{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"HI\" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-secures-more-than-1-million-for-first-ever-navy-rotc-program-at-uh-manoa", "Schatz Secures More Than $1 Million For First-Ever Navy ROTC Program At UH Manoa", "2019-12-30", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Secures More Than $1 Million For First-Ever Navy ROTC Program At UH Manoa \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 30, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t   HONOLULU  U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured $1.1 million for a first-ever Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of Hawaii (UH) at Manoa. The funding was included in the bipartisan spending deal signed into law by the president this month.\r\nThis new ROTC program at UH will give more Hawaii students a chance at earning scholarships and gaining an education, while helping the Navy strengthen its diversity to make sure its officers better reflect the American public and our values in Hawaii, said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee.\r\n\r\nSchatz met with Navy Secretary Richard Spencer earlier this year and urged him to use additional congressional funding for the Navy's ROTC program to establish a unit at UH. Schatz reminded Spencer that senior Navy leaders in Hawaii have long spoken to the university's potential to commission a significant number of high-quality cadets with critical language and technical skills from among an ethnically and racially diverse student body that will help the Navy strengthen its diversity and representation of the state. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz worked with committee colleagues to secure the new funding for the UH program.\r\n\r\nThe new Navy ROTC program will train students to become commissioned officers and enable more Hawaii students to attend college and serve their country.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-announces-kal-heo-high-student-winner-congressional-app", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Announces Kalheo High Student as Winner of Congressional App Challenge", "2019-12-30", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today announced Jasmine Cadotte, a sophomore at Kalheo High School in Kailua, Oahu, as the winner of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge for Hawaii's second congressional district. Cadotte developed an app called Fake News Detector, which uses artificial intelligence to sift through news stories on social media and analyzes the credibility of its sources.\nI was inspired to create this app because as a user of technology in our modern society, I am constantly surrounded by fake news that is disguised all over the internet. It can be very difficult to determine whether or not a source is reliable, Cadotte said. This tool saves people the time and effort of sorting through news to find out if it is reliable information.\"\nSecond place went to Morgan Dean, a senior at Hawaii Preparatory in Waimea, Hawaii Island, whose app Media Manager helps wrangle duplicate files and unorganized folders.\nThird place went to the team of Hunter Shields and Conner Kong, juniors at Maui High in Kahului, Maui. Their app Maui XC Maps provides easy access to maps of cross country running routes on Maui.\nHonorable mention went to the Maui High team of freshmen Josh Patrick Lachica and Jordan Shim. Their app ProgressTracker graphs scores in air riflery to track friendly competition.\nRep. Tulsi Gabbard said: Hawaii's youth are incredibly talented, and they bring fresh perspectives to our society's challenges. The Congressional App Challenge is one way for us to recognize the creativity, innovation, and coding abilities of our students. Congratulations to Jasmine, Morgan, Hunter, Conner, Josh and Jordan, and mahalo nui loa to all of the students who submitted an app, the judges, teachers, and parents who support our students, and our community for prioritizing STEM skills that set our future leaders up for success.\nThis year's panel of local Congressional App Challenge judges included Cheyenne Ehrlich, Founder and CEO of SaferKid; Peter Liu, Founder of 47scapes; and Steve Sue, Chairman of Bizgenics.\n\nBackground: The Congressional App Challenge inspires, includes, and innovates efforts around STEM, coding, and computer science education among middle and high school students in Hawaii and across the country. The winners of the Congressional App Challenge will be invited to Washington, DC in the Spring of 2020 to showcase their apps at the #HouseofCode event in the U.S. Capitol.\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-signs-hirono-backed-improvements-to-federal-contracting-and-research-programs-for-hawaii-small-businesses", "President Signs Hirono-Backed Improvements to Federal Contracting and Research Programs for Hawaii Small Businesses", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 23, 2019\n\t\t\t President Signs Hirono-Backed Improvements to Federal Contracting and Research Programs for Hawaii Small Businesses \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, successfully enacted improvements to federal contracting and research programs that will benefit Hawaii small businesses into law. Passed in the Senate as part of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), President Donald Trump signed Senator Hirono's provisions into law on Friday.\r\nHawaii relies on small businesses to drive economic growth and spur innovation, which is why I have continued to advocate for federal programs that support these businesses,Senator Hirono said. This year's NDAA makes changes to promote business opportunities for Native Hawaiian Organizations and their businesses, and to improve research opportunities for other innovative businesses in our state.\r\nOn behalf of the NHOA Board of Directors, we extend our heartfelt mahalo to Senators Mazie Hirono, Dan Sullivan and James Inhofe for their steadfast support of the Native Hawaiian community.Their tireless efforts were instrumental in the enactment of the FY2020 NDAA that includes many provisions benefiting Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) and other Native Hawaiian-owned small businesses,Daphne Tong-Pave, Executive Director of the Native Hawaiian Organizations Association (NHOA), said. In particular, the amendment to Section 811 will allow NHO-owned firms to grow their businesses and provide greater support to the Native Hawaiian community as they each strive to fulfill their unique missions that range across social and community objectives including youth programs, access to legal defense, leadership development, innovative youth education, specialized job training, health, financial literacy, business development, cultural engagement, community development, and other community needs.\r\nPromoting Business Opportunities for Native Businesses:Senator Hirono worked with Senator Sullivan (R-Alaska) to include a provision that will expand federal contracting opportunities for Native Hawaiian Organizations, Alaska Native Corporations, and other Native businesses at DOD. Specifically, the provision raises the threshold applicable to certain DOD contracts from $20 million to $100 million, providing businesses in Hawaii with the ability to compete for larger federal contracts.\r\nSenator Hirono has strongly advocated for federal programs that support Native businesses, particularly Native small businesses, and earlier this year, in July, introduced the Native American Business Outreach Act (S. 2191), which would permanently authorize the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) business outreach and counseling programs for those businesses, providing more stability for Native businesses that seek assistance from SBA. Earlier this month acompanion billwas introduced in the House.\r\nImproving Research Opportunities for Innovative Businesses:Senator Hirono also supported provisions that will improve DOD research opportunities for Hawaii businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs  two programs the Senator has continued to advocate for during her time in Congress. Specifically, the bill includes a provision to require procurement centers to support small businesses with research solicitations and provide them with technical assistance. Under the provision, small businesses would also receive assistance to commercialize research developed through the SBIR and STTR programs.\r\nSenator Hirono has consistently advocated for federal programs that provide small businesses with technical assistance, and earlier this year signed a letter requesting strong support for procurement centers in FY2020.\r\nPrioritizing Innovative Research that Supports the National Defense Strategy:Senator Hirono also supported a provision to align research priorities for DOD SBIR and STTR projects with the priorities in the National Defense Science and Technology Strategy, providing clear guidance for research pursued through those programs.\r\nDuring the 112th Congress, Senator Hirono introduced legislation to increase federal agency allocations for research and development to small businesses through the SBIR and STTR programs. Those allocations were subsequently increased, and since that time the Senator has continued to support expanding federal research opportunities for Hawaii small businesses through the programs. Last year, in 2018, Hawaii small businesses received 32 research awards through the SBIR and STTR programs worth $25.3 million. DOD accounted for 19 awards worth $18.2 million.\r\n###\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-fight-online-child-sexual-exploitation-signed-into-law", "Schatz Legislation To Fight Online Child Sexual Exploitation Signed Into Law", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Legislation To Fight Online Child Sexual Exploitation Signed Into Law \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t USA Today: Congress Cooperated To Fight Child Sex Abuse Images On Government Computers \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 23, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) to fight online child exploitation was signed into law on Friday. The new Schatz law will help the Pentagon stop the unacceptable use of the Defense Department's (DoD) network to view, possess, trade, procure, and even produce child pornography.\r\n\r\nThis law will give our military leaders the tools they need to get rid of child pornography on DoD's network, go after offenders, and protect innocent and vulnerable children, said Senator Schatz.\r\n\r\nAcross the internet, more than 45 million online images and videos of child sexual abuse material were reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In 2018, the DoD's network ranked 19th out of 2,891 networks nationwide when it came to peer-to-peer file trading of child pornography. Coupled with these troubling statistics is a lack of training and law enforcement tools for the DoD to take on child sexual exploitation.\r\nSenator Schatz and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) authored an op-ed in USA Today on the new law. Full text of their op-ed can be found here and below.\r\n\r\nThe problem of child pornography has reached crisis levels. In all corners of the internet, images of child sexual abuse are being created, produced, and traded. Last year, more than 45 million online images and videos of child sexual abuse material were reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.\r\n\r\nThe pain inflicted on these children is unimaginable. The details are sickening: an increasing number of the images are of infants and children younger than 12 enduring the most serious forms of sexual torture.\r\n\r\nTragically, the U.S. government's work to stop the spread of this vile content and bring perpetrators to justice is falling short. It is imperative we address this problem, wherever it exists.\r\n\r\nAbusers go to just about any lengths to evade the law. They have built a vast online underworld to hide their crimes. It's happening on a range of platforms and networks  including the government entity we most associate with security and protection: the Department of Defense.\r\n\r\nIn 2018, the Department of Defense's network was ranked 19th out of almost 3,000 nationwide networks in the amount of peer-to-peer child pornography sharing. The ranking is shocking. But it's not entirely unexpected.\r\n\r\nA 2006 investigation carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement found that 5,000 individuals  including hundreds affiliated with the Department of Defense  subscribed to websites that contain child sexual abuse images and videos. Out of those 5,000 people, 80 percent of them were not investigated because the military lacked the resources needed to follow up on leads.\r\n\r\nThe tools and training the military currently uses are outdated and ineffective. They don't meet the scope and scale of the problem at hand. Military investigators have requested and must have access to state of the art training and technical capabilities so they are better equipped to take action and put perpetrators exactly where they belong: behind bars.   \r\nTo address the gap in capacity, we introduced the END Network Abuse Act. The bipartisan and bicameral bill would give our military leaders the tools they need to get rid of child pornography on the Department of Defense's network, go after offenders, and protect innocent and vulnerable children. And our colleagues have recognized the importance of this, by including a version of the bill in the final annual defense bill, which passed the Senate this week.\r\n\r\nOnce enacted, the law will upgrade the training and technical capacity of military criminal investigative organizations. It will direct the Department of Defense to coordinate on jurisdictional issues so cases are referred to the proper authorities. The department also will be required to enter into collaborative agreements with child protection organizations and trauma informed health care providers to ensure that kids who are victimized receive the services they need.\r\n\r\nThis is a nationwide issue. But for states like Alaska and Hawaii with both significant Department of Defense footprints and large indigenous populations, which have been shown to be disproportionately affected by child sexual exploitation, addressing these gaps is particularly important in stopping cycles of abuse.\r\n\r\nA broad coalition of advocates  law enforcement, child protection services and public health organizations  back the measure. Even the Department of Defense expressed its full support for our bill.\r\n\r\nThis effort to protect our families gained support from both sides of the aisle. Conservatives, liberals  folks from red states and blue states  signaled with their votes Congress' commitment to combating child exploitation.\r\n\r\nTogether, we will bring offenders to justice, and we will protect more children. There is no more sacred charge.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/hirono-secures-21-million-for-hawaiian-volcano-observatory-in-year-end-spending-bill", "Hirono Secures $21 Million for Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in Year End Spending Bill", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono Secures $21 Million for Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in Year End Spending Bill\n               \n              \n              Connect with Senator Mazie Hirono Online:\nVisit Senator Mazie Hirono's WEBSITE: https://sen.gov/Z7ZK\nLike Senator Mazie Hirono on FACEBOOK: https://sen.gov/W7WW\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on TWITTER: https://sen.gov/X5X0\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on INSTAGRAM: https://sen.gov/Y1YZ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senate-passes-hirono-measure-to-expand-direct-hire-authority-for-childcare-workers-on-military-bases", "Senate Passes Hirono Measure to Expand Direct Hire Authority for Childcare Workers on Military Bases", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Passes Hirono Measure to Expand Direct Hire Authority for Childcare Workers on Military Bases\n               \n              \n              Connect with Senator Mazie Hirono Online:\nVisit Senator Mazie Hirono's WEBSITE: https://sen.gov/Z7ZK\nLike Senator Mazie Hirono on FACEBOOK: https://sen.gov/W7WW\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on TWITTER: https://sen.gov/X5X0\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on INSTAGRAM: https://sen.gov/Y1YZ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-providing-paid-parental-leave-for-federal-workers-signed-into-law", "Schatz Legislation Providing Paid Parental Leave For Federal Workers Signed Into Law", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Legislation Providing Paid Parental Leave For Federal Workers Signed Into Law \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t New Schatz Law Will Provide 2 Million Federal Workers Across The Country With 12 Weeks Of Paid Parental Leave \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 20, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that secures paid parental leave for federal employees was signed into law by the president today. The new law will provide more than two million federal workers with 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a new child after birth, adoption, or the initiation of foster care.\r\nThis new law means that the federal government's 2 million workers will no longer be forced to choose between getting a paycheck and caring for their children. It's a huge victory for unions, our federal workforce, and their families, said Senator Schatz.\r\nAlthough the current Family and Medical Leave Act provides employees with 12 weeks of unpaid leave to take care of a new child, it does not provide any paid leave.\r\nStudies have shown that providing paid leave for federal employees would save the government at least $50 million annually in turnover and replacement costs. Federal agencies are already struggling to recruit and retain young talent. Just 6 percent of the federal workforce is under the age of 30, while roughly 40 percent of the workforce is eligible to retire within the next three years.\r\nSchatz first introduced the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act in 2015.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/view/schatzs-paid-parental-leave-bill-will-become-law-today", "Schatz's Paid Parental Leave Bill Will Become Law Today", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "No one should have to choose between getting a paycheck or taking care of a new child.\nSet to be signed into law today, Senator Schatz's bill will provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave to 2.1 million federal workers nationwide.\nTo hear more from Senator Schatz, connect with him on:\nTwitter ? @SenBrianSchatz\nInstagram ? @SenBrianSchatz\nFacebook ? @SenBrianSchatz\nOnline ? www.schatz.senate.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-advances-hawaii-priorities-in-senate-passed-funding-bills", "Hirono Advances Hawaii Priorities in Senate-Passed Funding Bills", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Hirono Advances Hawaii Priorities in Senate-Passed Funding Bills \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, the United States Senate advanced an eight-bill appropriations package that includes important priorities for Hawaii secured by Senator Mazie K. Hirono. The legislation, which funds and renews a range of domestic and international programs from the national Flood Insurance Program to energy production tax credits and health care programs, passed the Senate in 73-21 vote.\r\nFrom funding to support our public lands, to programs that combat hunger and homelessness, this bill provides necessary federal resources to support important programs in Hawaii and the country,Senator Hirono said.This bill also rejects the President's proposed draconian cuts to federal education, housing, health care, and clean energy programs that Hawaii residents depend on every year. The bill invests in critical education, health care, transportation, and environmental programs that benefit Hawaii. Specific items that Senator Hirono championed include:\r\n \r\n$5 million in funding for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program.Senator Hirono helped to create this program in the 2018 Farm Bill, which directs funds to nonprofit organizations in Hawaii, Alaska, and outlying areas to increase the quality and quantity of locally grown food in food insecure communities.\r\n$7.5 million in Land and Water Conservation Fundingto protect critical natural, historic, and cultural resources in Hawaii at Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail and HaloaAina on Hawaii Island.\r\nFunds National and Regional Climate Adaption Science Centersat $38.335 million. Senator Hirono led advocacy efforts in the Senate to reject the administration's proposed cuts to the Centers, which help natural and cultural resource managers identify and assess climate-related vulnerabilities. The University of Hawaii at Manoa hosts the Pacific Islands Regional Climate Adaptation Science Center.\r\nDirects the U.S. Department of Agriculture to evaluate the economic and environmental impacts of importing Orchids in growing media\r\nFunds critical programs to support the Native Hawaiian communityincluding $36.897 million for the Native Hawaiian Education, $18.3 million for the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institution Program, $3.194 million for Education Grants for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and $19 million for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program.\r\n$3.8 million for the Interagency Council on Homelessness, an independent agency tasked with coordinating the federal response to addressing homelessness.\r\nIncreases funding for programs that combat veteran homelessnessincluding $250 million for the Department of Veterans Affairs' Grant and Per-Diem program, which funds support service-intensive transitional housing, $380 million for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, and $408.3 million for the U.S. Department of Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program.\r\n$16.7 million for the East West Center, a research organization established by Congress at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.\r\nIncrease in the Pell Grant Maximum Awardto $6,195 per academic year. Senator Hirono is a leading advocate for expanding and increasing funds to the federal Pell Grant program, which provide need-based grants to undergraduate students.\r\n \r\nA summary of the full appropriations package can be foundhere.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hironos-questioning-on-the-efforts-to-mitigate-wildfire-risk-and-increase-grid-resiliency", "Senator Hirono's Questioning on the Efforts to Mitigate Wildfire Risk and Increase Grid Resiliency", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Hirono's Questioning on the Efforts to Mitigate Wildfire Risk and Increase Grid Resiliency\n               \n              \n              Connect with Senator Mazie Hirono Online:\nVisit Senator Mazie Hirono's WEBSITE: https://sen.gov/Z7ZK\nLike Senator Mazie Hirono on FACEBOOK: https://sen.gov/W7WW\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on TWITTER: https://sen.gov/X5X0\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on INSTAGRAM: https://sen.gov/Y1YZ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/schatz-legislation-raising-smoking-and-vaping-age-to-21-sent-to-white-house-set-to-become-law", "Schatz Legislation Raising Smoking And Vaping Age To 21 Sent To White House, Set To Become Law", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Legislation Raising Smoking And Vaping Age To 21 Sent To White House, Set To Become Law \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON\r\n Legislation first authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that will\r\nprohibit the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone under\r\nthe age of 21 passed the Senate today and is expected to be signed into law by\r\nthe president. This\r\nis a big win for public health. Raising the minimum smoking and vaping age to\r\n21 will protect our kids and save lives, said Senator Schatz. Every\r\nday, approximately 1,300 people die from smoking-related diseases, making\r\ntobacco the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Research\r\nfrom the National Academy of Medicine shows that raising the minimum legal age\r\nof sale of tobacco products to 21 nationwide would reduce the number of new\r\ntobacco users, decrease smoking frequency by 12 percent, and save more than\r\n220,000 lives per year from deaths related to smoking. Approximately\r\nninety-five percent of adult smokers begin smoking before they turn 21. In\r\n2015, Hawaii became the first state in the nation to raise the smoking age to\r\n21. Since then, 18 states and the District of Columbia have followed Hawaii's\r\nlead. Schatz's law will expand the minimum legal sale age nationwide. Schatz leads press\r\nconference calling for passage of his legislation to raise smoking and vaping\r\nage to 21 in May 2019 ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/senate-passes-schatz-murkowski-bipartisan-resolution-to-recognize-vital-role-of-2020-census", "Senate Passes Schatz, Murkowski Bipartisan Resolution To Recognize Vital Role Of 2020 Census", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Passes Schatz, Murkowski Bipartisan Resolution To Recognize Vital Role Of 2020 Census \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON\r\n Yesterday, the Senate voted unanimously to pass a bipartisan resolution\r\nintroduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Lisa Murkowski\r\n(R-Alaska) to ensure that the 2020 Census is fair and accurate. The resolution\r\nencourages individuals, families, and households across the United States to\r\ntake part in the Census so that all communities can be counted. The\r\nCensus is essential to our democracy, ensuring that every person is counted and\r\nreceives the representation and services they deserve, said Senator Schatz.\r\nBy passing this resolution, the Senate made clear that we are committed to\r\nreaching all communities and achieving a full and accurate count in 2020. Census\r\ndata is essential for the government to make informed decisions about the\r\nfuture of its people and ensure that all Americans have equal representation.\r\nI'm proud of the Senate passage of our bipartisan resolution that recognizes\r\nthe importance and the significance of the 2020 Census and ensures it is quick,\r\nconcise, and easy to complete, said Senator Murkowski. As the largest\r\nand most rural state, Alaska has one of the hardest populations to count in the\r\ndecennial U.S. Census. Accurate census data provides crucial information for\r\nresearch and planning purposes, directing fair funding allotments for the federal\r\nprograms that are vital to rural and Native American populations, and enabling\r\nthe enforcement of federal nondiscrimination laws. I'm glad to shine a\r\nspotlight on our efforts to ensure an accurate census and look forward to the\r\nfirst census count in the nation that will take place in Toksook Bay, Alaska in\r\nJanuary 2020. The\r\n2020 Census is a constitutionally mandated undertaking. The data collected is\r\nused to properly allocate seats for the U.S. House of Representatives and state\r\nlegislatures. It also directs more than $800 billion annually in federal\r\nfunding to state and local communities. The\r\nresolution recognizes the importance and significance of the 2020 Census and\r\nencourages all people to participate. It concludes that it is the civic duty of\r\nevery person to ensure that the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible. The\r\nresolution now goes to the House of Representatives for passage. The\r\nSchatz-Murkowski resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin\r\n(D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker\r\n(D-N.J.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Maria Cantwell\r\n(D-Wash.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.),\r\nCatherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin\r\n(D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Maggie Hassan\r\n(D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D- Hawaii), Ron Johnson\r\n(R-Wis.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy\r\nKlobuchar (D-Minn.), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley\r\n(D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters\r\n(D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.),\r\nKyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Dan\r\nSullivan (R-Alaska), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark\r\nWarner (D-Va.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The\r\nresolution is supported by a number\r\nof organizations including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National\r\nLeague of Cities, the National Association of Counties, National the\r\nAssociation of Towns and Townships, the Census Project, NAACP, NALEO\r\nEducational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice  AAJC, National Congress\r\nof American Indians, Service Employees International Union, National Education\r\nAssociation, Nielsen, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and Google. For\r\na PDF copy of the resolution, click\r\nhere. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hirono-pays-tribute-to-victims-of-the-shooting-at-pearl-harbor-naval-shipyard-in-remarks-on-the-floor-of-the-us-senate", "Senator Hirono Pays Tribute to Victims of the Shooting at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in Remarks on the Floor of the U.S. Senate", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2019\n\t\t\t Senator Hirono Pays Tribute to Victims of the Shooting at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in Remarks on the Floor of the U.S. Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono paid tribute to the victims of the shooting at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard today during remarks on the floor of the United States Senate today. Today marks the two weeks since the tragic events of December 4, 2019.\r\n\r\nFrom Senator Hirono's Remarks:\r\n\r\nMr. President, two weeks ago today, the state of Hawaii was in shock as an active shooter took the lives of two workers at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and wounded a third worker.\r\n\r\nLocated on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, the Shipyard is a pillar of our community. It employs over 6,400 workers who labor every day to keep our Pacific Fleet Fit to Fight.'\r\n\r\nHawaii is a small place where we have deep connections to one another. Almost everyone in Hawaii is either related to or knows someone who works on base or in the Shipyard. In my state office in Honolulu, a member of my staff has a son who is an apprentice at the Shipyard and was there that day.\r\n\r\nThese connections are part of the reason why this shooting has impacted our state so deeply. Too many families were waiting that day for news of their loved ones in harm's way.\r\n\r\nThe investigation into what happened is ongoing, and there are no easy explanations for what happened and why. It's clear that no community in our country is immune from the tragedy of gun violence\r\n\r\nMr. President, Roldan, Vincent, and Roger like thousands of their fellow workers, dedicated themselves to the Shipyard's critically important mission of repairing, maintaining, and modernizing the U.S. Pacific Fleet in defense of our country. \r\nIn recognition of their service, and in keeping with the words of their families  I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the lives of those we lost: Roldan Agustin and Vincent Kapoi Jr.\r\nRead Senator Hirono's Full Speech, As Prepared for Delivery, Below:\r\n\r\nM. President, two weeks ago today, the state of Hawaii was in shock as an active shooter took the lives of two workers at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and wounded a third worker.\r\n\r\nLocated on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, the Shipyard is a pillar of our community. It employs over 6,400 workers who labor every day to keep our Pacific Fleet Fit to Fight.\r\nHawaii is a small place where we have deep connections to one another. Almost everyone in Hawaii is either related to or knows someone who works on base or in the Shipyard.\r\n\r\nIn my state office in Honolulu, a member of my staff has a son who is an apprentice at the Shipyard and was there that day.\r\nThese connections are part of the reason why this shooting has impacted our state so deeply. Too many families were waiting that day for news of their loved ones in harm's way.\r\n\r\nThe investigation into what happened is ongoing, and there are no easy explanations for what happened and why.\r\nIt's clear that no community in our country is immune from the tragedy of gun violence. Today M. President, I rise to honor the lives of those we lost  Roldan A. Agustin and Vincent J. Kapoi Jr.\r\n\r\nMr. Kapoi and Mr. Agustin were both dedicated Department of Defense (DOD) civilian shipyard workers and members of the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers Local 121.\r\nRoldan Agustin was 49 years old and lived in Ewa Beach. He was adored by his family, who describe him as a true American patriot who dedicated his career to his country.\r\nAfter serving honorably in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Agustin also served in the Army National Guard, retiring as a staff sergeant  having deployed to Afghanistan and Kuwait.\r\n\r\nAt Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, he served as a DOD civilian employee working as a shop planner in nondestructive testing and a metals inspector.\r\n\r\nIn paying tribute to their lost loved one, Mr. Agustin's family said in a statement:\r\nHe was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend to many. Having grown up in Waipahu, Roldan enjoyed working on cars with his friends and spending time with his family and adored his nieces. We will forever remember Roldan to be humble and honest, and a generous and patient man.  \r\n\r\nVincent Kapoi was 30 years old and lived in Honolulu. He grew up in Waianae and graduated from Kamehameha Schools.\r\n\r\nHis father, brother, sister, and sister-in-law are also civilian employees at the Shipyard where he served as a metals inspector apprentice.\r\nHe was dearly loved by his family, which includes his wife, parents, siblings, aunties, uncles, grandmother, cousins, and friends.\r\n\r\nHis wife offered these loving words: I've been through a lot of tragedy in my life, but nothing compares to losing the love of your life. I will miss you truly, and I will always love you Vincent J. Kapoi Jr.\r\nHis sister, Theona, said in a family statement, He will always be that easy going, fun loving, let's do this' man that will remain in our hearts. There are so many unanswered questions. We all have to be honest, it changes nothing because we can't bring him back. What we must do is honor his memory, keep him alive in our hearts.\r\n\r\nI also want to honor Roger Nakamine, who was wounded in the attack. Mr. Nakamine was working as a civilian apprentice at the Shipyard when he was wounded.\r\n\r\nUpon leaving the hospital about a week after the attack, Mr. Nakamine said\r\nMy family and I would like to express our gratitude to the first responders and the expert medical staff at Queen's, as well as to all the friends and extended ?ohana who have been reaching out to offer their support physically, emotionally and spiritually.  \r\nOur deepest condolences go out to the friends and families of Vincent Kapoi Jr. and Roldan Agustin.\r\n\r\nMr. President, Roldan and Vincent, like thousands of their fellow workers, dedicated themselves to the Shipyard's critically important mission of repairing, maintaining, and modernizing the U.S. Pacific Fleet in defense of our country.\r\n\r\nIn recognition of their service, and in keeping with the words of their families  I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the lives of those we lost: Roldan Agustin and Vincent Kapoi Jr.\r\nI yield the floor.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-honors-the-lives-of-those-lost-at-pearl-harbor-naval-shipyard", "Senator Hirono Honors the Lives of Those Lost at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Hirono Honors the Lives of Those Lost at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard\n               \n              \n              Connect with Senator Mazie Hirono Online:\nVisit Senator Mazie Hirono's WEBSITE: https://sen.gov/Z7ZK\nLike Senator Mazie Hirono on FACEBOOK: https://sen.gov/W7WW\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on TWITTER: https://sen.gov/X5X0\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on INSTAGRAM: https://sen.gov/Y1YZ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-the-impeachment-of-president-trump", "Schatz Statement On The Impeachment of President Trump", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Statement On The Impeachment of President Trump \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 18, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives approved articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.\r\nIt is a somber time for our country, but one our founders specifically contemplated when they gave Congress the authority to impeach a president. They worried that a corrupt leader would use the presidency for personal gain, and they worried that a foreign government would interfere with our open and democratic elections. Their concerns feel prescient today. The power to impeach was meant to hold the president accountable for wrongdoing and make it clear that no one is above the law.\r\nThe articles of impeachment approved by the House of Representatives lay out grave accusations that strike at the core of our democracy. These articles allege that the president abused the power of his office by withholding military aid from a foreign government to coerce it into helping him smear his political opponent and corrupt our election. It also alleges that the president systematically obstructed Congress's constitutional duty to investigate this extortion scheme by directing administration officials to defy subpoenas for documents and testimony.\r\nThe Senate has a solemn obligation to fully consider these allegations. It is a responsibility I take seriously. As we move forward with the Senate trial, I will continue to study the facts in the case, the legal and constitutional history of impeachment, and prepare to serve as a fair juror. With this proceeding before us, the United States Senate is being called to act as the founders envisioned more than two centuries ago.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-calls-house-censure-president-putting-personal-political-gain", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls on House to Censure President for Putting Personal Political Gain Over National Interest", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCYesterday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) introduced a resolution calling on the House to censure President Trump, the text of which follows:\n\nWhereas, in his conduct of the office of President of the United States -- and in violation of his constitutional oath to faithfully to execute the office of the President of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed -- Donald J. Trump, acting both directly and through his agents within and outside the United States Government, abused the powers of the Presidency for his own personal political gain.\n\nWhereas President Trump, using the powers of his high office, solicited the interference of Ukraine in the 2020 United States Presidential election.\n\nWhereas President Trump conducted a scheme or course of conduct that included a recorded telephone conversation with the President Zelensky, soliciting the Government of Ukraine to investigate his political rival, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.\n\nWhereas President Trump abused the powers of the Presidency by ignoring or injuring vital national interests to obtain an improper personal political benefit by abusing his high office to undermine the integrity of the United States democratic process.\n\nWhereas President Trump has undermined America's national security and the safety of our people with a growing list of unconstitutional and reckless actions, including but not limited to:\n\n1. Violating the War Powers Resolution and Article I of the Constitution by carrying out acts of war without Congressional approval.\n\n2. Illegally and unconstitutionally using U.S. military forces to occupy and pillage oilfield reserves of Syria, a sovereign nation.\n\n3. Recklessly enabling President Erdogan of Turkey to invade and occupy Northern Syria and conduct ethnic cleansing of Syrian Kurds.\n\n4. Continued support for Saudi Arabia's genocidal war in Yemen that has caused death, suffering, and starvation.\n\n5. Recklessly abandoning nuclear agreements and treaties, like the INF treaty with Russia and the Iran nuclear agreement, thereby increasing the risk of nuclear war, nuclear proliferation, and war with Iran.\n\nIn these and other ways, President Donald Trump has undermined the safety and security of the American people.\n\nWhereas President Trump has demonstrated that he has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with self-governance and the rule of law.\n\nWhereas President Trump has acted in a manner contrary to the trust voters placed in him as President, to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice, and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.\n\nResolved, That the House of Representatives does hereby --\n\n(1) censure President Donald J. Trump for actions taken by the President as outlined in this Resolution, which constitute a willful abuse of power.\n\n(2) censure President Donald J. Trump for putting his personal political interests before those of the American people in a manner that undermines the integrity of the United States democratic process.\n\n(3) call on President Donald J. Trump to refrain from any conduct that invites foreign interference in United States elections or undermines United States Government investigations into foreign interference.\n\n(4) call on President Donald J. Trump and the executive branch of government to respect the constitutionally defined separation of powers.\n\n(5) strongly urges President Donald J. Trump to uphold his oath of office as established by the Constitution of the United States and fulfill his constitutional responsibilities to the American people.\n\n(6) call on President Donald J. Trump to acknowledge and admit wrongdoing as outlined in this Resolution and apologize to the American people.\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-secures-21-million-for-hawaiian-volcano-observatory-in-year-end-spending-bill", "Hirono Secures $21 Million for Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in Year End Spending Bill", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2019\n\t\t\t Hirono Secures $21 Million for Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in Year End Spending Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Funding Would Support Construction of a New HVO Field Station in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono successfully advocated for $21 million in federal funding for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) to build a new field station in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the year end spending package making its way through Congress. The field station is instrumental for HVO to monitor changes and trends at Kilauea and Mauna Loa  both of which are classified as very-high-threat volcanoes under the National Volcano Early Warning System.\r\nScientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are at the front lines of monitoring, responding to, and protecting us from volcanic activity. Our state saw this first hand last year as HVO scientists worked around the clock to provide constant information about the Kilauea eruption,Senator Hirono said.This significant federal investment will support ongoing HVO monitoring at Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and I will continue to advocate for federal resources to support their crucial mission.\r\nSenator Hirono is a consistent champion of HVO, its mission, and its presence on Hawaii Island. In May,Senator Hirono secured $72.3 million in funding for HVO to rebuild its headquarters and support staff operating in temporary facilities following their displacement from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.\r\nDuring his confirmation hearing in March, Senator Hironourged then-Acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardtto incorporate feedback from Hawaii Island residents and Hawaii's Congressional Delegation before deciding whether to move the Observatory to Oahu. Following a meeting in May with Director of the USGS Director John Reilly,Senator Hirono announced that HVO would remain anchored on Hawaii Island.\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-hirono-measure-to-expand-direct-hire-authority-for-childcare-workers-on-military-bases", "Senate Passes Hirono Measure to Expand Direct Hire Authority for Childcare Workers on Military Bases", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2019\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Hirono Measure to Expand Direct Hire Authority for Childcare Workers on Military Bases \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Provision included in FY 2020 NDAA Would Significantly Reduce the Length of Time Required to Hire Qualified Childcare Providers Serving Military Families\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Earlier today, the U.S. Senate passed legislation authored by Senator Hirono that would significantly reduce the lengthy hiring process for qualified childcare providers on military installations by expanding direct hire authority. This provision was included in the Conference Report of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the Senate on an 86-8 vote.\r\nEvery day, we ask our service members to give 100 percent focus to their tasks and the mission of securing our nation and communities. It is unacceptable for any service member to report for duty in the morning with a question in their mind about whether their children will be safely cared for in their absence,Senator Hirono said.Providing the Department with direct hire authority for childcare providers will help to expand access to quality care, provide military families with necessary peace of mind, and hopefully prevent future tragedies like the one at Aliamanu Military Reservation.\r\nSenator Hirono's legislation addresses how the excessive length of time it takes to hire new, qualified personnel limits the number of military families able to receive services like childcare. It also reflects concerns about how the lengthy hiring process can discourage qualified childcare providers from applying to work in military Child Development Centers.\r\nDuring aSenate Armed Services Committee hearingin March, following the news of the death of an infant at an unlicensed home daycare at the Aliamanu Military Reservation, Senator Hirono asked then-Secretary of the Army, Dr. Mark Esper, about improving childcare capacity for military families in Hawaii. Secretary Esper responded that ensuring access to safe, affordable childcare for military families is particularly challenging in Hawaii, and that decreasing the delay in the hiring process is part of the solution.\r\nThe National Military Family Association supported Senator Hirono's provision.\r\nThe National Military Family Association is grateful to Senator Hirono for recognizing the need for direct hire authority,Nicole Russell, Deputy Director of Government Relations for the National Military Family Association, said. We support any measures that streamline the hiring process for essential family services on military installations.\"\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-hirono-provision-to-strengthen-window-safety-protections-for-children-living-in-military-housing", "Senate Passes Hirono Provision to Strengthen Window Safety Protections for Children Living in Military Housing", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2019\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Hirono Provision to Strengthen Window Safety Protections for Children Living in Military Housing \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, the Senate passed legislation authored by Senator Hirono that would require all windows in military housing 42 inches or lower off the floor to be equipped with a fall protection device. Named after seven-year-old Hawaii resident Evan English, the updated provision was included in the Conference Report of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the Senate on an 86-8 vote and now goes to the President for his signature.\r\nWe all remember the heartbreaking loss of Evan English in 2011, whose death may have been prevented with the appropriate safety equipment on windows in military housing. After working to include the original Evan's Law in the FY2018 NDAA, I fought to expand it so its protections apply to more dwellings and for families living in privatized military housing,Senator Hirono said.Whether they live on or off base, our service members and their families deserve safe, high-quality housing and I urge the President to sign this important provision into law as soon as possible.\r\nWithout Senator Hirono leading this effort in the Senate, the children of our Military Families would continue to be at risk of Traumatic Brain Injury and even death. Senator Hirono's legislation may also become the model that is used in other Government and public housing across the United States,Jim Graham, Executive Director of the National Association for Child Window Safety said. Child Safety Screens not only save children they also save taxpayer dollars on window maintenance costs. It would be irresponsible to not have them installed as soon as possible. I am sure Senator Hirono will make sure they are.\r\nWe do not want to see any child hurt from a window fall, especially when there are simple things that can be done to ensure that kids are safe when windows are open. Safe Kids Hawaii, led by Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, is grateful for the passing of the modification to Evan's Law to include windows with sill heights below 42 inches from the floor, and supports the ongoing efforts of the National Association for Child Window Safety to ensure the safety of children,Lisa Dau, RN, Safe Kids Hawaii Coordinator and Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children Injury Prevention Coordinator said.\r\nOn behalf of the family of Evan English, mahalo to Senator Hirono for her leadership role in getting Congressional approval of amendments to Evan's Law. The new law will result in protecting nearly all second story windows in a typical military family housing project,Wayne Parsons, the attorney representing the English family, said. Many injuries will be prevented and many lives will be saved when this law is implemented, and the focus will now shift to monitoring and encouraging rapid implementation of this law in the many military family housing projects on military bases around the country and inHawaii.\r\nInitially included in the FY 2018 NDAA, Evan's Law originally required that windows in military family housing units, with a bottom sill within 24 inches of the floor and more than 72 inches above the ground, be equipped with fall prevention devices in compliance with International Building Code standards. It also required DoD to submit an independent assessment of child safety in military housing units. Senator Hirono's new legislation adds to Evan's Law by mandating all windows under 42 inches be retrofitted and authorizes funding for retrofitting or replacing windows to install window fall prevention devices in privatized and military-owned housing.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-federal-funding-for-hawaii-continues-to-rise", "Schatz: Federal Funding For Hawaii Continues To Rise", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz: Federal Funding For Hawaii Continues To Rise \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Spending Bill Includes Millions In New And Increased Funding For Housing, Infrastructure, Health Care, And Education; Deal Gives Hawaii's More Than 20,000 Federal Workers A 3% Pay Raise \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 17, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Last night, congressional appropriators released a bipartisan spending deal that will increase federal funding for critical programs that benefit Hawaii for fiscal year 2020. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, successfully advanced state priorities which are now included in the final deal.\r\nHawaii's share of federal dollars continues to grow every year, said Senator Schatz. This appropriations bill will give our state the federal funding we need to create jobs and strengthen housing, health care, and education programs.\r\nThe deal includes a three percent raise in pay for federal workers across the country, including the more than 20,000 federal employees in Hawaii. The bill also includes funding for housing, roads, public transit, and infrastructure, as well as Native Hawaiian health and education programs.\r\nNEW AND INCREASED FUNDING FOR HAWAII\r\nAffordable Housing$44.5 million, a $3.1 million increase from last year. This estimated funding supports the HOME Investment Partnership program, which provides resources to help communities build and maintain affordable housing. It also supports the Community Development Block Grant Program, the Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program, the Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program, and HUD Homeless Assistance grant programs.\r\nHighway and Transportation$189 million, a $11.6 million increase from last year. This estimated funding is distributed from the Highway Trust Fund to Hawaii for highway maintenance and new construction of bridges, roads, and bike and pedestrian paths.\r\nBus and Transit$21.4 million, a $2.2 million increase from last year. This estimated funding is distributed among the state and counties for the operation and capital costs associated with the operation of public transit systems, including the Maui Bus, TheBus, Kauai Bus, Hele-On Bus, and TheHandi-Van fleets.\r\nNative Hawaiian Education$36.9 million, a $500,000 increase from last year. This funding supports programs that strengthen Native Hawaiian culture, improve levels of educational attainment, and enhance family and community involvement in education. President Trump proposed eliminating funding for Native Hawaiian education programs in his budget. Senator Schatz also included a provision to allow funds to be used for construction, renovation, and modernization of public schools that predominantly serve Native Hawaiian students.\r\nNative Hawaiian Health Care$19 million, a $1.5 million increase from last year. Native Hawaiian Health Centers, run through the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems program, provide critical access to health education, promotion, disease prevention, and basic primary care services for thousands of Native Hawaiians. This funding will support five health centers on Hawaii Island, Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and Oahu.\r\nVeterans Affairs$92.2 billion (nationwide), a $5.4 billion increase from last year. Funding will be used to:\r\n \r\nStrengthen the VA Pacific Island Health Care System's ability to better serve women veterans;\r\nContinue to address major and minor construction requirements, including a long-overdue community-based outpatient clinic in Hilo;\r\nAddress ongoing non-recurring maintenance challenges, including aged electrical systems and leaking roofs;\r\nExpand VA telehealth services for veterans in rural and remote areas;\r\nFurther veterans' use of outdoor experiences as part of a continuum of care to treat combat-related injuries;\r\nProvide funding for the VA to begin processing claims of Blue Water Navy veterans, whose benefits are long overdue;\r\nContinue to provide support for caregivers of severely injured veterans while the VA expands the program to veterans of all eras; and\r\nExpand support to homeless veterans, particularly homeless women veterans and homeless veterans in rural communities.\r\n \r\nHawaii Volcano Observatory$21 million, new funding. These funds will be used to help rebuild the Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO) field station in the Volcanoes National Park. The observatory was damaged during the 2018 eruption. The field station will provide the monitoring necessary to detect changes and trends at Kilauea and Mauna Loa. $30 million is also retained in the budget for the USGS Volcano Hazards Program.\r\nFood Security Microgrants$2 million, new funding. This funding will go towards helping individuals and groups in Hawaii purchase tools, soil, seeds, plants, animals, composting units, gardening systems, and other necessities for growing and preserving food. The funds can also be used to expand areas under cultivation, extend the growing season, build or repair livestock fencing, travel to agricultural education programs, expand the sale of locally grown crops and meats, and to engage in other activities that increase food security.\r\nNavy ROTC Program at the University of Hawaii$1.1 million, new funding. The federal funding will create the first-ever Navy Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The new Navy ROTC program will train students to become commissioned officers and enable more Hawaii students to attend college and serve their country.\r\nMacadamia Nut Health Initiative$1 million, new funding. This funding will support research to combat and control the felted macadamia nut coccid to improve the production of this iconic Hawaiian crop.\r\nAla Kahakai National Historic Trail and Haloa Aina Project$7.5 million, new funding. The spending deal provides nearly $500 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund with $6 million in dedicated funding for the Ala Kahakai Historic National Trail and $1.5 million for the Forest Legacy Project at Haloa Aina.\r\nNational Estuarine Research Reserve including Heeia$27.5 million (nationwide), a $500,000 increase from last year. Funding will be shared among system sites, including the Heeia National Estuarine Research Reserve. This site demonstrates the value of Native Hawaiian taro cultivation and fishpond aquaculture to maintain a healthy ecosystem. It is viewed by NOAA to be a model site because of its seamless integration of science and culture.\r\nNative American Language Preservation$15 million (nationwide), a $1 million increase from last year. This funding includes $12.5 million for Native American language preservation activities under the Administration for Native Americans and $2.5 million in new funding for Native American language immersion schools as authorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act. Senator Schatz co-authored the legislation to create new grants for Native American immersion schools and programs.\r\nWorld War II Commemorative Program$5 million, new funding. The funding will help support commemorative events and activities in Honolulu and Washington to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. WaterSMART Grants$55 million (nationwide), new funding eligibility for Hawaii. The competitively awarded, locally cost-shared WaterSMART grants support local water management projects that conserve and use water more efficiently, increase the use of clean, renewable energy, protect endangered species, and facilitate water markets.\r\nJapanese American Confinement Sites including Honouliuli$3.2 million (nationwide), a $250,000 increase despite President Trump's proposed elimination. Funding will support Japanese American Confinement Sites (JACS) grants. JACS grants support the preservation of Japanese American internment camps, including the Honouliuli National Monument, through partnerships with local preservation groups. Grants may also be used to encourage and support the research, interpretation, and preservation of internment camps to help prevent the injustice of internment from being repeated.\r\nState of the Birds Research$3.3 million, an increase of $250,000 from last year. State of the Birds activities are dedicated to stopping the bird extinction crisis in Hawaii. More than 90 Hawaiian bird species have gone extinct, and nine listed Hawaiian bird species are currently in decline. These funds are crucial to prevent further extinctions as climate change, habitat degradation and destruction, and other human and environmental impacts threaten to reach crisis levels.\r\nNative Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Art$1.5 million (Hawaii and Alaska), a $500,000 increase from last year. Under the National Recreation and Preservation programs, Senator Schatz secured funding for grants to nonprofit organizations or institutions that support programs for Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native culture and arts development.\r\nCoral Reef Conservation$29.5 million (nationwide), a $1.9 million increase from last year. This funding supports NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program, which addresses the top threats to coral reef ecosystems in Hawaii and across the country. Working with partners, NOAA develops place-based strategies, measures the effectiveness of management efforts, and builds capacity among reef managers globally.\r\nCompact of Free Association Impact$4.5 million (nationwide), a $500,000 increase from last year. The United States has entered into the Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the governments of the Freely Associated States (FAS), which are the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. These Compacts allow FAS citizens to live in the United States and receive certain benefits. This funding will help Hawaii provide those benefits to FAS citizens who live and work in the state.\r\nNational Oceans and Coastal Security Fund$33 million (nationwide), a $3 million increase from last year. The program funds projects that help coastal communities and ecosystems prepare for extreme weather events, climate hazards, and changing ocean conditions. In Hawaii, it has funded projects to improve high wave and king tide forecasts, to plan and prepare better for extreme coastal weather, and to restore native Hawaiian fishponds.\r\nNOAA Ship Operations in Hawaii$3.3 million, new funding. The bill provides $3.3 million to cover operations after the unexpected decommissioning of NOAA Ship Hiialakai, a research vessel that primarily worked in Papahanaumokuakea, and other parts of the western Pacific, for safety reasons.\r\nEndangered Hawaiian Monk Seals and Sea Turtles Protection$9.4 million, a $150,000 increase from last year. Hawaiian monk seals are the only seal species in the world that live in only one nation's territorial waters. Because these seals are an extremely endangered species, we have a responsibility to help them toward recovery. This funding will continue to support monk seal conservation and recovery. Funding will also support sea turtle conservation activities such as interagency consultation and technical assistance on marine turtle by-catch reduction strategies, cooperative conservation actions in the greater Pacific region, marine turtle stock assessments and scientific research projects.\r\nSTEM Apprenticeship Grant Program$2 million (nationwide), new funding. The new funding will implement a new grant program created by Senator Schatz. The new program at the Economic Development Administration will help create new apprenticeships in STEM fields.\r\nPROTECTED FUNDING\r\nMilitary and National Security Construction Projects$330 million.\r\n \r\n$60 million for U.S. Army Pacific's Mission Command Facility at Fort Shafter;\r\n$134 million for a Bachelor Enlisted Quarters at Marine Corps Base Hawaii;\r\n$53.8 million to begin the consolidation of the West Loch magazine;\r\n$67.7 million for a Special Operations Force Undersea Operational Training Facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam;\r\n$4 million to install a 500 kW covered parking PV and electric vehicle charging station at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam; and\r\n$10 million for Coast Guard Base Honolulu to address an unfunded requirement to improve the pier and shore-ties for a buoy tender displaced by the new National Security Cutter.\r\n \r\nNative Hawaiian Housing$2 million, despite President Trump's proposed elimination. The Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program provides financial assistance for Native Hawaiian families to obtain new homes, make renovations, build community facilities, and receive housing services, including counseling, financial literacy and other critical resources to address housing disparities.\r\nNative American Veteran Housing Loan Program$1.2 million, despite a proposed cut from President Trump. The Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program provides direct loans to veterans living in Hawaii. Since 2017, the VA has completed 27 Native American direct loans in the state.\r\nImpact Aid Program$49.5 million. The estimated Impact Aid funding will provide the Hawaii Department of Education with the resources to help finance the education of federally-connected children. Impact Aid funds a range of programs, including efforts to retain highly qualified teachers, adequate technology, facilities renovation, and maintenance of transportation fleets.\r\nCultural Tourism$4.4 million (nationwide). Funding includes $1 million from transportation and $3.4 million from community and economic development accounts within the Department of the Interior to implement the Schatz-led NATIVE Act, which was signed into law in September 2016. Senator Schatz authored this law to empower native communities, including Native Hawaiians, American Indians, and Alaska Natives, to tell their own stories and share in the benefits of heritage and cultural tourism in the United States.\r\nPapahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument$1 million. The spending deal authorizes NOAA to award a competitive grant of up to $1 million for research and management activities in Papahanaumokuakea. The funding is subject to a 100 percent non-federal match and will bring new resources to keep our Hawaiian archipelago healthy and productive. Past uses of the funding have included research to understand the impact of climate change on the ecosystem, and the removal of marine debris.\r\nEast-West Center$16.7 million, despite President Trump's proposed elimination. The East-West Center directly supports the U.S. rebalance to the Asia Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue with countries in the region. It is the only U.S. institution that provides a multilateral approach through research and exchange programs.\r\nInvasive Species Control$23 million (nationwide). The USGS invasive species program prevents introductions, detects species at low abundances, assesses new and established invaders, monitors and forecasts threats of invaders, and controls and manages established invaders. Due to the high number of invasive species in Hawaii, a significant portion of this funding is directed to the state for projects related to brown tree snakes, regional biosecurity, rapid ohia death, and many others.\r\nClean Energy Research for the Military$20 million, despite President Trump's proposed elimination. Hawaii continues to lead in clean energy technology and implementation, which will pay dividends to our state, our economy, and our national security. This funding supports the Navy's alternative energy research programs, including those in Hawaii that are working to make the Navy and its installations more resilient and less reliant on fossil fuels.\r\nEnvironmental Restoration on Formerly Used Defense Sites$275 million (nationwide), despite a proposed cut from President Trump. Funding supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' continued efforts to identify and remove unexploded ordnance at former military sites across the neighbor islands and to ensure that military training and activities remain in balance with Hawaii's local needs. Senator Schatz worked to secure an additional $58 million above the president's budget.\r\nAirport Agricultural Inspections$32.3 million. In Hawaii, this program helps to fund federal agricultural inspectors at airports on Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii Island. It is critical to conduct inspections at the neighbor island airports so that passengers can directly connect to flights to the mainland.\r\nHansen's Disease Treatment in Hawaii$1.9 million. Under this Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) program, payments are made to the State of Hawaii for the medical care and treatment of persons with Hansen's Disease in its hospital and clinic facilities in Kalaupapa and Honolulu. Programs supported by HRSA to address Hansen's Disease are particularly important in states like Hawaii that have large populations of immigrants from nations with high rates of the disease.\r\nTsunami Program$31.6 million (nationwide), despite major cuts proposed by President Trump. The NOAA Tsunami Program provides funding to coastal states for preparedness activities such as inundation mapping, disaster planning, and tsunami education. Funding includes $12.2 million for tsunami monitoring, $13.4 million for forecasts, and $6 million for a grant program, which states can compete for, to prepare inundation maps and assist with outreach and education. Hawaii relies on all three components of the program. Despite deep cuts proposed by President Trump, Senator Schatz helped protect funding for this critical program.\r\nOTHER HIGHLIGHTS FOR HAWAII\r\nMaui Space Surveillance Research$16.9 million, a $6 million increase from last year. This funding includes $11.9 million for the Maui Space Surveillance System and a $5 million increase to the Air Force space technology program that Senator Schatz secured to support a specific DoD program to help track, identify, and characterize space objects of interest, including the Dynamic Optical Telescope System.\r\nHigh Performance Computing Modernization Program$225 million, despite President Trump's $40 million proposed cut. This funding supports DoD's regional supercomputing centers, including the Maui High Performance Computing Center (MHPCC). Working with Committee leaders, Senator Schatz was able to increase funding for the program by $40 million above the president's budget to ensure that DoD has the funding it needs to upgrade the technology at MHPCC so that it can continue to support the military's current and future high-performance computing needs in Hawaii and the Pacific.\r\nProject HOPE Opportunity Probation with Enforcement$4.5 million (nationwide). Based on Hawaii's Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) program, this high-intensity supervision program reduces probation violations by drug offenders and others at high risk of recidivism. The funds will support the existing federal program to replicate the HOPE model and provide $500,000 to establish an institute to provide training, technical assistance, and best practices to assist other jurisdictions with the program.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-providing-paid-parental-leave-for-federal-workers-sent-to-white-house-set-to-become-law", "Schatz Legislation Providing Paid Parental Leave For Federal Workers Sent To White House, Set To Become Law", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Legislation Providing Paid Parental Leave For Federal Workers Sent To White House, Set To Become Law \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Schatz's Provision Will Provide 2 Million Federal Workers Across The Country With 12 Weeks Of Paid Parental Leave \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 17, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  A provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that secures paid parental leave for all federal employees passed the Senate today and is expected to be signed into law. The new law, included in the annual defense authorization bill, will provide 2 million federal workers with 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a new child after birth, adoption, or the initiation of foster care.\r\nThis new law means that the federal government's 2 million workers will no longer be forced to choose between getting a paycheck and caring for their children. It's a huge victory for unions, our federal workforce, and their families, said Senator Schatz.\r\nAlthough the current Family and Medical Leave Act provides employees with 12 weeks of unpaid leave to take care of a new child, it does not provide any paid leave.\r\nStudies have shown that providing paid leave for federal employees would save the government at least $50 million annually in turnover and replacement costs. Federal agencies are already struggling to recruit and retain young talent. Just 6 percent of the federal workforce is under the age of 30, while roughly 40 percent of the workforce is eligible to retire within the next three years.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-raise-smoking-vaping-age-to-21-included-in-bipartisan-spending-deal", "Schatz Legislation To Raise Smoking, Vaping Age To 21 Included In Bipartisan Spending Deal", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Legislation To Raise Smoking, Vaping Age To 21 Included In Bipartisan Spending Deal \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 16, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Legislation first authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that will prohibit the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone under the age of 21 has been included in a bipartisan spending deal announced by congressional leaders today.\r\nThis is a big win for public health. Raising the minimum smoking and vaping age to 21 will protect our kids and save lives, said Senator Schatz.\r\nEvery day, approximately 1,300 people die from smoking-related diseases, making tobacco the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Research from the National Academy of Medicine shows that raising the minimum legal age of sale of tobacco products to 21 nationwide would reduce the number of new tobacco users, decrease smoking frequency by 12 percent, and save more than 220,000 lives from deaths related to smoking. Approximately ninety-five percent of adult smokers begin smoking before they turn 21.\r\nIn 2015, Hawaii became the first state in the nation to raise the smoking age to 21. Since then, 18 states and the District of Columbia have followed Hawaii's lead. Schatz's provision will expand the minimum legal sale age nationwide.\r\nAt introduction, Schatz's legislation was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Mitt Romney (R-Utah).\r\nThe bill is expected to pass Congress and be signed by the president this week.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-discusses-implementation-of-the-new-global-sulfur-standard-for-marine-fuels", "Senator Hirono Discusses Implementation of the New Global Sulfur Standard for Marine Fuels", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Hirono Discusses Implementation of the New Global Sulfur Standard for Marine Fuels\n               \n              \n              Connect with Senator Mazie Hirono Online:\nVisit Senator Mazie Hirono's WEBSITE: https://sen.gov/Z7ZK\nLike Senator Mazie Hirono on FACEBOOK: https://sen.gov/W7WW\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on TWITTER: https://sen.gov/X5X0\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on INSTAGRAM: https://sen.gov/Y1YZ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-questions-inspector-general-horowitz", "Senator Hirono Questions Inspector General Horowitz", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Hirono Questions Inspector General Horowitz\n               \n              \n              Connect with Senator Mazie Hirono Online:\nVisit Senator Mazie Hirono's WEBSITE: https://sen.gov/Z7ZK\nLike Senator Mazie Hirono on FACEBOOK: https://sen.gov/W7WW\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on TWITTER: https://sen.gov/X5X0\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on INSTAGRAM: https://sen.gov/Y1YZ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono_-stakeout", "Senator Hirono - Stakeout", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Hirono - Stakeout\n               \n              \n              Connect with Senator Mazie Hirono Online:\nVisit Senator Mazie Hirono's WEBSITE: https://sen.gov/Z7ZK\nLike Senator Mazie Hirono on FACEBOOK: https://sen.gov/W7WW\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on TWITTER: https://sen.gov/X5X0\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on INSTAGRAM: https://sen.gov/Y1YZ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-calls-for-more-federal-resources-to-fight-meth-abuse-as-death-rate-from-meth-grows-in-hawaii", "Schatz Calls For More Federal Resources To Fight Meth Abuse As Death Rate From Meth Grows In Hawaii", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Calls For More Federal Resources To Fight Meth Abuse As Death Rate From Meth Grows In Hawaii \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Meth-Related Death Rate in Hawaii Nearly Three Times Higher than the National Rate, Signaling Growing Crisis \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 13, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, urged the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to treat methamphetamine misuse as a priority and devote more federal resources to addressing the growing epidemic in Hawaii and across the country.\r\nBy specifically targeting the growing problems of meth misuse and addiction, we can effectively prevent them from becoming a more serious crisis, Senator Schatz wrote in his letter to the director of the ONDCP. And for communities, such as Hawaii, that are facing escalating problems of meth misuse, addiction, and death, concerted federal interventions will help to reduce the number of deaths and serious harm from misuse and addiction.\r\nHawaii has experienced some of the worst effects of the meth crisis. In 2016, Hawaii had 6.8 meth-related deaths per 100,000 residents, compared to the national rate of 2.4 deaths per 100,000 people. Meth-related deaths on the islands have outpaced opioid-related deaths for each of the past five years.\r\nNationwide, the number of meth-related deaths is increasing at a rapid rate, surpassing the rate of opioid-related deaths at the start of the opioid epidemic. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meth overdose deaths increased four-fold over five years, from 2012-2017. For comparison, at the onset of the opioid crisis, the number of opioid-related deaths increased four-fold over ten years.\r\nSome of the strategy's goals mention meth as an example of an illegal substance that the federal government will interdict. This is not enough, Senator Schatz continued. As ONDCP, along with your partner federal agencies, responds to the opioid overdose epidemic, it is imperative that you also prioritize efforts to stem and reduce meth misuse, addiction, and deaths.\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found below. A copy of the letter is also available here.\r\nDear Director Carroll:\r\nAs the federal government responds to current drug misuse and addiction crises, it is imperative that we also prevent and mitigate additional threats before they reach the level of an epidemic. To that end, I urge you to incorporate responses to the misuse of methamphetamines (or meth)including misuses of legally prescribed meth as well as illicit forms such as crystal methexplicitly in the next National Drug Control Strategy developed by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). In addition, to assessing progress on reducing meth-related misuse, addiction, and death, meth-related goals should be clearly outlined in ONDCP's National Drug Control Strategy Performance Reporting System.\r\nMeth misuse and addiction are serious and growing national problems. There were four times as many deaths in 2017 as in 20122,600 deaths in 2012 to 10,300 in 2017. Over that time period, 17 states bore the brunt of the increase in meth-related deaths, with the steepest increases in Ohio (130%) and West Virginia (94%). In addition, within this growing number of meth-related deaths, Native Americans and Alaska Natives had the highest death rate and the biggest rate increase. In addition, as meth is less likely than opioids to lead to an acute overdose, statistics on meth-related deaths may underestimate the prevalence of meth misuse and addiction.\r\nMeth misuse and addiction have been consistent problems in my state of Hawaii for decades, but over the past decade, meth-related deaths have risen dramatically, from 37 deaths in 2009 to 147 in 2018. The number of deaths due to meth overtook the number of both prescription drug- and opioid-related deaths in 2015, and has spiked since then. Over the past decade, Hawaii's meth-related death rate has been above the national meth-related death rate. In 2016, Hawaii had 6.8 meth-related deaths per 100,000 Hawaii residentscompared to the national rate of 2.4 per 100,000 people.\r\nThese high meth-related death rates are not limited to Hawaii. West Virginia and Alaska have both experienced high meth-related death rates14 deaths per 100,000 people in West Virginia and 9 deaths per 100,000 people in Alaska. Importantly, meth-related deaths are increasing faster than opioid-related deaths at the start of the opioid overdose epidemic. While opioid-related deaths quadrupled in the first decade of the opioid epidemicfrom 3,400 deaths in 1999 to 13,500 deaths in 2009meth-related deaths quadrupled in half the timefrom 2,600 deaths in 2012 to 10,300 in 2017.\r\nThis has alarming implications for our national drug control policies. Some of the strategy's goals mention meth as an example of an illegal substance that the federal government will interdict. This is not enough to target meth within the strategy's overall goals of preventing misuse, treating addiction, and reducing the availability of illicit drugs in the country. As ONDCP, along with your partner federal agencies, responds to the opioid overdose epidemic, it is imperative that you also prioritize efforts to stem and reduce meth misuse, addiction, and deaths. For example, ONDCP's strategy outlines prevention as an objective, focusing on both universal and specific interventions to target risk factors and stop drug misuse before it begins. Such preventive measures should specifically address communities that are seeing an uptick in meth misuse and addiction. Furthermore, ONDCP's Performance Reporting System should outline meth-related goals and objectives, such as reducing the rate of past year meth-related deaths, as well as misuse among the youth population.\r\nBy specifically targeting the growing problems of meth misuse and addiction, we can effectively prevent them from becoming a more serious crisis. And for communities, such as Hawaii, that are facing escalating problems of meth misuse, addiction, and death, concerted federal interventions will help to reduce the number of deaths and serious harm from misuse and addiction. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your written response.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-opposes-defense-bill-worsens-new-cold-war-and-nuclear-arms", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Opposes Defense Bill that Worsens New Cold War and Nuclear Arms Race", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCYesterday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) voted against the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act for reasons stated below. The annual defense bill was passed by the House, 377-48, and now goes to the President for his signature.\n\nThough this bill does include some of the things I have long been fighting for  tackling toxic burn pits, making sure our water aquifer at Red Hill is protected, improving Native Hawaiian-owned business opportunities, and more  the problems with this legislation far outweigh the positives,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The final language in this bill fails to include a repeal of the 2002 Iraq authorization for use of military force and removed my provision to prohibit the unauthorized use of military force against Iran and Venezuela. It continues to provide support for Saudi Arabia's genocidal war in Yemen, and expands our nuclear arsenal. This bill provides a stamp of approval for the new cold war and nuclear arms race, pushing us ever closer to the brink of nuclear catastrophe. I refuse to have any part of this and therefore voted against the bill.\n\nBackground:While the final language in the legislation was very different than what passed out of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was able to secure several provisions in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including:\n\n \n\t\tIncorporating the Burn Pits Accountability Act language in Section 704 of the bill. This bill requires the Secretary of Defense to record whether servicemembers have been based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit was used or exposed to toxic airborne chemicals and to share this information with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRequiring the Navy to regularly brief the local community for five years regarding its efforts to address environmental concerns about the Red Hill fuel depot on Oahu in Section 376 of the bill\n\t\n\t\n\t\tAddressing the concerns about the security and environmental threat to the Pacific and world's oceans posed by the Runit Dome nuclear storage facility in Section 364 of the bill\n\t\n\t\n\t\tReinstating an executive order requiring the Director of National Intelligence to submit an annual report to Congress assessing the combatant and non-combatant deaths in strikes on terrorist targets outside areas of active hostilities in Section 1723\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRequiring the Secretary of Defense to provide a report to the House Committee on Armed Services regarding its activities and plans with regard to the situation in Syria and withdrawal of U.S. military forces from that country\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\tIncreasing Native Hawaiian, Alaskan, and Native American Defense Department sole-source contracts from $22 million to $100 million\n\t\n\t\n\t\tPromoting better Defense Department consultation with Native Hawaiian communities regarding ahead of military construction and land lease projects\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRequiring a report on how the THAAD missile defense system could be incorporated in Hawaii and Alaska for a layered ballistic missile defense\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRequiring a Defense Department report to Congress on the use of different plants as phytoremediator tools to clear contaminants at nuclear sites, and other related toxic areas, including contaminants in soil, water, and air\n\t\n \n\nHowever, several items she had secured in the House version of the bill were stripped in conference committee, including:\n\n \n\t\tStripping measures that prevent the defense bill from being used as a backdoor authorization for the use of military force against Iran or Venezuela\n\t\n\t\n\t\tEliminating a proposed military dental research program that would help address the service-related dental injuries and conditions faced by U.S. troops\n\t\n\t\n\t\tEliminating a proposed authorization for infertility treatments for uniformed services members and their spouses\n\t\n \n\nIn addition to this, the version of the defense bill voted on today:\n\n \n\t\tContinues wasteful war by eliminating a House-passed provision to end the 2002 Iraq Authorization for the Use of Military Force\n\t\n\t\n\t\tIncreased the threat of nuclear war by funding the Low Yield nuclear program  something prohibited in version of the bill passed by the House  and prohibits the reduction of deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles and their alert level\n\t\n\t\n\t\tUndermined opportunities for peace by allowing the continued export of weapons to support the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's civil war, continues limitations on U.S.-Russia military cooperation, and prevents funds from being used to reduce U.S. armed forces on the Korean peninsula in the interest of negotiations to denuclearize the Korean peninsula\n\t\n\t\n\t\tFurther militarizes space by authorizing the creation of a Space Force\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRetreats from requirement to clean up Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-contaminated communities and industrial water pollution passed by the House and prevents PFAS from being added to the toxic pollutant list in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act\n\t\n \n\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-hirono-sullivan-murkowski-ask-cms-to-extend-aca-enrollment-deadline-to-accommodate-residents-of-hawaii-and-alaska", "Senators Hirono, Sullivan, Murkowski Ask CMS to Extend ACA Enrollment Deadline to Accommodate Residents of Hawaii and Alaska", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2019\n\t\t\t Senators Hirono, Sullivan, Murkowski Ask CMS to Extend ACA Enrollment Deadline to Accommodate Residents of Hawaii and Alaska \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senators Request Enrollment Deadline be Extended to Midnight Local Time on December 15 to Minimize Confusion for Residents of Hawaii and Alaska Seeking to Enroll in Health Care Coverage on Final Day of Open Enrollment\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) wrote to Seema Verma, the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), requesting that CMS extend the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment deadline for 2020 by two hours to accommodate residents of Hawaii and Alaska. This change would ensure residents in all 50 states are able to enroll in health coverage by CMS's publicly available deadline of December 15th.\r\nAs it currently stands, Open Enrollment is scheduled to close at 3:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 16, which is 10:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time and 11:00 p.m. Alaska Time on December 15. However, the timing of the deadline is not prominently advertised on HealthCare.gov leaving residents in Alaska and Hawaii to falsely assume they can enroll in health coverage through the end of the day on December 15, resulting in a misleading deadline for the residents of these two states,The Senators wrote. Data from past open enrollment periods indicate that many people put off enrolling in health coverage until the last minute. Last year, about half of sign-ups occurred in the last week and the final day of Open Enrollment is the busiest, particularly the final hours. Given how many mainland consumers sign up in the final hours of Open Enrollment, it is clear that consumers assume that midnight is the deadline. It is unacceptable to take away this valuable window of time away from people simply because they live in a different state.\r\nThe Senators Continued:It is absolutely vital that the residents of Hawaii and Alaska be given an equal opportunity to that of the rest of the country to enroll through midnight local time on December 15. It is our understanding that keeping the Marketplace open for an additional two hours does not require significant infrastructure changes or staffing changes, and is a policy that should have been implemented years ago.\r\nA signed copy of the letter can be downloadedhere, and a copy of the full text is below.\r\nDecember 9, 2019\r\nThe Honorable Seema Verma\r\nAdministrator\r\nCenters for Medicare and Medicaid Services\r\n200 Independence Avenue, SW\r\nWashington, District of Columbia 20201\r\nDear Administrator Verma:\r\nWe write to request that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services extend the deadline for 2020 Open Enrollment in the Federal Health Care Marketplaces to 5:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 16, which would allow residents of all states to enroll through the end of December 15, the publicly advertised deadline. We also request that you use the 5:00 am deadline for future Open Enrollment periods.\r\nAs it currently stands, Open Enrollment is scheduled to close at 3:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 16, which is 10:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time and 11:00 p.m. Alaska Time on December 15. However, the timing of the deadline is not prominently advertised on HealthCare.gov leaving residents in Alaska and Hawaii to falsely assume they can enroll in health coverage through the end of the day on December 15, resulting in a misleading deadline for the residents of these two states. It is easy to imagine a consumer in Alaska or Hawaii going online at 11:00 p.m. on December 15 to enroll in coverage, only to be shut out despite being within the advertised deadline.\r\nData from past open enrollment periods indicate that many people put off enrolling in health coverage until the last minute. Last year, about half of sign-ups occurred in the last week and the final day of Open Enrollment is the busiest, particularly the final hours. Given how many mainland consumers sign up in the final hours of Open Enrollment, it is clear that consumers assume that midnight is the deadline. It is unacceptable to take away this valuable window of time away from people simply because they live in a different state.\r\nIt is absolutely vital that the residents of Hawaii and Alaska be given an equal opportunity to that of the rest of the country to enroll through midnight local time on December 15. It is our understanding that keeping the Marketplace open for an additional two hours does not require significant infrastructure changes or staffing changes, and is a policy that should have been implemented years ago.\r\nGiven the short amount of time left in this year's Open Enrollment period, we request a response by December 11, 2019. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kerry Allen on Senator Hirono's staff at 202-224-9726 orkerry_allen@hirono.senate.gov.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-murkowski-urge-passage-of-bipartisan-resolution-to-recognize-critical-role-of-census-importance-of-full-and-accurate-count", "Schatz, Murkowski Urge Passage Of Bipartisan Resolution To Recognize Critical Role Of Census, Importance Of Full And Accurate Count", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz, Murkowski Urge Passage Of Bipartisan Resolution To Recognize Critical Role Of Census, Importance Of Full And Accurate Count \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 11, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Yesterday, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced a bipartisan resolutionto ensure the 2020 Census is fair and accurate. The resolution encourages individuals, families, and households across the United States to take part in the Census so that all communities can be counted.\r\nThe Census is mandated by the Constitution and plays a vital role in our democracy, ensuring that every person is counted and receives the representation and services they deserve, said Senator Schatz. This is an opportunity for us to make clear Congress' commitment to achieving an accurate count and reaching all communities.\r\nCensus data is essential for the government to make informed decisions about the future of its people and ensure that all Americans have equal representation. I'm proud to join Senator Schatz on this bipartisan resolution that recognizes the importance and the significance of the 2020 Census and ensures it is quick, concise, and easy to complete, said Senator Murkowski. As the largest and most rural state, Alaska has one of the hardest populations to count in the decennial U.S. Census. Accurate census data provides crucial information for research and planning purposes, directing fair funding allotments for the federal programs that are vital to rural and Native American populations, and enabling the enforcement of federal nondiscrimination laws. I'm glad to shine a spotlight on our efforts to ensure an accurate census and look forward to the first census count in the nation that will take place in Toksook Bay, Alaska in January 2020.\r\nThe 2020 Census is a constitutionally mandated undertaking. The data collected is used to properly allocate seats for the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures. It also directs more than $800 billion annually in federal funding to state and local communities.\r\nThe resolution recognizes the importance and significance of the 2020 Census and encourages all people to participate. It concludes that it is the civic duty of every person to ensure that the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible.\r\nThe Schatz-Murkowski resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D- Hawaii), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\r\nThe resolution is supported by a number of organizations including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, National the Association of Towns and Townships, the Census Project, NAACP, NALEO Educational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice  AAJC, National Congress of American Indians, Service Employees International Union, National Education Association, Nielsen, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and Google.\r\nFor a PDF copy of the resolution, click here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-secures-critical-priorities-for-hawaii-in-ndaa-conference-report", "Hirono Secures Critical Priorities for Hawaii in NDAA Conference Report", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2019\n\t\t\t Hirono Secures Critical Priorities for Hawaii in NDAA Conference Report \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Legislation includes Hirono-authored provisions to improve child safety and care in military communities, over $424 million in Hawaii military construction, and starts a 20-year investment plan to modernize Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, successfully secured important provisions for Hawaii in the Conference Report for the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Senator Hirono served as a member of the Conference Committee, which reconciled differences between the House and Senate-passed versions of the NDAA  a bill that sets policy and funding levels for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy.\r\nFor a state where the military is a significant pillar of our economy, the NDAA is one of the most important pieces of legislation Congress passes every year and is particularly impactful for Hawaii,Senator Hirono said.As a member of the NDAA Conference Committee, I fought successfully to include important provisions to support service members and their families, improve conditions in military housing, invest in our security in the Indo-Pacific region, jumpstart a 20-year modernization effort at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, and provide over $424 million for critical military construction projects. I look forward to Congress's swift passage of this legislation.\r\nAmong the many provisions she secured in this year's NDAA, Senator Hirono obtained and supported provisions to improve the infrastructure and capabilities of U.S. Armed Forces in the Indo-Pacific region. These includeexpansion of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative,increased funding for Navy ship maintenance, and assessments of the Navy's presence and activities in the Indo-Pacific region.\r\nSenator Hirono continued her advocacy for enhancements to the Department of Defense's energy resilience efforts, and supported provisions to require each military service to maintain an Assistant Secretary for Energy, Installations, and Environment and develop military installation resilience plans.\r\nAs part of her continued work to improve military housing conditions for service members and their families, Senator Hirono secured a provision that modifies Evan's Law to require that windows in privatized military housing 42 inches or lower off the floor be equipped with a window fall prevention device. Evan's Law was added to the Fiscal Year 2018 NDAA following the death of a child who fell from a window in military housing in Hawaii. Inadequate access to safe, quality child care is a major stress for service members that are parents which can impact readiness. To help expand access to quality child care, Senator Hirono authored a provision that significantly reduces the length of the hiring process for qualified child care providers on military installations by expanding the direct hire authority of military housing office personnel. Both of these provisions support efforts to ensure the safety of children in military housing. Senator Hirono and her colleagues also worked to include improvements to the Department of Defense's oversight of military housing and reforms to provide better housing conditions for service members.\r\nSenator Hirono worked with her colleagues on the Readiness Subcommittee to include $424.578 million for Hawaii military construction projects in the NDAA. Hawaii military construction projects include:\r\n \r\n$60.0 million for Fort Shafter's Command and Control Facility\r\n$65.490 million for Kaneohe Bay's Bachelor Enlisted Quarters\r\n$53.790 million for Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam's Magazine Consolidation\r\n$4.0 million for Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam to Install a 500KW Covered Parking PV System and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations\r\n$67.7 million for Navy Operational Facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam\r\n$173.598 million for the Homeland Defense Radar in Hawaii\r\n \r\nAdditional Provisions that Benefit Hawaii:\r\nStrengthening U.S. Force Posture in the Indo-Pacific:The NDAA includes Senator Hirono's provisions to expand the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative to include countries collectively referred to as Oceania, and strengthen our security commitments to the governments of Japan and the Republic of Korea and encourage continued trilateral cooperation.\r\nContinuing Support of Service members, Families, and Federal Workers: The NDAA provides a 3.1 percent pay raise for our troops, 12 weeks of paid parental leave for all federal civilian employees, and ensures that civilian employees are not taxed for their relocation expenses when transferring to a new state or duty station as part of their federal employment.\r\nThe bill also includes a provision that Senator Hirono supported to phase-out the requirement that a surviving spouse's Survivor Benefit Program (SBP) benefits be reduced by the amount of Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC).\r\nThe Senator successfully included a provision to authorize the Secretary of Defense to allow, settle, and pay an administrative claim against the U.S. for personal injury or death as a result of medical malpractice caused by a Department of Defense health care provider.\r\nSenator Hirono also worked to authorize $40.0 million in Impact Aid for schools with military dependent students and $10.0 million in Impact Aid for children with severe disabilities.\r\nStrengthening Energy Resilience:Senator Hirono authored an amendment that improves the Annual Energy Management and Resilience Report, establishes targets for water and energy use efficiency, and requires a five year plan to fund the Department's energy program offices to meet the Department's energy resilience goals and objectives.\r\nThe Conference Report also includes Senator Hirono's provision to award prizes as part of competitions for advanced technology achievements relevant to defense missions.\r\nImproving Business Opportunities for Native Hawaiian Organizations:Senator Hirono worked with Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) to include a provision which raises the threshold applicable to certain Department of Defense contracts from $20 million to $100 million.\r\nReadiness and Environmental Protection:Senator Hirono worked to include$25.0 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI), a program that creates partnerships between the Department of Defense, state and local governments, and conservation NGOs to address factors that inhibit military training or operations.\r\nClick here to download a detailed summary of the FY2020 NDAA Conference Report.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-combat-child-sexual-exploitation-expected-to-be-signed-into-law", "Schatz Legislation To Combat Child Sexual Exploitation Expected To Be Signed Into Law", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Legislation To Combat Child Sexual Exploitation Expected To Be Signed Into Law \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t New Law Will Crack Down On Trafficking Of Child Pornography On Defense Department Network; Report Found Child Pornography Activity From More Than 5,000 Individuals Affiliated with DoD  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 10, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  The End National Defense (END) Network Abuse Act, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), was included in the annual must-pass National Defense Authorization Act and is expected to be signed into law. The END Network Abuse Act will help the Pentagon stop the unacceptable use of the Defense Department's (DoD) network to view, possess, trade, procure, and even produce child pornography.\r\nThis law will give our military leaders the tools they need to get rid of child pornography on DoD's network, go after offenders, and protect innocent and vulnerable children, said Senator Schatz.\r\nAcross the internet, more than 45 million online images and videos of child sexual abuse material were reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.\r\nIn 2018, the DoD's network ranked 19th out of 2,891 networks nationwide when it came to peer-to-peer file trading of child pornography. Coupled with these troubling statistics is a lack of training and law enforcement tools for the DoD to take on child sexual exploitation.\r\nThe END Network Abuse Act would upgrade the training and technical capacity of military criminal investigative organizations to confront the misuse of the DoD's computers, facilities, and equipment to access and trade child pornography. It would also require the DoD to enter into collaborative agreements with appropriate federal, state and local law enforcement entities, child protection organizations, trauma informed health care providers, and targeted social services.\r\nThe END Network Abuse Act is supported by a number of organizations including the National Children's Alliance, National Children's Advocacy Center, National Criminal Justice Training Center, American Prosecutor's Association, National District Attorney's Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Safe States Alliance, and Thorn.\r\nFor a summary of the END Network Abuse Act, click here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-improve-emergency-alert-system-included-in-must-pass-bipartisan-deal", "Schatz Legislation To Improve Emergency Alert System Included In Must-Pass Bipartisan Deal", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Legislation To Improve Emergency Alert System Included In Must-Pass Bipartisan Deal \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t ALERT Act Will Give Federal Government Primary Responsibility Of Notifying the Public Of A Missile Threat; Deal Expected To Easily Pass Congress And Be Signed Into Law \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 10, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Bipartisan congressional negotiators released details of the annual must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which includes the Authenticating Local Emergencies and Real Threats (ALERT) Act, legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). The ALERT Act, which was introduced following the false emergency alert that went out across Hawaii in January 2018, will improve the emergency alert system and give the federal government the primary responsibility of alerting the public of a missile threat.\r\nThese alerts save lives, so we have to get it right, said Senator Schatz. The federal government is always the first to know of a missile threat and they should be responsible for telling the rest of us.\r\nState and local governments have been largely responsible for alerting the public of threats from natural disasters and severe weather. With various government agencies issuing alerts, the system has relied on an inconsistent patchwork of technologies and procedures established by each agency. The false alarm in Hawaii highlighted some of the weaknesses in the state's emergency alert system, which had a poorly designed user interface and did not have a sufficient verification system or computer redundancies to help prevent mistakes. The incident made clear the need for federal standards in the system and called into question the state's responsibility to issue a missile alert.\r\nSchatz's legislation will strengthen the way state and local governments use the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, the FEMA platform used by emergency management professionals across the country to issue warnings.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-protect-military-bases-from-extreme-weather-set-to-become-law", "Schatz Legislation To Protect Military Bases From Extreme Weather Set To Become Law", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Legislation To Protect Military Bases From Extreme Weather Set To Become Law \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 10, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  The Requiring Every American Defense Installation to Nullify Environmental Stresses for Security (READINESS) Act, legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) is set to become law. The Schatz provision, which was included in the must-pass annual defense authorize bill, will protect military bases from extreme weather events by requiring them to prepare for potential disasters and other risks posed by severe changes in environmental conditions.\r\nOur military cannot afford to ignore extreme weather as it becomes more frequent and severe, said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Our new law will make sure we build stronger and more resilient military bases so that our armed forces can continue to protect American interests at home and around the world.\r\nThe new law will require that all Department of Defense bases have military installation resilience plans that:\r\n \r\nInclude the current risks and threats to military resilience resulting from extreme weather events, change in sea level, flooding, and wildfiresand describe the impact on critical infrastructure inside and outside the military base that are necessary to its mission;\r\nInclude the future risks and threats to military resilience during the 50-year lifespan of the base resulting from extreme weather events and other environmental conditions;\r\nDescribe the projects necessary to mitigate the identified risks to the military baseincluding the costs and types of agreements with community stakeholders necessary to execute the military installation resilience plan; and\r\nUse projections from recognized governmental and scientific entities, such as the National Academies of Sciences, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Global Change Research Office, to inform future risk assessments.\r\n \r\nPersistent flooding, drought, and wildfires pose the most significant threats to base operations and resilience for each of the military services. In the last year, multi-billion dollar storms destroyed Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, displacing the F-22 Joint Strike Fighter mission there, and devastated large parts of Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, from where the Marine Corps' II Marine Expeditionary Force deploys. In the spring, Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, home of the U.S. Strategic Command, was severely damaged by the major flooding that affected the Midwest.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-bill-promote-ocean-clean-energy-projects", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Bill to Promote Ocean Clean Energy Projects", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) was joined by Rep. Ed Case (HI-01) in introducing H.R.5375, the E. Cooper Brown Ocean Clean Energy Act of 2019. This bill would provide a 15% investment tax credit for Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) and resume the investment tax credit for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). These clean energy technologies will help address some of the most pressing energy production, energy consumption, and environmental issues faced by urban and coastal communities.\n\nAs our nation and planet are facing serious environmental threats, states like Hawaii are helping lead the way to a clean energy future, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. My legislation will help encourage investment in sustainable, diverse, and clean energy. This will also create new, good paying jobs in communities across the country, help end our unsustainable addiction to fossil fuels, and support the growing movement for a 100% clean energy economy.\n\nJust as we jump-started early research and development for now-established alternate energy sources like solar and wind, so should we also for environmentally sustainable and economically viable forms of ocean-sourced energy, said Rep. Ed Case. One especially promising form is seawater air conditioning, already underway in Hawai'i cooling buildings without electricity and reducing the use of ozone-depleting substances like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which contribute to global warming. The tax credit in this bill will incentivize the private sector to further develop this technology, which has already proven to be an efficient and sustainable source of replacement energy.\n\nBackground:Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a marine technology using the difference of temperature between deep cold ocean water and warm surface tropical water to produce carbon free electricity. Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) is a proven technology that safely harnesses deep cold water of oceans and lakes to provide air conditioning. OTEC and SWAC is fuel free, has a low environmental impact, can supply pure water for both drinking and agriculture, can supply refrigeration and cooling and can provide a coastal community with reliable energy.\n\nHawaii's clean energy goals are the most aggressive in the nation, forging the way as a world leader in clean energy by committing to achieve 100 percent clean energy by 2045. Hawaii is at the forefront of research exploring ways to meet these goals. Today, there will be a ceremony for a new wave energy conversion buoy at the Naval Wave Energy Test Site at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.\n\nThe bill was named after the late E. Cooper Brown, an environmental lawyer, who fought for marginalized communities and indigenous people. In his later years, Cooper developed a keen interest in the environmental benefits of developing clean ocean energy technologies to reach commercial fruition. His most recent work was on developing incentives for the private sector to assist in the commercial development of OTEC and SWAC. Language on a new Ocean Energy Act was finalized but unfortunately, Mr. Brown never saw the final draft and passed away after a long fight with cancer.\n\nRep. Tulsi Gabbard has been a leader in Congress advocating for divestment from fossil fuels as well as ending our nation's fossil fuel subsidies and expanding our country's investment in green renewable energy. In the 115th Congress, she introduced H.R.3671, the Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act -- more commonly referred to as the OFF Act  which transitions the nation from fossil fuel energy sources to clean energy sources  stimulating our economy, supporting our working men and women, and protecting our environment. The bill gained strong support among environmental groups across the country.\n\nShe has supported the extension of renewable energy tax credits, which have helped propel the development of clean energy in Hawaii.\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-introduces-bill-fight-invasive-spittlebug", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Introduces Bill to Fight Invasive Spittlebug", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCYesterday, Reps. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Ed Case (HI-01) introduced H.R.5362, the Spittlebug Act, which would help fight the invasive Cercopoidea, or spittlebug. The legislation would authorize research and extension grants to develop ways to combat the spittlebug and also establish an areawide integrated pest management program to control the damage and spread of a spittlebug infestation.\n\nSpittlebugs threaten our precious ecosystems by damaging our farms, agricultural production, and the environment. While a spittlebug infestation has already negatively affected our grasslands in West Hawaii, other states across the country also face the challenge posed by this invasive species, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. My bill will support efforts to control this invasive species, find new ways in which we can protect our environment, and help protect our economy.\n\nOur grasslands are critical parts of our ecosystem and support critical industries like ranching, said Rep. Ed Case. The spittlebug already threatens grasslands in some thirty mainland states and now, since its discovery as an invasive species in 2016, our Hawaii. We must take integrated action now to prevent its spread and worsening impacts to our cattle industry and natural environment.\n\nBackground:Studies conducted by the University of Hawaii beginning in 2016 have shown that a spittlebug infestation initiates a chain reaction that begins with the ravaging of key pasture grasses, creating an opportunity for invasive grasses to grow rampant. These invasive grasses lower the quality of the pasturelands rendering it unproductive for livestock grazing. The latest report from November 2019 found about 142,468 acres of pasturelands infested with spittlebug, compared to 2,000 acres in September 2016.\n\nAcross the country, the spittlebug is ravishing forage and turf grasses on public and private lands. States most impacted include Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.\n\nRep. Tulsi Gabbard has been a leader in Congress on combating invasive species and fighting for sustainable agriculture. In Hawaii, invasive species, including the spittlebug, coffee berry borer, fire ant, fruit flies, and macadamia felted coccid and others cost our local farmers and agriculture industry millions in lost revenue every year, threaten our unique ecosystem, agriculture, and waterways, as well as our food supply and public health. Tulsi successfully secured research and development funding to help Hawaii farmers fight back against the macadamia felted coccid that has destroyed farms and threatened the livelihoods of dozens of communities in last year's Farm bill. Tulsi has introduced the Areawide Integrated Pest Management (AIPM) Act and Macadamia Tree Health Initiative to support long-term and sustainable solutions to fight invasive species in Hawaii and across the country.\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-urges-president-sign-bipartisan-bill-preserving-indigenous", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Urges President to Sign Bipartisan Bill Preserving Indigenous Languages", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) called on President Trump to quickly sign into law S.256, the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act, which was passed by the House yesterday and now awaits the President's signature. Rep. Gabbard is a cosponsor of the House's version of the bill, H.R.912. The bill would reauthorize grants that preserve American Indian languages and expands them to cover smaller groups of learners.\n\nWe must continue to support the revitalization and preservation of lelo Hawaii and other Native American languages. It has been a long but important movement and this year Hawaii has received over $1 million in support for Native Hawaiian language immersion programs through grants that would be reauthorized by this bill,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The President must quickly sign this bill into law. Preserving the Native Hawaiian language is vital to Hawaii's culture and connects us to one another as well as our environment.\n\nBackground:Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is a cosponsor of the House version of this bill, H.R.912, the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act.\n\nRep. Gabbard worked with the bill's sponsor to secure additional cosponsors and has long championed Native American, Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian issues  including preserving language and culture. She has fought for funding and improvements for the Native Hawaiian Education Act, met with parents and educators in the Native Hawaiian Community, and celebrated the Hawaiian language and the successes of the Hawaiian language education programs.\n\n\nBoth the House and Senate versions of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act enjoy bipartisan support. The House version of the bill has over 230 cosponsors. The bill would reauthorize grants that preserve American Indian languages and expands them to cover smaller groups of learners. These programs were named for Esther Martinez, also known as P'oe Tsawa or Blue Water, who helped conserve the native Tewa language spoken in New Mexico pueblos as a teacher and storyteller until her death in a 2006 auto accident.\n\nThe previous authorization expired in 2012; this bill would reauthorize the program for five years. Biennial evaluations by the Department of Health and Human Services show the program increases fluency with 4,000 speakers and trains 170-280 Native language teachers each year. This bill has widespread, bipartisan support from Indian Country, teachers unions, and educational and linguistic consortia, who are urging final passage to reauthorize these vital language programs.\n\nEsther Martinez grant programs are administered by the Administration for Native Americans at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)  this includes the Native American Languages Preservation and Maintenance (P&M) grant program and the Esther Martinez Initiative (EMI) grant program.\n\nIn 2016, three grantees were awarded funding: Te Taki -Tokelau Community Training & Development, Inc., Papahana Kuaola, Aha Kane - Foundation for the Advancement of Native Hawaiian. The 2019 Pacific Region grantees include four institutions located on Oahu:\nKai Loa, Inc., Papahana Kuaola, Papakolea Community Development Corporation, and Kulaniakea.\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/bipartisan-deal-includes-schatz-legislation-providing-paid-parental-leave-for-2-million-federal-workers-across-the-country", "Bipartisan Deal Includes Schatz Legislation Providing Paid Parental Leave For 2 Million Federal Workers Across The Country", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Deal Includes Schatz Legislation Providing Paid Parental Leave For 2 Million Federal Workers Across The Country \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Schatz's Provision Will Provide Federal Workers With 12 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave; Under Current Law, Federal Workers Who Take Leave to Care For A New Child Are Left Without Pay \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 9, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, congressional leaders released the details of the annual defense authorization bill, which includes a provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that will provide 2 million federal workers with 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a new child after birth, adoption, or the initiation of foster care. At introduction, Schatz's provision was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.).\r\nIf this is enacted, it will mean that public servants won't have to make the impossible choice of getting a paycheck or taking care of their children,said Senator Schatz.This is a big win for unions and the more than 2 million federal workers who serve our country every day.\r\nAlthough the current Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care of a new child, it does not provide any paid leave. For too many Americans, hard work doesn't pay off. If we truly value the dignity of work, we need to recognize that paid family leave is something all workers should have the opportunity to earn,said Senator Brown.I'm glad to see the paid parental leave provision included in the defense authorization bill. This is an important step for federal employees, as we continue to invest in our workforce and ensure that hard work is rewarded for all workers.\r\nWe have been fighting for years to provide paid family leave to workers throughout the country. With this agreement, the federal government will finally start to lead by example  providing paid parental leave to its workforce. We will continue fighting until all working families around the nation receive paid family and medical leave benefits,said Senator Van Hollen.\r\nFederal workers dedicate their careers to helping keep America running,said Senator Merkley.I'm pleased that this year's NDAA will include a critical provision to give them the paid leave they need to be there for their families during life's important moments. This is a major step towards an America where every worker has access to paid family leave, and I urge all of my colleagues to join us in that fight.\r\nStudies have shown that providing paid leave for federal employees would save the government at least $50 million annually in turnover and replacement costs. Federal agencies are already struggling to recruit and retain young talent. Just 6 percent of the federal workforce is under the age of 30, while roughly 40 percent of the workforce is eligible to retire within the next three years.\r\nSchatz's provision is supported by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), the Federal-Postal Coalition, and the National Partnership for Women & Families.\r\nAFGE has been fighting to provide all federal workers with paid family leave for decades, and the provision in this year's National Defense Authorization Act is a large step in the right direction for full family leave. The hard work by our members is finally beginning to pay off. This new paid benefit will help federal employees better balance their work and home lives, and it will give agencies a needed advantage when recruiting and retaining workers to carry out critical missions on behalf of our country,saidEverett Kelley, National Secretary-Treasurer of AFGE.I want to thank Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Representative Carolyn Maloney of New York for their leadership and tireless efforts to reach consensus on this important issue.\r\nFederal employees are incredibly grateful for the leadership of Sen. Schatz on the critical issue of paid parental leave,said Tony Reardon, President of NTEU.This program will strengthen the federal workforce by providing our country's employees with the time they need to welcome new members of the family and the ability to return to work knowing their family has been cared for. NTEU members have repeatedly asked Congress for paid parental leave and Sen. Schatz is a powerful ally in bringing this program to fruition.\r\nI know firsthand how much this policy will benefit women of color. After graduating from high school in my hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii, I got the exciting opportunity to be a public servant and join the government as a GS-1. I went on to have a long career in the federal government that would forever shape my life. This benefit will improve the economic security of federal employees who need time to bond with and care for new children. And while we celebrate today's victory, we continue to call on Congress to pass comprehensive paid family and medical leave for all working people,said Erika Moritsugu, Vice President for Economic Justice at the National Partnership for Women & Families.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-duckworth-colleagues-seek-input-from-environmental-justice-leaders-on-ways-to-address-climate-change-", "Schatz, Duckworth, Colleagues Seek Input from Environmental Justice Leaders on Ways to Address Climate Change", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz, Duckworth, Colleagues Seek Input from Environmental Justice Leaders on Ways to Address Climate Change  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 9, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), members of the U.S. Senate Democrat'sSpecial Committee on the Climate Crisis, led 15 of her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to leaders of the environmental justice movement asking for input on policy that could help mitigate the impacts of climate change in low-income communities and communities of color that have borne the brunt of our environmental burdens for generations.\r\nIn part, the letter states: It is well past time for Congress to partner with you and your communities in taking action to address the risks and impacts associated with climate change. Generations of economic and racial inequality have disproportionately exposed workers, communities of color, and others to low wages, toxic pollution, and climate threats. We must commit to justice in our Nation's environmental and economic policies by ensuring that climate change solutions benefit the hardest hit workers and communities. Simply put, special attention must be given to the industries and communities that are most likely to be impacted by the effects of climate change and the transition to a clean economy.\r\nA full copy of the letter is available below and online here.\r\nDear Leaders in the Environmental Justice Movement:\r\nWe are writing to request your guidance on how to best address the impacts of climate change in your communities. As you know, for centuries, low-income communities and communities of color have borne the brunt of our environmental burdens. As such, we would like to hear directly from you, leaders who are key voices for your communities, about the threats you are seeing from climate change and what policies we need to address these challenges.\r\nIt is well past time for Congress to partner with you and your communities in taking action to address the risks and impacts associated with climate change. Generations of economic and racial inequality have disproportionately exposed workers, communities of color, and others to low wages, toxic pollution, and climate threats. We must commit to justice in our Nation's environmental and economic policies by ensuring that climate change solutions benefit the hardest hit workers and communities. Simply put, special attention must be given to the industries and communities that are most likely to be impacted by the effects of climate change and the transition to a clean economy.\r\nTo ensure that priority issues for low-income communities and communities of color are front and center of any plan seeking to address climate change, we request your assistance on developing the following policy issues:\r\n \r\nRobust federal funding for existing programs, like enforcement and monitoring at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has an important role to play as we seek immediate solutions to help your communities. Are there current federal programs that address environmental justice concerns that are currently not being funded by Congress and the Trump Administration that require prioritization? In your answer, please provide real-life examples on how funding cuts and efforts to relax EPA enforcement cases are negatively impacting your community.\r\nAddressing the cumulative impacts of environmental pollution and increasing climate risks that burden low-income communities and communities of color is a critical priority. What tools, policies, regulations, and programs have proven particularly useful in addressing cumulative environmental impacts?\r\nLow-income communities, communities of color, and workers must have equitable access to energy efficiency savings and clean, affordable energy and transportation choices. What barriers exist for your community to access clean energy and transportation and are there policies that have been successful at addressing them that the federal government should prioritize? \r\nIn addition to legislative solutions to address climate change, we are interested in ensuring existing regulatory tools and programs are used to the greatest extent possible. What action plans within existing authorities, both regulatory and programmatic, can be used improve climate change mitigation and resilience in your communities?\r\nAs you plan for the future of your community and bring up the next generation, what are the actions you would like to see the federal government take to build your future capacity to respond to climate change and environmental challenges? \r\n \r\nYour knowledge and experience on these issues is invaluable, and we look forward to receiving your input.Our hope is that the questions above help stimulate discussion; they are not intended to limit your response.\r\nYou can respond by writing or by a phone interview. We would appreciate your response by January 31, 2020. Please note in your response if you do not want your comments to be posted publicly or quoted in a summary report.\r\nPlease feel free to reach out to Radha Adhar (202) 224-2324, Kenneth Martin (202) 2240-1373, or Christine Blackburn (202) 224-3173 with any questions.\r\nWe thank you for considering our request.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-hawaii-state-bird-recovery-downlisting", "Schatz Statement On Hawaii State Bird Recovery, Downlisting", "2019-12-08", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Statement On Hawaii State Bird Recovery, Downlisting \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSunday, December 8, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nHONOLULU  Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) released the following statement on the downlisting of Hawaii's state bird, the nene, from endangered to threatened.\r\nThe recovery of the nene shows how the Endangered Species Act is supposed to work. With a science-based recovery plan and a strong partnership between the state and federal governments, the species has gradually rebounded. We have a long way to go before the nene is completely recovered, and it will require continued protections, but this is an important milestone. I thank the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the many environmental organizations and volunteers who have worked to save our iconic state bird.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-the-78th-anniversary-of-the-attack-on-pearl-harbor", "Schatz Statement On The 78th Anniversary Of The Attack On Pearl Harbor", "2019-12-07", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Statement On The 78th Anniversary Of The Attack On Pearl Harbor \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSaturday, December 7, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t  HONOLULU  Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) released the following statement on the 78th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Seventy-eight years ago, more than 2,400 American patriots lost their lives at Pearl Harbor. Today, we remember their service, salute their heroism, and honor their families. We also give thanks to the veterans and survivors who answered the call to defend our nation. The Greatest Generation faced one of the darkest moments in human history with bravery and resolve. They achieved what President Roosevelt foretold would be their inevitable triumph: they defeated the forces of tyranny and secured freedom for all the generations that followed. Let us draw from their strength, learn from their love of country, and always strive to live up to their example.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-shooting-incident-at-joint-base-pearl-harbor-hickam", "Schatz Statement On Shooting Incident At Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Statement On Shooting Incident At Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 5, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) released the following statement on the shooting incident at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.\r\nOur thoughts are with all of the people affected by this tragedy, especially the families of the victims. For over a century, the Navy, their local civilian colleagues, and the greater Pearl Harbor community have worked together every day to protect our nation. That legacy is deeply woven into our history and our state. While we honor the memory of those whose lives were tragically cut short, we also offer our gratitude to the Navy and local first responders who quickly took action with skill and courage.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-the-shooting-incident-at-joint-base-pearl-harbor-hickam", "Hirono Statement on the Shooting Incident at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 04, 2019\n\t\t\t Hirono Statement on the Shooting Incident at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono issued the following statement following the shooting incident at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.\r\nWhile the investigation into this incident continues, my thoughts and aloha are with the victims of the terrible tragedy at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and with their families. I join all of Hawaii in expressing our gratitude to the first responders who rush toward danger every day to keep us safe.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-secures-commitment-from-navy-to-build-new-drydock-at-pearl-harbor-naval-shipyard", "Senator Hirono Secures Commitment from Navy to Build New Drydock at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Hirono Secures Commitment from Navy to Build New Drydock at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard\n               \n              \n              Senator Hirono Secures Commitment from Navy to Build New Drydock at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard\nConnect with Senator Mazie Hirono Online:\nVisit Senator Mazie Hirono's WEBSITE: https://sen.gov/Z7ZK\nLike Senator Mazie Hirono on FACEBOOK: https://sen.gov/W7WW\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on TWITTER: https://sen.gov/X5X0\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on INSTAGRAM: https://sen.gov/Y1YZ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-works-to-fix-census-bureau-interior-department-underpay-error-bring-back-17-million-for-citizens-of-cofa-nations-to-hawaii", "Hawaii Delegation Works To Fix Census Bureau, Interior Department Underpay Error, Bring Back $17 Million For Citizens Of COFA Nations To Hawaii", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hawaii Delegation Works To Fix Census Bureau, Interior Department Underpay Error, Bring Back $17 Million For Citizens Of COFA Nations To Hawaii \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Delegation Demands Answers On Misallocation Of Funds, Calls For Fair Repayment To Protect Funding For Hawaii And Territories; Interior Department, Census Bureau Admit Error, Underpayment To Hawaii, Overpayment To Territories Over Five Years \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 4, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) and Ed Case (D-Hawaii) demanded answers from the Census Bureau and the Department of the Interior (DOI) on an error the Bureau made in the 2013 and 2018 counts of Compact of Free Association (COFA) citizens in Hawaii that resulted in an underpayment of $17 million in federal funds to the state. The delegation called for a fair repayment of the lost funds to ensure that Hawaii and the territories would not pay for the federal agencies' mistakes.\r\nThis aid is essential to support services for COFA citizens, including healthcare benefits, education programs, transportation services, and law enforcement and public safety services in the affected jurisdictions. The misallocation of funding has certainly caused lasting disruptions for the affected jurisdictions, the delegation wrote in their letter to the Census Bureau and the DOI. It is essential to the negotiated trust responsibility that the Department of the Interior, supervised by the Census Bureau, accurately count all COFA citizens in the affected jurisdictions to distribute necessary mandatory aid required by law.\r\nLate last month, the Bureau and the DOI briefed the offices of Hawaii's congressional delegation on the erroneous counts and the resulting misallocation of federal dollars to the state, but provided no details on how the error occurred and how it was discovered.\r\nWhile the federal agencies have admitted their mistake, their proposal to restore the funding by cutting payments to Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands over three years is unfair and further erodes the trust between the federal government and the states and territories impacted by the error.\r\nIn response, the delegation called for a quick and fair repayment to Hawaii, urging congressional authorizers to restore funding to the state while protecting funding for the territories.\r\nThese errors placed inequitable burdens on Hawaii, undercutting the state's ability to provide important services to its residents as well as COFA citizens living in Hawaii. Any solution to this problem should ensure that Hawaii receive its fair allocation of mandatory assistance without harming the other affected jurisdictions. Neither Hawaii nor any of the other affected jurisdictions were responsible for the mistakes made, the delegation wrote to congressional leaders with the power to authorize funding for citizens of COFA nations.\r\nIn addition to Hawaii's congressional delegation, the letters were signed by U.S. Representatives Michael F.Q. San Nicolas (D-Guam), Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands), and Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa).\r\nThe letter to the Census Bureau and the Department of the Interior is available here.\r\nThe letter to congressional leaders is available here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-questions-military-leaders-on-housing-conditions-at-sasc", "Senator Hirono Questions Military Leaders on Housing Conditions at SASC", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Hirono Questions Military Leaders on Housing Conditions at SASC\n               \n              \n              Senator Hirono Questions Military Leaders on Housing Conditions at Senate Armed Services Committee.\nConnect with Senator Mazie Hirono Online:\nVisit Senator Mazie Hirono's WEBSITE: https://sen.gov/Z7ZK\nLike Senator Mazie Hirono on FACEBOOK: https://sen.gov/W7WW\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on TWITTER: https://sen.gov/X5X0\nFollow Senator Mazie Hirono on INSTAGRAM: https://sen.gov/Y1YZ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-16-senators-in-reintroducing-legislation-to-help-protect-peoples-personal-data-online", "Schatz Leads Group Of 16 Senators In Reintroducing Legislation To Help Protect Peoples Personal Data Online", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Leads Group Of 16 Senators In Reintroducing Legislation To Help Protect People's Personal Data Online \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Data Care Act Will Stop Websites And Apps From Using Personal Data To Harm Users, Protect User Information From Hacks, And Hold Companies Accountable For Misuse \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 3, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), the top Democrat on the Senate Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee, led a group of 16 senators in reintroducing legislation to protect people's personal data online. The Data Care Act would require websites, apps, and other online providers to take responsible steps to safeguard personal information and stop the misuse of users' data.\r\nPeople have a basic expectation that the personal information that is collected by websites and apps is well-protected and won't be used to harm them. Just as doctors and lawyers are expected to protect and responsibly use the personal data they hold, online companies should be required to do the same. Our bill will help make sure that when people give online companies their information, it won't be abused, said Senator Schatz.\r\nDoctors, lawyers, and bankers are legally required to exercise special care to protect their clients and not misuse their information. While online companies also hold personal and sensitive information about the people they serve, they are not required to protect consumers' data. This leaves users in a vulnerable position; they are expected to understand the information they give to providers and how it is being used  an unreasonable expectation for even the most tech-savvy consumer. By establishing an explicit duty for online providers, Americans can trust that their online data is protected and used in a responsible way.\r\nSchatz's Data Care Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).\r\nThe Data Care Act establishes reasonable duties that will require providers to protect user data and will prohibit providers from using user data to their detriment:\r\n \r\nDuty of Care  Must reasonably secure individual identifying data and promptly inform users of data breaches that involve sensitive information;\r\nDuty of Loyalty  May not use individual identifying data in ways that harm users;\r\nDuty of Confidentiality  Must ensure that the duties of care and loyalty extend to third parties when disclosing, selling, or sharing individual identifying data;\r\nFederal and State Enforcement  A violation of the duties will be treated as a violation of an FTC rule with fine authority. States may also bring civil enforcement actions, but the FTC can intervene. States and the FTC may go after both first- and third-party data collectors.\r\nRulemaking Authority  FTC is granted rulemaking authority to implement the Act.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-tulsi-gabbard-s-and-will-hurd-s-giving-tuesday-resolution-supports", "Reps. Tulsi Gabbards and Will Hurds Giving Tuesday Resolution Supports Americans Volunteerism and Charity", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Rep. Will Hurd (TX-23) called on the House to pass their bipartisan resolution, H.Res.709, and recognize the significant and positive impact that American volunteers and charitable giving have on communities across the country. Giving Tuesday is designated as the first Tuesday after the Thanksgiving weekend.\n\nRecognizing Giving Tuesday' is a great reminder that the spirit of giving, respect, kindness, and generosity can build bridges that transcend the divisiveness that is tearing our country apart,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. This spirit of aloha reminds us that we are all God's children, we are all brothers and sisters, and are therefore inspired to respect and care for one another. This is how we can begin to heal the divisive wounds in our nation and come together as fellow Americans. I'm grateful to join my friend and colleague, Rep. Will Hurd, once again to recognize the spirit of Giving Tuesday' and the acts of kindness occurring all across our country.\n\nEach year the season of giving serves as an important reminder that much more unites us than divides us. For America to continue to be the greatest nation in the world we must be able to focus on what brings us together, said U.S. Rep. Will Hurd. Giving Tuesday' is the perfect example of how we can come together to help those in need across communities near and far, which is why I'm proud to join Rep. Tulsi Gabbard today in this bipartisan effort to recognize Giving Tuesday' and honor all the great Americans lending helping hands across this great nation.\n\nBackground:Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been the Democratic co-lead on the Giving Tuesday resolution since 2014, having jointly introduced the bipartisan resolution with Rep. Will Hurd (TX-23) in 2017 and 2018.\n\nGiving Tuesday was launched by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation in 2012, and has since become a worldwide movement, harnessing the power of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change. In its first year, Giving Tuesday brought together more than 2,500 organizations in all 50 States, and it has continued to gain momentum every year since, with more than 35,000 partners in the United States and around the world.\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/26-million-in-new-federal-disaster-relief-funding-headed-to-hawaii", "$26 Million In New Federal Disaster Relief Funding Headed To Hawaii", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$26 Million In New Federal Disaster Relief Funding Headed To Hawaii \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t New Funding Brings Total Federal Disaster Relief Funding For Hawaii To More Than Half A Billion Dollars; Schatz Worked With State And County, Federal Agencies To Ensure Hawaii Received Its Fair Share Of New Federal Grants \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 2, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that Hawaii will receive $26 million in new federal disaster relief funding. The new Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funding adds to the $71 million announced earlier this year, and will help state and local governments rebuild impacted communities, especially in low- and moderate-income areas, and provide resources to help businesses recover. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, worked with federal agencies and state and county officials to ensure Hawaii submitted a strong application to receive the maximum amount of funding. The new funding allocation was part of the $1.7 billion housing disaster recovery package Congress passed last year.\r\nAs the recovery process continues, this new federal funding will be a big help. It's also another indication of the strong partnership between our state and our federal agencies, said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. I will continue to fight for federal resources at every opportunity to help Hawaii recover.\r\nWith the $26 million in housing and community development grants announced today, Hawaii has now been allocated more than a half a billion dollars in federal disaster relief funding to help the state recover from the historic storms in April 2018, Hurricane Lane, and the eruption of Kilauea on Hawaii Island including:\r\n \r\n$15.3 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in individual assistance to help people who have lost their home;\r\n$205 million from FEMA in public assistance to help local and state governments clean up and repair public infrastructure such as facilities, parks, and water lines;\r\n$93.1 million from the Department of Transportation to help rebuild roads and highways;\r\n$80 million from the Department of the Interior to help repair damages at the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory and the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge;\r\n$71 million from the Department of Housing & Urban Development for housing and community development;\r\n$47.2 million from the Small Business Administration in subsidized loans to help individuals and businesses pay for repairs not covered by insurance;\r\n$4 million from the Department of Labor in Disaster UnemploymentInsurance to help those who lost their job temporarily or permanently because of a disaster and are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits; and\r\n$187,000 from the Economic Development Administration to provide technical assistance for economic development activities in disaster impacted areas.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-attends-blessing-of-west-loch-solar-project", "Senator Hirono Attends Blessing of West Loch Solar Project", "2019-12-01", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Hirono Attends Blessing of West Loch Solar Project\n               \n              \n              Hawaii is leading the way in transitioning to a more sustainable energy future with the opening of the West Loch Solar Project. This partnership between \nHawaiian Electric and our military is helping HI achieve its renewable energy goals all the while improving our energy security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-visits-lanikai-brewing-and-manoa-chocolate-for-smallbusinesssaturday", "Senator Hirono Visits Lanikai Brewing and Manoa Chocolate for #SmallBusinessSaturday.", "2019-12-01", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Hirono Visits Lanikai Brewing and Manoa Chocolate for #SmallBusinessSaturday.\n               \n              \n              Happy #SmallBusinessSaturday! There are over 100,000 small businesses in Hawaii run by hard working entrepreneurs like Dylan from Manoa Chocolate and Steve from Lanikai Brewing. This holiday season, #ShopSmall. They would love to see all of you today!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-introduces-resolution-withdraw-us-troops-guarding-oil-fields", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Introduces Resolution to Withdraw U.S. Troops Guarding Oil Fields From Syria", "2019-11-27", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) introduced H.Con.Res.77 which would require the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria who are currently based there, without Constitutionally-required Congressional authorization, at President Trump's directive to secure Syrian oil fields.\n\nOur troops put their lives on the line to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and ensure the safety and security of the American people. President Trump's deployment of US troops to secure Syrian oil fields that do not belong to us, with talks of welcoming in private oil corporations to take the oil, is unconstitutional and a violation of International Law. Syria's natural resources belong to the Syrian people, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Congress must fulfill its Constitutional mandate and vote for this resolution to bring our troops home from Syria.\n\nThe resolution is supported by Demand Progress and Just Foreign Policy.\n\nCongress has not authorized troops to secure oil' in Syria or to participate in hostilities against the governments of Russia, Iran, or Syria, said Erik Sperling, Executive Director of the non-profit organization Just Foreign Policy. Under Article I of the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the President cannot deploy troops into hostilities without prior Congressional authorization. I commend Rep. Gabbard for introducing this resolution which will compel all members of the House to vote yes or no on endless war in front of their constituents.\n\nBackground:Earlier this month, President Trump announced the removal of U.S. troops from northern Syria, transferring them to other locations within Syria or Iraq. The move provided the opening for Turkey to invade Syria and commence ethnic cleansing of the Syrian Kurds who have been trusted partners in the battle to defeat ISIS.\n\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-introduces-new-legislation-to-protect-workers-ensure-dignity-in-the-workplace", "Schatz Introduces New Legislation To Protect Workers, Ensure Dignity In The Workplace", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Introduces New Legislation To Protect Workers, Ensure Dignity In The Workplace \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Legislation Would Ensure Workers Receive Breaks To Eat Meals, Use The Restroom \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 26, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced the Treating Workers With Dignity Act, new legislation that would guarantee employees receive a break to eat a meal, use the restroom, or tend to their medical needs.\r\nAll workers deserve to be treated with dignity. You shouldn't have to worry about losing your job just because you need a break to eat a meal or use the restroom, said Senator Schatz. Our bill will extend these basic and essential rights to all workers.\r\nSchatz's legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.).\r\nIt is time we raise the bar for every worker in our country, and guarantee the right to take rest and meal breaks for all working people, said Senator Harris. I am proud to join my colleagues to introduce this important legislation which will take steps to ensure working people receive the dignity and respect they deserve.\r\nUnder current federal law, employers in the United States have no legal obligation to provide workers a break in order to eat a meal, use the restroom, or tend to their medical needs. As a result, some employers have taken advantage of the absence of these protections by showing little regard their workers. For example, separate reports by the Government Accountability Office and Oxfam America found that employees in the poultry industry routinely are denied bathroom breaks, forcing many to defecate on themselves or wear adult diapers rather than lose their jobs.\r\nThe Treating Workers with Dignity Act would provide employees the opportunity to attend to their basic needs during the course of their workday. This legislation would:\r\n \r\nRequire employers to provide employees the option for an uninterrupted 30-minute break in which an employee can eat, for any shift lasting at least six hours.\r\nAllow employees to take short, paid breaks to tend to a documented medical condition.\r\nEnsure employers provide their employees the opportunity to take a paid restroom break at least once every four hours that they work.\r\n \r\nWorking people have a strong ally in Senator Schatz, and Communications Workers of America thanks him for introducing legislation to help workers like Anna who need reasonable accommodations for medical issues, said Chris Shelton, President of Communications Workers of America. Having adequate bathroom breaks is a basic human need, and for many workers, being deprived of them can cause serious health problems. Nobody should be uncomfortable or risk health problems at their job because an employer is depriving them of necessary bathroom breaks.\r\nAll workers should be afforded the basic dignity in their jobs to have time to eat a meal and tend to their medical or biological needs. Far too often, low-wage workers are denied such basic dignity. A law like this shouldn't be necessary, but sadly it is. We commend Senator Schatz for taking on this important issue and look forward to working with him to ensure this bill becomes law. For there is no logical or moral reason for anyone to oppose the very basic protections it offers, said Christine Owens, Executive Director of the National Employment Law Project.\r\nI am deeply appreciative of Senator Schatz for proposing this legislation, said Anna Flemmings, a call center worker for Maximus in Mississippi. For medical reasons, I had to get an accommodation for additional bathroom breaks and even after obtaining notice from my physician, Maximus refuses to pay me for this time. It is deducted from my pay for that day, reducing my already low pay of $10.60 an hour. I can't afford to lose this time, but I also cannot physically not take it when I need to. This is definitely not right.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-tulsi-gabbard-gwen-moore-and-bobby-rush-introduce-bill-boost-urban", "Reps. Tulsi Gabbard, Gwen Moore, and Bobby Rush Introduce Bill to Boost Urban Agriculture", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) was joined by Reps. Gwen Moore (WI-04) and Bobby L. Rush (IL-01) in introducing H.R.5266, the Urban Agriculture Healthy Food and Entrepreneur Act. This bill would establish two new programs  the Urban Agriculture Conservation Easement Program and the Urban Agriculture Microentrepreneur Assistance Program. Together they would increase the availability of land and capital in communities to encourage more local urban agriculture production.\n\nIn too many cities across America, families are living in food deserts with very little access to healthy food that is affordable and nutritious, thereby negatively impacting their health and well-being. My legislation will help address these challenges by empowering local communities and entrepreneurs to create urban farms and gardens, beautifying their neighborhoods, supporting new small business opportunities, creating local jobs, and enabling stronger, healthier communities,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.\n\nFood insecurity is a public health issue that harms the most vulnerable. This legislation helps urban communities meet their nutritional needs with resources produced in their own backyards, said Rep. Gwen Moore. Increasing resources for urban agriculture will create healthier communities and create local jobs that support the economy.\n\nFood deserts are a serious problem facing my constituents, as are food swamps,' or areas where unhealthy fast-food options far outnumber healthier alternatives. Both put communities, particularly communities of color, at heightened risk for severe health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, and type two diabetes, said Rep. Bobby L. Rush. This legislation will help empower urban communities to address the root causes of food insecurity, as well as the resulting public health issues that follow, all while restoring neighborhoods with functional greenspace and creating jobs.\n\nPutting land and capital back into the hands of people in the community and supporting the growth of community-led urban agriculture businesses takes us one step closer to a just food and farm system that ensures the right to nutritious food for all people and ensures their human dignity and independence, said Noreen Springstead, WhyHunger's Executive Director. WhyHunger is stepping up to endorse the Urban Agriculture Healthy Food and Entrepreneur Act because we know ending hunger and its root causes starts with policies that put the people most impacted by hunger in the driver seat.\n\nThis bill's benefits will extend far beyond urban agriculture. Research shows that funding programs, such as Farm to School help farmers in urban and rural areas and breathes life into local economies. Most importantly such programs provide our kids with fresh, healthy food and a chance to learn about where that food comes from, said Sarah Reinhardt, lead food systems and health analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists. The bill is a smart investment, and it's going to meet the needs of a lot of people who want to take part in Farm to School, but haven't had the means to be able to do so.\n\nAccess to land is among the biggest barriers to food sovereignty in urban environments. As city demographics rapidly shift across the country, it's more vital than ever for communities to be able to access the resources they needsuch as land and capitalto sustain themselves, said Ruth Tyson, coalition coordinator at Good Food For All Coalition. Representative Gabbard's bill supports urban agriculture projects led by and for community members, creating more opportunities for community-driven development and ownership.\n\nAmerica is an incredibly diverse country that benefits from a diverse agricultural system in many ways. Variety not only fosters resilience, for example, it also improves access and equity by ensuring all people  regardless of where they live  have access to fresh, local food, said Wes King, Senior Policy Specialist at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. The Urban Agriculture Healthy Food and Entrepreneur Act (UAHFE) would support the growing number of individuals, communities, and small businesses who have a passion for agriculture in cities across the nation. By improving access to land, access to capital, and supporting vital public programs that enhance community food security, UAHFE will help our cities and towns to grow and prosper.\n\nUrban agriculture has long served a critical role in healthy food access, community development, and environmental resiliency in neighborhoods across the country, said Qiana Mickie, Executive Director of Just Food. Access to land and resources have remained barriers to innovations in community based urban agriculture and enterprise. Just Food supports the Urban Agriculture Healthy Food and Entrepreneur Act (UAHFE) bill because it is legislation that will help direct resources to spur innovation, entrepreneurship, and land tenure in urban communities that have been historically and economically marginalized.\n\nUrban agriculture has many proven benefits, including fighting hunger, decreasing families' stress and mental fatigue, and increasing both mental and physical health. People have been growing food in cities for decades, but infrastructure to support their success has not been in place so they often face barriers including maintaining stable land tenure and accessing capital to improve their operations, said Nicole Surgerman, Policy Manager for the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group. The Urban Agriculture Healthy Food and Entrepreneur Act (UAHFE) would provide critical support to the urban agriculture sector by providing capital, preserving and facilitating growers' access to land, and offering programmatic aid. By bringing federal support to this longstanding movement, UAHFE will support community resiliency and green urban environments in cities and towns across the US.\n\nBackground:In addition to creating two new programs  the Urban Agriculture Conservation Easement Program and the Urban Agriculture Microentrepreneur Assistance Program  H.R.5266, the Urban Agriculture Healthy Food and Entrepreneur Act would also extend the authority of the Community Food Project Grant Program by $15 million annually. It would also increase funding for the Farm to Schools Program by $10 million.\n\nIn crafting the legislation, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard drew on the experience of urban agriculture leaders from across the country, including Hawaii, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.\n\nThe National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Union of Concerned Scientists, Good Food For All, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, Just Food, and WhyHunger all support this legislation.\n\nRep. Tulsi Gabbard has been a leader in Congress in advocating for local farmers, food self-sufficiency, and organic and sustainable agriculture. Fighting for sensible food policy, supporting and empowering local farmers, and expanding the opportunities of local farms has has been a focus of her work in Congress. She supported H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018  more broadly referred to as the Farm Bill  which passed both the House and Senate with strong bipartisan majorities and was signed into law. Among many other provisions, the bill secured funding for working families, empowered small and sustainable farms, and expanded agricultural opportunities for Hawaii and across the country. In 2017, she was named a top advocate of improving our nation's food system by Food Policy Action today.\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-hirono-gillibrand-booker-unveil-legislation-to-significantly-increase-federal-investment-in-programs-to-alleviate-homelessness-and-housing-poverty", "Senators Hirono, Gillibrand, Booker Unveil Legislation to Significantly Increase Federal Investment in Programs to Alleviate Homelessness and Housing Poverty", "2019-11-25", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 25, 2019\n\t\t\t Senators Hirono, Gillibrand, Booker Unveil Legislation to Significantly Increase Federal Investment in Programs to Alleviate Homelessness and Housing Poverty \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, The Pathway to Stable and Affordable Housing for All Act would effectively end homelessness and housing poverty in the United States\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced legislation that lays out a 10-year investment in federal housing and homelessness programs that the National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates would effectively end homelessness and housing poverty in the United States.\r\nThe Pathway to Stable and Affordable Housing for All Actwould provide a long-term, dependable level of investmentin four federal housing programs that have proven successful in combating homelessness and housing poverty across the country  Emergency Solutions Grants, Continuum of Care Grants, the Housing Trust Fund, and tenant-based rental assistance.\r\nCommunities and service providers in Hawaii and across the country do the best they can with the resources they have to help our neighbors in need. However, federal dollars simply don't go far enough. At the same time,too many workers andfamilies struggle to get and keep affordable rental housing,Senator Hirono said.The Pathway to Stable and Affordable Housing for All Act rejects the divisive policies of the Trump Administration, and lays out the sustained,10-year federal investment that on-the-ground providers and experts estimate isneeded tohelp get those most in need off the street and into supportive, safe housing quickly and expand affordable housing stock for the long-term.\"\r\nNo one should ever be without a place to call home, but there are far too many families in New York and across the country facing homelessness,Senator Gillibrand said. Access to safe and affordable housing should be a basic human right in the United States, and that's why I'm proud to support the Pathway to Stable and Affordable Housing for All Act. This bill would help end homelessness by investing in programs that would help people access shelters and safe and affordable housing. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and help end the affordable housing crisis.\r\nThe Pathway to Stable and Affordable Housing for All Act consists of four provisons: two of which would help states and organizations on the ground get those experiencing homelessness into shelter quickly and efficiently, and two focused on expanding access tosafe, affordable housing:\r\n$10 billion per year in additional funding for Emergency Solutions Grants;\r\n$10 billion per year in additional funding for Continuum of Care grants so organizations can move those experiencing homelessness into the shelter system and provided needed support services.\r\n$40 billion per year in direct appropriations to the Housing Trust Fund on topof thededicated funding provided by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.This level of investment will expand affordable rental housing stock, which will help to lower rents in the long-run.\r\nFully funding tenant-based rental assistance (vouchers) to allow as many households as possible to get into permanent, safe, affordable housing.\r\nThe Pathways to Stable and Affordable Housing for All Act has the support of the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the National Alliance to End Homelessness.\r\nOn behalf of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, I commend Senator Hirono for introducing legislation to invest resources at the scale necessary to help end homelessness and housing poverty, once and for all,Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said. Through robust investments in the national Housing Trust Fund, housing vouchers, and homeless assistance grants, Senator Hirono's bill addresses the underlying, systemic causes of the affordable housing and homelessness crisis: the widening gap between incomes and housing costs and severe shortage of homes affordable and available to the lowest-income people. We must build the political will to enact this important bill.\r\nThe National Alliance to End Homelessness is deeply grateful to Senator Hirono for introducing the Pathways to Stable and Affordable Housing For All Act, an important new bill that will address the critical need for more help for those in our nation who are struggling to keep roofs over their heads,Nan Roman, President and CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, said.The Bill recognizes that homelessness results largely from the lack of affordable housing  while also acknowledging that until the national gap in affordable housing is filled, short-term assistance will be needed by people who have become homeless. It provides to-scale support for the most effective homeless programs, the Continuum of Care Program and the Emergency Solutions Grant Program. Similarly, it increases support for highly effective housing programs: the Housing Choice Voucher Program and the National Housing Trust Fund. The National Alliance to End Homelessness thanks the Senator for her leadership in meeting the needs of some of the nation's most vulnerable people.\r\nIn September 2019, the Trump Administration took aim at those experiencing homelessness in the US, releasing a report targeting a handful of states and cities and offering policy responses like increasing policing of this vulnerable community and rounding up and relocating homeless communities in an out of sight, out of mind approach. At the time, the president said that homeless individuals were taking over our best highways and our best streets and that sick homeless individuals were ruining US cities. On November 14, 2019, the executive director of the US Interagency Council on Homelessness was ousted from the role he's held since 2015.\r\nOn top of targeting those already experiencing homelessness, the Administration has repeatedly taken steps that would increase the number of families and individuals living in unstable housing situations and those at risk of homelessness. Every budget they have put forward zeros out critical programs aimed at alleviating homelessness and housing poverty. Congress has rejected these cuts, which would dismantle our current federal homelessness and affordable housing response framework and leave already-under resourced states, cities,and service providers with less tools to address homelessness and the affordable housing crisis.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/-hawaii-island-kauai-set-to-receive-65-million-in-federal-funding-for-new-buses", "Hawaii Island, Kauai Set To Receive $6.5 Million In Federal Funding For New Buses", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hawaii Island, Kauai Set To Receive $6.5 Million In Federal Funding For New Buses \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, November 22, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that the State of Hawaii will receive a $6.5 million grant to purchase new buses for Kauai and Hawaii Island.\r\nInvesting in new buses for Hawaii Island and Kauai means that the residents who depend on them to get to school or work every day will continue to have an affordable way to get around, said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\r\nThe funding will be used to purchase ten 40-foot ADA accessible vehicles for the County of Hawaii, and to purchase three 30-foot buses and three under 30-foot buses for the County of Kauai.\r\nAccording to the Hawaii Department of Transportation, the ten new buses for the County of Hawaii will be used on the Hilo-to-South Kohala Resort commuter routes, the newly created East Hawaii-to-West Hawaii commuter routes via Saddle Road, the Pahoa commuter route, and the Hilo intra-city routes.\r\nThe FTA's Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program is to assist in the financing of buses and bus facilities capital projects, including replacing, rehabilitating, purchasing or leasing buses or related equipment, and rehabilitating, purchasing, constructing or leasing bus-related facilities.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-tulsi-gabbard-lucy-mcbath-and-jahana-hayes-urge-house-vote-school-shooting", "Reps. Tulsi Gabbard, Lucy McBath, and Jahana Hayes Urge House Vote on School Shooting Safety Bill", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCToday, Reps. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), Lucy McBath (GA-06), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) called on Congressional leaders to support a House vote on H.R. 4301, the School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act. The bill would create a federal definition for school shooting and instructs the Department of Education, in consultation with the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services, to annually report uniform data on indicators of school crime as it pertains to school shootings.\n\nLast week's tragic shooting at Saugus High School is a chilling reminder that we must do more to prevent gun violence at our schools. To do that, we need to have a common understanding of the problem,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The House must pass my School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act so that we have the school-specific data necessary to put forward evidence-based solutions.\n\nLast week's tragedy in Santa Clarita was another shooting in another community that will never be the same. When we introduced this bill, we did so because any instance of gun violence in a school is unacceptable, said Rep. Lucy McBath. Every day, it's our duty to protect this nation's children, work to understand the solutions to prevent unnecessary violence, and do all we can to stop school shootings.\n\nLast week's shooting in Santa Clarita was yet another message that we need to take action, now, said Rep. Jahana Hayes. The School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act is the first step in that effort and it is long past time for the House to take a vote. The American people sent us here to do something - now is the time, before we lose more innocent children to gun violence.\n\nIn addition to Reps. Gabbard, McBath, and Hayes, the bill has quickly gained 37 additional cosponsors and garnered the support of several violence prevention and education organizations.\n\nWe have a collective responsibility to ensure that our schools are safe and welcoming places for teaching and learning. Fulfilling this duty will require a balanced approach that addresses both the physical safety and the emotional well-being of students, educators and school employeesan approach that includes comprehensive school safety programs and procedures, welcoming and supportive school environments, mental health supports and commonsense gun safety legislation. Finding this balance requires accurate data and information, not partisan politics cloaked in half-baked policy, wrote Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers in the organization's letter to the committee supporting the passage of the bill.\n\nFor all the national talk about school shootings, we have surprisingly little reliable data about them. The School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act is a good first step toward defining the crisis, which we hope will lead to specific and purposeful federal action to reduceand ultimately eliminatethe threat of gun violence in our schools, said JoAnn Bartoletti, Executive Director for the National Association of Secondary School Principals.\n\n\n \n\t\tNational Parent Teacher Association (PTA)\n\t\n\t\n\t\tAmerican School Counselor Association\n\t\n\t\n\t\tSchool Social Work Association\n\t\n\t\n\t\tNewtown Action Alliance\n\t\n\t\n\t\tEverytown for Gun Safety/Moms Demand Action\n\t\n\t\n\t\tNational Association of School Psychologists\n\t\n \nThe bill currently has 36 additional cosponsors: Reps. Bonamici (OR-01), Cicilline (RI-01), Cuellar (TX-28), Davis (IL-07), DeFazio (OR-04), Desaulnier (CA-11), Dingell (MI-12), Eshoo (CA-18), Garcia (TX-29), Green (TX-09), Hastings (FL-20), Jayapal (WA-07), Khanna (CA-17), Kirkpatrick (AZ-02), Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Larson (CT-01), Lee (NV-03), Levin (MI-09), Luria (VA-02), Matsui (CA-06), Meng (NY-06), Morelle (NY-25), Norton (DC-AtLarge), Omar (MN-05), Royball-Allard (CA-40), Sablan (MP-AtLarge), Schakowsky (IL-09), Schrader (OR-05), Sewell (AL-07), Sherman (CA-30), Soto (FL-09), Suozzi (NY-03), Takano (CA-41), Trahan (MA-03), Trone (MD-06), Underwood (IL-14), and Wilson (FL-24).\n\nThe House Education and Labor Committee voted to pass H.R. 4301 in September.\n\nH.R. 4301 would:\n\n \n\t\tSchool Shooting Defined: Create a federal definition for school shooting, establishing one standard definition in order to avoid subjective reporting of the circumstances surrounding these incidents.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tSchool Crime and Safety Report: Require the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services, to publish annual reports on indicators of school crime. The reports would cover:\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tStatistics on School Shooting: tracks the number of shootings, the number of people killed, demographics of shooters and victims, the motivation of shooters, types of firearms and ammunition used, how the firearm was acquired, and more.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSafety and Prevention: tracks information on the existence or absence of safety and prevention measures at the time of the shooting, such as building designs, communication and response plans, and more.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n \n\nThese include the Gun Show Loophole Closing Act, the Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Act, the Keeping Guns from High Risk Individuals Act, the Assault Weapons Ban, the Support Assault Firearms Elimination and Reduction for our Streets Act, the Domestic Violence Loophole Closure Act, the Automatic Gunfire Prevention Act, and more.\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/-schatz-statement-on-death-of-us-army-chief-warrant-officer-two-from-hawaii", "Schatz Statement On Death Of U.S Army Chief Warrant Officer Two From Hawaii", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Statement On Death Of U.S Army Chief Warrant Officer Two From Hawaii \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 21, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement on the tragic death of Chief Warrant Officer Two Kirk T. Fuchigami, Jr. of Keaau, Hawaii, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Logar Province, Afghanistan.\r\nChief Warrant Officer Two Kirk Fuchigami served our country with courage and distinction. His death is a loss that will be felt across the Big Island and the state of Hawaii, and as a nation, we will always remember his sacrifice. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, family, and friends during this very difficult time. We only hope that they find comfort in knowing that his service exceeded all measures of honor. In life, Chief Warrant Officer Two Fuchigami was a guardian of liberty. In rest, may he find the peace we all seek.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-markey-cantwell-introduce-legislation-to-raise-billions-for-rural-broadband-public-safety-through-public-auction-of-c-band-spectrum", "Schatz, Markey, Cantwell Introduce Legislation To Raise Billions For Rural Broadband, Public Safety Through Public Auction Of C-Band Spectrum", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz, Markey, Cantwell Introduce Legislation To Raise Billions For Rural Broadband, Public Safety Through Public Auction Of C-Band Spectrum \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Legislation Would Create A New Trust Fund To Help Close Digital Divide, Including For Use In Health Care and Education  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 21, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced new legislation that would raise billions of dollars to improve public safety and broadband in rural areas, including for use in education and health care, through a public auction of wireless frequencies on the C-band spectrum. The Investing in America's Digital Infrastructure Act would provide a framework for a transparent and competitive auctioning process of spectrum in a key band that is critical to deploying next generation mobile services. The bill also designates that nearly all proceeds from the auction be used to bridge the digital divide and enable next generation public safety services.\r\nOur bill will raise billions so that more people can access the internet, said Senator Schatz. As technology accelerates, we need to do more to close the digital divide and help ensure that everyone benefits.    I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Investing in America's Digital Infrastructure Act. A public auction of this critical mid-band spectrum is the most transparent and accountable way to generate tens of billions dollars of revenue, which our legislation then invests in bridging the digital divide and enhancing public safety. I look forward to pushing for this bill so we can both win the race to 5G, while providing new broadband infrastructure to Americans who still need fast, affordable, reliable broadband, said Senator Markey.\r\nWe have a once in a lifetime opportunity to advance 5G services and at the same time generate revenue to close the digital divide and upgrade our nation's 9-1-1 call centers to next-generation technologyall through a proven, transparent process. The American taxpayers deserve nothing less, said Senator Cantwell.\r\nThe Investing in America's Digital Infrastructure Act would ensure a fair, transparent public auction, and would require revenue from the auction to go towards improving rural broadband. Specifically, the legislation would:\r\n \r\nRequire the FCC to conduct a public auction of C-band;\r\nRequire the FCC to make available at least 200 MHz of spectrum; and\r\nDeposit nearly all auction proceeds to a Digital Divide Trust Fund, which would be used for rural broadband, including for use in education and health care, and for the deployment of Next Generation 911 services.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hirono-secures-commitment-from-bop-director-to-provide-regular-updates-on-efforts-to-re-open-a-federal-residential-reentry-center-in-hawaii", "Senator Hirono Secures Commitment from BOP Director to Provide Regular Updates on Efforts to Re-Open a Federal Residential Reentry Center in Hawaii", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 20, 2019\n\t\t\t Senator Hirono Secures Commitment from BOP Director to Provide Regular Updates on Efforts to Re-Open a Federal Residential Reentry Center in Hawaii \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t In response to questioning from Senator Hirono, Director Kathleen Hawk Sawyer affirms Bureau of Prisons is working to re-open new RRC within the next several months\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Hirono secured a commitment from Kathleen Hawk Sawyer, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, to provide regular updates about the status of efforts to reopen a federal Residential Reentry Center (RRC) in Hawaii during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing today. In response to questioning by Senator Hirono, Director Sawyer affirmed that BOP's timeline to reopen an RRC is within the next several months.\r\nThe state's only RRC, Mahoney Hale, closed on September 30, 2019, after providing transitional services and programs for nearly three decades. Those services and programs included employment counseling, case management, and skills training to help men and women successfully reenter the community after serving federal prison sentences. Mahoney Hale's closure had a significant impact, not only on those reentering the community who will no longer receive these critical transitional services in Hawaii, but also on other community members. The nonprofit Touch A Heart, for example,has frequently worked with Mahoney Haleto recruit interns for its culinary vocational program.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-introduces-new-legislation-to-ensure-us-financial-system-is-prepared-for-climate-change", "Schatz Introduces New Legislation To Ensure U.S. Financial System Is Prepared For Climate Change", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Introduces New Legislation To Ensure U.S. Financial System Is Prepared For Climate Change \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Bill Requires Federal Reserve To Take Action To Identify And Manage Climate-Related Financial Risks \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 20, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Banking Committee and Chair of the Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis, introduced the Climate Change Financial Risk Act of 2019. The legislation will direct the Federal Reserve (Fed) to conduct stress tests on large financial institutions to measure their resilience to climate-related financial risks.\r\nWhile our federal regulators are legally obligated to manage and reduce risks in the financial system, they have been ignoring the growing financial risks of climate change, said Senator Schatz. We should not be treating some risks different from others: risks are risks. This bill will push the Fed to do their job and start taking climate risk seriously.\r\nClimate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events like floods and wildfires. It is also changing long-term climate patterns in ways that will lower labor productivity, devalue and destroy fixed assets, stress agricultural yields, and ultimately affect every sector of our economy. These impacts will pose risks for financial institutions and the global financial system.\r\nThe climate crisis poses an existential threat to our way of life. Through more frequent and more intense storms, longer wildfire seasons, and so much more, many of the impacts of climate change are obvious, but others are not, said Representative Casten. Climate-related financial risks pose serious threats to our economy, whether this is due to the physical risks of the crisis or those risks posed to investments in conventional resources by a successful transition to clean energy. Either way, U.S. consumers deserve to have confidence that our financial institutions are adequately prepared for these risks and won't be caught unaware as they were in 2008. This bill is an important step towards ensuring our financial stability. I'm proud to lead this effort alongside a longtime climate champion, Senator Schatz.\r\nFinancial institutions face the risk of direct losses from severe weather events and fundamental changes like drought and sea level risefor example, lower property values from increased floodingas well as changes in asset values as a result of government policies and consumer preferences for a low-carbon economy. Even though quantifying and managing these risks falls squarely within the Fed's mandate, the Fed is not accounting for climate-related risks in its current stress tests or supervisory regime.\r\nThe Climate Change Financial Risk Act would require the Fed to establish an advisory group of climate scientists and climate economists to help develop climate change scenarios for the financial stress tests.\r\nWith the input from the advisory group, the Fed will create three stress test scenarios: a 1.5 degree Celsius warming scenario; a 2 degree scenario; and a business as usual scenario, which assumes a higher level of warming based on current climate policies. The Fed will conduct stress tests every two years on the same large financial institutions that are currently subject to Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR) stress testsi.e., firms with more than $250 billion in total consolidated assets.\r\nThe biennial tests will require each financial institution to create and update a qualitative plan that describes how the institution will evolve its capital planning practices to limit the financial impacts of future climate risks. Once the tests are complete, the Fed can object to an unreasonable or ineffective climate risk capital plan, and if the Fed objects, the institution will not be able to proceed with capital distributions until the objection is lifted.\r\nU.S. financial regulators are lagging their international peers in attempting to quantify and manage the potentially systemic financial risks posed by climate change. For example, the Bank of England began stress testing the U.K. financial system against climate risks this year; the Dutch central bank recently conducted a stress test of climate risks to the Netherlands' financial system; and Norway's central bank said that climate risks must be integrated in the risk assessment and hence in the overall assessment of the capitalization and funding of financial institutions.\r\nCitigroup predicts that world economies could lose at least $44 trillion in economic activity by 2060 with 2.5 degrees of warming, and as much as $72 trillion by 2060 in the event of climate inaction. In the Senate, Schatz's legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).\r\nCompanion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Sean Casten (D-Ill.).\r\nClimate change poses significant financial risks to the stability of capital markets, and U.S. financial regulators are currently not doing enough to quantify and manage those risks. Ceres commends Sen. Schatz for this legislation and for setting a clear role for the Federal Reserve Board to engage on climate change. Major investors and companies from across sectors are taking action to reduce their own GHG emissions, but progress is not happening fast enough. This proposal will provide the clarity and analysis needed to help the financial industry make smart decisions to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, said Mindy Lubber, President and CEO of Ceres.\r\nClimate change threatens profitability and shareholder returns of companies in every sector of our global economy. I applaud Senator Schatz for recognizing the necessary leadership of the Federal Reserve, and the role of banks and financial institutions, in addressing these financial losses through science-based climate risk scenarios and enhanced disclosure, said California State Controller Betty Yee.\r\nBoth the physical and transition risks associated with climate change pose a clear threat to the stability of the financial system. The Federal Reserve, FSOC, and other regulators have failed to sufficiently integrate such risks into their supervisory, regulatory, and systemic risk monitoring frameworks, said Gregg Gelzinis, Policy Analyst for Economic Policy at the Center for American Progress. The stress tests established by this legislation would help ensure that large financial institutions have the capital, internal controls, governance, and risk management capabilities necessary to withstand various climate-related shocks, while continuing to serve businesses and households.\r\nLeading global investors recognize that climate change represents a systemic risk, and therefore understanding and mitigating that risk is part of their fiduciary duty. Policymakers in countries around the world have been tracking this shift toward sustainable finance, and passing legislation to foster economies that will resist the threats posed by climate change. The United States has historically lagged behind, but now, with Senator Schatz's leadership, there's an opportunity to right the ship. The Climate Change Financial Risk Act of 2019 sets out a series of sensible and necessary requirements to better account for climate-related risks in the U.S. financial system, which is consistent with the positive work we see underway in other markets around the world. We welcome Senator Schatz's bill as a major step forward on sustainable finance policy in the U.S. and hope to see momentum continue in Washington, D.C., said Fiona Reynolds, CEO of the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). The Climate Change Financial Risk Act is supported by the Center for American Progress, Ceres, Public Citizen, the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and the Franciscan Action Network.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/with-schatz-legislation-signed-into-law-commissaries-and-exchanges-in-hawaii-set-to-open-to-more-veterans-purple-heart-recipients", "With Schatz Legislation Signed Into Law, Commissaries And Exchanges In Hawaii Set To Open To More Veterans, Purple Heart Recipients", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "With Schatz Legislation Signed Into Law, Commissaries And Exchanges In Hawaii Set To Open To More Veterans, Purple Heart Recipients \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Schatz-Led Legislation To Expand Commissary Access To Military Heroes Was Signed Into Law Last Summer; DoD Readying Plans to Open Its Doors To Thousands More Hawaii Veterans in 2020 \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 20, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  As\r\na result of legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), lead\r\nDemocrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and\r\nVeterans Affairs, which was signed into law last year, the Department of Defense\r\n(DoD) announced its plans to expand access to military commissaries, exchanges,\r\nand recreation facilities to more veterans and caregivers. Thousands of\r\nveterans in Hawaii may be eligible for these new benefits.  These\r\nveterans served, got hurt, and we owe it to them to give them these benefits, said\r\nSenator Schatz. This new law means that more veterans in Hawaii will\r\nfinally have access to commissaries and exchanges across the state. The added\r\nbonus to our law is that it will strengthen the commissary system in the long\r\nrun, which is good for both active duty personnel and American taxpayers.  Veterans and\r\ncaregivers eligible to access commissaries and exchanges beginning on\r\nJanuary 1, 2020 include:  \r\nPurple Heart recipients \r\nFormer prisoners of war \r\nAll veterans with service-connected disabilities \r\nIndividuals approved and designated as the\r\nprimary family caregivers of eligible veterans under the Department of Veterans\r\nAffairs (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers  According to the\r\nDoD, during the first phase of the rollout of these privileges, veterans who\r\nhave a VA-documented service-connected disability or are Purple Heart\r\nrecipients or former prisoners of war who have been issued a Veteran Health\r\nIdentification Card (VHIC) from the VA can present their VHIC to gain entry to\r\nDoD and Coast Guard installations and some commissary stores; and at point of\r\nsale at commissaries, exchanges, and other facilities to complete their\r\ntransactions. While the VA develops a process to identify and allow those\r\nwithout a VHIC to access commissaries and exchanges in person, they will still\r\nbe able to take advantage of these new benefits by accessing military\r\ncommissaries and exchanges online.  For more\r\ninformation on how eligible veterans and caregivers can access the new\r\nbenefits, and on the DoD's implementation of Schatz's law, click\r\nhere. A full list of military commissaries in Hawaii can be found\r\nhere. A full list of military exchanges in Hawaii can be found here.  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-calls-congress-end-failed-federal-marijuana-policy-pass-more", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls on Congress to End Failed Federal Marijuana Policy, Pass MORE Act", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCToday, the House Judiciary Committee voted to pass H.R.3884, the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act, which Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) introduced with Chair Jerry Nadler (NY-10). The bill passed with a bipartisan vote, 24-10, and now awaits consideration by the full House.\n\nI've long been a champion for ending the federal marijuana prohibition, and today's vote on the MORE Act is a crucial step forward toward ending our failed marijuana policy which has ruined people's lives and strained our criminal justice system, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Congress must pass this bill so that we can begin to help heal the wounds caused by the failed war on drugs and move forward together.\n\nBackground:H.R.3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act:\n\n \n\t\tDecriminalizes marijuana at the federal level by removing the substance from the Controlled Substances Act. This applies retroactively to prior and pending convictions, and enables states to set their own policy.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRequires federal courts to expunge prior convictions, allows prior offenders to request expungement, and requires courts, on motion, to conduct re-sentencing hearings for those still under supervision.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tAuthorizes the assessment of a 5% sales tax on marijuana and marijuana products to create an Opportunity Trust Fund, which includes three grant programs:\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Community Reinvestment Grant Program: Provides services to the individuals most adversely impacted by the War on Drugs, including job training, re-entry services, legal aid, literacy programs, youth recreation, mentoring, and substance use treatment.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Cannabis Opportunity Grant Program: Provides funds for loans to assist small businesses in the marijuana industry that are owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Equitable Licensing Grant Program: Provides funds for programs that minimize barriers to marijuana licensing and employment for the individuals most adversely impacted by the War on Drugs.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\tOpens up Small Business Administration funding for legitimate cannabis-related businesses and service providers.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tProvides non-discrimination protections for marijuana use or possession, and for prior convictions for a marijuana offense:\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tProhibits the denial of any federal public benefit (including housing) based on the use or possession of marijuana, or prior conviction for a marijuana offense.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tProvides that the use or possession of marijuana, or prior conviction for a marijuana offense, will have no adverse impact under the immigration laws.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\tRequires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to collect data on the demographics of the industry to ensure people of color and those who are economically disadvantaged are participating in the industry.\n\t\n \n\nThe Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act has the support of a broad coalition of civil rights, criminal justice, drug policy, and immigration groups, including: the Drug Policy Alliance, Center for American Progress, 4thMVMT, ACLU, California Minority Alliance, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Human Rights Watch, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), Sentencing Project, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, UndocuBlack Network, Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).\n\nRep. Tulsi Gabbard has long called for sensible marijuana policies as part of her ongoing commitment to common sense criminal justice reform. She introduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. Don Young (AK-at large)  (the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act (H.R. 1588) and the Marijuana Data Collection Act (H.R. 1587). H.R. 1588 would remove marijuana from the federal controlled substances list. H.R. 1587 would direct the National Academy of Sciences to study the effects of state legalized medicinal and adult-use marijuana programs from a variety of perspectives, including state revenues, public health, substance abuse and opioids, criminal justice, and employment.\n\nShe has called for closing the gaps between federal and state law to resolve current contradictions and provide legally abiding marijuana businesses with clear access to financial services. She joined several of her colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Secure And Fair Enforcement Banking Act (H.R.1595) in March 2019 which was passed by the House in September 2019. The bill would help prevent federal banking regulators from penalizing depository institution for providing banking services to a legitimate marijuana-related business.\n\nShe is a cosponsor of H.R.1456, the Marijuana Justice Act to reform unjust federal marijuana laws and empower minority communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the failed War on Drugs. And, to protect veterans engaged in the state-legalized cannabis industry, Rep. Gabbard sent a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie in June 2019 to demand a correction of the VA's denial of loan guarantee benefits to these veterans.\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-energy-committee-clears-hirono-backed-bills-to-permanently-fund-the-land-and-water-conservation-fund-address-deferred-maintenance-backlog-in-national-parks", "Senate Energy Committee Clears Hirono-Backed Bills to Permanently Fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, Address Deferred Maintenance Backlog in National Parks", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Senate Energy Committee Clears Hirono-Backed Bills to Permanently Fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, Address Deferred Maintenance Backlog in National Parks \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee cleared two Hirono-backed bills that would provide permanent full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and create a new fund to address the growing deferred maintenance backlog in the National Parks system. These bills can now be considered by the full Senate.\r\nOver the past 50 years, the LWCF has provided nearly $250 million in funding for Hawaii to protect some of our most cherished public spaces  including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, and the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail,Senator Hirono said.By advancing legislation to provide full, permanent funding for the LWCF and to establish a program to address the massive deferred maintenance in our National Parks, this committee today took a meaningful step toward ensuring that public lands in Hawaii are protected and maintained for future generations.\r\nSenator Hirono is an original cosponsor of S. 1081, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Permanent Funding Act, which provides full, mandatory funding for the LWCF. Over the past 50 years, the LWCF has provided nearly $250 million to protect and conserve lands in Hawaii. Senator Hirono has been a longtime champion of the LWCF, most recently supporting Hawaii's Island Forests at Risk proposal, which from Fiscal Year 2016 through 2018, received $22 million in funding to expand the Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge, $12 million to expand Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and $6 million for Haleakala National Park.\r\nSenator Hirono is also an original co-sponsor of the Restore Our Parks Act (S. 500). This legislation would establish, fund, and provide for the use of amounts in a National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund to address the estimated $165 million deferred maintenance backlog in Hawaii's National Parks.\r\nOur national parks and public lands generate billions of dollars for local economies in tourism dollars, jobs and tax revenue. However, without funding, our national treasures, like anything else, will eventually fall apart,Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park CEO Elizabeth Fien said. The infrastructure of our National Parks is in great need of repair and philanthropic dollars are necessary to fund programs and park projects, not maintaining sewers, gas lines, bridges, etc. That is why we see S. 500 as a smart investment, as it will not only fund the maintenance needs of our parks but also create additional infrastructure-related jobs as well as preserve visitor access and resources.\r\n\"LWCF is integral to preserving, protecting, and creating exceptional parks and open space. Without funding from LWCF we would not have been able to protect some of Hawaii's most special places,Lea Hong, Hawaiian Islands State Director for the Trust for Public Land said. I am thankful for Senator Hirono's leadership on this legislation and I look forward to working with her and her team on ensuring everyone in Hawaii can enjoy our beloved aina.\"\r\nDespite the many benefits that the Land and Water Conservation Fund has provided in protecting some of Hawaii's most sensitive lands over the past 54 years, it has suffered from chronic underfunding,Ulalia Woodside, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, said. At a time when our public lands are facing a myriad of threats, including land use and climate change, S. 1081 is necessary to ensure that the full capabilities of the LWCF are provided to addressing the urgent needs of these lands and waters.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/hawaii-island-health-center-set-to-receive-more-than-1-million-in-federal-funding", "Hawaii Island Health Center Set To Receive More Than $1 Million In Federal Funding", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hawaii Island Health Center Set To Receive More Than $1 Million In Federal Funding \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 19, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, the U.S. Department Health & Human Services (HHS) announced that the West Hawaii Community Health Center will receive a $1,060,398 grant to help low income families on Hawaii Island access quality and comprehensive health care.\r\nThe West Hawaii Community Health Center provides affordable and accessible health care services to thousands of people who might not otherwise receive care, said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The new funding will give the Center the resources it needs to continue to serve Hawaii Island families.\r\nThe West Hawaii Community Health Center (WHCHC) operates eight locations on Hawaii Island and offers comprehensive, high-quality primary health services to medically underserved individuals and families regardless of their ability to pay. They provide medical, behavioral health, and dental services to people of all ages.\r\nIn 2018, WHCHC served more than 16,000 patients. A significant number of those patients include veterans, migrant farm workers, patients experiencing homelessness, and patients living in poverty.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-urges-marine-corps-to-listen-to-community-concerns-review-impacts-consider-options-for-proposed-sea-wall-that-threatens-ewa-beach", "Schatz Urges Marine Corps To Listen To Community Concerns, Review Impacts, Consider Options For Proposed Sea Wall That Threatens Ewa Beach", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Urges Marine Corps To Listen To Community Concerns, Review Impacts, Consider Options For Proposed Sea Wall That Threatens Ewa Beach \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Marine Corps Proposes Building 1,500-Foot Sea Wall, Threatening Public Beach \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 19, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) called on the U.S. Marine Corps to listen to community concerns and further review the environmental impact of its plan to build a retaining wall on Ewa Beach.\r\nIt is incumbent that the Marine Corps explore long-term resilience benefits for the Puuloa Range Training Facility that avoid unnecessary environmental impacts on Hawaii's beaches and the residents of Ewa Beach on the island of Oahu,wrote Senator Schatz, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs.I ask that the Marine Corps revisit the alternatives for the planned Puuloa Range Training Facility coastal erosion project to ensure that it has assessed the feasibility of designing a project that draws on natural and nature-based features, consistent with existing engineering best practices for coastal zone management and beach erosion.\r\nThe Marine Corps plans to build a 1,500-foot metal retaining wall on Ewa Beach to protect its shooting range against erosion. While the Marine Corps conducted an initial environmental review of the project, it has concluded an Environmental Impact Statement is unnecessary, ignoring deep concerns about the impact to the beach ecosystem raised by state regulators and residents.\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found below. A copy of the letter is alsoavailable here.\r\nDear General Berger,\r\nI write with concerns about the Marine Corps' planned Puuloa Range Training Facility coastal erosion project.\r\nAs the former Marine Corps Forces, Pacific commander, you understand that the Department of Defense (DoD) takes seriously its need to ensure the viability of its training ranges while remaining a good steward of the cultural, historical, and environmental needs of the people of Hawaii. To that end, I am concerned that the Marine Corps' planned 1,500 foot steel wall project may not be representative of the best design practices for mitigating coastal erosion risk and that it could impose unnecessary environmental impacts on Hawaii's beaches and the residents of Ewa Beach on the island of Oahu.\r\nClimate change threatens communities across Hawaii and these anticipated effects on our military installations impose risks on the training ranges that are necessary to maintain readiness. I recognize the Marine Corps' need to protect the small arms training range from the threat of coastal erosion which could be exacerbated by the effects of climate change. However, shoreline hardening projects such as the planned Puuloa Range Training Facility coastal erosion project can have unintended consequences on the marine ecosystem and erosion on downstream beaches, and there may be better ways to promote long-term resiliency by integrating natural principles into the design and siting of climate mitigation and adaptation projects.\r\nThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineering with Nature Initiative, for example, offers instructive lessons for drawing on natural and nature-based features to mitigate coastal erosion and flooding while protecting ecosystem services. These features, for example, may include developing artificial reefs to reduce the effect that waves have on beach erosion and flood damage or engineering coastal landscapes with wetlands, maritime forests, and levees to reduce long-term erosion and flood risks while protecting wildlife habitats for the benefits of the local community. These types of engineering best practices are exemplary of the approach DoD should take to resiliency whenever feasible, as they promote the resilience and environmental goals that it shares with the people of Hawaii.\r\nIt is incumbent that the Marine Corps explore long-term resilience benefits for the Puuloa Range Training Facility that avoid unnecessary environmental impacts on Hawaii's beaches and the residents of Ewa Beach on the island of Oahu. To that end, I ask for responses to the following questions:\r\n \r\nWhy did the Marine Corps choose not to consider a natural or nature-based project as part of an analysis of alternatives?\r\nWhat engineering best practices did that the Marine Corps rely on to inform its development of the Puuloa Range Training Facility coastal erosion project?\r\n \r\nFinally, I ask that the Marine Corps revisit the alternatives for the planned Puuloa Range Training Facility coastal erosion project to ensure that it has assessed the feasibility of designing a project that draws on natural and nature-based features, consistent with existing engineering best practices for coastal zone management and beach erosion.\r\nI would appreciate a response to this letter with an explanation of the way forward on this project no later than December 6, 2019. Thank you for your continued leadership of our Marines and stewardship of the cultural, historical, and environmental needs of the people of Hawaii.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-tulsi-gabbard-and-ross-spano-introduce-bill-improve-healthcare-access", "Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Ross Spano Introduce Bill to Improve Healthcare Access for National Guard and Reserve Retirees", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), along with Rep. Ross Spano (FL-15), introduced H.R.5169, the TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act. The legislation would ensure that retired members of the National Guard and Reserve personnel and their dependents receive the health care benefits to which they are entitled by aligning the eligibility age for TRICARE Standard, Extra, and Prime with the age at which personnel begins receiving their retired pay.\n\nNational Guard and Reservists who are eligible for early retirement currently do not have similar eligibility as Active Duty early retirees for traditional TRICARE because of a technicality. This means they have added costs to get the healthcare they need, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. This bill honors their service and sacrifice by improving their retirement transition and making sure they get the healthcare they have earned.\n\nWe have heavily relied upon our National Guard and Reserve personnel for the past 20 years, and they have made major contributions to our force structure for over 200 years. A decade ago, Congress lowered the age they can receive their retired pay based on active duty service. It's not right that their eligibility for traditional TRICARE was left at age 60. This has resulted in early retirees often spending the vast majority, if not all, of their pension on TRICARE premiums until they reach 60. This bill will help servicemembers transition into retirement as intended when Congress reduced their retirement age, said Rep. Ross Spano.\n\nThe bill is supported by the Reserve Officers Association, National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.\n\nThe Reserve Organization of America (ROA) thanks Rep. Ross Spano for his efforts to ensure military retirees from the Reserve and National Guard have the same affordable health care as other military retirees. Unlike active duty retirees who receive affordable healthcare, gray-area retirees from the Reserve and Guard who qualify for a deployment early retirement do not receive the same medical plan. This bill will ensure they at least have affordable health care, said Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Phillips, Executive Director, ROA.\n\nThe National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) thanks Rep. Spano and Rep. Gabbard for introducing the TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act to align health care eligibility with early retirement, said retired Brig. Gen. J. Roy Robinson, NGAUS President. This fix in the law is long overdue and we strongly endorse quick passage of this important legislation for our retirees.\n\nThe Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) extends its support for the TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act. We thank Rep. Spano and Rep. Gabbard for introducing the legislation. Many members are separating from the National Guard before the age of 60 because of early retirement credits, but are unable to retain their health care coverage. This legislation would fix the loophole and ease those members' transitions to civilian life, said an EANGUS representative.\n\nBackground:The retirement age for Reserve Component and National Guard Soldiers who served on Active Duty was reduced by the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, allowing those who served on Active Duty to count qualifying service toward a reduction in retirement age. However, this change was not matched with an equivalent change in TRICARE eligibility, and only once the retiree reaches age 60 will the service member and qualifying family members become eligible for TRICARE Standard, Extra and Prime.\n\nAs a comparison, TRR for FY19 was $451.51 per month for an individual plan or $5,418.12 annually. TRICARE Prime for servicemembers who began service prior to 2018 has an annual enrollment fee of $297 for an individual. TRICARE Select has no yearly enrollment fee for those same servicemembers.\n\nH.R.5169, the TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act, addresses the gap in health care coverage that was created by the change in retirement eligibility. It is supported by the Reserve Officers Association, National Guard Association of the United States, and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.\n\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/ahead-of-chamber-meeting-on-climate-schatz-whitehouse-senators-demand-answers-from-board-members-on-chambers-anti-climate-agenda-funding", "Ahead Of Chamber Meeting On Climate, Schatz, Whitehouse, Senators Demand Answers From Board Members On Chambers Anti-Climate Agenda, Funding", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ahead Of Chamber Meeting On Climate, Schatz, Whitehouse, Senators Demand Answers From Board Members On Chamber's Anti-Climate Agenda, Funding \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Member Companies Publicly Claiming to Support Climate Action Have Remained Silent on Chamber's Anti-Climate Activities; U.S. Chamber of Commerce Members Set To Meet on Tuesday To Discuss Climate Policy \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, November 18, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, ahead of a meeting at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce centered on climate policy, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) called on board members to explain their support for the Chamber's anti-climate agenda, how its activities to block climate action conflict with their own companies' public positions, and whether they are aware of the sources of anonymous dark money that fund the Chamber.\r\nThe U.S. Chamber has a long history of opposing climate action in Congress, before executive agencies, in the courts, and at the state level, the senators wrote. The Chamber is also one of the largest spenders of undisclosed donationsdark moneyin congressional elections, almost entirely on candidates who oppose climate action.\r\nThe senators continued, Several companies on the board have expressly advocated for climate legislation, including a fee on carbon emissions. This disconnect raises questions about whether the companies represented on the board are properly exercising their governance and oversight role as board members, including a duty to determine the U.S. Chamber's policy positions on business issues,' as the Chamber's own website states.\r\nIn addition to Schatz and Whitehouse, the letters to board members were signed by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).\r\nThe Chamber board member companies receiving the letter include Bayer, FedEx, Sempra Energy, UPS, Celgene, ConocoPhillips, Entergy, IBM, Honeywell, Martin Marietta Materials, Xerox, Shell, BNSF, State Farm, Norfolk Southern, Ford, United Airlines, NextEra, Ryder, Deere & Co., AT&T, Union Pacific, Abbott Laboratories, Altria, 3M, Dow, U.S. Bank, Allstate, Phillips 66, Delta Airlines, Southern Co., American Airlines, Devon Energy, Pfizer, MetLife, and Cesar's Entertainment.\r\nThe full text of the letter follows:\r\nDear Board Member Representative:\r\nWe are writing to you because you represent your company as a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors, the principal governing body of the Chamber and the group charged with determining the Chamber's policy positions and strategic planning.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. Chamber has a long history of opposing climate action in Congress, before executive agencies, in the courts, and at the state level. In early 2014, a group of corporate lawyers, coal lobbyists, and Republican political strategists began meeting regularly in the Chamber's headquarters to devise legal strategies to dismantle the Clean Power Planbefore President Obama had even released a draft proposal. The group's gathering place should come as no surprise, given the Chamber's record of opposition to any meaningful attempt at climate action. The Chamber testified in opposition to the Paris Agreement, despite many of its board members' pledges to support the Agreement's goals; it was a leading voice in the lobbying effort against the Waxman-Markey cap and trade legislation; and it sued the Environmental Protection Agency, seeking to overturn the endangerment finding that underpins the Clean Air Act.\r\nThe Chamber is also one of the largest spenders of undisclosed donationsdark moneyin congressional elections, almost entirely on candidates who oppose climate action. The Chamber has spent more than $150 million on congressional races since 2008, and 94 percent of its donations have reportedly gone to candidates who were climate change deniers.\r\nAlthough the Chamber does not disclose its membership, our review of companies on the Chamber's board suggests most do not support its anti-climate positions. In fact, several companies on the board have expressly advocated for climate legislation, including a fee on carbon emissions. This disconnect raises questions about whether the companies represented on the board are properly exercising their governance and oversight role as board members, including a duty to determine the U.S. Chamber's policy positions on business issues, as the Chamber's own website states.\r\nTo better gauge your and your company's understanding of its responsibilities as a member of the Chamber's board, we respectfully request you respond to the following questions by December 20, 2019:\r\n \r\nHave you made any effort to understand which members (or other sources) are responsible for and directing funding to the Chamber's anti-climate activities?\r\nHave you made any effort to understand what entities are funding the Chamber?\r\nIf you are not aware of the entities that are funding the chambers, please explain how this is consistent with your duty of care as a board member.\r\nAre you aware that non-business entities may be funding the chamber, and do you think this is consistent with the chamber's purpose as a business association?\r\n\r\nAs climate-related litigation becomes more frequent, have you considered whether your company's position on the Chamber's board may expose it to legal liability?\r\n \r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-bill-to-restore-and-conserve-hawaiis-coral-reefs-passes-key-senate-committee", "Schatz Bill To Restore And Conserve Hawaiis Coral Reefs Passes Key Senate Committee", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Bill To Restore And Conserve Hawaii's Coral Reefs Passes Key Senate Committee \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t New Report Shows Widespread Coral Bleaching Across Hawaii; Legislation Would Provide New Federal Funds To Help States Manage Coral Reefs \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 14, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  The Senate Commerce Committee has approved the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the committee, that would help restore Hawaii's coral reefs.\r\nWith the widespread threats to coral reefs across Hawaii growing, we need to do more to help states and communities fight back, said Senator Schatz. My bill will make federal funding available so that more local governments and organizations have the resources they need to save their reefs.\r\nA new report found widespread coral reef bleaching across the state, including more than 75 percent of corals off West Maui and 80 percent of corals off Kau on Hawaii Island.\r\nSchatz's legislation would increase federal funding for corals by nearly $10 million, bringing the total amount to $35 million over five years. The increased funding would support the following new initiatives:\r\n \r\nNew Coral Block Grants which would allow states like Hawaii to apply for funding to meet the priorities they have set for restoration and management of their own coral reefs.\r\nCoral Reef Stewardship Partnerships. This program would allow communities to partner with a state or territorial resource management agency like the Department of Land and Natural Resources to develop a customized management plan, and compete for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funding.\r\nPacific and Atlantic Coral Reef Institutes. NOAA would allow universities and state governments to team up and compete to become one of two Coral Reef Institutesone for the Pacific, and one for the Atlantic.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/schatz-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-bring-more-doctors-surgeons-to-areas-that-need-them-most", "Schatz Introduces Bipartisan Legislation To Help Bring More Doctors, Surgeons To Areas That Need Them Most", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Introduces Bipartisan Legislation To Help Bring More Doctors, Surgeons To Areas That Need Them Most \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Hawaii Faces Shortage of Surgeons, Has Just More Than Half Needed \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 14, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced the Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act, bipartisan legislation that would produce high quality data on where general surgeons are in short supply around the country.\r\nWe have a doctor shortage crisis in Hawaii, and it's having a real impact on families living in hard-to-reach areas across the state, Senator Schatz said. Our bill will help us better understand where the shortages exist so that we can work to bring more doctors and surgeons to the communities that need them most.\r\nThe need for general surgeons is especially high in rural and other under-served communities. In Hawaii, there is a 42 percent shortage in general surgeons for the state overall. And on Maui, they have just half the surgeons needed to serve residents on the island, forcing many to travel off island to receive the care that they need.\r\nIn an island state like ours, or any rural area, access to general surgery is essential. It is very difficult to transfer a patient with a surgical emergency, so without a surgeon, even simple cases such as appendicitis, can result in unnecessary death, saidDr. Kelley Withy, Professor, AHEC Director, and Hawaii Physician Workforce Researcher for the University of Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine.\r\nAs a practicing general surgeon in Hawaii for 28 years, I know that access to general surgery services is critical to improving health outcomes and saving lives. The current supply of general surgeons will not be able to keep pace with our growing and aging population. This legislation will help determine which areas in Hawaii are most in need and how we can best target effective solutions so that everyone across the islands has access to high quality surgical care regardless of where they live, said Dr. Whitney Limm, Governor of the Hawaii Chapter of the American College of Surgeons.\r\nThe Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2019 would direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on access by underserved populations to general surgeons and the designation of general surgery shortage areas. Such an area is defined as an urban, suburban, or rural area of the United States with a population that is underserved by general surgeons.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-in-opposition-to-the-nomination-of-chad-wolf-to-serve-as-under-secretary-of-homeland-security-for-strategy-policy-and-plans", "Hirono Statement in Opposition to the Nomination of Chad Wolf to Serve as Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Strategy, Policy, and Plans", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 13, 2019\n\t\t\t Hirono Statement in Opposition to the Nomination of Chad Wolf to Serve as Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Strategy, Policy, and Plans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement after voting against the nomination of Chad Wolf to serve as Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Strategy, Policy, and Plans. Following his confirmation, Mr. Wolf will serve as the acting Secretary of Homeland Security.\r\nI strongly oppose the nomination of Chad Wolf to be Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans, which Donald Trump has turned into a nomination for him to be acting Secretary of Homeland Security. If confirmed, Chad Wolf would be the fifth person to lead the Department of Homeland Security  the country's third largest federal agency  in less than three years.\r\nIn an administration that has been marked by chaos and cruelty, Chad Wolf was an early author of several of the cruelest anti-immigrant policies we've seen to date. As the former chief of staff to then-Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, he proposed separating children from their parents at the border to deter the flow of migrants at the southern border. The more than 2,800 children who were used in this cruel way will bear the trauma of separation  likely for life.\r\nChad Wolf was also an early architect of the Remain in Mexico policy. Under this policy, the Trump administration has forced nearly 50,000 migrants, including nearly 500 infants and 16,000 children to wait in dangerous conditions in Mexico while their asylum claims are being processed in the United States. Again, the use of the cruelest methods to achieve their anti-immigrant ends.\r\nThese policies do not reflect the values of our country. Chad Wolf's record shows that he will only further the chaos and cruelty of this administration, and he should not ascend to a position where he can do more harm to the most vulnerable among us.\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/schatz-senators-introduce-violence-against-women-act", "Schatz, Senators Introduce Violence Against Women Act", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz, Senators Introduce Violence Against Women Act \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Hawaii Programs Received More Than $2 Million From VAWA This Year \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 13, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \r\nToday, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)\r\nintroduced the Senate companion to the House-passed Violence Against Women Act.\r\n  For 25\r\nyears, VAWA has provided support, shelter, and a new chance at life for women\r\nand children in Hawaii and across the country, said Senator Schatz.\r\nThis bill will strengthen vital services, improve prevention programs, and\r\nincrease housing and financial assistance for survivors  ensuring that more\r\nAmericans can live free from violence and abuse.  The bill, which\r\nwould reauthorize VAWA through 2024, preserves advancements made in previous\r\nreauthorizations and includes a number of additional improvements to the\r\ncurrent law. This legislation was cosponsored by every member of the Senate\r\nDemocratic Caucus.   Key provisions\r\nin the bill:  \r\nProtects Native American women by improving\r\ntribal access to federal crime information databases and reaffirming tribal\r\ncriminal jurisdiction over non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual\r\nassault, dating violence, and stalking for all federally recognized Indian\r\ntribes and Alaskan Natives.  \r\nExplicitly states that grant recipients are\r\nallowed to train staff and others on identifying and stopping discrimination\r\nagainst LGBT individuals. Service providers currently remain uncertain about\r\nwhether they can use grants to train for this.   \r\nReauthorizes and updates the SMART Prevention\r\nProgram to reduce dating violence, help children who have been exposed to\r\nviolence, and engage men in preventing violence.  \r\nExpands grants under the Public Health Service Act\r\nto support implementation of training programs to improve the capacity of early\r\nchildhood programs to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual\r\nassault, and stalking among the families they serve.  \r\nProvides services, protection, and justice for\r\nyoung victims of violence, including extending the Rape Prevention and\r\nEducation grant program, addressing bullying of young people, improving grants\r\nfocused on prevention education for students, and expanding relevant training\r\nfor school-based and campus health centers.  \r\nPreserves and expands housing protections for\r\nsurvivors.  \r\nProvides economic security assistance for\r\nsurvivors by reauthorizing the National Resource Center on Workplace Responses.\r\nProtects employees from being fired because they are survivors of sexual\r\nassault or domestic violence and protects survivors' eligibility to receive\r\nunemployment insurance.  \r\nEnhances judicial and law enforcement tools\r\nthrough reauthorization of the Justice Department's STOP Violence Against Women\r\nFormula Program, known as the STOP Program. Authorizes the use of STOP Program\r\ngrants to expand the use of grant funding for programs focused on increasing\r\nsurvivor, law enforcement and community safety; increases legal assistance for\r\ndependent children in appropriate circumstances; and develops and enforces\r\nfirearm surrender policies.  \r\nProtects the Justice Department's Office on\r\nViolence Against Women from being merged or consolidated into any other Justice\r\nDepartment office.  \r\nHelps prevent intimate partner homicides by\r\nincluding provisions expanding firearms laws to prohibit persons convicted of\r\ndating violence from possessing firearms, prohibiting persons convicted of\r\nmisdemeanor stalking from possessing firearms, and prohibiting individuals\r\nsubject to ex parte protective orders from possessing firearms.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/schatz-statement-on-impeachment-inquiry", "Schatz Statement On Impeachment Inquiry", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Statement On Impeachment Inquiry \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 13, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \r\nU.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) released the following statement on the\r\nfirst public hearing of the House of Representatives' impeachment inquiry.  It is a\r\nsolemn time for our country, and it is unfortunate that it has come to this.\r\nBut we take solace in the fact that our founders wrote into the Constitution a\r\nremedy for the behavior that was exposed. Although impeachment and removal are\r\nsevere consequences, so are the high crimes being alleged.   The\r\nsafeguards built into our Constitution only work if we have the courage to use\r\nthem. The path forward is clear: we must honor our oath, present the facts to\r\nthe American people, and hold the president accountable.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-hirono-sullivan-introduce-legislation-to-expand-commercial-lending-for-veteran-business-owners", "Senators Hirono, Sullivan Introduce Legislation to Expand Commercial Lending for Veteran Business Owners", "2019-11-12", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 12, 2019\n\t\t\t Senators Hirono, Sullivan Introduce Legislation to Expand Commercial Lending for Veteran Business Owners \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bipartisan bill would expand commercial lending for veteran-owned businesses through local credit unions\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Earlier today, Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) introduced the Veterans Members Business Loan Act (S.2834), which would expand commercial lending for veteran business owners and entrepreneurs through local credit unions. Specifically, the bill would exempt credit unions' business loans to veterans from current statutory caps on member business lending. The bill covers loans made to veterans who served on active dutyand weredischarged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. There are approximately 11,000 veteran-owned businesses in Hawaii.\r\nVeteran business owners and entrepreneurs play an important role in Hawaii's economy. The Veterans Members Business Loan Act will help tohelp make entrepreneurship an option for more veterans as they transition back to civilian life, or give established veteran-owned businesses access to capital to grow and create more local jobs,Senator Hirono said. I thank my colleague, Senator Sullivan, for working with me to introduce this important legislation as we mark Veterans and Military Families Month.\r\nOur veterans have sacrificed so much to serve our country and it is important that they are afforded every opportunity to succeed after leaving the military,Senator Sullivan said.Service members develop broad expertise across numerous areas while in the military, learning skills that can provide tremendous value to the economy. This bill eliminates common barriers of entry for veteran entrepreneurs to ensure they have access to the capital and resources they need to establish businesses and succeed in their ventures.\r\nS.2834is the companion tosimilar legislation introduced earlier this year in the U.S. House of Representativesby Representatives Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas-15), Paul Cook (R-Calif.-8), Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii-2), and Don Young (R-Alaska-AL).\r\nThe Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and the Hawaii Credit Union League (HCUL) support the legislation.\r\nThis bipartisan bill will make it easier for America's veterans to access credit and invest in their future and their communities. Credit unions proudly serve tens of millions of active duty and veteran members and fully support veteran entrepreneurs and their families,\"CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle said. \"We thank Senators Sullivan and Hirono for their leadership on this issue, and look forward to engaging with lawmakers as this bill moves through the legislative process.\r\nU.S. Senator Mazie Hirono has been a long-time credit union member herself, as well as a strong supporter of credit unions and the role they play in their members' lives. She is also a member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services who recognizes the importance of the military in our national security and the economy,\"HCUL President Dennis Tanimoto said. Timing of this bill she is cosponsoring is especially fitting since it coincides with Veterans Day. The bill helps to ensure veterans of access to affordable loans and other services from nonprofit financial cooperatives known as credit unions.\r\nAs a member of the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Senator Hirono has been a persistent advocate for veteran business owners and entrepreneurs. Earlier this year, Senator Hirono and Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) reintroducedthe Veterans Small Business Export Promotion Act, which would waive upfront guarantee fees for veterans participating in the U.S. Small Business Administration's export promotion programs.\r\nLast week, Senator Hirono cosponsoreda resolution to recognize National Veterans Small Business Weekin the United States. The resolution passed the Senate by unanimous consent.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hirono-statement-in-recognition-of-veterans-day", "Senator Hirono Statement in Recognition of Veterans Day", "2019-11-11", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 11, 2019\n\t\t\t Senator Hirono Statement in Recognition of Veterans Day \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono issued the following statement in honor of Veterans Day.\r\nOn Veterans Day, we honor the service of millions of Americans who, through their commitment, defended the values and freedoms we cherish. Today, we also renew our commitment to serve our veterans and express our sincere gratitude for the personal sacrifices they have made for us. From the Filipino World War II veteran hoping to reunite with their family in the United States to the young veteran returning home from Afghanistan, it is incumbent on all of us serving in Congress to uphold the promises we've made to those who wore the uniform of our country.\r\nAs a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, I will continue to push for legislation and hold officials accountable to ensure our veterans receive the care and benefits they've earned.\"\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-presses-companies-for-answers-on-internet-cable-cell-phone-outage-and-their-slow-response-to-residents-on-kauai-calls-for-plan-to-prevent-future-outages", "Schatz Presses Companies For Answers On Internet, Cable, Cell Phone Outage And Their Slow Response To Residents On Kauai, Calls For Plan To Prevent Future Outages", "2019-11-08", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Presses Companies For Answers On Internet, Cable, Cell Phone Outage And Their Slow Response To Residents On Kauai, Calls For Plan To Prevent Future Outages \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Kauai Experienced Islandwide Outage Last Week For Prolonged Period, Impacting Residents and Businesses, Disrupting Basic Services \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, November 8, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), lead Democrat on the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, called on telecom companies to provide answers on the islandwide phone, internet, and cable TV outage that occurred last week on Kauai. According to reports, the outage lasted for at least a day for many residents. Many in the community voiced complaints about Spectrum's response and their failure to provide quick, relevant information to residents about the outage, and more importantly, information on when services were expected to be restored.\r\nHawaii is uniquely vulnerable to service disruptions due to the limited number of undersea cables supporting telecommunications for the islands. Companies serving Hawaii must account for these challenges and ensure that the infrastructure they count upon to deliver service is reliable, Senator Schatz wrote.\r\nIn his letter to service providers Spectrum, Verizon, and CenturyLink, a co-owner of the fiber-optic cable line that reportedly caused the outage, Schatz requested a detailed account of what occurred, why information was not immediately communicated to residents, and why it took a prolonged period of time to restore service.\r\nThe outages on Kauai are a good example of how failed infrastructure that has not been made redundant can disrupt the lives and businesses of Hawaii residents. I am particularly concerned that the outage appears to have contributed to interruptions of 911 services, which could have had potentially serious consequences, Schatz continued.\r\nThe full text of the letter to Spectrum can be found below. PDF copies of all letters are available here.\r\n\r\nDear Mr. Rutledge:\r\nI write to express my concern regarding the recent service outages that impacted the island of Kauai in Hawaii. I understand that sometime on October 27, 2019, a CenturyLink undersea fiber optic cable between Kauai and Oahu was damaged, which resulted in loss of Spectrum services across Kauai. It is also my understanding that this outage left many of the island's residents and businesses without access to phone, internet, or cable services for a 24-hour period, with some customers experiencing outages for up to two days. There was also a subsequent outage beginning on November 1.\r\nHawaii is uniquely vulnerable to service disruptions due to the limited number of undersea cables supporting telecommunications for the islands. Companies serving Hawaii must account for these challenges and ensure that the infrastructure they count upon to deliver service is reliable. This includes design and engineering that incorporates adequate redundancy in case of network path or equipment failure so that people and businesses in Hawaii remain connected.\r\nThe outages on Kauai are a good example of how failed infrastructure that has not been made redundant can disrupt the lives and businesses of Hawaii residents. I am particularly concerned that the outage appears to have contributed to interruptions of 911 services, which could have had potentially serious consequences.\r\nAccordingly, to understand how Spectrum is addressing these challenges and ensuring that these types of outages do not happen again in the future, please provide my office with a written response to the questions listed below by November 22, 2019.\r\n \r\nWhen did the outages begin and end? Provide dates and times.\r\nWhen were customers and regulators given information about the outages? What information was provided, including whether they were informed about how long the outages were expected to last?\r\nWhen did you become aware of the disruption to the fiber optic cable? When did you first receive communication from CenturyLink about that disruption?\r\nIs network redundancy built into your service for Kauai Island and how? If so, what is your plan to enhance the redundancy for Kauai customers? If not, why not and how will you address this deficiency?\r\n \r\nThank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-introduces-bill-promote-veteran-owned-small-businesses", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Introduces Bill to Promote Veteran-Owned Small Businesses", "2019-11-08", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCAs National Veterans Small Business Week comes to a close today, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) was joined by Reps. Ross Spano (FL-15) and Al Lawson (FL-05) in introducing H.R.4991, the Post-9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act, to support veteran-owned small businesses. The bipartisan bill would allow veterans who are eligible for educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program to participate in a pilot program that would allow them to use this benefit to establish and operate a business.\n\nMy brothers and sisters in uniform and their families perform an incredible service to our nation and sacrifice greatly. When they make the transition from uniform to civilian life, our nation will benefit greatly from them having a greater range of opportunities, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. This bipartisan bill will allow veterans to explore new possibilities with their earned benefits and build businesses that will serve themselves, their families, and benefit the communities in which they live.\n\nI appreciate Representative Gabbard's leadership to expand opportunities for Veterans. Veteran-owned small businesses employ more than 5 million people and generate over $1 trillion in sales annually. But, one of the biggest challenges for any small business is having the capital needed to get up and running. I believe giving Veterans the choice to use their GI bill to start a business will help even more Veterans thrive after they leave the service, said Rep. Ross Spano.\n\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard herself, a decorated National Guard soldier, knows that many members of the Guard and Reserve already have college degrees or prefer a non-traditional, occupation-focused education. Enhancing the G.I. Bill with the Post 9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act to help veterans start businesses makes sense and fits the intent of the GI Bill, which is to equip veterans to succeed in the civilian sector and in turn enrich their communities, said retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Phillips, executive director, Reserve Organization of America (ROA).\n\nBackground:H.R.4991, the Post-9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act is supported by The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), Reserve Officer Association (ROA), and the Jewish War Veterans of the USA.\n\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, she was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-introduces-bills-improve-veteran-mental-healthcare", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Introduces Bills to Improve Veteran Mental Healthcare", "2019-11-08", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) introduced three bills to support healthcare benefits for our veterans and servicemembers.\n\n \n\t\tH.R.4992, the Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health-Military Innovations for Life Act (REACH MIL Act) builds on the VA's successful REACH-VET initiative by directing the DoD to provide pre-emptive care and support for service members at high risk of suicide.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R.4993, the Refer and Equip Veterans and Military Personnel Act (REVAMP Act) improves the health-related requirements of the Military Transition Assistance Program for military separation.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R.4994, the TRICARE Payment and Reimbursement (PAR) Study Act, will help determine whether existing reimbursement rates and proposed discounts offered to mental health providers are limiting access to care, jeopardizing military readiness, and what new policies can improve care.\n\t\n \n\nMy brothers and sisters in uniform serve in some of the most extreme conditions at home and around the world, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Our grateful nation must fulfill its promise to be there for them when they come home. They are our family and they need to know we have their backs. They have earned and deserve the best possible physical and mental healthcare our nation has to offer. These bills are a step toward ensuring our country fulfills its commitment to care for them.\n\nBackground:Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is a combat veteran of two Middle East deployments and has served in the National Guard now for almost 17 years. She is one of the first female combat veterans ever elected to congress. She is a member of multiple military veterans Congressional Caucuses and is a co-founder and co-leader of the Servicewomen and Women Veterans Caucus which was established earlier this year.\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, she was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-takes-the-floor-about-whistleblower-protection", "Senator Hirono Takes the Floor About Whistleblower Protection", "2019-11-07", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In the News\n\nEmail Me About an Issue", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-27T23:43:09Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/20-million-in-federal-funding-heading-to-hawaii-for-new-pedestrian-bridge-at-ala-moana", "$20 Million In Federal Funding Heading To Hawaii For New Pedestrian Bridge At Ala Moana", "2019-11-06", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$20 Million In Federal Funding Heading To Hawaii For New Pedestrian Bridge At Ala Moana \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Bridge Will Make It Easier For Pedestrians to Travel Between Ward Village, Future Rail Station and Ala Moana Beach Park  Schatz, A Member of Appropriations Committee, Worked With DOT To Secure Funding For Project \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 6, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced it will award the State of Hawaii $20 million to help build a new pedestrian bridge over Ala Moana Boulevard. The new bridge will connect Ala Moana Beach Park and Kewalo Harbor to Ward Village, the Ala Moana Center, and the future Ward rail station. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, worked with DOT to secure the funding for the project.\r\nWe had to compete for these dollars, so this is an especially big win for Oahu residents. These new federal funds will make it easier and safer for people to visit Ala Moana Beach Park, shop at local businesses, and access the future rail line, said Senator Schatz.\r\nThe Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary grant, formerly known as the TIGER grant, funds projects that have a significant local or regional impact. In 2015, Kauai secured the same competitive grant to help revitalize Lihue.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/hawaii-island-food-bank-set-to-receive-nearly-1-million-in-federal-funding-to-expand-program-statewide", "Hawaii Island Food Bank Set To Receive Nearly $1 Million In Federal Funding To Expand Program Statewide", "2019-11-06", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hawaii Island Food Bank Set To Receive Nearly $1 Million In Federal Funding To Expand Program Statewide \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 6, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that non-profit The Food Basket on Hawaii Island will receive a $985,652 grant to help more low-income families across the state access locally grown produce and healthy food.\r\nThis new federal funding means more people in Hawaii will be able to put healthy, locally grown food on their tables, helping both local farmers and families in need, said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\r\nIn June, Schatz urged the USDA to approve The Food Basket's grant application, citing the critical work they have done for Hawaii Island residents.\r\nBy receiving access to federal matching funds, The Food Basket will build on its current program, which gives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cardholders additional food dollars when they purchase locally grown produce using their SNAP benefits. Nutrition incentive programs like the one developed by The Food Basket are an important means for supporting local farmers and small businesses, who might otherwise miss out on the economic benefits communities can derive from SNAP.\r\nHawaii imports approximately 90 percent of its food supply, resulting in food costs that are 61 percent higher than the mainland. As a result, Hawaii is extremely vulnerable to food shortages. The Food Basket aims to reduce dependency on mainland markets by supporting Hawaii's agricultural producers and incentivizing the purchase of locally grown food.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-senate-democrats-call-for-opr-to-investigate-whether-attorney-general-barr-initiated-a-politically-motivated-investigation-based-on-unfounded-conspiracy-theories-about-the-2016-election_", "Hirono, Senate Democrats Call for OPR to Investigate Whether Attorney General Barr Initiated a Politically Motivated Investigation Based on Unfounded Conspiracy Theories about the 2016 Election", "2019-11-05", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 05, 2019\n\t\t\t Hirono, Senate Democrats Call for OPR to Investigate Whether Attorney General Barr Initiated a Politically Motivated Investigation Based on Unfounded Conspiracy Theories about the 2016 Election   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and nine Senate Democrats are urging the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) to investigate whether Attorney General William Barr is using the power of his office to pursue a politically motivated investigation to undermine the Intelligence Community's conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help elect Donald Trump.\r\nIn their letter to the OPR's Acting Director and Chief Counsel Jeffrey Ragsdale, the Senators specifically call for investigations into:\r\nWhether Attorney General Barr's actions in initiating and conducting a now criminal probe into the origins of the Russia investigation, including closely overseeing it and personally participating in it, were appropriate and consistent with ethical rules and Department of Justice policies and practices;\r\nWhether anyone in the White House or an associate of the President has communicated with Attorney General Barr about his decision to initiate the investigation or the way in which he is conducting the investigation, and whether such communications are appropriate and consistent with ethical rules and Department of Justice policies and practices;\r\nWhether Attorney General Barr's inquiry includes criminally investigating Justice Department employees; whether such investigations have been properly reported to the Office of the Inspector General, as required under 28 C.F.R.  45.11; and whether these criminal investigations have proper legal and factual predicates; and\r\nWhether the fact that Attorney General Barr is named as a potential participant in the President's efforts to press Ukraine to investigate his political opponents warrants the Attorney General's recusal for any matters involving investigations into the origins of the Russia investigation, including efforts to engage Ukraine in these investigations.\r\nWe write regarding the troubling reporting that the investigation Attorney General William Barr launched into the origins of the government's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election has shifted to a criminal inquiry. White House acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney recently tied this investigation to the Trump Ukraine matters, indicating that military aid to Ukraine had been withheld, in part, to pressure Ukraine to cooperate with the investigation,the Senators wrote.This raises significant questions about whether Attorney General Barr is using the weighty powers of the Justice Department to further the President's personal and political goals, instead of fairly and impartially administering justice. In light of these concerns, we respectfully request that the Office of Professional Responsibility immediately begin investigations of these issues.\r\nSenators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Robert Casey (D-Penn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) also signed the letter.\r\nA signed PDF of the letter can be downloadedhere. The full text of the letter is below:\r\nJeffrey R. Ragsdale\r\nActing Director and Chief Counsel\r\nOffice of Professional Responsibility\r\nU.S. Department of Justice\r\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 3266\r\nWashington, D.C. 20530\r\nDear Director Ragsdale:\r\nWe write regarding the troubling reporting that the investigation Attorney General William Barr launched into the origins of the government's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election has shifted to a criminal inquiry. White House acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney recently tied this investigation to the Trump Ukraine matters, indicating that military aid to Ukraine had been withheld, in part, to pressure Ukraine to cooperate with the investigation. This raises significant questions about whether Attorney General Barr is using the weighty powers of the Justice Department to further the President's personal and political goals, instead of fairly and impartially administering justice. In light of these concerns, we respectfully request that the Office of Professional Responsibility immediately begin investigations of these issues.\r\nAs an initial matter, we are concerned that Attorney General Barr's now criminal investigation may lack a proper legal and factual predicate. The unanimous assessment by the U.S. intelligence community confirmed that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election. Special Counsel Mueller documented this Russian interference in detail, and his investigation resulted in indictments, convictions, or guilty pleas of 34 individuals, including top advisers to President Trump and 25 Russian nationals, and three Russian entities. Moreover, the Senate Intelligence Committee reaffirmed in a two-volume, bipartisan report, that Russia waged a broad campaign to interfere in the 2016 election in favor of Donald Trump.\r\nDespite these detailed findings by the intelligence community, the Special Counsel, and the Senate Intelligence Committee, Attorney General Barr appears to be using the Justice Department's resources and authority to undermine their assessment. In fact, reporting indicates that Attorney General Barr's investigation involves pursuing unfounded conspiracy theories and right-wing attacks on the Russia investigation.\r\nMoreover, the manner in which Attorney General Barr has handled this matter raises questions of whether there were undue political influences or purposes in pursuing this review of the Russia investigation. When Attorney General Barr first announced he had initiated his inquiry, he accused the FBI of spying on the Trump campaign. Such statements not only serve to undermine the Russia investigation, they also demonstrate the Attorney General's prejudgment of his own inquiry into that investigation. In addition, there appears to be no indication that he received a referral from an investigative agency or even satisfied the reasonable indication standard that might justify a criminal probe, particularly one involving other federal government officials. Rather, according to recent reports, the Attorney General seems to be taking unorthodox actions, including meeting personally with foreign intelligence officials, in pursuit of baseless conspiracy theories promoted by the President.\r\nMr. Mulvaney's recent statement that the White House withheld military aid to Ukraine in part to push Ukraine to cooperate with Barr's ongoing investigation deepens our concern that the investigation is politically motivated. This statement is particularly concerning in light of the President's direct request, in a July 25 call, that the government of Ukraine conduct investigations implicating his political opponents and coordinate with Attorney General Barr in doing so. These concerns were underscored by Ambassador Bill Taylor's recent testimony that provided further context for the President's efforts to press Ukraine to conduct these investigations for his political purposes.\r\nGiven these concerns, we urge the Office of Professional Responsibility to initiate immediately investigations of the following matters:\r\nWhether Attorney General Barr's actions in initiating and conducting a now criminal probe into the origins of the Russia investigation, including closely overseeing it and personally participating in it, were appropriate and consistent with ethical rules and Department of Justice policies and practices;\r\nWhether anyone in the White House or an associate of the President has communicated with Attorney General Barr about his decision to initiate the investigation or the way in which he is conducting the investigation, and whether such communications are appropriate and consistent with ethical rules and Department of Justice policies and practices;\r\nWhether Attorney General Barr's inquiry includes criminally investigating Justice Department employees; whether such investigations have been properly reported to the Office of the Inspector General, as required under 28 C.F.R.  45.11; and whether these criminal investigations have proper legal and factual predicates; and\r\nWhether the fact that Attorney General Barr is named as a potential participant in the President's efforts to press Ukraine to investigate his political opponents warrants the Attorney General's recusal for any matters involving investigations into the origins of the Russia investigation, including efforts to engage Ukraine in these investigations.\r\nThank you for your consideration of this important matter. We look forward to your prompt response.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/air-force-selects-kauai-for-new-space-squadron", "Air Force Selects Kauai For New Space Squadron", "2019-11-05", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Air Force Selects Kauai For New Space Squadron \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 5, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nHONOLULU  The United States Air Force announced it has approved Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility as the preferred alternative for the Air National Guard's Space Control Squadron. By selecting a site on Kauai, the Air Force will create a new, highly technical squadron to monitor U.S. satellites in support of the national security space mission, ensuring that the military and other national security agencies have access to satellite communication, intelligence, and key information. The unit will also support 88 new Hawaii Air National Guard positions, including 29 full-time positions and 59 part-time, drill-status positions.\r\nThis decision reaffirms the importance of Hawaii's strategic role in our national security and is proof that the men and women of Hawaii's Air National Guard are the best in the world, said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. While this new unit will help strengthen the Air Force's space capabilities and advance our national security interests, it also means more federal funds for the state and more opportunities for local jobs.\r\nThe Air Force anticipates completing the basing process by summer 2020, with the squadron becoming partially operational in fiscal year (FY) 2021 and then fully operational by FY 2022.\r\nThe Hawaii Air National Guard was one of the first units to respond to Kauai following the April 2018 flood. HIANG continues to be a critical partner to the ongoing response and recovery efforts, and we are pleased to hear of the increased presence here on island. We welcome the additional employment opportunities for our local folks, particularly in the areas of Science, Math, and Technology, said Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-at-stakeout", "Senator Hirono at Stakeout", "2019-11-01", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In the News\n\nEmail Me About an Issue", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-27T23:43:09Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-questions-robert-sander-nominee-to-be-gen-counsel-of-the-navy", "Senator Hirono Questions Robert Sander, Nominee to be Gen. Counsel of the Navy", "2019-11-01", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "View\n\nCopy link to clipboard", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-27T23:43:09Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-calls-senate-pass-armenian-genocide-resolution", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls on Senate to Pass Armenian Genocide Resolution", "2019-11-01", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCYesterday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) called on the U.S. Senate to pass a resolution commemorating the Armenian Genocide. She is an original cosponsor of H.Res.296 which does the same.\n\n(Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's remarks as delivered on the House floor  watch video)\n\nThank you Madam Speaker,\n\nThe history of the United States has been intertwined with that of the Armenian people and the Armenian Genocide.\n\nIt was American missionaries and diplomats who let the world know that the Ottoman Empire tried to ethnically cleanse itself of its Armenian and Christian populations. It was the United States that became home to many of the survivors of this genocide. Their experience inspired Raphael Lemkin to create the term genocide only to see his Jewish family suffer the same fate at the hands of Nazi Germany.\n\nThe denial of the Armenian Genocide has had contemporary consequences.\n\nI have visited both Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. I saw a Turkey which denies genocide and has no fear of committing it again.\n\nIn fact, Turkey has begun an ethnic cleansing of the Syrian Kurds in northern Syria.\n\nI've long called for our government to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. I am an original cosponsor of H.Res.296.\n\nThe House has spoken with a clear voice, breaking the silence, recognizing the Armenian Genocide and we call on the Senate and President Trump to do the same.\n\nWe cannot allow history to repeat itself.\n\nBackground:Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is an original cosponsor of H.Res.296.\n\nIn 2017, she visited Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh as a Member of the House Armed Services Committee and part of a Congressional delegation led by the Congressional Armenian Caucus. During her visit she met with public and community leaders as well as academics to discuss issues of mutual interest to the U.S. and Armenia and opportunities to strengthen ties between the countries.\n\nDuring her visit she witnessed the lasting impact that the Armenian Genocide had on Armenians in the region as well as the diaspora  including in the United States  and observed their resilience in the face of genocide denial and the struggle to maintain independence in Nagorno Karabakh.\n\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-hirono-provision-to-investigate-challenges-facing-hawaii-orchid-growers", "Senate Passes Hirono Provision to Investigate Challenges Facing Hawaii Orchid Growers", "2019-10-31", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 31, 2019\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Hirono Provision to Investigate Challenges Facing Hawaii Orchid Growers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Provision Requires USDA to Study the Economic and Environmental Impacts of Importing Orchids in Growing Media\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today theU.S. Senate approved a package of fourfiscal year (FY) 2020 appropriations bills on an 84-9 vote. In addition to supporting many needed investments for Hawaii, the legislation included a bipartisanamendment added on the Senate floor bySenator Mazie K. Hirono andSenator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), which requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to submit a report on the economic and environmental impacts of importing orchids in growing media.\r\nThe bipartisan FY2020 appropriations packageincludes annual funding for the federalDepartments of Commerce, Justice, Interior, Agriculture, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, and several others.The bill now moves to a conference committee to reconcile differences with the House-passed appropriations bills.\r\nUnfortunately, when it approved the importation of foreign orchidstheUSDA ignored the warnings raised by our orchid growers about thethreat of invasive speciesthat could be imported as well. Thatis whywe need to quantify the impacts and identify the resources necessary to protect Hawaii's orchid industry,Senator Hirono said. This provision is part of a broader appropriations package that includes numerous important priorities for Hawaii and I will continue to fight to secure these provisions as the legislation goes to conference with the House.\r\nThe Hirono-Rubio amendment responds to concerns that Hawaii and other agricultural producers have raisedabout the threat posed by microscopic pests hitching a ride on imported orchids in media to Hawaii's fragile ecosystems. This provision would, for the first time, require the collection of data from local orchid growers on a state-by-state basis to include incidences of pest detection on orchids imported in growing media. It also mandates an analysis of additional resources needed to prevent and mitigate the introduction of pests resulting from importing orchids in growing media.\r\nIn 2014, the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) began the rulemaking process to allow the importation of orchids in growing media from Taiwan and Korea. In response to Hawaii orchid growers' concerns, Senator Hirono led the Hawaii delegation in sending comment letters to APHIS expressing concern with the proposed rules in 2015 and 2017. Despite these concerns, USDA APHIS moved forward with publishing final rules to allow importation of orchids in growing media. Under the amendment Senator Hironosuccessfully included in the legislation, USDA is required to assess the economic and environmental impacts of these final rules on local orchid growers and outline additional resources necessary to protect growers.\r\nAdditionally, Senator Hironoteamed up with Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) to include a separate measure on the floorthat would provide $5 million in funding to support urban agriculture, which supports activities such as indoor and vertical farms, community gardens, and urban farms.\r\nAdditional Hawaii priorities Senator Hirono fought to protectand includein the Appropriations Package:\r\n \r\nLanguage requiring the USDA and Department of the Interior (DOI) to report on their activities to implement the Regional Biosecurity Plan (RBP) for Micronesia and Hawaii.This report requires an update on the agencies' activities to date to implement the RBP as well as their planned activities for further implementation.\r\nLanguage highlighting the importance of Tropical and Subtropical crop research at USDA.This language highlights the importance ofresearch by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in combating invasive pests that threatencrop security in the Pacific and Insular Areas\r\nFunding to support the USDA Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program.The bill provides $2 million in support of the program, which reimburses producers in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and insular areas for transportation costs.\r\nFunding to acquire land for the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail.The bill provides $6 million for the National Park Service to acquire landto add to the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on Hawaii Island.\r\nFunding to replace U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) facilities on Hawaii Island that were damaged during the Kilauea eruption.Language also directs USGS to keep the local community informed as plans evolve for replacing facilities.\r\nFunding to replace lost days at sea due to the sudden decommissioning of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Hiialakai.The bill provides $7 million to replace lost days at sea for research throughout the Hawaiian Islands.\r\nLanguage rejecting proposed staffing cuts at the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.This language rejects the Trump Administration's proposal to cut staff at NWS and to merge the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center with the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska.\r\n$2 million in funding for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program.Senator Hirono helped to create this program in the 2018 Farm Bill. Funds will be directed to nonprofit organizations in Hawaii, Alaska, and outlying areas to increase the quality and quantity of locally grown food in food insecure communities through small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations. The Trump Administration's budget requested no funding for this program in theFY2020 budget.\r\n$162 million to the Department of Transportation's Essential Air Service Program,which ensures minimum standards for and provides subsidized air service to rural communities across the country including Waimea and Hana, that the Trump Administration has sought to eliminate in the FY2020 budget.\r\n$3.7 million to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, an independent agency tasked with coordinating federal efforts to address homelessness. The Trump Administration sought to eliminate this important program in the FY2020 budget.\r\nFunds the National Sea Grant College Program at $75 million,a $7 million increase over 2019. NOAA's Sea Grant program funds research, education, extension, and outreach activities that benefits coastal communities in Hawaii and throughout the nation. The Trump Administration sought to eliminate this important program in the FY2020 budget.\r\nFunds the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Space Grant Program at $47 million,a $3 million increase over 2019. The Trump Administration sought to eliminate this important program in the FY2020 budget. The Space Grant programsupports scholarships, fellowships, and internships in higher education, research infrastructure, precollege, and informal education through its 52 Space Grant consortia, including the Hawaii Space Grant Consortium at the University of Hawaii Manoa, and supports flight project activities led by student teams.\r\n$4.5 million in Compact Impact Discretionary Grants.These grants provide additional financial support to affected jurisdictions to compensate for unreimbursed costs, particularly health care related costs, associated with providing services to Freely Associated States citizens.The Trump Administration requested no funding for this grant program in the FY2020 budget.\r\n$3.6 billion for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).The bill rejects the Trump Administration's efforts to defund the CDBG program, one of the federal government's most effective means to revitalize low and moderate income communities across the country. CDBG funds support home ownership, housing rehabilitation, public improvements, and economic development projects throughout the nation.\r\n$1.25 billion for the HOME Investment Partnership Program.The bill rejects the Trump Administration's effort to end the HOME Investment Partnership Program, a block grant to state and local government designed to produce affordable housing for low-income families.\r\n$54 million for the Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity Program.The Trump Administration sought to eliminatethis program, which helps low-income homebuyers contribute to the construction of their own homes through the Self Help Homeownership Opportunity Program. The Self-Help and Assisted Home Ownership Program also helps local organizations develop affordable housing and community development projects through, and provides grants to nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate or make improvements to the residences of low-income and disabled veterans.\r\n \r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hirono-leads-bipartisan-resolution-to-honor-filipino-american-history-month", "Senator Hirono Leads Bipartisan Resolution to Honor Filipino American History Month", "2019-10-31", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 31, 2019\n\t\t\t Senator Hirono Leads Bipartisan Resolution to Honor Filipino American History Month \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution in the United States Senate to recognize the month of October as Filipino American History Month. The resolution celebrates the history and culture of Filipino Americans and honors their contributions to the United States. U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawaii) and TJ Cox (D-Calif.) introduced a companion resolution,H.Res.621, in the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\nThe first contract laborers from the Philippines who arrived in Hawaii over a hundred years ago played a key role in the struggle for workers' rights and thousands more Filipino soldiers fought alongside the United States military to defend our country. Thanks to their efforts, Filipino Americans have made so many important contributions to the diverse tapestry of our nation  from serving in uniform and elected office to leading our business communities,Senator Hirono said.I am proud to see Congress come together on a bipartisan basis to honor and reflect on the many contributions by Filipino Americans to our country.\r\nThe Senate resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).\r\nSenator Hirono has long been a champion of the Filipino American community. After years of advocacy, Senator Hirono was instrumental in creating the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS)Filipino World War II Veterans Parole programin 2016. In August 2019, the Trump Administration announced it was terminating the program, and Senator Hirono wrote to Ken Cuccinelli, the acting Director of USCIS, urging him to rescind that decision.\r\nEarlier this year, Senator Hirono reintroduced theFilipino Veterans Family Reunification Act, which she previously introduced in the 113th, 114th, and 115thCongresses. This legislation would expedite the visa process for children of Filipino World War II Veterans to allow these families to be reunited.\r\nIn October 2017, after years of advocacy from Senator Hirono and the Hawaii Congressional Delegation,Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Filipino Veterans of World War II.\r\nThe full text of the U.S. Senate resolution is availablehere.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-calls-for-immediate-federal-support-to-protect-hawaii-island-against-invasive-beetle", "Schatz Calls For Immediate Federal Support To Protect Hawaii Island Against Invasive Beetle", "2019-10-31", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Calls For Immediate Federal Support To Protect Hawaii Island Against Invasive Beetle \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, October 31, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) called on Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt to step in and provide immediate support to efforts to control and eradicate the invasive longhorn beetle before it devastates Hawaii Island.\r\nThe threat to U.S. agriculture and Hawaii's environment justifies immediate, strong intervention from the federal government in order to prevent harm to the U.S. economy and federally managed lands in Hawaiiespecially while the threat of A. Aesthetica is still confined to a fairly limited area on Hawaii Island, said Senator Schatz. Federal land managers should act in coordination with the state, county, and private landowners to implement the practices identified by researchers to contain, mitigate, and hopefully eradicate A. Aesthetica.\r\nThe invasive beetle, known by the official name A. aesthetica, is causing extensive damage to trees by burrowing through their trunks, and ultimately killing them.The insect poses a threat to Hawaii Island's growing number of cacao farmers, and endangers culturally important plants such as the kukui and breadfruit trees.If the beetle spreads to the U.S. mainland, it would pose a direct threat to the $3.85 billion citrus industry.\r\nFor a PDF copy of the letter, click here.\r\nThe full text of the letter follows:\r\nDear Secretaries Perdue and Bernhardt:\r\nI am writing to request your immediate intervention to manage, control, and eradicate a longhorn beetle species (Acalolepta aesthetica) native to Australia and first discovered in Hawaii in September 2013. Current assistance from the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center (PBARC) has already made a difference for Hawaii Island residents and farmers, but further science support is needed from:\r\n \r\nthe Institute for Pacific Island Forestry (IPIF) and the U.S. Forest Service (FS); and\r\nthe Pacific Island Ecosystem Research Center (PIERC) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).\r\n \r\nIn order to operationalize research findings, coordination and management from the following services within your departments will be critical:\r\n \r\nAnimal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS);\r\nNational Park Service (NPS); and\r\nFish & Wildlife Service (FWS).\r\n \r\nFinally, please act within existing rules and regulations to give a full and expeditious review of the State of Hawaii's application for funding from the USDA to address this emerging pest before it establishes and spreads further.\r\nBACKGROUND\r\nA. aesthetica arrived in Hawaii in September 2013, but its potential impacts to U.S. agriculture and Hawaii's environment are only now becoming clear. Currently, A. aesthetica has been found from Puna to Hilo on Hawaii Island, but its range may be greater because the only confirmed attractant to trap the insect for detection and study is the use of lighting at night.\r\nAlthough A. aesthetica is not a pest in its native Australia, in Hawaii, scientists from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture believes that the larval beetle poses a threat to trees of significant economic and cultural importance:\r\n \r\nVarious citrus (Citrus spp.)\r\nQueen sago palm (Cycas circinalis)\r\nCacao (Theobroma cacao)\r\nBreadfruit (Artocarpus altilis)\r\nKukui (Aleurites moluccanus)\r\n \r\nBased on observations in Hawaii, larvae of A. aesthetica can cause extensive damage to trees by burrowing through their trunks, resulting ultimately in the death and physical collapse of affected trees. Thus, the beetle poses a direct threat to the $3.85 billion/year citrus industry, Hawaii's nascent cacao industry, and the kukui (the state tree) and breadfruit trees, which are revered in Hawaii for their importance to Native Hawaiians.\r\nAt present, there is an alarming dearth of scientific knowledge about A. aesthetica, which means that efforts to manage the past and prevent its spread in Hawaii and to the mainland United States are suboptimal. Priorities for research include:\r\n \r\nUnderstanding the basic biology and ecology with a focus on existing and potential hosts;\r\nDevelopment of trapping and other monitoring tools;\r\nPathways analysis to understand how the beetle spreads in order to prevent and control further establishment in Hawaii, and introduction to citrus producing states such as Florida and California;\r\nForensic analysis of how the pest originally came to Hawaii to help prevent further introductions;\r\nTesting of chemical controls and the development of treatments to manage the pest;\r\nExploration for natural predators in its native range and other steps towards biological control;\r\nScience-based advice for the State of Hawaii and the County of Hawaii on appropriate government-level responses to the pest; and\r\nDevelopment and dissemination of best practices to farmers and individuals to help curb the spread of the pest.\r\n \r\nWith this scientific foundation, federal land managers should act in coordination with the state, county, and private landowners to implement the practices identified by researchers to contain, mitigate, and hopefully eradicate A. Aesthetica. In particular, federal sites such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest, and the Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge should cooperate to control A. Aesthetica regardless of where it is found in Hawaii.\r\nThe threat to U.S. agriculture and Hawaii's environment justifies immediate, strong intervention from the federal government in order to prevent harm to the U.S. economy and federally managed lands in Hawaiiespecially while the threat of A. Aesthetica is still confined to a fairly limited area on Hawaii Island. Should it spread and establish across a wider U.S. geography, its impacts could be quite severe, particularly in Florida where Hawaii experts believe that the hot, humid climate could be conducive to its growth and colonization.\r\nSincerely,\r\nBRIAN SCHATZ  United States Senator\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-leads-bipartisan-group-in-introducing-new-legislation-to-expand-telehealth-services-improve-health-outcomes-and-cut-costs", "Schatz Leads Bipartisan Group In Introducing New Legislation To Expand Telehealth Services, Improve Health Outcomes, And Cut Costs", "2019-10-30", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Leads Bipartisan Group In Introducing New Legislation To Expand Telehealth Services, Improve Health Outcomes, And Cut Costs \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, October 30, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) introduced the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation that would expand telehealth services through Medicare, improve health outcomes, make it easier for patients to connect with their doctors, and help cut costs for patients and providers.\r\nTelehealth is the future of health care. The technology is advancing, more providers and patients are relying on it, and we have broad bipartisan support, said Senator Schatz. This bill will help ensure that every American gets the care they need no matter where they live.\r\nTelehealth has enabled more people to connect to quality care than ever before, helping to lower costs and improve outcomes, Senator Wicker said. This bipartisan legislation recognizes the success of telehealth programs in states like Mississippi, builds on past legislative achievements, and advances access to lifesaving tools for more Americans.\r\nGreater use of telehealth will benefit patients and doctors. It's working today for those with access and, with this legislation, we have the opportunity to expand its use within Medicare, taking advantage of emerging technologies to lower costs and increase efficiency, said Senator Cardin. I'm proud to be a partner on this bipartisan bill that will increase the availability of telehealth and help deliver better health care to Americans in every part of Maryland and across the country. In South Dakota, telehealth is critical to ensuring patients in rural areas can access the health care services they need, especially when it comes to emergency and specialty care, said Senator Thune. I appreciate the opportunity to work with my colleagues and stakeholders on this important bill to promote telehealth and expand access to services in South Dakota and across the country.\r\nI've seen firsthand how hard it can be for Virginians to access health care in rural or underserved communities, said Senator Warner. From my time as Governor through my years in the Senate, I've constantly pushed to use innovation to increase health care accessibility for Virginians. This legislation will allow more individuals across Virginia and our country to take advantage of telehealth services that require less travel time and provide affordable, quality care.\r\nThe usefulness and value of telehealth technologies continues to grow as more people benefit from this affordable health care delivery option. This bipartisan bill would continue our work to tear down the barriers to telehealth. Its enactment would help Mississippi, already a national leader in telemedicine outreach, deliver care to even more people, especially those in underserved and rural communities, said Senator Hyde-Smith.\r\nAccording to studies, telehealth has been shown to improve care and patient satisfaction while reducing hospitalizations. The CONNECT for Health Act of 2019 builds on the progress made in recent years to increase the use of telehealth through Medicare. Specifically, the legislation would:\r\n \r\nProvide the Secretary of Health and Human Services with the authority to waive telehealth restrictions when necessary;\r\nRemove geographic and originating site restrictions for services like mental health and emergency medical care;\r\nAllow rural health clinics and other community-based health care centers to provide telehealth services; and\r\nRequire a study to explore more ways to expand telehealth services so that more people can access health care services in their own homes.\r\n \r\nSchatz and the Senate telehealth working group first introduced the CONNECT for Health Act in 2016. Since then, a number of provisions have been signed into law or adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Today's updated version includes new key measures health care experts, providers, and patient advocates agree will help improve access to care and drive down costs.\r\nCompanion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), and Bill Johnson (R-Ohio).\r\nThe CONNECT for Health Act of 2019 has the support of more than 100 organizations including AARP, ACT | The App Association, Alliance for Connected Care, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, American Medical Group Association, American Nurses Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, American Telemedicine Association, America's Health Insurance Plans, Connected Health Initiative, Federation of American Hospitals, Health Innovation Alliance, Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, and the Personal Connected Health Alliance.\r\nThis legislation would benefit patients by removing antiquated restrictions in the Medicare program that prevent physicians from using widely available medical technology that has become commonplace in the past decade. Increased access to telehealth is urgently needed to help meet the health needs of the swiftly changing demographics of our senior population. The CONNECT for Health Act's expansion of telehealth coverage in the Medicare program also will spur increased investment and innovation in delivery redesign to benefit all patients, said Patrice A. Harris, M.D., M.A., President of the American Medical Association. The AMA strongly supports the CONNECT for Health Act of 2019 and applauds Senators Schatz, Wicker, Cardin, Thune, Warner, and Hyde-Smith for their continued leadership on telehealth issues, and we look forward to seeing this vital bill advance in Congress.\r\nFor a copy of the bill, click here. A summary of the bill is available here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/schatz-statement-on-twitter-policy-banning-political-ads", "Schatz Statement On Twitter Policy Banning Political Ads", "2019-10-30", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Statement On Twitter Policy Banning Political Ads \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, October 30, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \r\nU.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), lead Democrat on the Senate Commerce\r\nSubcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet,\r\nreleased the following statement on Twitter's decision to ban all political\r\nadvertisements.  Twitter's\r\nnew policy to stop all political ads is strong, but it's not the only solution.\r\nOnline platforms, including Facebook, can simply refuse to run ads with blatant\r\nlies. This is not a new concept. Facebook already monitors and regulates\r\nfalsehoods in ads  the only group exempt is people who run for office.\r\nPoliticians should not be free to lie. We know information shared online can\r\nimpact our elections and our democracy. It's time online platforms take this\r\nthreat seriously and implement commonsense measures to stop the spread of false\r\ninformation. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-calls-federal-government-release-information-about-911", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls on Federal Government to Release Information About 9/11 Terrorist Attacks", "2019-10-30", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCYesterday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) introduced H.Res.662. The resolution calls on the Federal Government to declassify and release information regarding the September 11, 2001 attacks in order to ensure a full public understanding of what happened and who was involved.\n\nThough Al Qaeda attacked us on 9/11 over 18 years ago, the American people still do not have the truth about Saudi Arabia and who helped Al Qaeda carry out these attacks,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The truth is being withheld from the families of those who were killed on 9/11, and from the American people. Full disclosure of these facts is not only necessary for these families, it is essential for our national security and to keep the American people safe. The Trump Administration must put the interests of the American people first, and release this information now.\n\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-introduces-bill-support-schools-serving-servicemembers", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Introduces Bill to Support Schools Serving Servicemembers\u2019 Children", "2019-10-30", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03) introduced H.R.4917, the Survey our Military Impacted Schools Act. The bill would direct the Department of Defense  in consultation with other relevant agencies  to evaluate the unmet renovation, repair, and expansion needs of elementary and secondary schools across the country that serve children of U.S. military personnel and federal government employees.\n\nOver 800,000 children of servicemembers attend public schools. Our men and women in uniform, and their families, sacrifice so much in service to our country. They shouldn't have to worry about the needs of their kids' schools,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Unfortunately, programs to assist these schools are vastly underfunded. My bill will help make sure that necessary resources are prioritized and delivered to schools most in need.\n\nOur servicemen and women sacrifice so much in service to our country, we owe their families the best education possible. I've talked with countless families and education leaders at our Joint Base who have expressed direct concern about the level of support they receive in Impact Aid. The Survey Our Military Impacted Schools Act will give our policy makers the information they need to ensure we best serve our military families and provide the resources they need, said Rep. Andy Kim.\n\nBackground:According to a survey of 5,650 military and veterans conducted in 2017 by the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN), 43 percent of military families had elected to live separately from the active military member at some point in their career, with 21 percent citing a need for continuity in their children's education.\n\nChronic underfunding of the Impact Aid program has resulted in military-connected children attending schools that are operating at a loss and without the resources needed to help these students thrive. H.R.4917 would help better quantify where there are needs and provide better direction for Congress to allocate resources to meet these needs.\n\nFrom her first days in office, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been a steadfast advocate fighting for quality of life issues that impact servicemembers and military veterans. She has worked tirelessly as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and several Congressional veterans issues caucuses to raise awareness about the challenges faced by servicemembers, military veterans, and their families.\n\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-rep-tulsi-gabbard-bill-address-america-s-nursing-needs", "House Passes Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Bill to Address America\u2019s Nursing Needs", "2019-10-28", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCToday, the House passed H.R.728, the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Rep. Dave Joyce (OH-14) who are co-chairs of Congressional Nursing Caucus. The bill would reauthorize federal funding for nursing workforce and education programs to help grow and support the nursing workforce in the United States.\n\nThe bill passed the House by voice vote. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.\n\nThere is a dire need of nurses all across this country, with rural and underserved communities most negatively impacted. Nurses are the heartbeat of our healthcare system, and this shortage is a crisis that impacts everyone, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. This bill will help make it easier to educate, train, and grow the number of nurses across the country. The Senate must quickly take up and pass our bipartisan bill so that we can build the 21st Century nursing workforce we need.\n\nAs the proud husband of a nurse, I know full-well that nurses are the backbone of our nation's health care system, said Rep. Dave Joyce, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. Any challenge facing nurses hurts the wellbeing of the American people. Unfortunately, we are on the verge of a nursing shortage that will leave far too many without the care they need. That's why my colleagues and I on the Congressional Nursing Caucus introduced this bill to ensure that those interested in pursuing a career in nursing have access to the education and training opportunities necessary to do so. I applaud the House for passing this important legislation and urge the Senate to act quickly so we can get it signed into law as soon as possible.\n\nNurses serve our communities day and night, coming to our aid in times of need and protecting public health, said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. I'm grateful that the House passed this legislation to update and fund Title VIII, which will help nurses receive the training & support they need to be successful in their service. I look forward to continuing to work with my Congressional Nursing Caucus co-chairs on efforts that benefit nurses and our communities.\n\nPassage of this bill is a great example of how we continue to be focused on jobs and workforce training, said Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13), Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. My wife is a nurse educator so I know firsthand the struggles faced by the nursing workforce. This bill will help prevent a nursing shortage by focusing on recruitment, retainment, and continued education for nurses. I thank my colleague Rep. Joyce and all of the members of the Congressional Nursing Caucus for their leadership on this bipartisan bill.\n\nFor over five decades, Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs continue to ensure a robust and diverse nursing workforce, said Dr. Ann Cary, Chair of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Board of Directors. We applaud Representative Gabbard for advancing the reauthorization of these vital programs, her support as House Nursing Caucus Co-Chair, and for her dedication to the nursing profession.\n\nOn behalf of AACN, nursing educators, and the next generation of nurses, we would like to sincerely thank Representative Gabbard for her commitment to passing the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019, said Dr. Deborah Trautman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AACN. Title VIII programs are instrumental to ensuring a robust nursing pipeline and we are elated to see this bipartisan legislation pass the House.\n\nTitle VIII is the largest source of federal funding for nursing education. These programs are vital to prepare nurses to provide care across all practice settings and in rural and medically underserved communities, said American Nurses Association President Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. I want to thank Representative Tulsi Gabbard and the U.S. House of Representatives for passing this unanimously. ANA appreciates Rep. Gabbard and her continued leadership on nursing issues.\n\nBackground:Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is a Congressional leader in efforts to help America's nurses and strengthen the U.S. nursing workforce. She is the co-chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus and introduced the bipartisan H.R.728, the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act with caucus co-chair Rep. Dave Joyce (OH-14) along with the caucus Vice Chairs, Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Rodney Davis (IL-13) and Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Doris Matsui (CA-06), David McKinley (WV-01), and Lauren Underwood (IL-14).\n\n\n\n\nThe Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act provides the largest source of federal funding for nursing education, offering financial support for education programs, individual students, and nurses. For five decades, these programs have helped build the supply and distribution of qualified nurses in all health care settings, from entry-level preparation through graduate study. According to the HRSA, these programs provided loans, scholarships, and programmatic support to over 450,000 nursing students and nurses between FY 2006 and 2012 alone.\n\nAbout Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-portman-bipartisan-legislation-to-confront-rising-threat-of-disinformation-and-deepfakes-passes-senate", "Schatz-Portman Bipartisan Legislation To Confront Rising Threat Of Disinformation And Deepfakes Passes Senate", "2019-10-25", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz-Portman Bipartisan Legislation To Confront Rising Threat Of Disinformation And Deepfakes Passes Senate \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, October 25, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) applauded the Senate passage of the Deepfake Report Act, bipartisan legislation that would direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct an annual study of deepfakes and other types of similar content. Deepfakes are hyper-realistic, digital manipulations of real content that depict events that did not actually occur. \r\nFake content can damage our national security and undermine our democracy, said Senator Schatz. Our bill, which passed the Senate today, directs the federal government to learn more about the scope of deepfake technology. It's an important first step in fighting disinformation.\r\n\r\nAs AI rapidly becomes an intrinsic part of our economy and society, AI-based threats, such as deepfakes, have become an increasing threat to our democracy, said Senator Portman. Addressing the challenges posed by deepfakes will require policymakers to grapple with important questions related to civil liberties and privacy. This bill prepares our country to answer those questions and address concerns by ensuring we have a sound understanding of this issue. As concerns with deepfakes grow by the day, I applaud my Senate colleagues for passing this bipartisan legislation and hope the House will take it up soon.\r\n\r\nThe legislation requires DHS to assess the technology used to generate deepfakes, the uses of deepfakes by foreign and domestic entities, and available countermeasures to deepfakes, to help policymakers and the public better understand the threats deepfakes pose to our national security and election security.\r\n\r\nThe bill will now head to the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-introduces-new-legislation-to-block-trump-border-wall-money-grab", "Schatz Introduces New Legislation To Block Trump Border Wall Money Grab", "2019-10-24", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Introduces New Legislation To Block Trump Border Wall Money Grab \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Bill Would Prohibit The Use Of Defense Money To Build President Trump's Vanity Border Wall And Return The $3.6 Billion That He Has Already Stolen Back To The Military Construction Projects \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, October 24, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t  WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced the Stopping Executive Overreach on Military Appropriations Act (SEOMA) in response to President Trump's raid of military construction funds in order to build his wasteful wall on the southern U.S. border. The bill would rescind President Trump's egregious abuse of executive power and prevent future presidents from exercising similar executive overreach in the event of a declaration of a national emergency. The president is robbing our military of funds meant for critical construction projects that serve our troops and keep the American people safe, said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Our bill will stop this reckless abuse of power and restore funding to the military so that the men and women in our armed forces have the resources they need to protect our country. The President's decision to use a phony emergency declaration to take money away from our servicemembers and their families is a gross abuse of executive power that hurts military families in my state and others, and puts our nation's security at risk, said Senator Murray. We're taking action to not only reverse President Trump's reckless decision to ransack funds for critical military priorities and infrastructure projects that help keep our country safe, such as the pier and maintenance facility at Naval Base Kitsap in my home state of Washington, but also to make sure no President going forward can take reckless, harmful steps like this one. President Trump has very clearly attempted to usurp the power of the pursegiven exclusively to Congress by the Constitutionby taking funding from military projects we've approved and giving it to projects Congress has repeatedly rejected. Not only does this brazen power grab detract from military readiness, it directly affects the wellbeing of service members and their families who already sacrifice so much to defend our liberty. The president's unscrupulous actions require Democrats and Republicans in Congress to re-assert our constitutional authority and pass legislation barring any future president from abusing emergency powers to divert funds appropriated for our military service members, said Senator Schumer. Specifically, the legislation would directly address President Trump's egregious abuse of executive powerand set a standard to prevent future abuses of executive powerby:\r\n \r\nRequiring approval from Congress before the President can redirect military construction funds during a national emergency;\r\nProhibiting defense money from being used to build President Trump's wasteful border wall;\r\nImmediately rescinding the $3.6 billion dollars President Trump raided from military construction funds to divert to his wall, and returning those funds back to their respective projects; and\r\nDirecting the Office of Government Ethics to review all current and future contracts related to President Trump's border wall to determine if the President, his family, or his top lieutenants would personally profit from such contracts, or if there is any conflict of interest.\r\n \r\nSenators Schatz, Murray, Schumer, Durbin, and Leahy have been vocal opponents of President Trump's repeated attempts to use federal taxpayer dollars to fund his border wall, as well as his persistent efforts to bypass Congress to do so. Following President Trump's sham emergency declaration at the southern border in February, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper announced that $3.6 billion dollars of appropriated military construction funds would be diverted to pay for the President's border wall. This decision affects 127 military construction projects in 26 states and territories, including a nearly $89 million project to construct a critical pier and maintenance facility at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state, and comes after Congress opted repeatedly, on a bipartisan basis, not to fund President Trump's request for his border wall. Text of the legislation can be found here. A fact sheet on the bill can be found here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-leads-hawaii-alaska-senators-in-urging-fcc-to-stop-plan-that-threatens-funding-for-programs-that-help-millions-of-americans-access-phone-and-internet-services", "Schatz Leads Hawaii, Alaska Senators In Urging FCC To Stop Plan That Threatens Funding For Programs That Help Millions Of Americans Access Phone And Internet Services", "2019-10-24", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Leads Hawaii, Alaska Senators In Urging FCC To Stop Plan That Threatens Funding For Programs That Help Millions Of Americans Access Phone And Internet Services \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Chairman Pai's Proposal Would Jeopardize Access To Programs That Help Families, Health Care Centers, and Schools In Rural Communities \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, October 24, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) called on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to end his efforts that would threaten funding for programs that help millions of Americans in rural communities access telephone and internet services.\r\nEspecially in rural areas, USF programs have been key to redefining access to services and ensuring that the most vulnerable Americans have the tools and bandwidth necessary to communicate with one another, receive telehealth services, and engage in teaching and learning online, the senators wrote. We urge the Commission not to proceed down this path, and instead to consider other ways to support these critical programs that fulfill the mandate of Congress and that serve all Americans.\r\nEarlier this year, Chairman Pai released a proposal to arbitrarily cap funding for Universal Service Fund (USF) programs. These programs provide schools and health care centers with access to broadband internet services, help struggling families connect with employers and loved ones, and encourage broadband providers to improve coverage in areas that need it most.\r\nIf the Commission goes forward with its plan to combine the budgetary caps of the E-Rate and RHC programs, increased demand in one program could lead to both programs becoming underfunded, which would pit the programs against one another in an unnecessary and unwise competition for funding. Such a result would stand in stark contrast to the Commission's duty under the law to provide specific, predictable, and sufficient' support for schools, libraries, and health care providers, the senators wrote.\r\n\r\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below:\r\nDear Chairman Pai,\r\nSince its establishment in 1996, the Universal Service Fund (USF) has promoted universal access to telecommunication services around the United States, and we acknowledge the Federal Communications Commission's significant work to streamline and modernize USF that has benefited countless Americans. Especially in rural areas, USF programs have been key to redefining access to services and ensuring that the most vulnerable Americans have the tools and bandwidth necessary to communicate with one another, receive telehealth services, and engage in teaching and learning online. As two of the nation's most rural and geographically isolated states, Hawaii and Alaska are uniquely situated to benefit from USF programs and to be harmed from any reduction in their services.\r\nAccordingly, we were concerned to learn about the Commission's proposed plan to impose an overall cap on all USF programs and to combine the Rural Health Care (RHC) and Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) programs' funding under one cap. Although we recognize the Commission's stated goal to determine the effectiveness of each program, we believe that this proposal is contrary to Congress' intent in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which explicitly directs the Commission to prioritize specific, predictable, and sufficient support for universal service.\r\nWe do not believe that capping USF overall will generate the data that will help the FCC improve the function of USF programs, and is actually the first step in creating an artificial budget crisis that will encourage the Commission to favor certain programs over others. Moreover, each individual program already has its own budget or cap in place, and so the addition of an overall cap will not provide any added benefit to USF's efficiency or effectiveness. To the contrary, it could raise significant uncertainty for the program and its beneficiaries around the country.\r\nFurthermore, we believe that the Commission's plan to combine RHC and E-Rate into a single program with a unified spending cap will jeopardize the future of both of these programs. If the Commission goes forward with its plan to combine the budgetary caps of the E-Rate and RHC programs, increased demand in one program could lead to both programs becoming underfunded, which would pit the programs against one another in an unnecessary and unwise competition for funding. Such a result would stand in stark contrast to the Commission's duty under the law to provide specific, predictable, and sufficient support for schools, libraries, and health care providers.\r\nThe Commission's plan to introduce an overall cap on USF funding, in addition to its plan to combine funding for RHC and E-Rate programs, would conflict with Congressional intent as expressed in the statute and harm the effectiveness of USF. As representatives for two of the nation's most rural and remote states, we are concerned that this plan would do great harm to our constituents and disproportionately impact providers in Hawaii and Alaska. Therefore, we urge the Commission not to proceed down this path, and instead to consider other ways to support these critical programs that fulfill the mandate of Congress and that serve all Americans.We thank you for your attention to this matter.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-senate-democrats-introduce-new-legislation-to-block-trump-border-wall-money-grab", "Schatz, Senate Democrats Introduce New Legislation To Block Trump Border Wall Money Grab", "2019-10-24", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz, Senate Democrats Introduce New Legislation To Block Trump Border Wall Money Grab \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Bill Would Prohibit The Use Of Defense Money To Build President Trump's Vanity Border Wall And Return The $3.6 Billion That He Has Already Stolen Back To The Military Construction Projects \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, October 24, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t  WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced the Stopping Executive Overreach on Military Appropriations Act (SEOMA) in response to President Trump's raid of military construction funds in order to build his wasteful wall on the southern U.S. border. The bill would rescind President Trump's egregious abuse of executive power and prevent future presidents from exercising similar executive overreach in the event of a declaration of a national emergency. The president is robbing our military of funds meant for critical construction projects that serve our troops and keep the American people safe, said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Our bill will stop this reckless abuse of power and restore funding to the military so that the men and women in our armed forces have the resources they need protect our country. The President's decision to use a phony emergency declaration to take money away from our servicemembers and their families is a gross abuse of executive power that hurts military families in my state and others, and puts our nation's security at risk, said Senator Murray. We're taking action to not only reverse President Trump's reckless decision to ransack funds for critical military priorities and infrastructure projects that help keep our country safe, such as the pier and maintenance facility at Naval Base Kitsap in my home state of Washington, but also to make sure no President going forward can take reckless, harmful steps like this one. President Trump has very clearly attempted to usurp the power of the pursegiven exclusively to Congress by the Constitutionby taking funding from military projects we've approved and giving it to projects Congress has repeatedly rejected. Not only does this brazen power grab detract from military readiness, it directly affects the wellbeing of service members and their families who already sacrifice so much to defend our liberty. The president's unscrupulous actions require Democrats and Republicans in Congress to re-assert our constitutional authority and pass legislation barring any future president from abusing emergency powers to divert funds appropriated for our military service members, said Senator Schumer. Specifically, the legislation would directly address President Trump's egregious abuse of executive powerand set a standard to prevent future abuses of executive powerby:\r\n \r\nRequiring approval from Congress before the President can redirect military construction funds during a national emergency;\r\nProhibiting defense money from being used to build President Trump's wasteful border wall;\r\nImmediately rescinding the $3.6 billion dollars President Trump raided from military construction funds to divert to his wall, and returning those funds back to their respective projects; and\r\nDirecting the Office of Government Ethics to review all current and future contracts related to President Trump's border wall to determine if the President, his family, or his top lieutenants would personally profit from such contracts, or if there is any conflict of interest.\r\n \r\nSenators Schatz, Murray, Schumer, Durbin, and Leahy have been vocal opponents of President Trump's repeated attempts to use federal taxpayer dollars to fund his border wall, as well as his persistent efforts to bypass Congress to do so. Following President Trump's sham emergency declaration at the southern border in February, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper announced that $3.6 billion dollars of appropriated military construction funds would be diverted to pay for the President's border wall. This decision affects 127 military construction projects in 26 states and territories, including a nearly $89 million project to construct a critical pier and maintenance facility at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state, and comes after Congress opted repeatedly, on a bipartisan basis, not to fund President Trump's request for his border wall. Text of the legislation can be found here. A fact sheet on the bill can be found here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-thune-reintroduce-legislation-to-improve-the-way-the-public-receives-missile-alerts", "Schatz, Thune Reintroduce Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Missile Alerts", "2019-10-24", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz, Thune Reintroduce Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Missile Alerts \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Bipartisan Bill Would Provide Public With More Reliable Emergency Alerts on their Wireless Phones, TVs, and Radios \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, October 24, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and John Thune (R-S.D.) reintroduced the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act. The bipartisan legislation would ensure more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions, and radios, explore new ways of alerting the public through online video and audio streaming services, track and study false alerts when they occur, and improve the way states plan for emergency alerts.\r\nWhen a missile alert went out across Hawaii last year, some people never got the message on their phones, while others missed it on their TVs and radios. Even though it was a false alarm, the missile alert exposed real flaws in the way people receive emergency alerts, said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. Our bill fixes a number of important problems with the system responsible for delivering emergency alerts. In a real emergency, these alerts can save lives so we have to do everything we can to get it right.\r\nSouth Dakotans understand how drastically the weather can change on a dime, said Senator Thune, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. For that reason, among many others, this legislation would make necessary improvements to help keep South Dakotans and communities around the country safe in times of emergency. I want to thank Sen. Schatz for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him to move this bill forward.\r\nThe Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert System ensure that the public is quickly informed about emergency alerts issued by federal, state, tribal, and local governments and delivered over the radio, television, and mobile wireless devices. These announcements keep the public safe and informed. FEMA administers the platform government agencies use to originate alerts, while the FCC oversees the systems used to distribute the alerts over broadcast and mobile wireless networks.\r\nThe READI Act would:\r\n \r\nEnsure more people receive emergency alerts by eliminating the option to opt out of receiving certain federal alerts, including missile alerts, on mobile phones;\r\nRequire active alerts issued by the President or FEMA to be repeated. Currently, alerts on TV or radio may only be played once;\r\nExplore establishing a system to offer emergency alerts to audio and video online streaming services, such as Netflix and Spotify;\r\nEncourage State Emergency Communications Committees to periodically review and update their State Emergency Alert System Plans, which are often out of date;\r\nCompel FEMA to create best practices for state, tribal, and local governments to use for issuing alerts, avoiding false alerts, and retracting false alerts if they occur, as well as for alert origination training and plans for officials to contact each other and federal officials during emergencies; and\r\nEstablish a reporting system for false alerts so the FCC can track when they occur and examine their causes.\r\n \r\nIn addition to the READI Act, Senator Schatz reintroduced the ALERT Act earlier this year. In April 2018, Schatz led a Senate field hearing in Hawaii in response to the false missile alert.\r\nCompanion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.), Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Pete Olson (R-Texas), and Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.).\r\nThe READI Act is support by NCTA  The Internet and Television Association, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the Internet Association, CTIA  The Wireless Association, and the Wireless Infrastructure Association.\r\nNAB applauds Sens. Schatz and Thune and Reps. McNerney, Gabbard, Bilirakis and Olson for their introduction of the READI Act, which would enhance our nation's emergency alerting capabilities. As America's first informers,' local broadcasters support the legislation's goal of improving accuracy and frequency of emergency alerts and strengthening coordination between federal and local authorities during times of disaster. We look forward to working with bill's cosponsors and their colleagues in Congress to improve upon the accuracy and reliability of emergency alerts, said Gordon Smith, President and CEO of NAB. Modernizing the emergency alert process is crucial to Americans' safety and the READI Act is a well-constructed, collaborative approach to solving this critical problem. The internet industry commends Congress's dedication to studying this issue and thanks Sen. Schatz, Sen. Thune, Rep. McNerney, Rep. Bilirakis, Rep. Gabbard, and Rep. Olson for their leadership on this important legislation, said Michael Bloom, Vice President of Federal Government Affairs for the Internet Association.\r\nWe commend Senators Schatz and Thune, as well as Representatives Bilirakis, Gabbard, McNerney and Olson for their commitment to maintaining consumer confidence in Wireless Emergency Alerts. WEAs are one of our most effective public alert warning tools, and we will continue to work with the public safety community and government officials to support their proven life-saving capabilities, said Kelly Cole, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for CTIA.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/-fema-approves-federal-aid-to-help-fight-kahana-ridge-fire-on-maui", "FEMA Approves Federal Aid To Help Fight Kahana Ridge Fire On Maui", "2019-10-23", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FEMA Approves Federal Aid To Help Fight Kahana Ridge Fire On Maui \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Grant Unlocks Federal Funding For Equipment and Emergency Work \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, October 23, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the State of Hawaii's request for federal aid to contain the Kahana Ridge fire on Maui. FEMA's Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) offers federal funding for the mitigation, management, and control of fires deemed likely to constitute a major disaster.\r\nThis new emergency federal funding will strengthen efforts to contain the Kahana Ridge fire and keep families safe. We're thankful to FEMA for quickly approving our state's request, said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\r\nYesterday, the State of Hawaii submitted a request for a FMAGP declaration for the Kahana Ridge fire on Maui. Within 24 hours, FEMA determined that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster and approved the state's request.\r\nUnder the FMAGP, Hawaii may claim federal funding to cover the costs of equipment, supplies, and temporary repair of damages caused by firefighting. The grant will also cover the costs associated with emergency workers, including field camps, meals, and an emergency operations center.\r\nAccording to the Maui Fire Department, the fire started Tuesday afternoon and by Wednesday morning had burned 964 acres. Firefighters most recently reported that the fire is 45 percent contained.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-hirono-stabenow-led-advocacy-inspector-general-opens-investigation-into-suppression-of-science-at-usda", "Following Hirono, Stabenow-led Advocacy, Inspector General Opens Investigation into Suppression of Science at USDA", "2019-10-22", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 22, 2019\n\t\t\t Following Hirono, Stabenow-led Advocacy, Inspector General Opens Investigation into Suppression of Science at USDA \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) announced today that Phyllis K. Fong, the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), opened an investigation into potential suppression and alteration of scientific reports, documents, and communications by political appointees at USDA.\r\nToday's announcement followeda June request by Senators Hirono, Stabenow, and 17 Senate Democrats to initiate the investigationfollowing widespread reports of politically-motivated decision making at USDA that led to suppression of climate science, the unnecessary relocation of USDA scientists, and potential retaliation against career Department employees.\r\nMillions of people around the world have benefited and will benefit from the cutting-edge research produced by scientists at USDA every single day. These dedicated public servants should not be subjected to the whims of Trump appointees who have suppressed the Department's work for their political agenda,Senator Hirono said.Across the government, inspectors general are playing a crucial role in holding this administration accountable, and I want to thank Inspector General Fong for initiating this important investigation.\r\nThe Trump Administration's efforts to suppress science at USDA put our farmers and our economy at risk,Senator Stabenow said. This investigation will help us get to the bottom of what's been happening and ensure scientific integrity is protected at the department.\r\nA copy of Inspector General Fong's letter in response to the request from Senators Hirono and Stabenow can be foundhere.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 434, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "HI", "p2": "2019"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=HI&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 434, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=HI&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 434, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=HI&year=2019&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=HI&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "HI", "label": "HI", "count": 434, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=HI&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 434, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=HI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2019-10-22,http~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ehirono~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Ffollowing-hirono-stabenow-led-advocacy-inspector-general-opens-investigation-into-suppression-of-science-at-usda", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=HI&year=2019&_next=2019-10-22%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ehirono~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Ffollowing-hirono-stabenow-led-advocacy-inspector-general-opens-investigation-into-suppression-of-science-at-usda&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 193.82445001974702, "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"}