organization that engineered the end of Roe v. Wade and suggested that birth control was next, and is currently fighting to overturn FDA approval of mifepristone.\n\nA link to download video of Senator Hirono\u2019s full remarks is available here.\n\nA long-time champioin for abortion access, Senator Hirono is committed to protecting the fundamental right to abortion care for all. In October 2023, Senator Hirono joined a letter urging the Biden Administration to require federally and state-regulated health insurance plans to fully cover over-the-counter contraceptives, including Opill\u2014the first-ever FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control pill, which will become available in early 2024\u2014with no copays or out of pocket costs, and without a prescription requirement. A total of 48 Senators signed the letter. In July 2023, Senator Hirono led her colleagues in urging Perrigo, the manufacturer of Opill, to follow through on its commitment to make the contraceptive \u201caffordable and accessible\u201d by releasing a low and affordable retail price and beginning broad distribution of the product as soon as possible. In July 2023, Senator Hirono introduced the Reproductive Health Patient Navigator Act to help women\u2013including those in anti-abortion states\u2013access reproductive health care.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-housing-transportation-appropriations-bill", "Senate Passes Bipartisan Housing, Transportation Appropriations Bill", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 With a vote of 82-15, the U.S. Senate today passed the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill. The government funding bill provides nearly $100 billion in discretionary funding.\n\n\u201cOur bill directly addresses America\u2019s housing crisis by protecting affordable housing and homeless assistance programs that will help more than 10 million people. It also includes record level of investment in Native housing, and maintains funding to improve public transit, airports, railways, and roads across the country,\u201d said Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. \u201cAs one of the first and only truly bipartisan appropriations bills to pass a chamber of Congress this year, it\u2019s critical that the House consider and pass our bill so that these vital housing and transportation programs have the necessary funding to continuing serving communities in Hawai\u2018i and across the country.\u201d\n\nHighlights \u2013 Housing and Urban Development\n\nDepartment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): The bill provides $70 billion in funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2013to maintain all existing rental assistance while increasing efforts to reduce homelessness, connect people to both housing and health care, and remove barriers to housing opportunities and development, including unnecessary administrative burdens.\n\nReduces Homelessness and Improves Connections to Health Care: The bill provides $3.9 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants, a $275 million increase above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level. In addition to sustaining investments for existing projects, homeless youth, and survivors of domestic violence, the bill provides:\n\n$100 million for permanent supportive housing, a $25 million increase over fiscal year 2023;\n\n$31 million for capacity-building grants and direct technical assistance to communities that are leveraging other funds, like Medicaid, to connect individuals experiencing homelessness to housing-related services and behavioral healthcare;\n\n$25 million for an inflationary adjustment for supportive service projects so that providers can hire and retain qualified personnel.\n\nLastly, the bill allows HUD to compete funds on a biennial basis, which will free up valuable staff time and resources to focus on service delivery rather than paperwork.\n\nIncreases the Supply of Affordable Housing: As communities across the nation continue to face a shortage of affordable homes, the bill makes critical investments to increase the supply of housing so that Americans can keep a roof over their head. The bill includes:\n\n$1.5 billion to sustain robust funding for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, the primary federal tool of state and local governments that produces affordable rental and owner-occupied housing. This level will lead to the construction of nearly 10,000 new rental and homebuyer units.\n\n$100 million for the second year of the \u201cYes In My Back Yard\u201d grant program\u2014a $15 million increase over fiscal year 2023. A significant contributor to the lack of housing supply and production is state and local zoning and land use laws and regulations that limit the number of units that can be built. These restrictions on development are driving up housing costs. While some communities have made progress in removing barriers to affordable housing production to keep up with market demand, the federal government should play a supporting role to strengthen these efforts and help jurisdictions increase their housing stock and lower housing costs.\n\n$4.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant formula program and Economic Development Initiatives that address a variety of local community development and affordable housing needs.\n\nExpands Access to Housing Assistance for Tribes: Through increases to the Native American Housing Block Grant program, the sustained investment in the Tribal Housing and Related Agency Infrastructure Interagency Task Force, and improvements to Tribal participation in the Homeless Assistance Grants program, the bill will make significant progress to addressing the dire housing needs of Indian country, where residents are nearly twice as likely to live in poverty and nearly three times more likely to live in overcrowded conditions compared to other U.S. households.\n\nPreserves and Strengthens Investments in Rental Assistance Programs: The bill maintains critical support for HUD rental assistance programs, which assist nearly 5 million vulnerable households\u2014more than half of whom are elderly or people with disabilities. This includes\n\n$31.7 billion for tenant-based Section 8 vouchers, a $1.5 billion increase above fiscal year 2023, which includes funding to make 4,000 new incremental vouchers available to youth aging out of foster care and veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness.\n\n$15.79 billion for the project-based rental assistance program to renew housing contracts, of which $32.9 million is for rent adjustments to certain properties with health, safety, or operational deficiencies to improve property conditions for tenants.\n\n$8.9 billion to operate and address the capital needs of public housing, a $361 million increase above fiscal year 2023.\n\nIncreases Alignment and Flexibilities for Affordable Housing Programs: The thicket of statutory, regulatory, and procedural requirements for federal housing programs can undermine program results, lead to wasteful duplication, and require excessive time and resources from grantees.\n\nTo reduce the number of duplicative property inspections that occur when a project is funded by multiple federal housing programs, the bill supports efforts to improve inspection standards while also ensuring coordination across federal housing programs.\n\nTo more effectively use available housing choice vouchers in difficult rental markets, the bill authorizes a new pilot to allow up to 8 public housing authorities to use housing assistance payments for leasing-related expenses, like security and utility deposits.\n\nTo improve the speed and effectiveness of vouchers serving youth aging out of foster care, the bill streamlines the award process and authorizes the Secretary to waive certain requirements that are consistent obstacles to successful leasing.\n\nHighlights \u2013 Transportation\n\nDepartment of Transportation: The bill provides $28 billion in funding for the Department of Transportation\u2014which includes significant new resources to ensure the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is able to maintain the safest, most efficient, and most complex air traffic control system in the world, the safety of our rail network, and capital investments to improve the state of good repair for our transit systems s.\n\nRAISE Grants: The bill maintains critical funding for the RAISE Grants program established by Senator Murray to continue investing in transportation infrastructure projects that have a significant local or regional impact.\n\nFAA Staffing and Modernization: The bill provides more than $20 billion for the FAA, an increase of more than $1 billion over fiscal year 2023. This includes:\n\n$12.7 billion for FAA operations, which will allow the FAA to continue its air traffic controller hiring surge by adding 1,800 new controllers, improve the condition and reliability of critical IT and telecommunications legacy systems, such as the NOTAM system, continue to improve aircraft certification as required by the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (ACSAA), and accelerate the deployment of new entrants into the national airspace.\n\nA historic $3.4 billion for FAA facilities and equipment which will accelerate NextGen modernization. This includes $65.2 million for the critical Terminal Flight Data Manager and nearly $70 million for DataComm programs, which will improve the efficiency of air traffic control and lead to fewer flight delays. The bill also includes $33.2 million for airport ground surveillance, $340.8 million for telecommunications infrastructure, and $29.4 million for long-term improvements to the critical NOTAM system.\n\n$3.9 billion for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, including $502 million for supplemental AIP grants that can help reduce emissions at airports, build airport infrastructure necessary to support unleaded fuels and sustainable aviation fuels, and build resiliency at airports confronting climate change and worsening natural disasters.\n\nHighways and Bridges: The bill provides $60 billion for Federal-aid Highways, consistent with IIJA authorized level of spending from the Highway Trust Fund, with an additional $2 billion for Highway Infrastructure Programs. This includes $45 million for Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program, $150 million for PROTECT Grants, $1.1 billion for Bridges, $100 million for the Appalachian Development Highway System, $20 million for Scenic Byways, and other critical programs.\n\nRail Safety: A total of $3.4 billion is provided for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) This includes $2.5 billion for Amtrak to sustain operations, maintain a state of good repair, and safely get passengers to their destinations.\n\nTo address the rail safety deficiencies identified in the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment, the bill provides a $32 million increase for FRA\u2019s safety and operations budget\u2014meeting the request level for rail safety inspectors and research.\n\nThe bill also directs specific research requirements for: (1) wayside detection technology, operational alert thresholds, and rail carrier response protocols to inform and verify the technologies capabilities and establish industry-wide standards; and (2) long-train operational safety to evaluate equipment safety standards for brake systems and wheel performance to inform the development of continuous component monitoring.\n\nThe bill also increases funding for Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration\u2019s (PHMSA) emergency preparedness grants to $46.8 million and requires the agency to conduct research to improve the survivability of placards identifying hazardous materials on trains.\n\nTransit Infrastructure: The bill provides $16.9 billion for the Federal Transit Administration\u2014including $2.5 billion for Capital Investment Grants, a $240 million increase over fiscal year 2023, to continue investing in America\u2019s transit infrastructure. It also includes $365.8 in budget authority\u2014$184 million above fiscal year 2023\u2014for Transit Investment Grants. This includes $161.8 million for Buses and Bus Facilities, $50 million for the Low- and No-emissions program; $45 million for areas of persistent poverty; and $43 million for ferry programs.\n\nMaritime Administration: The bill provides $1.2 billion for the Maritime Administration, $308 million above fiscal year 2023. This includes:\n\n$195.5 million for the United States Merchant Marine Academy, of which $70 million is for capital improvement projects, fully meeting the President\u2019s budget request to train the next generation of mariners;\n\n$131 million for State Maritime Academies, of which $91.8 million is for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel program;\n\n$103 million for the Title XI program to fund new loan guarantee applications in the pipeline;\n\n$213 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program; and\n\n$448 million to fund the Defense vessel programs at their authorized levels, including:\n\n$318 million for Maritime Security Program;\n\n$10 million for the Cable Security Fleet program; and\n\n$120 million for the Tanker Security Fleet program.\n\nExpands Access to Transportation Infrastructure for Tribes: The bill includes flexibilities in the federal share for certain transit projects and provides $25 million to supplement the Rural and Tribal Infrastructure Advancement Pilot Program to deliver financial, legal, technical, and project development assistance in an effort to improve Tribal access to transportation infrastructure programs at the Department of Transportation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-equal-funding-for-domestic-emergencies-in-supplemental-appropriations-bill", "Hirono, Colleagues Urge Equal Funding for Domestic Emergencies in Supplemental Appropriations Bill", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 As the United States Senate prepares an emergency supplemental appropriations bill to respond to the ongoing humanitarian and military crises in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, and elsewhere, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined five of her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Minority Mitch Leader McConnell (R-KY) urging that an equal amount of funding is included in that appropriations bill to address the urgent and growing emergencies facing the American people at home.\n\n\u201cThe supplemental cannot just be about responding to emergencies abroad,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cIn America today, working families, the children, the elderly, the sick and the poor are struggling to deal with major crises at home that demand our immediate attention. How can we tell our constituents who are struggling to pay for the basic necessities of life that Congress can immediately provide tens of billions of dollars in taxpayer funding to deal with emergencies abroad, but we somehow cannot afford to respond to the severe economic pain that they are feeling at home?\u201d\n\nThe senators highlighted the following emergencies at home that should be addressed in the supplemental:\n\nOur child care system is in a state of emergency. As a result of the child care funding cliff, 3.2 million kids in our country are in danger of losing the child care they currently have, over 70,000 child care programs will likely shut down, and over 230,000 child care workers could lose their jobs. Congress must provide adequate funding in the supplemental to make sure that every working family in America has access to affordable and high-quality child care.\n\nOur primary health care system is in a state of emergency. In America today, it has been estimated that 68,000 people die each year because they cannot afford to go to a doctor when they get sick. Moreover, tens of millions of Americans are unable to access the primary care, dental care and behavioral health care that they desperately need. The massive shortage of primary care doctors, nurses and dentists in our country is a major reason why life expectancy in America is in decline and is at its lowest level since the mid-1990s. We must address the crisis of lack of access to health care in the supplemental.\n\nThe lack of affordable housing in America is an emergency. In America today, evictions and foreclosures are skyrocketing as the price of rent and monthly mortgage payments become increasingly unaffordable. Nearly 600,000 Americans are homeless on any given night and some 18 million families are paying over half of their limited incomes on housing. The supplemental must include funding to address the affordable housing crisis in America.\n\nThe opioid crisis in America is an emergency. Last year, more than 105,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses - up more than 60 percent from five years ago. The supplemental must not only include funding to prevent fentanyl from coming into our country, it must also provide emergency funding to address the severe shortage of addiction specialists and behavioral health professionals in America.\n\nFood insecurity in America is an emergency. In America today, 34 million Americans including some 9 million children are food insecure. That should not be happening in the richest country in the history of the world. At a minimum, President Biden\u2019s full Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) must be included in the emergency supplemental to prevent pregnant mothers and babies from being put on waiting lists for their urgent nutritional needs.\n\nNatural disasters impacting our communities are an emergency. This year, the United States broke the record for the number of disasters causing over $1 billion in damages, a figure that is expected to increase due to global climate change. The federal government has a responsibility to help communities, businesses, and farmers recover from these disasters and rebuild sustainably and resiliently to mitigate the impacts of future disasters\u2014that means substantial investments in emergency relief programs through federal agencies outside of FEMA, like the Community Development Block Grant \u2013 Disaster Recovery program.\n\n\u201cWe have a responsibility to act boldly to respond to ALL of the major emergencies we face\u2014both at home and abroad,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nIn addition to Senators Hirono, the letter was also signed by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-helps-secure-more-than-23-million-to-improve-kawaihae-harbor-on-hawaii-island", "Schatz Helps Secure More Than $23 Million To Improve Kawaihae Harbor On Hawai\u2018i Island", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that Hawai\u2018i will receive $23.5 million to improve Kawaihae Harbor on Hawai\u2018i Island. The funding, from the Port Infrastructure Development Program, follows Schatz-authored legislation signed into law last year that made it easier for Hawai\u2018i to compete for grant funding through this program. Schatz\u2019s office also worked closely with the Hawai\u2018i Department of Transportation throughout the grant application process.\n\n\u201cAs West Hawai\u2018i continues to grow, its port is critical to keeping goods flowing and its local economy moving,\u201d said Senator Schatz, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation. \u201cThis new funding will help improve Kawaihae Harbor so that residents can continue to get the food and supplies they need, while lowering shipping costs for everyone.\u201d\n\nThe funding will be used to widen the highway adjacent to the port, pave 10 acres in the cargo yard, build a new 80-foot mast lighting to replace lower lighting equipment, install conduit and raised transformer pads for expanded reefer plug-ins, and relocate an office building and a maintenance shed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-new-legislation-to-reform-governments-care-and-custody-of-unaccompanied-noncitizen-children", "Hirono, Colleagues Introduce New Legislation to Reform Government\u2019s Care and Custody of Unaccompanied Noncitizen Children", "2023-10-30", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in introducing new legislation to provide a comprehensive framework to reform the federal government\u2019s care and custody of unaccompanied noncitizen children (UC). The Protecting Unaccompanied Children Act would address gaps in our system by improving existing safeguards for the release of UC from government custody, increasing UCs\u2019 access to social services and legal protections, and creating new safeguards and services for children\u2019s safety.\n\n\u201cAs the only immigrant currently serving in the U.S. Senate, I am proud to join in introducing this legislation to establish comprehensive policies to protect the safety and well-being of unaccompanied children while they navigate our immigration system,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cI am especially pleased that this legislation includes provisions of my bill to provide counsel for unaccompanied minors, a critical support for a uniquely vulnerable population in our immigration system.\u201d\n\nUC arrive in the United States without immigration status and without a parent or guardian to care for them. Congress passed on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis, and President George W. Bush signed into law, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA), two pieces of legislation that improved protections for these children. These laws require screening such children for human trafficking, housing children in appropriate settings in the custody of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and family reunification whenever possible.\n\nYears after enactment of the HSA and TVPRA, new challenges have arisen requiring reforms to our system for caring for UC. The number of UC arriving at our southern border has greatly increased. Many children were separated from their parents by the Trump Administration \u201cZero Tolerance\u201d policy, and continue to require assistance. Some states refuse to license HHS facilities, preventing children and staff in such facilities from reporting safety violations. In light of increased child labor violations across the country, there has also been a call to improve vetting of sponsors and bolster penalties for child labor violations. At the same time, our immigration system has grown more complex, making it difficult for UC to get the assistance they need particularly without access to representation.\n\nSpecifically, the Protecting Unaccompanied Children Act would:\n\nHelp Children Navigate our Legal System. This bill would provide legal representation for all unaccompanied children. It would also lift numerical limitations for abused, abandoned, or neglected children granted Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, and allow those and children granted \u201cU\u201d visas (victims of serious crimes who collaborate with law enforcement) access to Medicaid.\n\nImprove Sponsor Vetting and Placement. This bill would codify certain background checks, expand home studies to better identify safety concerns prior to release to a sponsor, and increase post-release services to ensure children\u2019s ongoing safety and stability. The bill contains several prohibitions on information-sharing for immigration enforcement purposes to ensure child and family privacy.\n\nProtect Exploited Children. This bill would also improve immigration protections for those who report child labor violations, including by lifting the annual cap for \u201cU\u201d visas.\n\nProtect Children in HHS Custody. This bill would create an HHS Office of the Ombudsperson for Immigrant Children in Federal Custody to allow children to report abuses in custody. It would also ensure that whistleblower reports are investigated and codify background checks for staff who interact with children. It would also establish state-level coordinators to help ensure UCs receive appropriate services and support from states.\n\nRemedy Past Abuses. This bill would make families separated under Trump\u2019s Zero Tolerance policy eligible for additional public assistance, allowing such families to get the care and support they need to recover from the trauma of separation.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by Senators Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and endorsed by Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) and Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA).\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-joins-47-senate-colleagues-in-urging-the-biden-administration-to-require-insurers-to-fully-cover-over-the-counter-birth-control-with-no-out-of-pocket-costs-or-prescription-barrier", "Hirono Joins 47 Senate Colleagues in Urging the Biden Administration to Require Insurers to Fully Cover Over-the-Counter Birth Control, With No Out-of-Pocket Costs or Prescription Barrier", "2023-10-30", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined a letter led by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) urging the Biden Administration to require federally and state-regulated health insurance plans to fully cover over-the-counter contraceptives, including Opill\u2014the first-ever FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control pill, which will become available in early 2024\u2014with no copays or out of pocket costs, and without a prescription requirement. A total of 48 Senators signed the letter.\n\n\u201cWe urge you to improve health insurance coverage, both public and private, of the full range of FDA-approved, granted, or cleared contraceptive products\u2014including birth control that is available over-the-counter (OTC) without requiring a prescription for coverage,\u201d the senators wrote today in their letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and the Department of Labor Acting Secretary Julie Su. \u201cOver 19 million women live in counties with limited access to health care providers that offer comprehensive contraceptive services, and about one-third of women who have received prescription contraceptives have reported barriers to access. Expanding access to affordable coverage for eligible, uninsured populations would improve the quality of contraceptive care that patients receive.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe availability of safe and effective OTC birth control products has enormous potential to help people overcome significant barriers to consistent contraceptive use, including the many logistical and financial challenges to obtaining a prescription. The FDA\u2019s approval of Opill is a milestone; however, for an OTC birth control pill to meet its potential and be truly accessible, federal departments must ensure that it is covered without cost-sharing and without the need for a prescription as a condition of coverage,\u201d the senators continued.\n\n\u201cTo expand access to affordable contraception, we urge the tri-departments to issue new guidance that reflects current HRSA guidelines and clarifies that federally and state-regulated private health plans must cover OTC contraceptive products without cost-sharing, including when purchased without a prescription\u2026 Given the increased need for access to contraception in the wake of the Dobbs decision, this issue is incredibly timely and important,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nIn addition to Senators Hirono, Murray, Sanders, Wyden, and Baldwin, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jon Tester (D-MT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Becerra, Secretary Yellen, and Acting Secretary Su:\n\nWe urge you to improve health insurance coverage, both public and private, of the full range of FDA-approved, granted, or cleared contraceptive products\u2014including birth control that is available over-the-counter (OTC) without requiring a prescription for coverage. Over 19 million women live in counties with limited access to health care providers that offer comprehensive contraceptive services, and about one-third of women who have received prescription contraceptives have reported barriers to access. Expanding access to affordable coverage for eligible, uninsured populations would improve the quality of contraceptive care that patients receive.\n\nIn recent months, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken several major steps toward this goal. First, on June 23, President Biden issued an executive order on \u201cStrengthening Access to Affordable, High-Quality Contraception and Family Planning Services,\u201d which directed each of your departments to take steps to improve access to contraception. Second, on July 13, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first-ever OTC birth control pill for sale in the United States, a groundbreaking advancement in contraceptive access. Most recently, on September 29, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Internal Revenue Service, and the Employee Benefit Services Administration (EBSA) issued a Request of Information regarding the application of the preventive services requirements under section 2713 of the Public Health Service Act to OTC preventive services, including OTC contraceptive products.\n\nWe applaud these efforts and ask that you undertake additional actions to ensure coverage for OTC contraceptive products\u2014including the new OTC birth control pill once it becomes available in 2024\u2014without cost-sharing and without the need for a prescription in all federally and state-regulated private health plans and federally and state-regulated and run coverage programs.\n\nThe availability of safe and effective OTC birth control products has enormous potential to help people overcome significant barriers to consistent contraceptive use, including the many logistical and financial challenges to obtaining a prescription. The FDA\u2019s approval of Opill is a milestone; however, for an OTC birth control pill to meet its potential and be truly accessible, federal departments must ensure that it is covered without cost-sharing and without the need for a prescription as a condition of coverage. Even prior to the FDA\u2019s approval of Opill, several states have expanded access to OTC contraceptives and other lifesaving ACA preventive services to ensure that patients continue to receive quality care. Additional training and billing guidance for pharmacists and other health care providers would support state efforts to expand access to covered ACA preventive services like OTC contraceptives.\n\nCurrently, existing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guidance on the Affordable Care Act\u2019s (ACA) contraceptive coverage requirement from the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury (\u201ctri-departments\u201d) allows federally and state-regulated private health plans to require a prescription for OTC contraceptives as a condition of coverage without cost sharing. This significantly reduces the advantages to consumers of an OTC product. To expand access to affordable contraception, we urge the tri-departments to issue new guidance that reflects current HRSA guidelines and clarifies that federally and state-regulated private health plans must cover OTC contraceptive products without cost-sharing, including when purchased without a prescription. We request that you do this as soon as possible and encourage the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program to adopt parallel changes for the next plan year.\n\nIn addition to new guidance, your departments may need to take one or more discrete steps as soon as possible to:\n\nCover the new OTC birth control pill and other OTC contraceptives by adding it to an existing coverage requirement and/or formulary;\n\nEliminate any otherwise-required cost-sharing and prior authorization for OTC contraceptives;\n\nEliminate any prescription requirement for OTC contraceptive coverage;\n\nWork with providers, pharmacy chains, health plans, and other stakeholders to make coverage for OTC contraceptives function as smoothly as possible at pharmacies and via mail order;\n\nProvide notice to beneficiaries, providers, and other stakeholders about any changes to coverage, as well as information about how to navigate and facilitate coverage of OTC contraceptives without a prescription;\n\nProvide guidance to encourage state Medicaid programs to cover OTC contraceptives without a prescription for Medicaid beneficiaries; and\n\nProvide guidance to pharmacies, health care providers, and insurers to improve claims processing and reimbursement for OTC contraceptives.\n\nThese steps would be in line with the goals and directives of the June 2023 executive order, including its directive to \u201cpromote increased access to affordable over-the-counter contraception, including emergency contraception.\u201d\n\nWe appreciate your ongoing commitment to these goals for improving coverage of and access to the full range of contraceptives, including OTC contraception, and look forward to continuing to work together to achieve them. Given the increased need for access to contraception in the wake of the Dobbs decision, this issue is incredibly timely and important. Thank you in advance for considering this request.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-tokuda-lead-hawaii-and-alaska-delegations-in-introducing-bill-to-expand-opportunities-for-native-hawaiian-and-alaska-natives-in-agriculture", "Hirono, Tokuda Lead Hawaii and Alaska Delegations in Introducing Bill to Expand Opportunities for Native Hawaiian and Alaska Natives in Agriculture", "2023-10-30", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI) led the Hawaii and Alaska delegations in introducing the Parity for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Students in Agriculture Act, legislation that would reauthorize the Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program for another five years and increase the authorized funding level of the program from $10 million to $15 million. The bill would also ensure grant awards could be used over multiple years to reduce administrative burdens on institutions.\n\n\u201cAt a time when people in Hawaii and across the country lack access to healthy and affordable food and produce, it is important that we invest in institutions that are working to address these issues,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThis grant program provides essential funding for institutions that support Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students pursuing these issues. By investing in our students, we are also investing in the future of our communities and economies\u2014helping to strengthen long-term food sustainability.\u201d\n\nThe program promotes the ability of institutions like the University of Hawaii and University of Alaska to improve and expand their capacity to provide supplemental educational services to Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students. Grant funds can be used to carry out education, applied research, and related community development programs and to address educational needs within food and agricultural sciences-related disciplines. Priority is given to projects that enhance educational equity for underrepresented students; strengthen institutional educational capacities; prepare students for careers related to the food, agricultural, and natural resource systems; and maximize the development and use of resources to improve food and agricultural sciences teaching programs.\n\nU.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Mary Peltola (D-AK) are also original co-sponsors of the bill.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-new-biden-ai-order-key-to-fighting-misinformation-providing-transparency", "Schatz: New Biden AI Order Key To Fighting Misinformation, Providing Transparency", "2023-10-30", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) released the following statement on a new executive action announced by President Joe Biden on managing the risks of artificial intelligence (AI), including labeling. The announcement follows bipartisan legislation authored by Schatz to ensure people know when they are viewing AI-made content or interacting with an AI chatbot by requiring clear labels and disclosures.\n\n\u201cPeople deserve to know whether or not the videos, photos, and content they see and read online is real or not,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cThis new order will ensure that content made by AI is clearly labeled so that people are aware and aren\u2019t fooled or scammed. It\u2019s a step in the right direction, and I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress on making AI safer for everyone.\u201d\n\nSchatz\u2019s AI Labeling Act, introduced earlier this year, would:\n\nRequire that developers of generative AI systems include a clear and conspicuous disclosure identifying AI-generated content and AI chatbots;\n\nMake developers and third-party licensees take reasonable steps to prevent systematic publication of content without disclosures; and\n\nEstablish a working group to create non-binding technical standards so that social media platforms can automatically identify AI-generated content.\n\nThe AI Labeling Act is supported by National Consumers League, Consumer Action, Common Sense Media, Public Citizen, Common Cause, Future of Life Institute, Consumer Federation of America, National Association of Voice Actors, SAG-AFTRA, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Accountable Tech, American Federation of Teachers, Writers Guild of America, East, Authors Guild, Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO, Society of Composers & Lyricists, and the Songwriters Guild of America.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-over-74-million-to-help-households-in-hawaii-with-home-energy-costs", "Hirono Announces Over $7.4 Million to Help Households in Hawaii with Home Energy Costs", "2023-10-27", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced that Hawaii was awarded over $7.4 million in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This funding will help individuals and families with low incomes in Hawaii lower their home energy costs, such as their cooling bills in the summer.\n\n\u201cAs we work to lower costs for families in Hawaii and across the country, it is crucial we enable families and communities to access affordable and reliable home energy,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cBy helping to ensure people across our state can afford energy, this funding will help promote the health and safety of keiki, kupuna, and families across the state.\u201d\n\nLIHEAP can also be used to pay home heating costs; reconnect energy services that have been disconnected; provide minor energy-related home repairs; weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient; and mitigate energy emergencies during disasters and extreme weather. The grant\u2014administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)\u2014includes $100 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Senator Hirono voted to pass in 2021.\n\nAdditionally, the Office of Community Services (OCS)\u2014a department within HHS\u2014launched its LIHEAP Eligibility Tool today. The user-friendly tool allows households across the country to quickly identify whether they are eligible for LIHEAP assistance by inputting basic information, such as income and household size. The LIHEAP Eligibility Tool can be accessed here and is available in Spanish, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. Those interested in applying for energy assistance can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at 1-866-674-6327.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-call-for-humanitarian-pauses-and-hostage-releases-in-israel-hamas-war-echoing-united-states-resolution-at-united-nations", "Hirono, Colleagues Call for Humanitarian Pauses and Hostage Releases in Israel-Hamas War, Echoing United States Resolution at United Nations", "2023-10-27", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Peter Welch (D-VT) in releasing the following statement on the Israel-Hamas War:\n\n\u201cIsrael has a right to defend its citizens after Hamas\u2019s terrorist attacks, which have driven the region into turmoil and cost thousands of lives. The war in Gaza has become a humanitarian crisis and has claimed the lives of innocent Palestinians. As the United States put forward at the United Nations, we are calling for humanitarian pauses to allow full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance for civilians and the immediate, unconditional release of all remaining hostages.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-new-supreme-court-term-limits-bill", "Hirono, Colleagues Introduce New Supreme Court Term Limits Bill", "2023-10-27", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), joined seven of her colleagues in introducing the Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act, legislation to establish 18-year term limits and regularized appointments for Supreme Court justices. Under the senators\u2019 legislation, a new justice would take the bench every two years and spend 18 years participating in all Supreme Court cases, after which the justice would be limited to hearing a small number of constitutionally required cases.\n\nThe Constitution requires that Supreme Court justices hear a small number of cases under the Court\u2019s \u201coriginal jurisdiction.\u201d These cases include a narrow category of disputes between states or foreign officials in which the Court is the first and only venue where the case is heard. Under this legislation, all justices would continue to hear original jurisdiction cases.\n\nThe vast majority of the cases the Court hears are brought under the Court\u2019s \u201cappellate jurisdiction\u201d\u2014cases decided by lower courts that are appealed to the Supreme Court. These include major cases like Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization, Shelby County v. Holder, and Citizens United v. FEC. The Constitution makes clear that the Supreme Court\u2019s \u201cappellate jurisdiction\u201d is subject to any \u201cExceptions\u201d or \u201cRegulations as the Congress shall make.\u201d Congress has long used this authority to adjust the Supreme Court\u2019s jurisdiction.\n\nUnder the Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act, only the nine most recently appointed justices would sit for appellate jurisdiction cases. The justices who no longer hear appellate jurisdiction cases would retain the authority to hear original jurisdiction cases and to exercise all other powers of the office. If one of the justices who regularly hears appellate jurisdiction cases has a conflict of interest or is otherwise unavailable to hear a case, another justice who hears only original jurisdiction cases may fill in.\n\nThis legislation also creates regular appointments of Supreme Court justices every two years by requiring the president, within the first 120 days of the first and third years of the president\u2019s term, to appoint one Supreme Court justice, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.\n\nAmericans\u2019 rapidly declining trust and approval in the Supreme Court is the result of an effort by far-right billionaires and special interests to capture and control the Court. The justices selected and ushered onto the Court by these special interests have repeatedly greenlighted donor-friendly policies, reshaping American life in ways that are out of step with the American people. The cozy relationship between right-wing justices and Republican billionaire donors has been exposed by a series of explosive reports from ProPublica, The New York Times, Politico, and other media organizations on the ethics-free zone around the Court. The Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act is an effort to depoliticize the appointment of Supreme Court justices and ensure the Court is more accountable to the American people.\n\nThe legislation is led by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Alex Padilla (D-CA). In addition to Senator Hirono, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Hirono has consistently championed more robust ethics and accountability for the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court. In July 2023, Senator Hirono voted to advance the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act out of committee. This legislation, which she is an original cosponsor of, would require the Supreme Court to adopt an enforceable code of ethics. Earlier this year, she introduced the Stop Judge Shopping Act, legislation to combat \u201cjudge shopping\u201d in federal courts by giving the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction over cases that would have national implications. Last May, she also introduced a new version of the Twenty-First Century Court Act to promote accountability and increase transparency in federal courts. She also introduced the Judiciary Accountability Act of 2021, legislation to protect employees of the Federal judiciary from discrimination and harassment.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-murphy-van-hollen-welch-merkley-lead-20-senate-colleagues-calling-for-fuel-deliveries-to-hospitals-and-water-treatment-centers-in-gaza", "Schatz, Murphy, Van Hollen, Welch, Merkley Lead 20 Senate Colleagues Calling For Fuel Deliveries To Hospitals And Water Treatment Centers In Gaza", "2023-10-27", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) led 20 of their Senate colleagues in releasing the following statement on the need for fuel deliveries to hospitals and water treatment centers in Gaza.\n\n\u201cWe condemn Hamas\u2019 horrific terrorist attacks against Israel, for which Israel must hold Hamas accountable. In the course of that endeavor, every effort must be made to protect innocent civilians. Right now, hospitals in Gaza are hours away from running out of fuel that powers ventilators, incubators for babies, and other lifesaving equipment, and diseases are rapidly spreading without power to treat and pump clean drinking water. To prevent a potential health crisis and help save countless lives, we believe it is possible to transport fuel directly to these hospitals, desalination plants, and water pumping stations with full transparency to prevent diversion to Hamas. There are extensive oversight mechanisms in place that will track the fuel deliveries directly to the intended sites where they can be used immediately to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians, including babies and children. We encourage the Biden administration to work with our Israeli, Egyptian, and UN partners to enable these lifesaving deliveries,\u201d the senators said.\n\nSchatz, Murphy, Van Hollen, Welch, and Merkley are joined by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Cory Booker (D-N.J), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-national-womens-small-business-month", "Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing National Women\u2019s Small Business Month", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, joined Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and more than 50 of her colleagues in introducing a resolution that recognizes October 2023 as National Women\u2019s Small Business Month. The resolution passed the Senate floor with unanimous support.\n\nSpecifically, the resolution underscores the significant contributions of women small business owners and women entrepreneurs to the small business community as a whole:\n\nThere are over $12 million women-owned businesses in the United States;\n\nWomen-owned businesses generate $1.8 trillion in total receipts;\n\nWomen-owned businesses employ over $9.2 million workers; and\n\n38 percent of small business are women-owned.\n\nIn addition to Senators Hirono, Shaheen, and Ernst, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators James Risch (R-ID), Susan Collins (R-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), John Kennedy (R-LA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Patty Murray (D-WA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Mike Braun (R-IN), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Hoeven (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Steve Daines (R-MT), Bob Casey (D-PA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Barasso (R-WY), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), John Coryn (R-TX), Tina Smith (D-MN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Boozman (R-AR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ted Budd (R-NC), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Todd Young (R-IN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Rick Scott (R-FL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mark Warner (D-VA), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA).\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available here.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, Senator Hirono has worked to secure federal support for small businesses in Hawaii and across the country. In June 2023, Senator Hirono hosted several events as part of the 7th annual Hawaii on the Hill, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. The three-day event provided members of the Hawaii business community the opportunity to meet directly with Congressional leaders and Administration officials, while also showcasing Hawaii businesses and products to Members of Congress, their staff, and the D.C. community. In April 2023, Senator Hirono met with local business owners on Kauai who have received guidance and support from the U.S. Small Business Administration, to discuss federal funding these businesses have received during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2023, Senator Hirono also introduced the SBA Office of Native American Affairs Enhancement and Modernization Act, legislation to increase the representation and financial resources available to Native American small-business owners.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-jayapal-reintroduce-legislation-requiring-data-disaggregation-for-aanhpi-students", "Hirono, Jayapal Reintroduce Legislation Requiring Data Disaggregation for AANHPI Students", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) reintroduced the All Students Count Act of 2023, legislation that would require more comprehensive and equitable disaggregation of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) student data in K-12 schools, helping to ensure that AANHPI student groups are better accounted for and supported by schools across the country. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cIn Hawaii, we especially understand the importance of diversity and how it impacts the experiences of our communities,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cWithout data disaggregation, it\u2019s harder for our schools to address the unique needs of our students. Every keiki deserves to be seen and supported by our education system\u2014this bill will help ensure they are.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs someone who came to this country alone, at 16, with nothing in my pockets \u2013 I deeply understand the unique challenges in the US education system that immigrant communities face and persist for generations after,\u201d said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. \u201cOur students deserve visibility at all levels. By ensuring that the Department of Education, state education agencies, and school districts collect and report data for a minimum of 15 Asian American and six Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander subgroups, we can work to close the education gap in our communities.\u201d\n\nSchool districts, state education agencies, and the federal government have made significant progress in disaggregating and improving data on K-12 student achievement for major racial and ethnic groups, including \u201cAsian\u201d and \u201cNative Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.\u201d However, these two categories collapse dozens of distinct ethnic groups, each with unique histories and varying access to social and economic opportunities, making it difficult to identify or address disparities between students from those unique ethnic subgroups.\n\nThe All Students Count Act of 2023 would support equitable access to education by ensuring that the student data collections capture the diverse experiences of AANHPI children. Specifically, the bill would:\n\nRequire the U.S. Department of Education, state education agencies, and school districts to collect and report disaggregated data for a minimum of 15 Asian American and 6 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander subgroups; and\n\nDirect the Institute of Education Sciences to assess statistical methods that will maximize reporting for these groups.\n\nIn addition to Senator Hirono, the bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\n\nIn the House, the bill is cosponsored by Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Al Green (D-TX), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), and Jill Tokuda (D-HI).\n\nThe All Students Count Act of 2023 has also been endorsed by over 70 organizations, including: Alliance of Rhode Island Southeast Asians for Education (ARISE); American Federation of Teachers; Asian American Progressive Student Union (AAPSU); Asian American Resource Workshop (AARW); Asian American Studies Program at the University of Maryland, College Park; Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders of New Jersey (AAPI NJ); Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies; Asian Prisoner Support Committee; Asian Texans for Justice; Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia; Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association; Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell, Inc.; Coalition of Asian American Leaders; Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement; Educated Men with Meaningful Messages (EM3); Empowering Pacific Islander Communities; Hmong Innovating Politics; Hmong National Development, Inc.; Institute for Civic Education in Vietnam; Japanese American Citizens League (JACL); Lao Mutual Assistance Association; Mekong NYC; National Asian Pacific American Bar Association; National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse; National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE); National Council of Asian Pacific Americans; OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates; Pacific Asian Counseling Services; PIVOT-The Progressive VIetnamese American Organization; Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK); SEAC Village; Southeast Asian American Education Coalition; Southeast Asian Resource Association; Southeast Asian Resource Association; Southeast Asian Resource Association; Step Forward Foundation; Stone Soup Fresno; Stop AAPI Hate; The Cambodian Family; The Sikh Coalition; Vi?tUnity Bay Area; Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC; National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association; Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO); The Fresno Center; United Cambodian Community; Laotian American National Alliance; UCLA Asian American Studies Center; Hmong National Development, Inc.; Hmong American Partnership; NAKASEC; Teach For America; Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants; Legacies of War; National Disability Rights Network (NDRN); AAPI Data; Woori Juntos; Khmer Girl in Action; National Association of Social Workers; National CAPACD; SEARAC; A Christian Lifestyle-L?i S?ng Tin L\u00e0nh; Motivational Parent; DC Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs; VietUnity; Lao Assistance Center of MN; Iu Mien Community Services; Khmu National Federation, Inc (KNF); Vietnamese American Roundtable; Providence Youth Student Movement.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here. A one-pager is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-judiciary-committee-vote-to-advance-two-hawaii-federal-judge-nominees", "Hirono, Judiciary Committee Vote to Advance Two Hawaii Federal Judge Nominees", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted to advance the nominations of two nominees to serve as federal judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii during a full committee hearing. The nominations of Shanlyn A.S. Park\u2019s and Micah Smith\u2019s were advanced out of the Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support, and now must be confirmed by the full U.S. Senate on the Senate floor.\n\n\u201cJudge Park and Micah Smith are both highly qualified to serve on the U.S. District Court\u2014both have led impressive legal careers and have exhibited a strong commitment to justice, fairness, and objectivity,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cTheir nominations reflect the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s dedication to establishing a diverse federal judiciary that has the experience and dedication necessary to serve on the federal bench. I look forward to voting to confirm both Judge Park and Mr. Smith on the Senate floor.\u201d\n\nSince the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, the Senate has successfully confirmed 147 federal judges nominated by President Biden.\n\nJudge Shanlyn Park has been a state court judge on the First Circuit Court on Oahu since 2021. Previously, Judge Park worked from 2017 to 2021 at the Honolulu law firms McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, L.L.P. and Gallagher Kane Amai & Reyes. From 1997 to 2017, Judge Park served as an assistant federal public defender in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Hawaii. Prior to her service in that office, Judge Park was in private practice at Hisaka Stone & Goto from 1996 to 1997. She served as a law clerk for Magistrate Judge Francis I. Yamashita on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii from 1995 to 1996. Judge Park received her J.D. from the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law in 1995 and her B.A., cum laude, from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 1991.\n\nA graduate of Kauai High School, Micah W. J. Smith has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the District of Hawaii since 2018. He is currently Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division and Criminal Civil Rights Coordinator in that office. He has also been the office\u2019s Chief of Appeals and Legal Strategy since 2022. Previously, Smith served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Southern District of New York from 2012 to 2018. From 2008 to 2012, he was an associate and counsel at O\u2019Melveny & Myers L.L.P. in Washington, D.C. Smith served as a law clerk for Justice David H. Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court from 2007 to 2008 and Judge Guido Calabresi on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2006 to 2007. Smith received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 2006 and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in 2003.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-hirono-hawaii-delegation-unveil-portrait-honoring-late-senator-daniel-k-inouye", "PHOTOS: Hirono, Hawaii Delegation Unveil Portrait Honoring Late Senator Daniel K. Inouye", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI), along with Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI), unveiled a portrait of the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. The unveiling ceremony was held at the U.S. Capitol and the Hawaii Congressional delegation was joined by members of Senator Inouye\u2019s family, as well as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Senator Inouye\u2019s portrait, which will be displayed just off the Senate floor in the Capitol, is the first portrait of a person of color in the U.S. Senate\u2019s leadership portrait series.\n\n\u201cSenator Inouye and I worked together for decades and I was glad to honor his memory and celebrate his life today,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cHis legacy lives on in Hawaii and here in the Senate, and this portrait will serve as an important reminder of his work for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator Daniel K. Inouye was an extraordinary public servant for Hawai\u2018i and America and it\u2019s fitting that he\u2019s being honored with an official portrait here in the Senate where he was respected and beloved by so many,\u201d said Senator Brian Schatz. \u201cHis remarkable legacy and immeasurable contributions will continue to better people\u2019s lives for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the history of our country only some 2,000 of our fellow citizens have served in the United States Senate, and of them only a very few are honored and remembered in our Capitol for their service,\u201d said Congressman Ed Case. \u201cU.S. Senator Daniel Ken Inouye richly deserves this honor and remembrance, not for the quantity but for the quality and example and enduring legacy of his service. His are timeless lessons in faith in our country, commitment to our values and steady stewardship of our ideals that justly serve as a guide for the opportunities and challenges to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cOver a decade after his passing, Senator Inouye continues to break barriers. As the first person of color to be included in the U.S. Senate leadership portrait collection, he continues to be a role model and inspiration, reminding us that government functions best when it is representative and reflective of the people it serves,\u201d said Representative Jill Tokuda.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-2-million-for-environmental-justice-projects-in-hawaii", "Hirono Announces $2 Million for Environmental Justice Projects in Hawaii", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "~ Hawaii projects announced as part of nationwide investments through EPA\u2019s Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement program ~\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, announced $2 million in federal support for three projects working to advance environmental justice across Hawaii. The projects will ensure that disadvantaged communities, who have historically suffered from underinvestment, have access to clean air and water and climate resilience solutions. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) will receive $500,000; Kaunalewa will receive $500,000; and the City and County of Honolulu will receive $1 million.\n\n\u201cPeople deserve fair access to a clean and healthy environment and to be protected from environmental hazards, so this funding will invest in communities disproportionately affected by environmental burdens,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cI am proud to have helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act last year\u2014historic legislation which made this funding possible\u2014and I will continue working to ensure historically marginalized communities have access to the resources they need to live healthier, more sustainable lives.\u201d\n\nThe Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement will utilize the funds for its Solarize808 project, an initiative that will provide at least 100 households with energy efficiency education. Kaunalewa\u2014a nonprofit organization on Kauai\u2014will utilize the funds for improvements in water quality awareness, testing, enforcement, and management. The City and County of Honolulu will use the funding for the Oahu Climate Champions program, which will pair community-based organizations with local climate champions to implement adaptation projects.\n\nThe organizations were selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and Environmental Justice Government-to-Government programs. This funding was made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s Inflation Reduction Act\u2014the largest climate investment in U.S. history\u2014which Senator Hirono helped to pass last year.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Hirono has championed legislation to protect Hawaii\u2019s environment, fish, wildlife, and plants, while also working to support local farmers and agriculture, and speed the transition to clean, renewable energy in Hawaii and across the country. Earlier this month, Senator Hirono applauded the news that the Department of Energy was awarding a combined $17.9 million in grants to the Hawaii Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism. $1.7 million would go toward enabling high penetration renewables with Synchronous Condenser Conversion Technology and $16.3 million would go toward solar grid forming technology. In September 2023, Senator Hirono introduced the AuGmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful (AG RESEARCH) Act, legislation to provide billions in funding to address deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture, including the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH CTAHR), and USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facilities. In July 2023, Senator Hirono joined her colleagues in urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to launch an investigation into Shell, ExxonMobil, and potentially other fossil fuel companies to determine whether their coordinated campaigns of climate change deception violated federal law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-calls-for-ai-generated-content-to-be-clearly-labeled-to-combat-misinformation-fraud", "Schatz Calls For AI-Generated Content To Be Clearly Labeled To Combat Misinformation, Fraud", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) spoke on the Senate floor about the need for content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) to be labeled in an effort to prevent rampant misinformation and fraud as use of the technology increases. Schatz introduced a bipartisan bill with Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) that would require clear labels and disclosures on AI-made content and AI chatbots.\n\n\u201cContent made by AI should be clearly labeled as such so people know what they\u2019re looking at. That\u2019s exactly what the bipartisan AI Labeling Act that Senator Kennedy and I introduced calls for,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cIt puts the onus where it belongs \u2013 on companies, not consumers. Because people shouldn\u2019t have to double and triple check, or parse through thick lines of code, to find out whether something was made by AI. It should be right there, in the open, clearly marked with a label.\u201d\n\nOf the challenges presented by AI-generated content, Senator Schatz added, \u201cDeception is not new. Fraud is not new. Misinformation is not new. These are all age-old problems. What is new, though, is how quickly and easily someone can deceive or defraud \u2013 and do it at staggering scale. With powerful generative AI tools at their fingertips, all con artists need are just a few minutes to spin up a scam or a lie.\u201d\n\nThe full text of his remarks can be found below and a video is available here.\n\nSeeing is believing, we often say. But that's not really true anymore. Because thanks to artificial intelligence, we're increasingly encountering fake images, doctored videos, and manipulated audio. Whether we're watching TV, answering the phone, or scrolling through our social media feeds, it has become harder and harder to trust our own eyes and our own ears. The boundaries of reality are becoming blurrier every day.\n\nWe've always consumed information under the assumption that what we're seeing and hearing is coming from the source that it says it's from \u2013 and that a human has created it. It's such a basic notion and it's left unsaid and taken for granted. But right now, that assumption is under threat.\n\nDeception is not new. Fraud is not new. Misinformation is not new. These are age-old problems, of course. What is new, though, is how quickly and easily someone can deceive or defraud \u2013 and do it at a staggering scale. With powerful generative AI tools at their fingertips, all con artists need are just a few minutes to spin up a scam or a lie.\n\nDoctored images falsely claiming that there was an explosion at the Pentagon. Fake advertisements using the likenesses of celebrities like Tom Hanks to peddle products. Phone calls that replicate the voice of family members purporting to be kidnapped and needing money. Manipulated audio clips of elected officials saying things they did not say. These are just some of the examples of misuse we've already seen.\n\nThis is not a parade of horribles about the future of AI. These are things that already happened and we're only scratching the surface of what's possible with AI. And because the possibilities are so vast, much of it yet to be discovered, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by it all \u2013 to think it's so complex, you don't even know where to start.\n\nBut we do know where to start. This issue of distinguishing whether content is made by a human or made by a machine actually has a very straightforward solution. Content made by AI should be clearly labeled as such so that people know what they're looking at. That's exactly what the bipartisan AI Labeling Act that Senator Kennedy and I introduced calls for.\n\nIt puts the onus where it belongs \u2013 on the companies and not the consumers. Very straightforward, because people shouldn't have to double and triple check or parse through thick lines of code to find out whether something was made by AI. It should be right there, in the open, clearly marked with a label.\n\nLabels will help people to be informed. They'll also help companies using AI build trust in their content. We have a crisis of trust in our information sources, in large part due to polarization and misinformation. But if the current situation seems bad, without guardrails, the coming onslaught of AI-generated content will make the problem much, much worse. Misinformation will multiply, scams will skyrocket. Labels are an important antidote to these problems in the age of AI.\n\nWhether we're ready or not, A.I. is here and in the not-too-distant future, it will reshape virtually every facet of our lives: how we work, how our kids learn in school, how we get health care, to name a few. So to take action or worse, to do nothing at all, is not a good option. We've seen that movie before with foreign interference in our elections; with medical misinformation that claimed so many lives; with data breaches that left Americans exposed and vulnerable.\n\nThis moment requires us to get serious about legislating proactively, not belatedly reacting to the latest innovation. Yes, Congress has a lot more to learn about AI, both its opportunities and threats. And yes, there's no simple answer or single solution for a very, very complex challenge and set of opportunities. But there's one thing we know to be true right now: people deserve to know if the content they're encountering was made by a human or not. This isn't a radical new idea; it is common sense.\n\nThere's a long road ahead for regulating A.I. and in the policymaking space. But that should not prevent us from doing this good and sensible thing as soon as we can.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-kennedy-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-provide-more-transparency-on-ai-generated-content", "Schatz, Kennedy Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Provide More Transparency On AI-Generated Content", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide more transparency on content generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The new bill would help ensure people know when they are viewing AI-made content or interacting with an AI chatbot by requiring clear labels and disclosures.\n\n\u201cPeople deserve to know whether or not the videos, photos, and content they see and read online is real or not,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cOur bill is simple \u2013 if any content is made by artificial intelligence, it should be labeled so that people are aware and aren\u2019t fooled or scammed.\u201d\n\n\u201cAI is moving quickly, and so are the companies that are developing it. Our bill would set an AI-based standard to protect U.S. consumers by telling them whether what they\u2019re reading, seeing or hearing is the product of AI, and that\u2019s clarity that people desperately need,\u201d said Senator Kennedy.\n\nIn May, an artificial photo of an explosion near the Pentagon went viral, duping Americans and triggering a dip in the stock market. Deepfake images of President Trump being arrested were viewed by millions on social media, demonstrating the types of manipulation that could be used during elections. And fraudsters are already abusing AI systems to generate scam calls, impersonating a loved one\u2019s voice and scamming Americans out of their hard-earned money. As generative AI becomes increasingly convincing and widespread, new measures must be adopted to ensure that Americans can determine genuine from machine-generated content.\n\nThe Schatz-Kennedy AI Labeling Act would:\n\nRequire that developers of generative AI systems include a clear and conspicuous disclosure identifying AI-generated content and AI chatbots;\n\nMake developers and third-party licensees take reasonable steps to prevent systematic publication of content without disclosures; and\n\nEstablish a working group to create non-binding technical standards so that social media platforms can automatically identify AI-generated content.\n\nThe AI Labeling Act is supported by National Consumers League, Consumer Action, Common Sense Media, Public Citizen, Common Cause, Future of Life Institute, Consumer Federation of America, National Association of Voice Actors, SAG-AFTRA, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Accountable Tech, American Federation of Teachers, Writers Guild of America, East, Authors Guild, and Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO.\n\n\u201cWe at the Writers Guild of America, East support this important legislation as a critical step to ensure that the American people know when they encounter the work of artificial intelligence. As writers our members value the creativity and diligence and critical thinking that only human beings can bring to drama, comedy, and news. At minimum, viewers, listeners, and readers need to be fully informed when content is generated, in whole or in part, by artificial intelligence technology rather than by human creators,\u201d said Lowell Peterson, Executive Director of Writers Guild of America, East.\n\n\u201cThank you Senators Schatz and Kennedy for introducing the AI Labeling Act. The ability of AI to mimic and replicate human voice and likeness should concern us all. The dangers to the careers of the replicated people are real. The dangers to American citizens, consumers, and voters has only just begun to manifest. Americans deserve to know when, where, how, and why they are interacting with text, audio and audiovisual media not created by humans,\u201d said Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator.\n\n\u201cThe rapid spread of AI-generated content poses new threats to our online information landscape, creating more vulnerabilities for the public to consume and interact with disinformation and manipulated content. Developers and social media platforms must take the first step to clearly disclose and identify AI-generated content to curb potential harms and protect users. The AI Labeling Act establishes clear and simple guidelines for companies to be responsible stewards and foster a better informed public as we work to understand both the benefits and threats of generative AI,\u201d said Nicole Gill, Executive Director of Accountable Tech.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-korean-american-valor-act", "Hirono Announces Senate Passage of Bipartisan Korean American VALOR Act", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) announced the Senate passage of the Korean American VALOR Act, a bipartisan bill she co-led with Senator Mike Braun (R-IN). The bill allows veterans who served in the armed forces of the Republic of Korea during the Vietnam War, and have since become naturalized U.S. citizens, to become eligible for healthcare services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The House companion legislation introduced by Representative Mark Takano (D-CA) passed in May, and the bill now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cThanks to the Korean American VALOR Act, approximately 3,000 Korean American veterans in Hawaii and across the country will be able to access medical services through the VA,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cI am glad our bill has passed the Senate and will soon be signed into law, to help ensure our veterans have access to the quality VA healthcare they need and deserve.\u201d\n\nSince 1958, the VA has provided healthcare services to veterans of allied European nations during World War I and World War II through the Allied Beneficiary Program. The Korean American VALOR Act would amend title 38 of the U.S. Code to allow the VA Secretary to enter into a similar reciprocal agreement with the Republic of Korea. Approximately 3,000 Korean American Vietnam veterans are naturalized citizens, and the VALOR Act would provide an avenue for these veterans to access medical services and care through the VA.?\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-tokuda-introduce-bill-to-lessen-tax-burden-for-those-impacted-by-natural-disasters", "Hirono, Tokuda Introduce Bill to Lessen Tax Burden for Those Impacted by Natural Disasters", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI) introduced the Natural Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023. The bill would lessen the tax burden on people impacted by major natural disasters in 2023. It would allow more individuals impacted by the wildfires to claim a personal casualty loss by eliminating the requirement to itemize deductions and removing the 10 percent loss requirement to qualify. It would also waive the 10 percent penalty on hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts to help those impacted by the fires make ends meet.\n\n\u201cAs communities on Maui continue to heal and recover from the devastating wildfires, this bill will help provide relief to those who have lost so much as a result of this disaster,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cBy easing the financial burden on those impacted by the wildfires, as well as other disasters across our country, the Natural Disaster Tax Relief Act will help bring some peace of mind for families and individuals and help ensure they have the necessary resources to support themselves.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is also cosponsored by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Representative Ed Case (D-HI).\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\nSenator Hirono is committed to providing a rapid response to the devastating wildfires on Maui and delivering federal assistance to those affected by the disaster. Earlier this month, Senator Hirono joined the Hawaii Congressional delegation in introducing a bicameral resolution honoring the first responders and those who lost their lives in the devastating wildfires on Maui and expressing support for the communities of West and Upcountry Maui. Additionally, following advocacy by the Hawaii Congressional delegation, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it is extending the application deadline for physical damage loans for those impacted by the Hawaii wildfires. In September, Senator Hirono voted to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government and deliver disaster relief for Maui. The CR, which funds the federal government through November 17, 2023, included $16 billion in supplemental funding for the federal Disaster Relief Fund.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-young-introduce-new-legislation-to-help-stop-child-labor", "Schatz, Young Introduce New Legislation To Help Stop Child Labor", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) this week introduced new legislation to help stop illegal child labor. The bipartisan Stop Child Labor Act would increase maximum fines for violations, establish new criminal penalties, allow victims harmed by violations to file private lawsuits, and encourage collaboration between employers and government to stop child labor violations before they occur.\n\n\u201cRight now, our laws are allowing some of the worst employers to get away with exploiting kids for labor with nothing more than weak fines,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cOur bill will strengthen our child labor laws, hold bad employers accountable, and protect kids from this illicit practice.\u201d\n\n\u201cRecent data shows that child labor exploitation is not a thing of the past or a problem limited to the developing world. This bipartisan bill would strengthen our nation\u2019s labor laws to better protect our children,\u201d said Senator Young.\n\nThis week, DOL released new data showing child labor violations at their highest level in two decades. In fiscal year 2023, violations soared to 5,792, an 88 percent increase from 2019. This is due to companies increasingly circumventing child labor laws to fill positions due to the tight labor market. Currently, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) imposes weak fines for violations, making it financially easier for companies to skirt child labor laws. Earlier this year, it was revealed that migrant child labor is being used for hazardous jobs in factories making products for well-known brands like Cheetos, Fruit of the Loom, and Lucky Charms. In addition, DOL announced this year that it found more than 100 children across eight states cleaning dangerous meat processing equipment using hazardous chemicals for a contractor of major meat producer JBS Foods. While several child workers were injured on the job, DOL levied its maximum fine, just $15,138 for each count.\n\nTo stop child labor and hold bad employers accountable, the Stop Child Labor Act would:\n\nIncrease child labor violation civil penalties to:\n\n$5,000 minimum \u2013 $132,270 maximum for routine violations;\n\n$25,000 minimum \u2013 $601,150 maximum for each violation that causes the death or serious injury of a minor;\n\nCreate criminal penalties for a repeat or willful violation of child labor laws to include a fine of up to $50,000 and a year in jail;\n\nAllow children harmed by violations of the law to seek compensation;\n\nStart a grant program aimed at helping employers recognize, avoid, and prevent child labor violations; and\n\nPermanently establish a National Advisory Committee on Child Labor.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-access-for-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza", "Hirono, Colleagues Urge Access for Humanitarian Aid to Gaza", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined 35 other Senators in issuing a statement warning that a humanitarian collapse in Gaza would threaten regional stability.\n\n\u201cWe urge the swift implementation of sustained access for humanitarian aid, including water and medical supplies, to save civilian lives in Gaza,\u201d Senator Hirono and the group wrote.\n\nSenator Hirono is joined by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Jack Reed (D-RI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Angus King (I-ME), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tom Carper (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jon Tester (D-MT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), John Fetterman (D-PA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-hawaii-delegation-applaud-179-million-in-department-of-energy-grants-to-improve-renewable-energy-utilization-and-the-resilience-of-hawaii-power-systems", "Hirono, Hawaii Delegation Applaud $17.9 Million in Department of Energy Grants to Improve Renewable Energy Utilization and the Resilience of Hawaii Power Systems", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Ed Case (D-HI) applauded the news that the Department of Energy is awarding a combined $17.9 million in grants to the Hawaii Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism. $1.7 million will go toward enabling high penetration renewables with Synchronous Condenser Conversion Technology and $16.3 million will go toward solar grid forming technology.\n\n\u201cAs we work to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events, it\u2019s important that communities across the islands are equipped with reliable, resilient energy infrastructure,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThis funding will help strengthen the electrical grid in Hawaii and across the country, increasing access to affordable, renewable, and reliable electricity to better serve our communities.\u201d\n\nThis funding, via the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, is part of a larger $3.5 billion in grants to 58 projects across 44 states to strengthen electric grid resilience and reliability across America. The GRIP Program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021 by the Biden Adminstration, accelerates the deployment of transformative projects that will help to ensure the reliability of the power sector\u2019s infrastructure, so that all communities have access to affordable, reliable, and clean electricity.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Hirono has championed legislation to protect Hawaii\u2019s environment, fish, wildlife, and plants, while also working to support local farmers and agriculture, and speed the transition to clean, renewable energy in Hawaii and across the country. In September 2023, Senator Hirono introduced the AuGmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful (AG RESEARCH) Act, legislation to provide billions in funding to address deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture, including the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH CTAHR), and USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facilities. In July 2023, Senator Hirono joined her colleagues in urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to launch an investigation into Shell, ExxonMobil, and potentially other fossil fuel companies to determine whether their coordinated campaigns of climate change deception violated federal law. In May 2023, Senator Hirono introduced the Extinction Prevention Act, bicameral legislation to provide much-needed funding for some of the country\u2019s most imperiled yet vastly underfunded wildlife species, including threatened and endangered North American butterflies, various Pacific Island plants, freshwater mussels, and Southwest desert fish.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-urges-congressional-leaders-to-extend-funding-for-affordable-connectivity-program", "Hirono Urges Congressional Leaders to Extend Funding for Affordable Connectivity Program", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined 31 of her colleagues in urging Congressional leaders to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides financial assistance to access high-speed internet for more than 21 million working families across the nation. The program is so popular that its funds are set to run out in a few months, well ahead of the anticipated date included in the law. Currently, over 53,000 households in Hawaii are enrolled in the ACP.\n\n\u201cWe write to urge you to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides over 21 million working families with financial assistance for broadband access, to help bridge the digital divide so they can continue to afford the broadband services they need for work, school, health care, and more,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cShould ACP funding not be extended, millions of Americans could be at risk of losing access to broadband.\u201d\n\n\u201cFailing to extend funding would be irresponsible,\u201d they continued. \u201cWe urge you to extend funding for the ACP in a government appropriations package and include a long-term solution that ensures efficient spending of taxpayer dollars.\u201d\n\nThe letter was led by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV). In addition to Senators Hirono and Rosen, the letter was also signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Leader Schumer, Speaker Pro Tempore McHenry, Leader McConnell, and Leader Jeffries:\n\nWe write to urge you to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP); which provides over 21 million working families with financial assistance for broadband access; to help bridge the digital divide so they can continue to afford the broadband services they need for work, school, health care, and more.\n\nThe ACP has been crucial to increasing broadband connectivity for millions of Americans, allowing them to maximize educational opportunities, stimulate economic growth, lower health care costs, and increase telehealth opportunities, while also ensuring that Americans can access the tools necessary to succeed in our growing and diversifying economy. As you finalize a government appropriations package, we urge you to include full funding for the ACP as well as a long-term solution that provides a sustainable, responsible funding stream, so that millions of Americans don\u2019t lose access to critical connectivity services.\n\nEstablished in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the ACP lowers the out-of-pocket cost of broadband service and devices for working families. The program provides a monthly discount of up to $30.00 per month off the cost of Internet service and equipment as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 off a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. In qualifying rural communities and qualifying Tribal lands, the monthly discount may be up to $75.00 per month. This means that hardworking families across the country, small business owners, veterans, and seniors are all able to receive financial assistance to afford high-speed internet.\n\nWe know how important having reliable broadband is to the over 21 million households participating in the ACP, representing approximately 41 percent of eligible households enrolled nationwide. More are signing up every day because they need assistance to afford broadband where they live, work, and learn. At the current rate of usage, if Congress does not appropriate additional funds to the ACP, the program\u2019s funds will be exhausted in just a few short months, several years earlier than the target date in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\nShould ACP funding not be extended, millions of Americans could be at risk of losing access to broadband. We would take significant steps backward in the progress we\u2019ve already made to connect more Americans to the internet through additional federal broadband investments. In just the last 6 months, we\u2019ve invested billions of dollars to build out critical infrastructure, making sure the most rural areas of our country have access to broadband services. The ACP ensures families can now afford those services. We cannot let them face a connectivity cliff by letting this program run out of money with no future assistance.\n\nFailing to extend funding would be irresponsible. Without an extension, nearly 21 million families already enrolled in the ACP will lose access to affordable broadband services that are critical to their everyday lives; and, should this funding lapse, hardworking families previously enrolled in the ACP would have to go through the process of reenrolling, creating unnecessary obstacles for obtaining affordable, reliable broadband.\n\nThanks to the ACP, access to broadband services is becoming a reality for families and providing new opportunities for success. If this is the digital future, we cannot shut people out. We must extend funding for this vital program to ensure that the families already signed up, and the millions of other families that are still eligible to sign up, are not forced off a program that has given them a lifeline to access high-speed internet, including essential access to work, school, and health care services. We urge you to extend funding for the ACP in a government appropriations package and include a long-term solution that ensures efficient spending of taxpayer dollars. We appreciate your consideration of this request.\n\nSincerely,\n\nSenator Hirono has consistently advocated to expand access to broadband and emerging information technology for communities in need. Last year, she sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel urging the FCC to consider more ways to advance Native communities\u2019 access to and ownership of spectrum over their lands. In March 2022, Senator Hirono reintroduced the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act, legislation to prioritize broadband access for small businesses. She also voted to pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, legislation that included at least $100 million to expand broadband coverage across the state, providing access to at least 33,000 Hawaii residents who lack coverage.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-hirono-reintroduces-legislation-to-guarantee-legal-representation-for-unaccompanied-children-in-immigration-proceedings", "VIDEO: Hirono Reintroduces Legislation to Guarantee Legal Representation for Unaccompanied Children in Immigration Proceedings", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, reintroduced legislation to provide unaccompanied children with access to legal representation when they appear in proceedings before an immigration judge. Senator Hirono announced the reintroduction of the bill, The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act, during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on the status of U.S. immigration courts.\n\n\u201cNearly half of all unaccompanied children go into immigration court without a lawyer. For every child who is lucky enough to be represented by an attorney, another is left to fend for themselves,\u201d said Senator Hirono during the hearing. \u201cChildren cannot represent themselves in Court\u2014it\u2019s that simple. And that\u2019s why I have reintroduced the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act, which would provide unaccompanied children with legal representation when they go through the process\u2014earlier in the process.\u201d\n\nNearly half of all unaccompanied children represent themselves during legal proceedings and it is extremely difficult for children to successfully navigate the U.S. immigration system without an attorney\u2014unrepresented children appear alone in immigration court to face a judge and an adversarial government attorney seeking their removal from the United States. Many of these children, some as young as 3-years old, are unable to speak English and unable to understand our complicated legal system. Immigration judges are nearly 100 times less likely to grant relief to unaccompanied children without counsel compared to those with counsel.\n\nSpecifically, the The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act:\n\nRequires that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide counsel to noncitizen unaccompanied children appearing before the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or a state court, unless the child has obtained counsel at their own expense;\n\nExtends the government\u2019s duty to ensure counsel for unaccompanied children to the end of the immigration proceedings, even if the child turns 18 during proceedings;\n\nEnsures that children are informed of their right to representation within 72 hours and creates infrastructure to identify, recruit, and train pro bono lawyers to provide representation;\n\nAllows unaccompanied children to reopen their case if HHS fails to provide counsel;\n\nRequires the government and stakeholders to create guidelines and duties for counsel representing unaccompanied children, largely based on American Bar Association recommendations;\n\nClarifies that the government may, at its choosing, also provide counsel to other individuals in immigration court;\n\nRequires noncitizens, and their attorneys, to receive a complete copy of the noncitizen\u2019s immigration file at least 10 days before the removal proceedings;\n\nGuarantees access to counsel for all noncitizens detained in DHS facilities; and\n\nRequires a report on children\u2019s access to counsel.\n\nThe bill is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe bill is also supported by Kids in Need of Defense, American Academy of Pediatrics, Save the Children, Young Center for Immigrant Children\u2019s Rights, Women\u2019s Refugee Commission, Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, Ayuda, Immigrant Children Advocates\u2019 Relief Effort (ICARE), Center for Law and Social Policy, Human Rights First, The Advocates for Human Rights, Immigration Hub, Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, Oxfam America, National Association of Social Workers, The Border Network for Human Rights, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, Washington DC, Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul USA, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), Sojourners, Church World Service, Bridges Faith Initiative, Acacia Center for Justice, ImmSchools, Value our Families, Social Workers for Immigration Justice and Human Rights, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, Freedom Network USA, International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), Americans for Immigrant Justice, Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, Advocating Opportunity, Safe Passage Project, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), National Education Association, Justice At Last, Central American Resource Center- CARECEN- of California, , Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children, Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, Tahirih Justice Center, American Federation of Teachers, Vera Institute of Justice, Immigrant Legal Defense, and Volunteer Lawyers for Justice.\n\nA link to download video of Senator Hirono\u2019s full remarks is available here. The bill text is available here and a one pager is available here.\n\nSenator Hirono has consistently advocated to address the inadequacies of the current immigration laws and framework, as well as the conditions at the southern border. Earlier this year, she joined her colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden raising concerns over reports that his Administration is considering a return to the ineffective and inhumane practice of detaining migrant families, after previously putting an end to family detention in December 2021. In 2019, she led a hearing to investigate the deteriorating conditions at the United States\u2019 southern border, as well as reports of abuse and cruelty in border detention facilities. Senator Hirono has also introduced several bills to address the needs of children in DHS custody, including legislation to expand protections for vulnerable migrant children while they are in the custody of Customs and Border Protection. She also cosponsored legislation introduced in 2019 to end the Trump administration\u2019s treatment of children at the U.S.-Mexico border and reform how children fleeing persecution are treated when they arrive at the border to claim asylum.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-reintroduce-youth-voting-rights-act-to-empower-young-people-expand-access-to-ballot-box", "Hirono, Colleagues Reintroduce Youth Voting Rights Act to Empower Young People, Expand Access to Ballot Box", "2023-10-16", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in reintroducing the Youth Voting Rights Act of 2023, comprehensive legislation to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment and expand youth access to voting. The bill would ease many of the barriers young people face in voting, including high rates of provisional ballot rejections, lack of accessible polling places, and restrictive residency and voter ID requirements. The bill also ensures federal elections are free from age-based restrictions on access to vote-by-mail.\n\n\u201cVoting is a constitutional right and a fundamental aspect of our democracy,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cVoting is a habit and it is important to empower the next generation to become lifelong voters and encourage civic engagement. As we continue to fight against extreme Republicans\u2019 attacks on voting rights, this legislation will help ensure eligible voters, especially young voters, can participate in the democratic process and have their voices heard.\u201d\n\nIn the 2022 midterms, young people had the second highest turnout in a midterm election in the past three decades. Despite this enthusiasm, young people continue to face barriers to the ballot box that weaken their voice and influence over electoral politics. Their provisional ballots and mail-in ballots are rejected at disproportionate rates, and they routinely face serious obstacles to voter registration and in-person voting.\n\nSpecifically, the Youth Voting Rights Act of 2023 would:\n\nEmpower individuals and the government to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment;\n\nExpand voter registration services at public colleges and universities;\n\nAllow young people in every state to pre-register to vote before turning 18;\n\nRequire institutions of higher education to have on-campus polling places;\n\nProhibit durational residency requirements for all federal elections;\n\nGuarantee that states accept student IDs to meet voter-identification requirements;\n\nCreate a grant program dedicated to youth involvement in elections;\n\nGather data on youth voter registration and election participation; and\n\nPrevent states from placing age limits on no-excuse vote-by-mail ballots.\n\nIn addition to Senator Hirono, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ed Markey (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bernard Sanders (I-VT) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).\n\nThis legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Nikema Williams (D-GA).\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\nSenator Hirono, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has been a long-time champion of voting rights legislation and protections. In September 2022, Senator Hirono introduced the Election Worker Protection Act, comprehensive legislation which would provide states with the resources to recruit and train election workers and ensure these workers\u2019 safety, while also instituting federal safeguards to shield election workers from intimidation and threats. In July 2022, Senator Hirono introduced the Youth Voting Rights Act, comprehensive legislation to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment and expand youth access to voting. In January 2022, Senator Hirono delivered remarks on the Senate floor discussing the urgent need to pass comprehensive voting rights legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-from-senators-schatz-van-hollen-and-welch", "Statement From Senators Schatz, Van Hollen, And Welch", "2023-10-16", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), released the following joint statement:\n\n\u201cWe are appalled by the unfathomable violence against Israeli civilians and unequivocally condemn Hamas and its brutal actions. We mourn for those who were ruthlessly murdered and injured, as well as for their loved ones and communities who are living through a nightmare. We must do everything possible to rescue the hostages who remain in the hands of Hamas terrorists.\n\n\u201cThere is no justification for these cruel acts, and our support for Israel as a home for the Jewish people is steadfast. We stand with the President and our allies in our commitment to support Israel as it defends itself, in accordance with international law. That includes protections for the two million civilians currently trapped in Gaza, who must have realistic options for avoiding military operations. Every effort must be made to prevent further civilian death and suffering and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. A just war cannot be won without the strictest adherence to civilian protection, as difficult as that is with a terrorist adversary that does not share those standards.\n\n\u201cWe welcome the Biden administration\u2019s naming of a special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues, as immense work remains ahead. We all must remain united in our commitment to human rights, and to a just and lasting peace in the region.\n\n\u201cAlso, in a time of increased anti-Semitic, anti-Arab, and Islamophobic rhetoric and violence here at home and around the world, we must be vigilant, reject hate, and stand with the communities being threatened.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-introduces-bicameral-resolution-to-honor-victims-and-first-responders-in-maui-wildfires", "Hawaii Delegation Introduces Bicameral Resolution to Honor Victims and First Responders in Maui Wildfires", "2023-10-11", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Ed Case (D-HI) introduced a bicameral resolution honoring the first responders and those who lost their lives in the devastating wildfires on Maui and expressing support for the communities of West and Upcountry Maui. The resolution was led by Senator Hirono in the Senate and Rep. Tokuda in the House, and passed the Senate with the unanimous consent of all Senators.\n\n\u201cAs Lahaina and Upcountry Maui continue the recovery and rebuilding process from the August wildfires, this resolution acknowledges and honors the many sacrifices of first responders, as well as those whose lives were lost,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cI\u2019m glad to see this resolution pass the Senate with unanimous support. I will continue advocating for the federal resources necessary for Maui to recover, guided by the community voices and values of those who call Maui home.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe mourn every victim whose life was cut short, honor the first responders and those across Hawai\u2018i who did everything they could to help their neighbors and communities, and recognize those whose lives have been upended,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cAs the recovery continues, we will keep doing everything we can to ensure Maui gets the support it needs from the federal government.\u201d\n\n\"I am proud to join my Hawaii delegation colleagues in introducing this important resolution lifting up those who lost their lives in the Maui fires and honoring our first responders,\u201d said Representative Tokuda. \u201cTheir sacrifice and heroism will not be forgotten, and I will continue to fight for the resources and support Lahaina and our Maui ohana need to recover and rebuild.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we pass into the third month since the Maui wildfires, we honor our \u2018ohana lost and our first responders who saved many more even at their own expense, both in recognition of the worst and best of this tragedy but also in recommittal to the long road still ahead to recovery,\u201d said Representative Case.\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/heeding-call-from-hawaii-delegation-sba-extends-application-deadline-for-wildfire-relief-loans", "Heeding Call from Hawaii Delegation, SBA Extends Application Deadline for Wildfire Relief Loans", "2023-10-05", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following advocacy by the Hawaii Congressional delegation, today the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it is extending the application deadline for physical damage loans for those impacted by the Hawaii wildfires. The loan application deadline has been extended from October 10, 2023, to November 9, 2023.\n\n\u201cAs we continue to mourn the destruction and tragic loss of life on Maui, it is crucial that the Maui community has the federal assistance and relief it needs,\u201d said the delegation in a joint statement. \u201cThe loan deadline extension will provide businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters who have been impacted by this tragedy with additional time to navigate the loan process and submit their applications without the added pressure of a tight timeline. We appreciate the SBA for heeding our call and we will continue working to ensure that Maui has the federal funding and support needed to recover and rebuild.\u201d\n\nLast week, Senator Hirono led the Hawaii Congressional delegation in a letter to Isabel Guzman, Administrator of the SBA, urging the agency to extend this deadline. Thus far, the SBA has approved over $106 million in disaster loans for impacted individuals and businesses on Maui.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-hirono-introduces-nominees-for-two-federal-judgeships-in-hawaii-during-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing", "VIDEO: Hirono Introduces Nominees for Two Federal Judgeships in Hawaii During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing", "2023-10-04", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "~ Video of Senator Hirono\u2019s full opening remarks is available here ~\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced two nominees to serve as federal judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii during a full committee hearing considering their nominations. Shanlyn A.S. Park\u2019s and Micah Smith\u2019s nominations were announced by Senator Hirono and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) earlier this year to fill two upcoming vacancies on the U.S. District Court for Hawaii.\n\nIntroducing Judge Park at the hearing, Senator Hirono said: \u201cJudge Park was born and raised in Hawaii where her distinguished career has been spent almost entirely in public service, inspired no doubt by her father\u2019s work as a longtime Honolulu police officer. As a judge, she has earned high marks from practitioners and litigants for her evenhanded approach and well-reasoned decisions. Judge Park is held in high regard in the Hawaii legal community, as demonstrated by letters of support the Committee has received.\u201d\n\nDuring her remarks, Senator Hirono also highlighted that when confirmed, Judge Park will become the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as a federal district court judge.\n\nOf Micah Smith, Senator Hirono said: \u201cMicah has an impressive legal career. Micah spent four years at O\u2019Melveny & Myers, where he helped author a brief in U.S. v. Jones, a pivotal 4th Amendment case. He then became a federal prosecutor, a job he has held for the last 12 years. Even with all his success, Micah never forgot where he came from.\u201d\n\n\u201cI know that both of these nominees have the kind of experience, temperament, and demonstrated commitment to public service, along with their deep roots in Hawaii, which will make them excellent judges in the Hawaii District Court,\u201d concluded Senator Hirono.\n\nThe Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on both nominations in the weeks ahead before they are sent to the full Senate for final confirmation.\n\nA link to download video of Senator Hirono\u2019s full opening remarks is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-hawaii-nominees-to-us-district-court-micah-smith-and-judge-shanlyn-park-at-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing", "Schatz Introduces Hawai\u2018i Nominees To U.S. District Court Micah Smith And Judge Shanlyn Park At Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing", "2023-10-04", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) today helped introduce Micah Smith and Judge Shanlyn Park to the Senate Judiciary Committee during a hearing to consider their nominations to the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai\u2018i.\n\n\u201cThey have the legal acumen as well as the character and temperament required to fulfill the duties of U.S. District Court judges. It\u2019s for these reasons that I\u2019m proud to support their nominations to the federal bench,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\nVideo of Senator Schatz\u2019s introductory remarks can be found here. The full text of the remarks, as prepared for delivery, is below. Photos of the nominees are available here.\n\nChairman Durbin, Ranking Member Graham, members of the committee: I\u2019m proud to support the nominations of Micah Smith and Judge Shanlyn Park to serve as judges on the U.S. District Court in Hawai\u2018i. Both of them are exceptionally qualified and I appreciate the opportunity to help introduce them to this committee.\n\nMicah Smith\u2019s story is a quintessentially American one. The son of an immigrant, he grew up in a housing project on Kaua\u2018i attending public schools before going to Lock Haven University where he graduated with top honors and later to Harvard Law School.\n\nFor the past 11 years, he has served as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office, first in the renowned Southern District of New York and more recently in the District of Hawai\u2018i where he serves as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.\n\nThose who know him often highlight his abiding sense of fairness and balanced temperament. A colleague noted, \u201che listens and considers carefully before voicing his opinion,\u201d adding that he has \u201can unwavering commitment to achieve a better system of justice that provides access to justice for all.\u201d\n\nThat same commitment to equal justice underpinned Judge Shanlyn Park\u2019s two decades as a public defender giving voice to those most in need. A graduate of the University of Hawai\u2018i\u2019s Richardson School of Law, she represented low-income defendants on a variety of complex cases, earning a reputation among colleagues and opposing counsel alike as a highly-skilled, compassionate, and solutions-oriented attorney. And she has brought her integrity and sound judgement to the bench since becoming a state court judge in 2021.\n\nIn supporting her nomination, a former boss remarked, \u201cthe law is more than a job for Shanlyn,\u201d calling her \u201ca great ambassador for the law.\u201d\n\nJudge Park\u2019s credentials are impressive by any measure. But the historic nature of her nomination should not be lost on anyone. If confirmed, she would be the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve on the federal bench.\n\nThey have the legal acumen as well as the character and temperament required to fulfill the duties of U.S. District Court judges. It\u2019s for these reasons that I\u2019m proud to support their nominations to the federal bench. Thank you.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-more-than-17-million-heading-to-maui-for-mental-health-support-after-fires", "Schatz: More Than $17 Million Heading To Maui For Mental Health Support After Fires", "2023-10-04", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) released the following statement after the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded $17.3 million in funding to the Hawai\u2018i State Department of Health for emergency behavioral health support in the aftermath of the Maui fires.\n\n\u201cThe people of Maui have experienced so much loss, trauma, and grief, and addressing the mental health toll is just as important as dealing with the physical damage,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cThis new funding will provide necessary resources to help those who need it in a timely and culturally-informed way.\u201d\n\nThe emergency funding will help provide mental health interventions for families, community organizations and schools; deliver culturally-informed substance use services; and help build Hawai\u2018i\u2019s behavioral health workforce.\n\nThe funding is four times the amount SAMHSA provided to Hawai\u2018i in 2022 to support comprehensive community mental health services.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 380, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "HI", "p2": "2023"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=HI&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 380, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=HI&year=2023&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=HI&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 380, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=HI&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "HI", "label": "HI", "count": 380, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=HI&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 380, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=HI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2023-10-04,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eschatz~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fschatz-more-than-17-million-heading-to-maui-for-mental-health-support-after-fires", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=HI&year=2023&_next=2023-10-04%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eschatz~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fschatz-more-than-17-million-heading-to-maui-for-mental-health-support-after-fires&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 146.70687820762396, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}