{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"HI\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-canada-preclearance-agreement-approval-will-benefit-hawaii-us-economy", "Hirono: Canada Preclearance Agreement Approval Will Benefit Hawaii, U.S. Economy", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 22, 2017\n\t\t\t Hirono: Canada Preclearance Agreement Approval Will Benefit Hawaii, U.S. Economy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono applauded Canadas approval of legislation to implement a 2015 agreement with the United States to expand U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance locations at airports in Canada.\r\nCanadas approval of the 2015 preclearance agreement strengthens our close bilateral ties and advances opportunities to support Hawaiis second largest international visitor market, said Senator Hirono. The preclearance expansion will create Hawaii jobs, while easing airport congestion and improving services for Canadian visitors to Hawaii and the United States.\r\nWed like to thank Senator Hirono for her leadership and steadfast efforts to approve the agreement to expand preclearance for travel between the U.S. and Canada, an important source of visitors to Maui and customers for Maui businesses,said Leslie Wilkins, President and CEO of the Maui Economic Development Board.Canadas approval of legislation to enact this agreement is great news for our state and county which have seen the benefits of preclearance first hand and further expansion will open new opportunities to drive economic growth and job creation in our local communities.\r\nThis expansion of the preclearance agreement is a credit to the diligence of Senator Hirono to make travel to Hawaii a more efficient and accommodating process for visitors from the Toronto and Quebec regions,said George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.Canadian citizens have had a longstanding affection for the warmth, beauty and way of life in the Hawaiian Islands. With this expanded agreement, Hawaii becomes an even more appealing vacation option for travelers from eastern Canada.\r\nThe visitor industry welcomes this enhanced streamlining of the entry process from one of our major markets, Canada. We hope the convenience of preclearance will encourage even more Canadians to travel to the Hawaiian Islands, and we're grateful to Senator Hirono for her leadership in supporting another measure that stimulates travel between our nations,said Mufi Hannemann, President and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association.\r\nThe signing and enactment of this preclearance agreement will make cross-border transit between the U.S. and Canada more efficient for business travel, tour operators and independent leisure travel, including travelers from Hawaii, and send a positive signal to the investment and business climate, while maintaining the security of our borders,said Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President Sherry Menor-McNamara.\r\nDirect flights from Canada to Kona play a key role in facilitating travel and business for Hawaii Island residents and visitors alikesaid Wendy Laros, Executive Director of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce.\"We appreciate Senator Hirono's work to expand preclearance between the United States and Canada which will offer our local and state economy new opportunities to grow.\"\r\nSenator Hirono cosponsored the U.S. implementing legislation, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama on December 16, 2016.With U.S. and Canadian legislation in place thebilateralagreement, formally known as the Agreement on Land, Rail, Marine, and Air Transport Preclearance, allows forthe further expansion of preclearance to rail, sea, and ground transportationin each country.\r\nThe Honolulu, Kahului, Konaand LihueAirports currently receive precleared flights operated by Air Canada and WestJeton a regular or seasonal basisfrom Vancouver,Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto. With the implementing legislation now enacted in both countries, plans can proceed to open new CBP preclearance locations at Canadian airports, cruise terminals, and rail stations. New ports of entry planned for preclearanceincludeTorontos Billy Bishop City Airport, Quebec Citys Jean Lesage International Airport,and Vancouvers cruise terminal.\r\nAccording to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, nearly 470,000 Canadians visited Hawaii including 23,000 by cruise ships in 2016  contributing almost $1 billion to the states economy and supporting over 11,000 jobs.\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\thelloworld\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"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-canada-preclearance-agreement-approval-will-benefit-hawaii-us-economy", "Hirono: Canada Preclearance Agreement Approval Will Benefit Hawaii, U.S. Economy", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono: Canada Preclearance Agreement Approval Will Benefit Hawaii, U.S. Economy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 22, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono applauded Canadas approval of legislation to implement a 2015 agreement with the United States to expand U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance locations at airports in Canada.\r\nCanadas approval of the 2015 preclearance agreement strengthens our close bilateral ties and advances opportunities to support Hawaiis second largest international visitor market, said Senator Hirono. The preclearance expansion will create Hawaii jobs, while easing airport congestion and improving services for Canadian visitors to Hawaii and the United States.\r\nWed like to thank Senator Hirono for her leadership and steadfast efforts to approve the agreement to expand preclearance for travel between the U.S. and Canada, an important source of visitors to Maui and customers for Maui businesses,said Leslie Wilkins, President and CEO of the Maui Economic Development Board.Canadas approval of legislation to enact this agreement is great news for our state and county which have seen the benefits of preclearance first hand and further expansion will open new opportunities to drive economic growth and job creation in our local communities.\r\nThis expansion of the preclearance agreement is a credit to the diligence of Senator Hirono to make travel to Hawaii a more efficient and accommodating process for visitors from the Toronto and Quebec regions,said George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.Canadian citizens have had a longstanding affection for the warmth, beauty and way of life in the Hawaiian Islands. With this expanded agreement, Hawaii becomes an even more appealing vacation option for travelers from eastern Canada.\r\nThe visitor industry welcomes this enhanced streamlining of the entry process from one of our major markets, Canada. We hope the convenience of preclearance will encourage even more Canadians to travel to the Hawaiian Islands, and we're grateful to Senator Hirono for her leadership in supporting another measure that stimulates travel between our nations,said Mufi Hannemann, President and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association.\r\nThe signing and enactment of this preclearance agreement will make cross-border transit between the U.S. and Canada more efficient for business travel, tour operators and independent leisure travel, including travelers from Hawaii, and send a positive signal to the investment and business climate, while maintaining the security of our borders,said Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President Sherry Menor-McNamara.\r\nDirect flights from Canada to Kona play a key role in facilitating travel and business for Hawaii Island residents and visitors alikesaid Wendy Laros, Executive Director of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce.\"We appreciate Senator Hirono's work to expand preclearance between the United States and Canada which will offer our local and state economy new opportunities to grow.\"\r\nSenator Hirono cosponsored the U.S. implementing legislation, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama on December 16, 2016.With U.S. and Canadian legislation in place thebilateralagreement, formally known as the Agreement on Land, Rail, Marine, and Air Transport Preclearance, allows forthe further expansion of preclearance to rail, sea, and ground transportationin each country.\r\nThe Honolulu, Kahului, Konaand LihueAirports currently receive precleared flights operated by Air Canada and WestJeton a regular or seasonal basisfrom Vancouver,Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto. With the implementing legislation now enacted in both countries, plans can proceed to open new CBP preclearance locations at Canadian airports, cruise terminals, and rail stations. New ports of entry planned for preclearanceincludeTorontos Billy Bishop City Airport, Quebec Citys Jean Lesage International Airport,and Vancouvers cruise terminal.\r\nAccording to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, nearly 470,000 Canadians visited Hawaii including 23,000 by cruise ships in 2016  contributing almost $1 billion to the states economy and supporting over 11,000 jobs.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusa-urges-end-efforts-undermine-special-counsel", "Congresswoman Hanabusa Urges An End to Efforts to Undermine Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Colleen Hanabusa", "H001050", "hanabusa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa joined 170 of her Democratic colleagues to urge Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein to continue the investigation into issues arising from the 2016 U.S. election.\nSpecial Counsel Mueller was appointed May 17 to lead the probe into the 2016 elections, including any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump. \nIn recent months four House Republicans, right-wing media and President Donald Trump have sought to cast the investigation as biased. President Trump has repeatedly referred to the probe as a witch hunt and publicly attacked the Federal Bureau of Investigation. \nThe circumstances surrounding Russian meddling in the 2016 elections and the allegations against the President, his family members, and campaign team are being thoroughly and impartially investigated by the Special Counsel. Their work should not be the subject of a public relations campaign or criticism from the White House that seeks to undermine their credibility, said Congresswoman Hanabusa.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusa-votes-against-latest-gop-spending-plan", "Congresswoman Hanabusa Votes Against Latest GOP Spending Plan", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Colleen Hanabusa", "H001050", "hanabusa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa voted against the third Continuing Resolution to fund the government offered by Republicans this fiscal year. \nThe short term CR passed the House by a vote of 231 to 188 and put off decisions on immigration, appropriations, and health care until Jan. 19, 2018.\nFunding the government for short periods of time is an inefficient use of tax payer resources. This is the third short term spending plan that we have considered in the last three months. We are a third of the way through the current fiscal year and have not completed the Appropriations process, meaning we have no comprehensive financial plan to manage the federal government and provide essential services and programs for our constituents, said Congresswoman Hanabusa. We need a bipartisan agreement that allows the Appropriations process to move forward by raising the spending caps imposed by the Budget Control Act, prioritizing the funding of theb Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), solidifying funding for our Community Health Centers, and passing the DREAM Act. It was always the belief in the Democratic Caucus that the DREAMers would be taken care of by the end of 2017. That didnt happen. There are more than 25,000 children enrolled in CHIP in Hawaii who will wonder through the Holidays if their program will remain viable in 2018. Hawaiis 14 community health centers are awaiting a solid spending plan from the federal government. They cannot continue to care for our underserved communities while figuring out how to pay for their operations. I will not support this short sighted approach to funding the government that forces our communities to scramble and work through the uncertainties created by Congress inability to work toward a sensible spending solution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-from-senator-mazie-k-hirono-on-the-continuing-resolution", "Statement from Senator Mazie K. Hirono on the Continuing Resolution", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 21, 2017\n\t\t\t Statement from Senator Mazie K. Hirono on the Continuing Resolution \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono issued the following statement after opposing the continuing resolution:\r\nI voted against the continuing resolution because it did not include programs that would actually help people such as the DREAM Act, a real reauthorization for the Childrens Health Insurance Program and Community Health Centers, or parity between defense and non-defense funding in a long-term budget deal.\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\thelloworld\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"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-facebook-arctic-report-card", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Arctic Report Card", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"We cannot wait any longer to act on climate change. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has found that the decline of sea ice and warming temperatures are rising at rates unseen in 1,500 years. The evidence could not be clearer: we must end our addiction to fossil fuels. We must pass my bill, the #OFFAct to protect our people and our planet by transitioning to a 100% clean energy economy by 2035.\" -TG\nFor more information, click here.\nFor more information on Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's work to preserve and protect the environment, click here.\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-facebook-net-neutrality", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Net Neutrality", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"The FCCs corporate-backed repeal of net neutrality last week flies in the face of the American people who voiced comments, made calls, protested, and fought hard to ensure the Internet remains open, fair, and equal for everyone.\nIn #Hawaii, these safeguards are critical for access to tele-health services, employment opportunities,entrepreneurship, education, sharingcreative content, and so much more. By handing the reins of the Internet to huge corporations, we threaten innovation and creativity, stifle competition, and turn the Internet into a pay-to-play forum.\nKeeping the Internet open and accessible to all should not be a partisan issueit's an American issue. Itshould be the level playing field that lets the little guy compete against industry giants without being silenced or muffled. Thats why Im working across the aisle with my colleagues to overturn the FCCs ruling and restore net neutrality. I'm working on legislation that will overrule the FCC decision and return the Internet to the people and uphold net neutrality.\"-TG\n\nTo read more about Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's work to foster technology growth and innovation, click here.\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-facebook-new-york-fossil-fuels", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: New York off Fossil Fuels", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"New York City and New York State officials yesterday called for city and state pension funds to halt investments in fossil fuels  a momentous step towards moving our entire nation off fossil fuels. As the momentum continues to build and research pours in, the time is now to pass my bill, the #OFFAct to transition to a 100% clean energy economy by 2035. Together, we all can build a better and brighter future for the next generation and we should start by protecting our environment.\" -TG\nFor more information on New York state's decision to halt investments in fossil fuels, click here.\nTo read more about Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's work to preserve and protect the environment, click here.\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-facebook-organic-agriculture-research-act-2017", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Organic Agriculture Research Act of 2017", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"#Hawaii is home to 166 farms with 3,505 acres in organic production that grow fruits, vegetables, coffee, herbs, spices, and so much more. Organic farming continues to be a steadily growing source of employment and income for the people of Hawaii and others across the nation. Im pushing for bipartisan legislation to increase the annual funding from $20 million to $50 million for research, education, and support of our nations organic agriculture farmers.\"-TG\n\nTo read more about Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's work to preserve and protect the environment, click here.\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-votes-against-partisan-corporate-handout-tax-bill-again", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Votes Against Partisan Corporate-Handout Tax Bill, Again", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today voted against the Republicans tax reform plan, for the second time, which will raise taxes on millions of low and middle-class families, reward corporations and top wage-earners with permanent, massive tax breaks, and add over $1.46 trillion to the national deficit. After requiring a re-vote in the House due to technical change requirements discovered by the Senate last night, the House passed H.R. 1 again today by a vote of 224-201.\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said: \nThis tax bill was written by and for lobbyists and the corporations who sign their paychecks, without consideration for the lasting impact it will have on low-income and middle-class families who are struggling just to make ends meet - the reality for so many Hawaii families and millions more nationwide. It should be no surprise that with this legislation, the top 1% in our country will receive over 82 percent of the tax benefit.\nWhile industry giants see the largest corporate tax cut in American history made permanent, 86 million low and middle class families will pay higher taxes in eight years than they do today.\nIn Hawaii, where the average cost of a single-family home is well over $700,000, lowering the mortgage interest deduction means many local families will find it even more difficult to achieve their dreams of homeownership in our home state, as the cost of living continues to rise.\nAs long as Congressional leaders continue to pass legislation rushed through for partisan political reasons, where lobbyists have more input in writing this legislation than many Members of Congress, with no effort whatsoever to enact true bipartisan reform, in the end, the American people lose. This legislation is a disappointment, and a lost opportunity to truly help millions of Americans in need.\n\nHarmful provisions in the final version of the tax bill include: \n Dismantling the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction, which will effectively raise taxes on those who will no longer benefit from the deduction. Under current law, the SALT deduction is unlimited, but this legislation limits the deductions of both individuals and couples up to only $10,000, while allowing corporations and pass-through entities to continue claiming the unlimited deduction.\n\tCreating billions of dollars in environmentally harmful fossil fuel subsidies and tax loopholes while putting incentives for clean energy in jeopardy. \n\tPermanently lowering corporate taxes rates to 21 percent-- the largest one-time corporate tax cut in US history--while making tax cuts for some middle class families temporary. By 2026, over 86 million low and middle class families will pay higher taxes than they do today.\n\tCutting taxes for the Americas top wage earners by nearly three percent and raising the threshold at which that tax rate kicks in to $500,000 for individuals and $600,000 for married couples.\n\tLaying the foundation for a $136 billion cut to mandatory programs in FY2018 aloneincluding a mandatory $25 billion cut to Medicareto cover the offset of the $1.46 trillion dollar increase to our national deficit. In Hawaii, 245,000 people receive healthcare through Medicare.\n\tReducing the limit on the mortgage interest deduction, further exacerbating the affordable housing crisis in Hawaii.\n \nBackground:\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has fought to protect the hard-earned paychecks of low and middle income Americans and against corporate tax breaks throughout her time in Congress. She voted against the Republicans corporate giveaway tax bill in the House and called on the conference committee to serve and protect hardworking American families.\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-and-schatz-announce-nomination-of-jill-otake-to-us-district-court", "Hirono & Schatz Announce Nomination of Jill Otake to U.S. District Court", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2017\n\t\t\t Hirono & Schatz Announce Nomination of Jill Otake to U.S. District Court \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.- Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Brian Schatz announced the nomination of well-respected, career prosecutor Jill Otake to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Ms. Otake was among those recommended by Senators Hirono and Schatz, and a merit-based Federal Judicial Selection Commission in 2015.\r\nMs. Otake is a well-qualified nominee to serve on the U.S. District Court, said Senator Hirono. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I made clear to the White House that I would only give my consent to a qualified, impartial nominee, and look forward to supporting Ms. Otakes nomination in the Senate.\r\nJill Otake is an experienced trial attorney whose legal knowledge and sound judgment make her an excellent choice to serve as U.S. District Court Judge, said Senator Schatz. Jill has broad support across the political spectrum, and Im confident she will serve the federal court and Hawaii with integrity.\r\nJill Otake currently serves as an Assistant United States Attorney and as the Acting Chief of the Special Crimes Section in the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Hawaii, having previously served as Deputy Chief. Prior to joining the office three years ago, she spent nine years as an Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Supervisor in the United States Attorneys Office for the Western District of Washington. During this period, she served as an adjunct professor of trial advocacy at Seattle University School of Law.\r\nBefore becoming an Assistant United States Attorney, Ms. Otake spent six years as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office in King County, Washington. Ms. Otake was born and raised in Hawaii. She is a graduate of Iolani School and served as a law clerk to Associate Justice Simeon R. Acoba, Jr. of the Supreme Court of Hawaii. Ms. Otake earned her B.S., cum laude from Georgetown University and her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law, where she was inducted into the Order of the Barristers.\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\thelloworld\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"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-republican-tax-bill-is-a-scam-will-not-help-middle-class", "Hirono: Republican Tax Bill Is a Scam, Will Not Help Middle Class", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2017\n\t\t\t Hirono: Republican Tax Bill Is a Scam, Will Not Help Middle Class \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement following her vote against the Republican tax bill:\r\nThe Republican tax bill is a scam. After months of empty promises to the middle class, the President has been caught in another big fat lie. This bill will not help the middle class. It is nothing more than a fulfillment of the Republican Partys mission to eventually gut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security to pay for trillions of dollars in tax cuts to the richest Americans and corporations. The American people will hold them accountable.\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\thelloworld\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"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-and-schatz-announce-nomination-of-jill-otake-to-us-district-court", "Hirono & Schatz Announce Nomination of Jill Otake to U.S. District Court", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono & Schatz Announce Nomination of Jill Otake to U.S. District Court\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 20, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.- Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Brian Schatz announced the nomination of well-respected, career prosecutor Jill Otake to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Ms. Otake was among those recommended by Senators Hirono and Schatz, and a merit-based Federal Judicial Selection Commission in 2015.\r\nMs. Otake is a well-qualified nominee to serve on the U.S. District Court, said Senator Hirono. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I made clear to the White House that I would only give my consent to a qualified, impartial nominee, and look forward to supporting Ms. Otakes nomination in the Senate.\r\nJill Otake is an experienced trial attorney whose legal knowledge and sound judgment make her an excellent choice to serve as U.S. District Court Judge, said Senator Schatz. Jill has broad support across the political spectrum, and Im confident she will serve the federal court and Hawaii with integrity.\r\nJill Otake currently serves as an Assistant United States Attorney and as the Acting Chief of the Special Crimes Section in the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Hawaii, having previously served as Deputy Chief. Prior to joining the office three years ago, she spent nine years as an Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Supervisor in the United States Attorneys Office for the Western District of Washington. During this period, she served as an adjunct professor of trial advocacy at Seattle University School of Law.\r\nBefore becoming an Assistant United States Attorney, Ms. Otake spent six years as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office in King County, Washington. Ms. Otake was born and raised in Hawaii. She is a graduate of Iolani School and served as a law clerk to Associate Justice Simeon R. Acoba, Jr. of the Supreme Court of Hawaii. Ms. Otake earned her B.S., cum laude from Georgetown University and her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law, where she was inducted into the Order of the Barristers.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-republican-tax-bill-is-a-scam-will-not-help-middle-class", "Hirono: Republican Tax Bill Is a Scam, Will Not Help Middle Class", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono: Republican Tax Bill Is a Scam, Will Not Help Middle Class\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 20, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement following her vote against the Republican tax bill:\r\nThe Republican tax bill is a scam. After months of empty promises to the middle class, the President has been caught in another big fat lie. This bill will not help the middle class. It is nothing more than a fulfillment of the Republican Partys mission to eventually gut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security to pay for trillions of dollars in tax cuts to the richest Americans and corporations. The American people will hold them accountable.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-and-hirono-announce-nomination-of-jill-otake-to-us-district-court", "Schatz  Hirono Announce Nomination of Jill Otake to U.S. District Court", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz & Hirono Announce Nomination of Jill Otake to U.S. District Court \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 20, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t  WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie K. Hirono announced the nomination of well-respected, career prosecutor Jill Otake to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Ms. Otake was among those recommended by Senators Hirono and Schatz, and a merit-based Federal Judicial Selection Commission in 2015. Jill Otake is an experienced trial attorney whose legal knowledge and sound judgment make her an excellent choice to serve as U.S. District Court Judge,said Senator Schatz. Jill has broad support across the political spectrum, and Im confident she will serve the federal court and Hawaii with integrity. Ms. Otake is a well-qualified nominee to serve on the U.S. District Court, said Senator Hirono. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I made clear to the White House that I would only give my consent to a qualified, impartial nominee, and look forward to supporting Ms. Otakes nomination in the Senate. Jill Otake currently serves as an Assistant United States Attorney and as the Acting Chief of the Special Crimes Section in the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Hawaii, having previously served as Deputy Chief. Prior to joining the office three years ago, she spent nine years as an Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Supervisor in the United States Attorneys Office for the Western District of Washington. During this period, she served as an adjunct professor of trial advocacy at Seattle University School of Law. Before becoming an Assistant United States Attorney, Ms. Otake spent six years as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office in King County, Washington. Ms. Otake was born and raised in Hawaii. She is a graduate of Iolani School and served as a law clerk to Associate Justice Simeon R. Acoba, Jr. of the Supreme Court of Hawaii. Ms. Otake earned her B.S., cum laude from Georgetown University and her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law, where she was inducted into the Order of the Barristers.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-votes-against-republican-tax-bill", "Schatz Votes Against Republican Tax Bill", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Votes Against Republican Tax Bill \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 20, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t  WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) voted against the Republican tax bill which passed the Senate by a partisan vote of 51-48. Before the vote, Senator Schatz spoke out against the bill on the Senate floor.   The tax code is an expression of what Americans care about and what Americans value, said Senator Schatz. This bill foundationally changes our tax system so that it rewards wealth over work, at the expense of the middle class and our children and grandchildren. I am deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans rushed this through.  To watch video of Senator Schatzs floor speech, click here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/view/schatz-slams-the-republican-tax-package", "Schatz Slams The Republican Tax Package", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Honolulu \n\t                        300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm 7-212   \n\t                        Honolulu, HI, 96850  \n\t                        PHONE: (808) 523-2061   \n\t                        FAX: (808) 523-2065\n\t                    \n\t                \n\t                    \n\t                    \n\t                         Washington \n\t                        722 Hart Senate Building   \n\t                        Washington, DC 20510  \n\t                        PHONE: (202) 224-3934   \n\t                        FAX: (202) 228-1153", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-votes-against-republican-corporate-giveaway-tax-bill", "VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Votes Against Republican \"Corporate Giveaway\" Tax Bill", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today spoke on the House floor, opposingthe Republicans tax reform legislation that provides major taxgiveawaysto corporations and the top one percent on the backs of lower-income and middle-class Americans, adding $1.4 trillion to the nation's deficit.\nAfter resolving the differences between the House and Senate versions of the tax reform legislation in a conference committee, H.R. 1 was passed by the House by a vote of 227-203 today, but will require a re-vote tomorrow due to technical changerequirementsrecently discovered by the Senate.\nVideo of Rep. Tulsi Gabbards Speech is Available Here\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said:\nThere's no doubt the American people need and want real tax reform. But rather than passing a strong, inclusive, and bipartisan bill focused on helping hardworking middle-class families, today Republicans passed a bill filled with massive corporate giveaways and loopholes for the ultra-wealthy. For example, the top one percent in our country will receive over 82 percent of the entire tax benefit in the bill they passed today.\nAs long as Congress continues to pass legislation for partisan, political reasons that serve special corporate interests instead of the families that are struggling just to get by every day, where lobbyists have more input in the writing of this legislation than many Members of Congress, the American people lose. I oppose this legislation today. It's a disappointment and a huge lost opportunity to actually help so many struggling families all across the country.\n\nHarmful provisions in the tax bill include: \n Dismantling the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction, which will effectively raise taxes on those who will no longer benefit from the deduction. Under current law, the SALT deduction is unlimited, but this legislation limits the deductions of both individuals and couples up to only $10,000, while allowing corporations and pass-through entities to continue claiming the unlimited deduction.\n\tMaking billions of dollars in environmentally harmful fossil fuel subsidies permanent while putting incentives for clean energy in jeopardy. \n\tPermanently lowering corporate taxes rates to 21 percent-- the largest one-time corporate tax cut in U.S. history--while making tax cuts for some middle class families temporary. By 2026, over 86 million low and middle class families will pay higher taxes than they do today.\n\tCutting taxes for Americas top wage earners by nearly three percent and raising the threshold at which that tax rate kicks in to $500,000 for individuals and $600,000 for married couples.\n\tLaying the foundation for a $136 billion cut to mandatory programs in FY2018 aloneincluding a mandatory $25 billion cut to Medicareto cover the offset of the $1.46 trillion dollar increase to our national deficit. In Hawaii, 245,000 people receive healthcare through Medicare.\n\tReducing the limit on the mortgage interest deduction, further exacerbating the affordable housing crisis in Hawaii.\n \nBackground:\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has fought to protect the hard-earned paychecks of low and middle income Americans and against corporate tax breaks throughout her time in Congress. She voted against the Republicans corporate giveaway tax bill in the House and called on the conference committee to serve and protect hardworking American families.\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusa-opposes-republican-tax-plan", "Congresswoman Hanabusa Opposes Republican Tax Plan", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Colleen Hanabusa", "H001050", "hanabusa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa voted against a Republican proposal to overhaul Americas tax code to disproportionately favor the wealthy and corporations.\nH.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed the House by a vote of 227-203. The House will re-vote tomorrow due to technical changes required by the Senate parliamentarian. \nThis bill is not sound, thoughtful tax policy, it was crafted to fulfill a campaign promise made by Donald Trump and to give the Republicans a talking point for the upcoming election cycle. It is truly unfortunate that the House approved a $1.5 trillion tax cut that benefits the wealthiest Americans by lowering the top individual tax rate from 39.6 to 37 percent and encourages federal tax avoidance by providing a complex legal framework and incentives.\nThe American people and their representatives in Congress do not have a solid understanding of what is in this bill. The expiration dates for some of these provisions and the daily revelations of earmarks and legislative riders designed to help the Presidents business and Republican interests ensure that Congress will be debating and tinkering with these policies for decades.\nI will not support a bill that doles out 83% of the tax breaks to the wealthiest 1% of Americans while raising taxes on 86 million middle-class households. That is more than half of Americas middle class. The few individual tax breaks are temporary while the cuts for corporations are permanent. In a state like Hawaii, we have more than 25,000 residents struggling to find affordable housing and work that pays for our high cost of living, this plan is a disaster. More than 179,000 workers in Hawaii earn an average salary of less than $40,000 a year. This measure helps the wealthiest Hawaii residents protect their assets while raising taxes on lower-income Hawaii families.\nThe tax benefit for Hawaii residents seeking to buy a new home will be reduced because the mortgage interest deduction cap was lowered to $750,000. That is a tough move in a city like Honolulu where the median single family home price often exceeds $800,000.\nHawaii residents who claim the deduction for State and Local Taxes (SALT) will lose significant benefits. SALT prevents tax payers from owing taxes on the income they pay in taxes to state and local governments but under the new law, the benefit for individuals and families will be capped at $10,000. However, big corporations may continue taking the deduction. Almost 40 percent of taxpayers earning between $50,000 and $75,000 claim SALT and more than 70% of taxpayers making $100,000 to $200,000 use it. More than half the value of the deduction went to households earning less than $200,000 a year. Our local families will be severely impacted. \nI remember a time when Republicans refused to vote for disaster relief legislation until we worked out off sets in other areas of the budget. I was also in the Congress when we passed the Budget Control Act; a compromise arrived at because the other side was deeply concerned with how a Senate controlled by Democrats managed the peoples money. But now that Republicans elected Donald Trump and control both chambers of the Congress, they could not care less about where the money to pay for these tax cuts comes from nor do they seem particularly concerned about deepening our deficit by trillions of dollars.\n\n\nPERSPECTIVE:\n According to the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center: Nearly 70 percent of families with incomes of between $54,700 and $93,200 a year will pay more in taxes than they do under the current structure.By contrast, 92 percent of families whose incomes put them in the top 0.1 percent of the country would get a tax cut averaging $206,280.\n  Doubles the estate tax exemption, providing largest tax cuts for the heirs of the wealthiest 0.2% of estate\n  By repealing the individual insurance mandate, health insurance premiums will rise by about 10 percent a year and 13 million more Americans will go without health insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-new-scoot-flight-from-singapore-to-honolulu-strengthens-hawaiis-visitor-industry", "Hirono: New Scoot Flight from Singapore to Honolulu Strengthens Hawaii\u2019s Visitor Industry", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2017\n\t\t\t Hirono: New Scoot Flight from Singapore to Honolulu Strengthens Hawaiis Visitor Industry \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 New Air Service Comes After Years of Advocacy by Senator Hirono to Add Singapore and Japan to U.S. Global Entry Program\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono welcomed Singaporean airliner Scoots first flight to Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport from Singapore via Osaka, Japan. The new air service comes after years of advocacy by Senator Hirono to successfully add Singapore and Japan to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry program.\r\nI welcome Scoot Airlines new service to Honolulu. Todays flight builds on Hawaiis deep ties with Singapore and Japan, and helps strengthen our states economy and visitor industry, said Senator Hirono. Singapore and Japans inclusion in the Global Entry program will expedite and simplify the process for approved visitors from these nations upon arrival in Honolulu and better serve our traveling public.\r\nThe flight marks the reestablishment of Singapore-Hawaii air service following a twenty-five year hiatus. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the new Scoot flights are projected to generate $79 million in visitor spending and support 971 jobs in Hawaii.\r\nSenator Hirono was an early advocate of Singapore and Japans inclusion in Global Entry, leading a bipartisan letters to encourage the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to add these countries to the Global Entry program. Thanks to her leadership, Singapore was included in the Global Entry program in 2016 and a pilot program with Japan was launched earlier this year.\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\thelloworld\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"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-new-scoot-flight-from-singapore-to-honolulu-strengthens-hawaiis-visitor-industry", "Hirono: New Scoot Flight from Singapore to Honolulu Strengthens Hawaii\u2019s Visitor Industry", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono: New Scoot Flight from Singapore to Honolulu Strengthens Hawaiis Visitor Industry\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNew Air Service Comes After Years of Advocacy by Senator Hirono to Add Singapore and Japan to U.S. Global Entry Program\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 19, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono welcomed Singaporean airliner Scoots first flight to Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport from Singapore via Osaka, Japan. The new air service comes after years of advocacy by Senator Hirono to successfully add Singapore and Japan to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry program.\r\nI welcome Scoot Airlines new service to Honolulu. Todays flight builds on Hawaiis deep ties with Singapore and Japan, and helps strengthen our states economy and visitor industry, said Senator Hirono. Singapore and Japans inclusion in the Global Entry program will expedite and simplify the process for approved visitors from these nations upon arrival in Honolulu and better serve our traveling public.\r\nThe flight marks the reestablishment of Singapore-Hawaii air service following a twenty-five year hiatus. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the new Scoot flights are projected to generate $79 million in visitor spending and support 971 jobs in Hawaii.\r\nSenator Hirono was an early advocate of Singapore and Japans inclusion in Global Entry, leading a bipartisan letters to encourage the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to add these countries to the Global Entry program. Thanks to her leadership, Singapore was included in the Global Entry program in 2016 and a pilot program with Japan was launched earlier this year.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-markey-booker-warren-blumenthal-demand-answers-on-banned-words-at-cdc", "Schatz, Markey, Booker, Warren, Blumenthal Demand Answers On Banned Words at CDC", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz, Markey, Booker, Warren, Blumenthal Demand Answers On Banned Words at CDC \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 19, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t  WASHINGTON  Following reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and potentially other agencies were directed to avoid using certain words or phrases in official budget documents, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) are demanding answers from the CDC, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).  We write regarding concerning reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and potentially the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are discouraging the use of specific words or phrases in official FY19 budget documents, the senators wrote. Such an agenda, especially if motivated by political factors, threatens to undermine the tremendous scientific progress at the CDC and the publics faith in government, more broadly. If true, this guidance is not just a mere change to vocabulary, it is a fundamental shift of direction and a reflection of flawed ideology. While Director Fitzgerald has recently denied the existence of such a ban, we request clarity on your policies via specific answers to the questions below. According to reports, words to avoid in official budget documents at the CDC include vulnerable, entitlement, diversity, transgender, fetus, evidence-based and science-based. In their letter to the CDC, HHS, and OMB, the senators ask about the development and dissemination of any discouraged words, the legality and enforcement of such a policy, and the policies in place to ensure the scientific integrity of the health agencies.  We must ensure that the actions of our federal agenciesparticularly those so important for maintaining the health and safety of our citizensadhere to the highest standards of research and scientific integrity, the senators wrote. Given that the Trump administration has already shown a propensity to defund, silence, and eliminate agencies and programs that serve medically vulnerable communities and promote research rooted in science, we are particularly alarmed by even the possibility that the administration would direct a federal scientific agency to avoid the use of medically accurate language. For a copy of the senators letter, click here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-facebook-national-wildlife-refuges", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: National Wildlife Refuges", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"Hawaii is home to 10 unique wildlife refuges, like stunning Klauea Point on#Kauai, Hakalau Forest on#HawaiiIsland, and Kelia Pond on#Maui. In these protected habitats, native Hawaiian plants and animals, including the aeo, Hawaiian hawksbill turtles, alae keokeo, Hawaiian monk seals, and so much more, grow and thrive. We must continue to protect and preserve our 'ina so future generations can enjoy the treasures of our islands and other beautiful ecosystems across the country. Today, we passed legislation to do precisely that by reauthorizing the volunteer services, community partnership, and refuge education programs of the National Wildlife Refuge System.\"\n\nRead more on Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's work to preserve and protect the environment here.\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-facebook-raise-family-caregivers-act", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: RAISE Family Caregivers Act", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"In Hawaii and across the country, caregivers are the stabilizing force for our communities and our workforce, providing support, care, and love to our kpuna and loved ones. There are roughly 154,000 unpaid family caregivers in Hawaii, and as our aging population continues to rise in Hawaii and across the country, we will inevitably have a greater demand for additional caregivers. We passed legislation today to create a national Family Caregiving Strategy to recognize and support the millions of caregivers across the country.\"-TG\n\nFor more information on Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's work to provide affordable and accessible healthcare for all, click here.\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-facebook-supporting-veterans-stem-careers", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"Armed with a unique skill set and experience, our veterans are natural leaders and assets to employers, whether in the private sector, the public sector, or the non-profit sector. With roughly 500 veterans returning to civilian life every single day, we must continue to do all that we can to incentivize veteran employment and set veterans up for success in the 21st century economy. The Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act will promote veteran involvement in STEM education, computer science, and scientific research, and more.\" -TG\n\nFor more information on Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's work fighting for our military servicemembers and veterans, click here.\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-facebook-wai-anae-tigers", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Waianae Tigers", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"Hoomaikai to the Waianae Tigers and Coach Jimbo Joseph- national Division II Jr. Pee Wee Champions!\" -TG\nFor more information, click here.\n\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n \nFacebook.com/RepTulsiGabbard\n \n \nTwitter.com/TulsiPress\n \n \nYouTube.com/TulsiPress\n \n \nFlickr.com/RepTulsiGabbard\n \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/honolulu-star-advertiser-amid-cancer-fight-hironos-force-seems-to-grow", "Amid cancer fight, Hirono\u2019s force seems to grow", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 15, 2017\n\t Amid cancer fight, Hironos force seems to grow \n\t\t\n\t\t\n  \n    By:\n    Lee Cataluna\n\n\n    \n    Honolulu Star-Advertiser\n    \n    \nMazie Hirono said her piece, turned away from the camera and\r\nI swear, icicles formed and broke in that D.C. hallway because she was so cold.\r\nA good kind of cold. A strong cold. An unflinching, target-nailing cold. You\r\ncould almost hear the frost crunching under her shoes as she walked away. Hirono was responding to Donald Trumps Twitter attack on\r\nSen. Kristen Gillibrand of New York this week, and to Gillibrands original\r\npoint: that the women who have accused Trump of sexual assault should be taken\r\nseriously. The only way to stop this president who has a narcissistic\r\nneed for attention  hes a misogynist and an admitted sexual predator and liar\r\n the only thing that will stop him from attacking us  because nobody is safe\r\n is his resignation, Hirono said. She wasnt yelling. She wasnt banging her\r\nfist or raising her voice. She was composed and her voice was even and that\r\nmade her statement all the more powerful. Do you remember way back a whole year ago when national news\r\norganizations were stubbing their toes and twisting their ankles to avoid the\r\nword lie when reporting on the President of the United States of America? It\r\nseemed blasphemous to use that word, even in the face of obvious lies, and so\r\nthere was a period of awkwardly phrased stories about untruths and\r\nfalsehoods and alternative facts before finally, in January, the New York\r\nTimes used the word lie in a headline on a story referring to Trumps claim\r\nabout winning the popular vote. Still, the Times felt it had to justify such a\r\nbold move and published an analysis piece about why, in this instance, that\r\nword was apt. But there was Mazie Hirono, just flat-out calling Trump a\r\nliar and worse. Chills, brah. Not only because of the words she chose that have so quickly\r\nlost their shock value, and not only because of the way she leveled her charges\r\nagainst Trump and her call for him to resign, but also because of who Mazie\r\nHirono is, how weve known her in the past and who she has become. Ive written about this before, about how Mazie Hirono\r\nrecently, even as she goes through cancer treatment, has shown a strength that\r\nwasnt readily apparent during her days as a state legislator or lieutenant\r\ngovernor or even Senate candidate. In June, she went through surgery and was\r\ntweeting from her hospital bed and back in Congress to cast a vote just days\r\nlater. Since then, though her cancer fight continues, her power seems to have\r\ngrown. She stood by her Senate buddy Al Franken until the weight of accusations\r\nagainst him tipped the scales, and then she changed course and said her good\r\nfriend had to resign. Hirono, out from under the thumb of Hawaiis old guard\r\nDemocratic puppeteers, has become something of a firebrand. An ice-cold\r\nfirebrand, if thats actually a thing. Shes someone who got better with age,\r\ngot stronger despite illness, became braver the more she became herself.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-senators-to-experian-fix-system-to-allow-consumers-with-credit-freezes-to-easily-sign-up-for-aca-health-care-plan", "Schatz, Senators To Experian: Fix System To Allow Consumers With Credit Freezes To Easily Sign Up For ACA Health Care Plan", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz, Senators To Experian: Fix System To Allow Consumers With Credit Freezes To Easily Sign Up For ACA Health Care Plan \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Senators Also Urge HHS to Extend ACA Open Enrollment Period. Reports Show Consumers With Credit Freezes Have Had Difficulty Enrolling Into Health Plans. \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 15, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  Following reports that some consumers with credit freezes are experiencing issues enrolling into a health care plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) led a group of senators in calling on credit reporting agency Experian to work quickly to resolve the issue in their system so that consumers can verify their identity online and to waive any fees for consumers who choose to unfreeze their credit reports.  We are troubled that, despite contracting with the Department of Health and Human Services to verify consumers identities, your system does not allow you to fulfill that responsibility for consumers who have frozen their credit report, the senators wrote. A credit freeze should not impact a consumers ability to verify his or her identity through HealthCare.gov. We urge you to work as quickly as possible to ensure that all consumers are able to verify their identity, regardless of whether they have frozen their credit reports. We also urge you to waive any fees consumers would incur if they choose to lift the freeze and re-freeze their credit reports.    According to reports from Kaiser Health News and the Washington Post, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have acknowledged that consumers cannot complete the online verification for enrollment if their credit is frozen with Experian.  In a separate letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the senators urged the Department to extend its open enrollment period, which will close after December 15, to give Americans more time to resolve any credit report issues and sign up for health care coverage. We are troubled that HHS failed to work with Experian during pre-enrollment planning or during the time the website has been shut down for maintenance during the course of open enrollment to address problems with identity verification for consumers with credit freezes in place, the senators wrote. HHSs decision to cut this years open enrollment period in half has made these challenges worse. Because the number of credit freezes has increased in the wake of the Equifax data breach, this oversight may prevent consumers from enrolling in health plans through HealthCare.gov before the open enrollment period ends. In addition to Schatz, the pair of letters were signed by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). For a copy of the letter to Experian, click here. For a copy of the letter to HHS, click here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-we-must-reverse-corporate-backed-repeal-net-neutrality", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: We Must Reverse Corporate-Backed Repeal of Net Neutrality", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to repeal Title II net neutrality regulations protecting open, fair, and equal Internet access:\n\u201cToday, the FCC voted to put profits over people\u2014a slap in the face to our democracy and the millions of Americans that have voiced comments, made calls, and fought to protect net neutrality. Industry giants like Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T will now be able to control the access and speed of websites, stifle competition online, and turn the Internet into a pay-to-play forum.\u00a0 \u00a0\n\u201cThe FCC\u2019s decision today, led by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, who used to work for Verizon, highlights the pervasive influence of corporations in our democracy. Congress must take action to reverse this decision, and ensure that the Internet remains an open, level playing field for all. We also must address the corruptive influence of special interests in our government by reforming our campaign finance laws, reversing Citizens United, and slamming shut Washington\u2019s revolving door.\u201d\nBackground: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been a leader in the fight to protect net neutrality, and has cosponsored legislation to prohibit multi-tiered pricing agreements between ISPs and content providers. She has voted against legislative efforts to undermine net neutrality, called on the FCC to maintain net neutrality rules, and urged the American people to voice their opinions during the FCC comment period. \u00a0\n\u00a0\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-lee-introduce-bipartisan-new-zealand-visa-bill-to-increase-economic-growth-job-creation", "Hirono, Lee Introduce Bipartisan New Zealand Visa Bill to Increase Economic Growth, Job Creation", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 14, 2017\n\t\t\t Hirono, Lee Introduce Bipartisan New Zealand Visa Bill to Increase Economic Growth, Job Creation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced the bipartisan Knowledgeable Innovators and Worthy Investors (KIWI) Act, which would extend trade and investor visas to New Zealand citizens to increase international business between the United States and New Zealand.\r\nThe legislation comes as the United States and New Zealand mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, and would allow New Zealand citizens to apply for trade (E-1) and investor (E-2) temporary entry visas.\r\nSupporting over 2,100 jobs in Hawaii last year alone, New Zealands visitor industry continues to build on our strong cultural and economic ties to the Indo-Asia Pacific region, said Senator Hirono. By extending trade and investment visas, the KIWI Act will help further spur economic growth and job creation in Hawaii and across the Unities States.\r\nNew Zealand has always been a strong ally of the United States and both nations have benefitted tremendously from our continued economic cooperation, said Senator Lee. To help build on that relationship, I am proud to cosponsor the KIWI Act which makes it easier for nonimmigrant New Zealanders to invest in America.\r\nNew Zealand is one of our nations important strategic and economic partners, with total foreign direct investment from New Zealand to the United States valued at over half a billion dollars. However, New Zealand businesses have found that the lack of access to E-1 and E-2 visas has hampered their ability to increase trade and investment in the United States. By allowing New Zealanders to apply for these visas, the KIWI Act aims to expand business and investment opportunities between the two nations.\r\nAs we did in 2014 when it was first introduced, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supports legislation to extend E-1 and E-2 temporary visas to New Zealand to promote trade and investment in the United States, said Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President & CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara. Increasing access to E-1 and E-2 visas will increase the ability of New Zealand businesses to grow, trade with, and work and invest in the United States, which will have a reciprocal benefit to our nation and Hawaiis economy. I would like to express our gratitude to Senators Hirono and Lee for sponsoring this important piece of legislation which will assist New Zealand businesses to trade with and invest in the United States. said New Zealand Ambassador to the United States Tim Groser. The United States is a key strategic partner for New Zealand. The opening of a New Zealand Consulate in Senator Hironos home state of Hawaii in 2014 is just one example of how the New Zealand  United States relationship has gone from strength to strength. These visas will help New Zealand traders and investors grow their businesses in the United States market and create American jobs. Improved access to the United States for New Zealand businesspeople and investors will continue to strengthen our strong bilateral relationship. We hope that Congress will recognise the benefits of this bill to both New Zealand and the United States, and move to pass this legislation as quickly as possible. Americans and New Zealanders collaborate closely in business, technology, research, security and entertainment, yet the lack of access to trader and investor visas has been a serious impediment to increased economic growth and greater bilateral cooperation, said United States| New Zealand Council Chairman Edward Farrell. The E-1 and E-2 visa categories were created expressly to benefit the U.S. economy by promoting capital infusion and job creation. The United States currently allows temporary entry for traders from more than 50 countries (under E-1 visas) and for investors from more than 80 countries (under E-2 visas). New Zealand  an important partner, supporter and friend to the United States and an influential thought leader throughout the world  should be offered the same eligibility. Its in our shared best interests and its long overdue. Extending E-1 and E-2 visas to New Zealanders would significantly increase bilateral business activity, encourage greater investment and economic growth in the United States, create more American jobs and related benefits, and strengthen US-NZ bilateral relationship.\r\nThe KIWI Act is also cosponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).\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\thelloworld\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"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-lee-introduce-bipartisan-new-zealand-visa-bill-to-increase-economic-growth-job-creation", "Hirono, Lee Introduce Bipartisan New Zealand Visa Bill to Increase Economic Growth, Job Creation", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono, Lee Introduce Bipartisan New Zealand Visa Bill to Increase Economic Growth, Job Creation\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 14, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced the bipartisan Knowledgeable Innovators and Worthy Investors (KIWI) Act, which would extend trade and investor visas to New Zealand citizens to increase international business between the United States and New Zealand.\r\nThe legislation comes as the United States and New Zealand mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, and would allow New Zealand citizens to apply for trade (E-1) and investor (E-2) temporary entry visas.\r\nSupporting over 2,100 jobs in Hawaii last year alone, New Zealands visitor industry continues to build on our strong cultural and economic ties to the Indo-Asia Pacific region, said Senator Hirono. By extending trade and investment visas, the KIWI Act will help further spur economic growth and job creation in Hawaii and across the Unities States.\r\nNew Zealand has always been a strong ally of the United States and both nations have benefitted tremendously from our continued economic cooperation, said Senator Lee. To help build on that relationship, I am proud to cosponsor the KIWI Act which makes it easier for nonimmigrant New Zealanders to invest in America.\r\nNew Zealand is one of our nations important strategic and economic partners, with total foreign direct investment from New Zealand to the United States valued at over half a billion dollars. However, New Zealand businesses have found that the lack of access to E-1 and E-2 visas has hampered their ability to increase trade and investment in the United States. By allowing New Zealanders to apply for these visas, the KIWI Act aims to expand business and investment opportunities between the two nations.\r\nAs we did in 2014 when it was first introduced, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supports legislation to extend E-1 and E-2 temporary visas to New Zealand to promote trade and investment in the United States, said Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President & CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara. Increasing access to E-1 and E-2 visas will increase the ability of New Zealand businesses to grow, trade with, and work and invest in the United States, which will have a reciprocal benefit to our nation and Hawaiis economy. I would like to express our gratitude to Senators Hirono and Lee for sponsoring this important piece of legislation which will assist New Zealand businesses to trade with and invest in the United States. said New Zealand Ambassador to the United States Tim Groser. The United States is a key strategic partner for New Zealand. The opening of a New Zealand Consulate in Senator Hironos home state of Hawaii in 2014 is just one example of how the New Zealand  United States relationship has gone from strength to strength. These visas will help New Zealand traders and investors grow their businesses in the United States market and create American jobs. Improved access to the United States for New Zealand businesspeople and investors will continue to strengthen our strong bilateral relationship. We hope that Congress will recognise the benefits of this bill to both New Zealand and the United States, and move to pass this legislation as quickly as possible. Americans and New Zealanders collaborate closely in business, technology, research, security and entertainment, yet the lack of access to trader and investor visas has been a serious impediment to increased economic growth and greater bilateral cooperation, said United States| New Zealand Council Chairman Edward Farrell. The E-1 and E-2 visa categories were created expressly to benefit the U.S. economy by promoting capital infusion and job creation. The United States currently allows temporary entry for traders from more than 50 countries (under E-1 visas) and for investors from more than 80 countries (under E-2 visas). New Zealand  an important partner, supporter and friend to the United States and an influential thought leader throughout the world  should be offered the same eligibility. Its in our shared best interests and its long overdue. Extending E-1 and E-2 visas to New Zealanders would significantly increase bilateral business activity, encourage greater investment and economic growth in the United States, create more American jobs and related benefits, and strengthen US-NZ bilateral relationship.\r\nThe KIWI Act is also cosponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-the-repeal-of-net-neutrality-rules", "Schatz Statement on The Repeal Of Net Neutrality Rules", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Statement on The Repeal Of Net Neutrality Rules \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 14, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t  WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, released the following statement after the Republican-controlled Federal Communications Commission (FCC) repealed net neutrality protections.\r\n  \u201cToday, Trump\u2019s FCC dealt a major blow to the free and open internet by repealing net neutrality rules. Because of Chairman Pai and the other Republican commissioners, there are no longer any rules in place to stop internet service providers from changing the internet as we know it. They are now free to block apps, slow websites, or even limit access to certain kinds of content. The best way to move forward is to turn our tweets and our comments into action.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusa-urges-leadership-permit-use-federal-funds-gun", "Congresswoman Hanabusa Urges Leadership To Permit The Use of Federal Funds For Gun Violence Research", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Colleen Hanabusa", "H001050", "hanabusa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa joined more than 100 of her colleagues to urge Congressional leaders to strip language from the FY18 federal spending bills that prevent the U.S. Center for Disease Control from using public money to research the causes of gun violence and its effect on our communities.\n\u201cFive years ago today, Adam Lanza walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut and opened fire, killing 20 children and six adults. Since then, Americans have struggled to make sense of gun violence in San Bernadino, Orlando, Las Vegas, and too many neighborhoods that claim an average of 34,000 lives a year, far and away the highest number in the developed world. Law enforcement, public health officials, scientists, and community members continue to collaborate on a peaceful path forward. Members of Congress do not often agree on how best to reduce America\u2019s unacceptable amount of gun violence, but I would hope that we all agree that our policies and decision making should be rooted in sound scientific research,\u201d Congresswoman Hanabusa said. \u201cFor the last 20 years, House appropriators have included language from the late Congressman Jay Dickey that essentially stopped the U.S. Centers for Disease Control from using federal funds to study the causes of gun violence and its effects on public health, the same type of research conducted to help develop policies that reduce domestic violence, motor vehicle injuries and address other public safety issues. Congressman Dickey changed his position before he passed, and I urge my colleagues to strip this language from the FY18 House Appropriations bill. We cannot continue moving on from mass shootings without taking action. We must develop evidence-based solutions that will help stop gun violence while maintaining the rights of law abiding gun owners.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n---", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusa-votes-reduce-loan-servicing-costs-community", "Congresswoman Hanabusa Votes To Reduce Loan Servicing Costs For Community Lending Institutions", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Colleen Hanabusa", "H001050", "hanabusa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa voted in favor of a measure to help reduce loan servicing costs for small community lenders by easing mortgage rules. \nThe Community Institution Mortgage Relief Act, H.R. 3971, passed the House by a vote of 294-129 yesterday. \nThe bipartisan bill, introduced by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, is intended to assist small community financial institutions by rolling back escrow regulations that have significantly increased the cost of servicing loans, particularly for those borrowers with low-income.\u00a0 The bill does not prohibit community banks from providing escrow services.\nUnder current law, the Truth in Lending Act, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act, requires creditors to establish and hold escrow accounts on mortgage loans, a costly requirement that can burden small community-based institutions.\u00a0\u00a0 \n\u201cCommunity lending institutions, including those in Hawaii with smaller staffs and significantly less resources than larger financial institutions, have sought relief from costly escrow regulations.\u00a0\u00a0 Mandating a one-size-fits-all policy that requires all institutions follow similar escrow requirements only raises the cost of credit for borrowers who can least afford it and negatively impacts small businesses and consumers who look to community lending institutions for capital,\u201d said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa.\nH.R. 3971 was supported by:\n The New York Credit Union Association\n\tIndependent Community Bankers Association\n\tNational Association of Federal Credit Unions\n\tCredit Union National Association\n\tAmerican Bankers Association\n\tMortgage Bankers Association\n \u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-tester-and-advocates-call-for-budget-deal-that-honors-veterans", "Schatz, Tester, And Advocates Call For Budget Deal That Honors Veterans", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz, Tester, And Advocates Call For Budget Deal That Honors Veterans \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Senators Joined by the American Legion, VFW, DAV to Highlight Veterans Priorities \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 13, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) are calling on Congress to pass a year-end budget deal that honors veterans. After Congress passed a short-term funding bill, set to run out December 22, the senators are calling for responsible, long-term funding that provides more stability and certainty to veterans who rely on VA health care and benefits. The senators are joined by leading Veterans Service Organizations to demand responsible investments in the VA\u2019s staff and medical research, efforts to prevent veteran homelessness, and to move forward on comprehensive legislative to streamline VA community care programs and expand caregiver services. \u201cEverybody pays lip service to veterans. But let\u2019s be clear. This fight right now is about whether the Department of Defense\u2014and the Department of Defense only\u2014gets more resources,\u201d said Schatz, Ranking Member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans\u2019 Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee.\u00a0\u201cWhat we\u2019re saying is, if you stand by service members, you stand by veterans. And that means funding defense and non-defense on an equal basis. That means the VA gets the resources it needs to fund programs, upgrade systems and improve infrastructure, and give our veterans the best quality care possible.\u201d \u201cWe must empower the VA to hire more doctors, nurses, specialists and mental health care professionals, and we must cut the red tape and barriers to VA care,\u201d said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. \u201cThe year-end budget deal must provide the VA with resources to live up to the promises our nation made to those who stepped up to serve, and Congress has to hold VA accountable for doing exactly that.\u201d Joining the senators were Matt Shuman of the American Legion, Carlos Fuentes of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Garry Augustine of DAV. \u201cThe reality is very clear. The men and women who have selflessly worn the fabric of our military deserve better,\u201d said Matt Shuman, Director of the Legislative Division at the American Legion. \u201cThey proudly served this country and now this country needs to keep the promise it made to our veterans. Congress needs to make sure that the VA is in a position to treat veterans with quality and respect, including medical services, G.I. Bill benefits and preventing homelessness. Whatever budget package is passed this month, it must include appropriate funding to provide the best care for veterans.\u201d \u201cVA is better situation than most other federal departments under a continuing resolution because it receives advanced appropriations, but there is still a $2.6 billion difference between the advance appropriations VA is given under the current CR and the amount VA has requested and the Senate MilConVA bill would appropriate,\u201d said Carlos Fuentes, National Legislative Service Director for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. \u201cThis means veterans are waiting longer or even being denied access to needed health care and benefits simply because Congress is unable to pass full year appropriations. Congress must reach a budget deal that fully funds the benefits and service our nation\u2019s veterans have earned and deserve.\u201d \u201cIt's imperative that Congress pass, and the President sign, a full year budget that adequately funds veterans programs, benefits and services in order to keep our promises to the men and women who served,\u201d said Garry J. Augustine, Executive Director of the DAV. \u201cVA must be provided sufficient resources to fill vacancies, bolster infrastructure, modernize IT and finally provide equity and fairness for caregivers of severely disabled veterans of all eras.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/view/schatz-the-internet-should-remain-free-and-open", "Schatz: The Internet Should Remain Free And Open", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Honolulu \n\t                        300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm 7-212   \n\t                        Honolulu, HI, 96850  \n\t                        PHONE: (808) 523-2061   \n\t                        FAX: (808) 523-2065\n\t                    \n\t                \n\t                    \n\t                    \n\t                         Washington \n\t                        722 Hart Senate Building   \n\t                        Washington, DC 20510  \n\t                        PHONE: (202) 224-3934   \n\t                        FAX: (202) 228-1153", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-lawmakers-call-congressional-leadership-pass-bipartisan", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Lawmakers Call on Congressional Leadership to Pass Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Our Keiki & Extend CHIP Funding", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and a coalition of 99 Members of Congress called on the House and Senate leadership to urgently extend funding for the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) without the inclusion of harmful provisions that would reduce healthcare coverage among those who receive insurance under the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid.\nIn a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker Paul Ryan, and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, the lawmakers called for bipartisan legislation to extend funding for CHIP, which provides insurance coverage to nearly nine million uninsured, low-income children across the country, including over 25,000 children in Hawai\u2018i. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) and Georgetown University\u2019s Center for Children and Families, Hawai\u2018i is one of ten states that will exhaust its CHIP funding by the end of this year if Congress does not act immediately.\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said:\n\u201cCongressional leadership has failed to reauthorize funding for the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) \u2013 putting at risk the health and care of nearly nine million low-income keiki across the country, including over 25,000 in Hawai\u2018i. Coupled with Medicaid, these programs have played a fundamental role in lowering the uninsured rate among children down to a record low of 4.5 percent.\n\u201cIf Congress fails to act, Hawai\u2018i will exhaust its CHIP funding by the end of this month, leaving thousands of children unable to visit a doctor for routine checkups, receive immunizations, prescriptions, emergency services, and more. We cannot continue to stand idly by as parents and families stay up at night worrying how to pay for the healthcare of our country\u2019s children. Congress must ensure the health and well-being of our future leaders\u2014our children\u2014and extend CHIP funding immediately.\u201d\n\u00a0\nBackground:\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard previously called on Congress to reauthorize funding for the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) after federal funding expired on September 30, 2017.\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\u00a0\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusa-joins-call-congressional-investigation-sexual", "Congresswoman Hanabusa Joins Call for Congressional Investigation of Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against President Trump", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Colleen Hanabusa", "H001050", "hanabusa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa joined 58 of her colleagues in calling on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to investigate the allegations of sexual misconduct against President Trump.\nThe Democratic Women\u2019s Working Group sent a formal letter signed by 59 members requesting an investigation.\n\u201cSeventeen women have come forward to accuse the President of the United States of sexual misconduct. The alleged victims should be treated fairly and without discrimination and the allegations against the President should be the subject of a thorough and impartial investigation,\u201d said Congresswoman Hanabusa.\nThe letter reads, in part, \u201cwe are requesting that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform investigate the reports of sexual misconduct raised against President Trump, many of which he has denied. The American people deserve a full inquiry into the truth of these allegations.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n---", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/amid-sexual-misconduct-allegations-sen-hirono-calls-for-trumps-resignation", "Amid sexual misconduct allegations, Sen. Hirono calls for Trump's resignation", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "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", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/warren-accuses-trump-of-trying-to-slut-shame-senator", "Warren accuses Trump of trying to 'slut-shame' senator", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 12, 2017\n\t Warren accuses Trump of trying to 'slut-shame' senator \n\t\t\n\t\t\n  \n    By:\n    Ashley Killough\n\nDemocratic senators are coming to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's defense Tuesday after President Donald Trump called her a \"lightweight\" on Twitter and blasted the New York Democrat as a \"flunky\" and \"used.\"Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a fierce critic of the President, tweeted a reply to Trump, asking if he's trying to \"slut-shame\" Gillibrand. \"Are you really trying to bully, intimidate and slut-shame @SenGillibrand? Do you know who you're picking a fight with? Good luck with that, @realDonaldTrump. Nevertheless, #shepersisted.\"Trump's attack on Twitter came a day after Gillibrand called for Trump to resign as he's been facing allegations of sexual assault from before he was President. \"Lightweight Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a total flunky for Chuck Schumer and someone who would come to my office 'begging' for campaign contributions not so long ago (and would do anything for them), is now in the ring fighting against Trump. Very disloyal to Bill & Crooked-USED!,\" Trump tweeted Tuesday morning. Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii also took to Twitter to hit back against the President and echo Gillibrand's call for resignation. \".@realDonaldTrump is a misogynist, compulsive liar, and admitted sexual predator. Attacks on Kirsten are the latest example that no one is safe from this bully. He must resign,\" her tweet said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/rep-tulsi-gabbard-lawmakers-search-ways-end-harassment-capitol-hill", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Lawmakers search for ways to end harassment on Capitol Hill", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON (Gray DC) --\u00a0The anti-sexual harassment movement is hitting Capitol Hill and some lawmakers are taking a stand.\n\"In so many ways elected officials are treated differently,\" Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI-2) said.\nHawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard wants her colleagues to be held to a higher standard when it comes to cases of sexual harassment.\nReports show Congress has spent more than $17 million taxpayer dollars on sexual harassment settlements since the 1990s.\nShe's introducing a bill to find out which lawmakers made those claims. She said she wants them to front the bill, not the taxpayers.\n\"Taxpayers have a right to this transparency and accountability,\" she added.\nThis week, two male members of Congress are resigning after being held accountable for their own harassment claims, Michigan Congressman John Conyers and Minnesota Senator Al Franken.\n\"I may be resigning but I am not giving up my voice,\" Franken said Thursday.\nNew York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) was one of the first female senators to call on Franken to step down. She said changes need to be made on how these cases are addressed inside the halls of Congress.\n\"No body knows where to report and what happens when you do,\" Gillibrand said.\nAs the process works now victims have to go through months of negotiations with the person who harassed them. Gillibrand is working to make the system more transparent and provide better support for survivors.\n\"We need to have this national conversation it is really important that we collected say- it is not okay,\" she said.\nGabbard and Gillibrand continue to push for a change in the way Congress addresses these claims. Some experts say a balance of power on Capitol Hill could help.\n\"80% men members of Congress I mean getting closer to something like 50/50 would certainly help,\" Gary Barker, International Director at Promundo said.\nGender Studies Expert Gary Barker said he isn't surprised by the latest flurry of allegations. He said educating boy and girls to respect others could spark the cultural shift.\n\"That doesn't start with the 60 year old member of Congress. Yes, he could use that refresher course on why this isn't ok, but that means talking to our sons and daughters from 10,12, 14 years of age,\" he added.\n###\n\u00a0\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-calls-fcc-uphold-net-neutrality-protections", "VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls on FCC to Uphold Net Neutrality Protections", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014With three days before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) makes a final decision on net neutrality, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) urged the commission to reject corporate-led efforts to unravel open, fair, and equal Internet access and to listen to the voices of the majority of Americans that support current protections on net neutrality.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said:\n\u201cIn three days, the Internet as we know it could change forever. On December 14th, the FCC will be taking a vote on whether or not to get rid of net neutrality protections that keep the Internet open, fair, and equal for everyone.\n\u201cRepealing these protections will allow Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T to control the levers of the Internet\u2014stifling access, deciding the websites you and I can visit and use, and making it impossible for small businesses to compete against industry giants. It will hurt our students, entrepreneurs, working families, and all who rely on the Internet for things like education, healthcare, and employment as a level playing field of opportunity.\u00a0\n\u201cThe FCC must protect the people it\u2019s supposed to be serving\u2014not big, corporate interests\u2014and make sure the Internet remains a place where everyone has a seat at the table.\u201d\nBackground: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has long supported net neutrality, and has cosponsored legislation to prohibit multi-tiered pricing agreements between ISPs and content providers. She has voted against legislative efforts to undermine net neutrality, called on the FCC to maintain net neutrality rules, and urged the American people to voice their opinions during the FCC comment period. \u00a0\n\u00a0\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-members-congress-call-hhs-allow-research-medical-marijuana", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Members of Congress Call on HHS to Allow Research of Medical Marijuana as Pain Management Alternative to Opioids", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and a bipartisan coalition of 20 Members of Congress called on the\u00a0Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consider medical marijuana as a pain management alternative to opioids. In a letter to Acting Secretary of HHS Eric D. Hargan, the lawmakers pushed for research on the use, uptake, and effectiveness of medical marijuana as a pain management substitute for opioids, as well as additional details on the Department\u2019s ongoing information sharing and related efforts to the opioid crisis with state governments and federal agencies.\n\u201cAs the opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the country, we must pursue every available path to prevent, treat, and ultimately end America\u2019s reliance on these highly addictive drugs,\u201d said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. \u201cIn Hawai\u2018i alone, hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and opioid-related deaths have doubled over the last decade. Studies have found a correlation in states that have legalized medical marijuana with a drop in addiction rates and opioid abuse deaths, some by over 20%. With 91 lives lost every single day to the opioid epidemic, Acting Secretary Hargan should immediately authorize additional research into medical marijuana as an alternative treatment to urgently address this opioid crisis.\u201d\n\u00a0\nBackground:\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has cosponsored legislation like the STOP OD Act (H.R.664) to help state and local governments raise awareness of the dangers of opioids like fentanyl, oxycodone and heroin, expand educational efforts to prevent opiate abuse, and promote treatment and prevention. \u00a0She also voted to pass a\u00a0series of bipartisan measures in the 114th Congress to address some of the widespread problems that have caused and perpetuated the national opioid crisis, including the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (S.524) signed into law in July 2016, and has continued to call for drug companies perpetuating the crisis to be held accountable.\u00a0\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is the lead Democratic co-sponsor of H.R.1227, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act, which would take marijuana off the federal controlled substances list, as part of her commitment to common sense criminal justice reform.\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\u00a0\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/video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-honors-76th-anniversary-attacks-pearl-harbor", "VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Honors 76th Anniversary of the Attacks on Pearl Harbor", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today spoke on the House floor in remembrance of the 76th Anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor.\nVideo of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard\u2019s Speech is Available Here\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said:\n\u201cMy heart is in Hawai\u2018i today as we commemorate the 76th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, a day that forever changed Hawai\u2018i and our country. We remember those who paid the ultimate price on that fateful day, and the millions of Americans who answered the call to serve in the months and years that followed, including two of our former U.S. Senators, Inouye and Akaka.\n\u201cWe remember the famed \u201cGo for Broke\u201d 442nd Infantry Regiment and other Nisei-only units, made up of young men, who despite seeing their friends and family members being sent off into internment camps, still stood up and volunteered to serve -- putting their lives on the line for this country. They served bravely, sacrificed greatly, and became the most highly decorated unit in all of the U.S. Army's history. We must never forget what happened at Pearl Harbor, the lessons learned, and the sacrifices of those who served. There is no question that the stories of the greatest generation will live on forever in the hearts of a grateful nation.\u201d\n\u00a0\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusas-bill-create-pacific-war-memorial-passes-house", "Congresswoman Hanabusa's Bill to create a Pacific War Memorial Passes House", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Colleen Hanabusa", "H001050", "hanabusa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 A bill establishing a memorial for U.S. soldiers who lost their lives in the Pacific during World War II, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by unanimous consent today.\nH.R. 4300, the Admiral Lloyd R. \u201cJoe\u201d Vasey Pacific War Commemorative Act, was introduced by Congresswoman Hanabusa and Congressman Rob Bishop, the Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources.\u00a0\n\u201cThis memorial will help tell the stories of the members of the greatest generation who lost their lives in combat in the Pacific. Their experiences cannot be forgotten and we must educate future generations about this pivotal moment in American history. We must also provide a place where families and friends can mourn the loss of their loved ones. I would like to thank my colleagues for their support and I urge the Senate to quickly consider and pass this measure,\u201d said Congresswoman Hanabusa.\n\u201cRep. Hanabusa has worked to build bipartisan support on this important bill to honor America\u2019s veterans of the Pacific Theatre. \u00a0Today\u2019s vote demonstrates broad support for this legislation, and I look forward to working with Rep. Hanabusa and our Senate colleagues to move this bill to the President\u2019s desk,\u201d Chairman Bishop said.\nCongresswoman Hanabusa also delivered remarks on the measure on the House floor this morning on the 76th anniversary of Imperial Japan\u2019s attack on Pearl Harbor.\u00a0\nA copy of her speech is\u00a0attached and you may view her remarks here: https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4696638/congresswoman-hanabusa-speaks-establishment-pacific-war-memorial\nPacific Historic Parks, a non-profit organization based in Honolulu, will design and build the memorial in coordination with the National Park Service. This project will not require federal funds.\nCongresswoman Hanabusa and Chair Bishop worked with Ranking Member Raul Grijalva and 88 cosponsors who built bipartisan support for this measure to ensure swift consideration by the Natural Resources Committee.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n---", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/2017/12/07/statement-from-senator-mazie-k-hirono-on-the-continuing-resolution", "Statement from Senator Mazie K. Hirono on the Continuing Resolution", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2017\n\t\t\t Statement from Senator Mazie K. Hirono on the Continuing Resolution \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono issued the following statement after a vote on the continuing resolution:\r\nBy now, we should have an agreement to pass the DREAM Act, reauthorize the Childrens Health Insurance Program, fund Community Health Centers, stabilize the Affordable Care Act, and prevent across the board cuts to defense and non-defense spending. I voted against todays continuing resolution to send a strong message to Mitch McConnell and the Republican Party to negotiate in good faith to enact these priorities.\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\thelloworld\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"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-hassan-urge-fcc-chairman-pai-to-delay-vote-rolling-back-net-neutrality", "Hirono, Hassan Urge FCC Chairman Pai to Delay Vote Rolling Back Net Neutrality", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2017\n\t\t\t Hirono, Hassan Urge FCC Chairman Pai to Delay Vote Rolling Back Net Neutrality \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 Reports Reveal Bots May Have Filed Hundreds of Thousands of Fake or Fraudulent Comments During Net Neutrality Policymaking Process\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and 26 other Senators urged Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to delay the vote to roll back the nations net neutrality rules.\r\nIn a letter, the Senators expressed concerns over reports that bots filed hundreds of thousands of comments to the FCC during the net neutrality policymaking process, and called for an investigation into the state of the record.\r\nA free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding, the Senators wrote. In fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed.\r\nWithout additional information about the alleged anomalies surrounding the public record, the FCC cannot conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of the publics views on this topic, and should not move forward with a vote on December 14, 2017, the Senators continued.\r\nThe FCC must invest its time and resources into obtaining a more accurate picture of the record as understanding that record is essential to reaching a defensible resolution to this proceeding, the Senators concluded.\r\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Angus King (I-Maine), Al Franken (D-Minn.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).\r\n\r\nSee below for the full text of the letter or click here:\r\n\r\nDecember 4, 2017\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Ajit Pai\r\nChairman\r\nFederal Communications Commission\r\n445 12th Street Southwest\r\nWashington, DC 20554\r\n\r\nDear Chairman Pai:\r\nWe are deeply concerned by your recently released proposal to roll back critical consumer protections by dismantling the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) current net neutrality rules. A free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding. In fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed.\r\nTo this end, we request a thorough investigation by the FCC into reports that bots may have interfered with this proceeding by filing hundreds of thousands of comments. Furthermore, an additional 50,000 consumer complaints seem to have been excluded from the public record in this proceeding, according to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests filed by the National Hispanic Media Coalition.Without additional information about the alleged anomalies surrounding the public record, the FCC cannot conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of the publics views on this topic, and should not move forward with a vote on December 14, 2017.\r\nNew York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has spent the past six months conducting an investigation into the fraudulent comments, and found that hundreds of thousands of comments may have impersonated New York residents, a violation of state law. He further asserts that the FCC has not cooperated with requests for additional data and information. Data scientist Jeff Kao has also run an analysis of the public record, and estimates that over a million comments filed in support of repealing net neutrality may have been fake. These reports raise serious concerns as to whether the record the FCC is currently relying on has been tampered with and merits the full attention of, and investigation by, the FCC before votes on this item are cast.\r\nA transparent and open process is vitally important to how the FCC functions. The FCC must invest its time and resources into obtaining a more accurate picture of the record as understanding that record is essential to reaching a defensible resolution to this proceeding.As a result, we are requesting that you delay your planned vote on this item until you can conduct a thorough review of the state of the record and provide Congress with greater assurance of its accuracy and completeness.\r\nThank you for your immediate attention to this matter.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/on-76th-anniversary-of-attack-on-pearl-harbor-hirono-introduces-bill-to-honor-world-war-ii-veterans", "On 76th Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor, Hirono Introduces Bill to Honor World War II Veterans", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2017\n\t\t\t On 76th Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor, Hirono Introduces Bill to Honor World War II Veterans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Mazie K. Hirono introduced the Admiral Lloyd R. Joe Vasey Pacific War Commemorative Display Establishment Act, which would establish a memorial at Pearl Harbor honoring the service of World War II veterans who served in the Pacific Theater. The bill is the Senate companion to legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Colleen Hanabusa.\r\nAs we mark the 76th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we honor the brave veterans who defended our country on December 7, 1941 and all who served in World War II, said Senator Hirono. Establishing a memorial to their dedicated service at Pearl Harbor is a fitting tribute to their sacrifice, and I thank Representative Hanabusa for her leadership on this issue.\r\nThe Admiral Lloyd R. Joe Vasey Pacific War Commemorative Display Establishment Act directs the National Park Service and the non-profit Pacific Historic Parks to create the memorial. The memorial was proposed by Admiral Vasey, a World War II veteran who served in the Pacific Theater. Senator Brian Schatz is a cosponsor of the Senate bill.\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\thelloworld\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"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-hassan-urge-fcc-chairman-pai-to-delay-vote-rolling-back-net-neutrality", "Hirono, Hassan Urge FCC Chairman Pai to Delay Vote Rolling Back Net Neutrality", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono, Hassan Urge FCC Chairman Pai to Delay Vote Rolling Back Net Neutrality\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tReports Reveal Bots May Have Filed Hundreds of Thousands of \u201cFake or Fraudulent\u201d Comments During Net Neutrality Policymaking Process\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 7, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and 26 other Senators urged Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to delay the vote to roll back the nation\u2019s net neutrality rules.\r\nIn a letter, the Senators expressed concerns over reports that bots filed hundreds of thousands of comments to the FCC during the net neutrality policymaking process, and called for an investigation into the state of the record.\r\n\u201cA free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cIn fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed.\u201d\r\n\u201cWithout additional information about the alleged anomalies surrounding the public record, the FCC cannot conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of the public\u2019s views on this topic, and should not move forward with a vote on December 14, 2017,\u201d the Senators continued.\r\n\u201cThe FCC must invest its time and resources into obtaining a more accurate picture of the record as understanding that record is essential to reaching a defensible resolution to this proceeding,\u201d the Senators concluded.\r\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Angus King (I-Maine), Al Franken (D-Minn.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).\r\n\u00a0\r\nSee below for the full text of the letter or click here:\r\n\u00a0\r\nDecember 4, 2017\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Ajit Pai\r\nChairman\r\nFederal Communications Commission\r\n445 12th Street Southwest\r\nWashington, DC 20554\r\n\r\nDear Chairman Pai:\r\nWe are deeply concerned by your recently released proposal to roll back critical consumer protections by dismantling the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s (FCC) current net neutrality rules. A free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding. In fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed.\r\nTo this end, we request a thorough investigation by the FCC into reports that bots may have interfered with this proceeding by filing hundreds of thousands of comments. Furthermore, an additional 50,000 consumer complaints seem to have been excluded from the public record in this proceeding, according to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests filed by the National Hispanic Media Coalition.\u00a0Without additional information about the alleged anomalies surrounding the public record, the FCC cannot conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of the public\u2019s views on this topic, and should not move forward with a vote on December 14, 2017.\u00a0\r\nNew York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has spent the past six months conducting an investigation into the fraudulent comments, and found that \u201chundreds of thousands\u201d of comments may have impersonated New York residents, a violation of state law. He further asserts that the FCC has not cooperated with requests for additional data and information. Data scientist Jeff Kao has also run an analysis of the public record, and estimates that over a million comments filed in support of repealing net neutrality may have been fake. These reports raise serious concerns as to whether the record the FCC is currently relying on has been tampered with and merits the full attention of, and investigation by, the FCC before votes on this item are cast.\r\nA transparent and open process is vitally important to how the FCC functions. The FCC must invest its time and resources into obtaining a more accurate picture of the record as understanding that record is essential to reaching a defensible resolution to this proceeding.\u00a0As a result, we are requesting that you delay your planned vote on this item until you can conduct a thorough review of the state of the record and provide Congress with greater assurance of its accuracy and completeness.\u00a0\r\nThank you for your immediate attention to this matter.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/on-76th-anniversary-of-attack-on-pearl-harbor-hirono-introduces-bill-to-honor-world-war-ii-veterans", "On 76th Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor, Hirono Introduces Bill to Honor World War II Veterans", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On 76th Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor, Hirono Introduces Bill to Honor World War II Veterans\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 7, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Mazie K. Hirono introduced the Admiral Lloyd R. \u201cJoe\u201d Vasey Pacific War Commemorative Display Establishment Act, which would establish a memorial at Pearl Harbor honoring the service of World War II veterans who served in the Pacific Theater. The bill is the Senate companion to legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Colleen Hanabusa.\r\n\u201cAs we mark the 76th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we honor the brave veterans who defended our country on December 7, 1941 and all who served in World War II,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cEstablishing a memorial to their dedicated service at Pearl Harbor is a fitting tribute to their sacrifice, and I thank Representative Hanabusa for her leadership on this issue.\u201d\r\nThe Admiral Lloyd R. \u201cJoe\u201d Vasey Pacific War Commemorative Display Establishment Act directs the National Park Service and the non-profit Pacific Historic Parks to create the memorial. The memorial was proposed by Admiral Vasey, a World War II veteran who served in the Pacific Theater. Senator Brian Schatz is a cosponsor of the Senate bill.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/statement-from-senator-mazie-k-hirono-on-the-continuing-resolution", "Statement from Senator Mazie K. Hirono on the Continuing Resolution", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Statement from Senator Mazie K. Hirono on the Continuing Resolution\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 7, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Mazie K. Hirono issued the following statement after a vote on the continuing resolution:\r\n\u201cBy now, we should have an agreement to pass the DREAM Act, reauthorize the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program, fund Community Health Centers, stabilize the Affordable Care Act, and prevent across the board cuts to defense and non-defense spending. I voted against today\u2019s continuing resolution to send a strong message to Mitch McConnell and the Republican Party to negotiate in good faith to enact these priorities.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/over-4100-join-rep-tulsi-gabbard-s-taxes-telephone-townhall", "Over 4,100 Join Rep. Tulsi Gabbards Taxes Telephone Townhall", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Over 4,100 Hawai\u02bbi residents participated in Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard\u2019s (HI-02) tax-focused \u201ctelephone townhall\u201d on Tuesday December 5. Local and national nonpartisan guests included:\n Molly Sherlock, tax policy economist at the Congressional Research Service (CRS)\n\tGayvial James, Local Taxpayer Advocate at IRS- Hawai\u02bbi and Pacific US Territories\n\tDavid Meisenheimer, Supervisory Special Agent, IRS-Criminal Investigations\n Click here to listen to the full audio recording of this event\nThe tax-focused event covered federal tax reform, resources for Hawai\u02bbi residents ahead of tax season, ways Hawai\u02bbi families can protect themselves against scams, and more. The congresswoman and guests answered questions on:\n How the proposed elimination of the state income tax deduction will impact Hawai\u02bbi families\n\tHow Hawai\u02bbi families dealing with high cost of living will be impacted by the proposed federal tax reforms\n\tThe timeline for tax reform to take effect if passed\n\tImpact of the proposed tax reform on Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s seniors and graduate students\n\tWays Hawai\u02bbi families can protect themselves from tax scams\n\tResources for Hawai\u02bbi taxpayers, including contact information for IRS Taxpayer Advocates based in Hawai\u02bbi\n\tHow constituents can get help from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard\u2019s office in dealing with the IRS and other federal agencies\n Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, \u201cHawai\u02bbi families are rightfully concerned about the corporate-giveaway tax bills being rushed through Congress. There is no doubt that our tax code needs reform - but it should be done in a way that is bipartisan, and that strengthens working families. Both the House and Senate have passed tax reform proposals that would provide little to no relief through temporary cuts for some in the middle class, while corporations get huge permanent tax cuts and more handouts. Our telephone townhall was an important opportunity to share the facts about what is at stake for the people of Hawai\u02bbi under the Republican tax proposals, as well as to share critical information and resources for Hawai\u02bbi taxpayers ahead of the upcoming tax season. As Congress goes to conference committee on the current tax proposals and moves closer towards a final vote, I will continue to ensure my constituents\u2019 concerns are heard and stand against this wrong-headed legislation.\u201d\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-gabbard-introduces-bipartisan-bill-improve-access-quality-healthcare", "Rep. Gabbard Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Access to Quality Healthcare for Disabled Veterans", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Reps. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), Susan Davis (CA-53), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Brian Mast\u00a0(FL-18), and Jacky Rosen (NV-03) today introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to quality healthcare for disabled veterans.\nThe Fair Access to Insurance for Retired (FAIR) Heroes Act will allow medically retired veterans to choose between Medicare and TRICARE for their healthcare coverage. Current law requires medically retired veterans to purchase Medicare when they become eligible, and if they fail to enroll, they lose access to TRICARE coverage and face Medicare\u2019s late enrollment penalties and restrictions. The FAIR Heroes Act will give medically retired veterans a choice to enroll in either Medicare or TRICARE, allow a one-time opportunity to switch between the programs if their current plan fails to serve their health needs, and authorizes the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide educational opportunities for veterans to make the best healthcare decision for themselves and their families.\n\u201cOur veterans put their lives on the line for our country,\u201d said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. \u201cMany carry both visible and invisible wounds of war long after they lay down their uniform. Their service should never limit their access to quality healthcare, and the ability to make their own decisions about their care. Our bipartisan legislation cuts through the bureaucratic red tape for nearly 30,000 medically retired veterans with disabilities, empowering them to make informed choices on their coverage, while removing penalties and roadblocks to quality healthcare.\u201d\n\u201cConsidering the sacrifices veterans make on our behalf, we owe it them to ensure they are getting the care they deserve and in the manner that is best for them,\u201d said Rep. Susan Davis. \u201cThe FAIR Heroes act will give our veterans greater choices in where to get the healthcare plan that works for them.\u201d\n\u201cThe FAIR Heroes act gives our wounded veterans the ability to select the healthcare program that fits their needs and removes mandatory barriers created by Medicare,\u201d said Rep. Joe Wilson.\n\u201cI know as well as anyone the bureaucratic healthcare maze that awaits injured veterans when they get home,\u201d said Rep. Brian Mast. \u201cIt\u2019s complex and not always in the best interest of our vets. \u00a0Right now severely injured veterans can\u2019t even access their TRICARE benefits without first dipping into Medicare money that could be going to care for our seniors. \u00a0That\u2019s the epitome of bad government bureaucracy. \u00a0This bipartisan bill will make government more efficient and ensure our seriously injured veterans have access to the health care that best fits their needs.\u201d\n\u201cI\u2019m happy to work across the aisle to make health insurance more affordable and accessible for our nation\u2019s veterans,\u201d said Rep. Jacky Rosen. \u201cBy granting disabled veterans the choice between Medicare Part B and TRICARE, we are allowing them to make the best health care decision for themselves based on the quality and cost of care. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and deserve the very best care, and I will continue to support policies to achieve this goal.\u201d\n\u201cIn our work with some of the most seriously injured warriors over the years, we\u2019ve heard several concerns about the significant burdens and confusion this issue with Medicare and TRICARE is placing on these veterans and their families,\u201d said Ren\u00e9 Bardorf, Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). \u201cWe\u2019re pleased to see bipartisan support in the House of Representatives for the FAIR Heroes Act, and appreciate Reps. Susan Davis, Joe Wilson, Tulsi Gabbard, Brian Mast, and Jacky Rosen for their leadership on this issue, which will finally provide relief to warriors and their families who have been forced to participate in Medicare instead of the TRICARE they have earned. We strongly urge their colleagues in the House and Senate to support this legislation and provide these men and women with the choice in health care coverage they deserve.\u201d\nSenators Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\nAlong with the support of the Wounded Warriors Project, the FAIR Heroes Act has been endorsed by the Air Force Association, Association of the United States Army, Association of the United States Navy, AMVETS, Army Aviation Association of America, Chief Warrant & Warrant Officers Association of the U.S. Coast Guard, Got Your 6, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Officers Association of America, the National Military Family Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Service Women\u2019s Action Network, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans of America.\n\u00a0\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusa-s-statement-house-impeachment-vote", "Congresswoman Hanabusas Statement on House Impeachment Vote", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Colleen Hanabusa", "H001050", "hanabusa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa issued the following statement after voting to table a resolution that would initiate the\u00a0impeachment process against President Donald J. Trump:\n\u201cThere is no doubt in my mind that President Trump is unfit to execute the responsibilities of the Presidency. I am constantly disappointed with his divisive rhetoric, his lack of leadership, and his poor judgement. But now is not the time for a vote of impeachment. The President and his team are the subject of an ongoing federal investigation and we should allow that probe to conclude so we have the evidence required for impeachment. Without that evidence, it is very difficult to round up the 218 votes necessary to move forward.\u201d\nThe motion to table passed, 364-58.\n\u00a0\n---", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusa-s-statement-hr-38-concealed-carry-reciprocity-act", "Congresswoman Hanabusas Statement on H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Colleen Hanabusa", "H001050", "hanabusa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 38, the \u201cConcealed Carry Reciprocity Act.\u201d\n\u201cHawaii has gun control laws that balance the rights of gun owners with the need to protect our community. While the law governing concealed carry permits in Hawaii is strict, it provides a process by which private citizens can request a permit to carry a concealed firearm. \u00a0H.R. 38, the \"Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act\", would permit any individual with a state-issued concealed carry permit to carry a firearm in Hawaii without regard to Hawaii\u2019s laws.\u00a0 In other words, it would allow individuals to choose states with fewer concealed carry restrictions than Hawaii to override Hawaii\u2019s law.\u00a0 For that reason, I opposed H.R. 38 today in a vote on the House floor. \u00a0Hawaii is fortunate to have a very low rate of violent crime and our concealed carry law is a big part of that. While I support the Second Amendment rights of lawful gun owners, we must maintain a safe community for our residents and visitors and H.R. 38, in allowing individuals to override Hawaii law, upsets the balance that has served Hawaii well for many years.\u201d\nThe measure was approved, 231-198.\n\u00a0\n---", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/statement-from-senator-mazie-k-hirono-on-senator-al-franken", "Statement from Senator Mazie K. Hirono on Senator Al Franken", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Statement from Senator Mazie K. Hirono on Senator Al Franken\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 6, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) released the following statement:\r\n\u201cToday, I am calling on my colleague Al Franken to step aside. I\u2019ve struggled with this decision because he\u2019s been a good Senator and I consider him a friend. But that cannot excuse his behavior and his mistreatment of women.\r\n\u201cTIME Magazine, by naming \u2018The Silence Breakers\u2019 as their \u2018Person of the Year,\u2019 is recognizing what women have always known: there are men among us who use their positions of power and influence to manipulate, harass, and assault women. What is new here is the women.\u00a0 We are, all of us, speaking out, naming names and demanding that the harassers take responsibility for their behavior.\r\n\u201cI am proud of each of the women who has come forward, and heartened by the changing climate that has received their stories with acceptance and compassion.\r\n\u201cMy hope is that this moment for a cultural change will result in women no longer being viewed as objects or toys, but recognized for their abilities and achievements. As regular human beings. Women have endured this behavior, which for too long has been ignored and tolerated. But no longer.\r\n\u201cWe can only create a culture where women are respected as equals if we all step forward and be part of the change by holding everyone, especially our leaders, accountable.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/garden-isle-people-must-be-informed-about-north-korea", "The Garden Isle: The people must be informed about North Korea", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is calling for diplomatic solutions with North Korea just as Hawaii returned to sounding a monthly nuclear attack warning siren because of the growing threat from that country.\nOf course, we agree diplomatic solutions should be sought. No one wants to see nuclear war. Gabbard is correct in pointing out that this ill will between the U.S. and North Korea isn\u2019t something that just started in the past year or since Donald Trump became our president.\nGabbard herself has been raising the issue of the increasing threat from North Korea ever since she came to Congress in 2013. She is well aware that North Korea\u2019s continued growing capabilities puts the Aloha State squarely within range of its intercontinental ballistic missiles.\n\u201cIt is a travesty and a total failure of leadership, by both Republican and Democrat administrations, that their short-sighted policies over the last 40 years have left the people of Hawaii and this country, our homes and communities, and generations to come, under the dark cloud of a nuclear threat from this point forward,\u201d she said in a press release.\n\u201cThe only possible option to remove this dark cloud will come through the pursuit of serious diplomacy, and that will only be successful if two things happen,\u201d Gabbard continued. \u201cFirst, we must negotiate directly with North Korea and Kim Jong Un. Second, we have to understand why he is holding on so tightly to their nuclear weapons \u2014 it is because he sees them as his only deterrent from the U.S. coming in and trying to topple his regime.\u201d\nOr it could be because he wants the power of having nuclear weapons and may actually intend on using them.\nGabbard believes that Kim looks at the U.S. track record, and how it overthrew Saddam Hussein in Iraq because of false intelligence that he had weapons of mass destruction. He sees how even after Muammar Gaddafi in Libya was promised by the U.S. that if he gave up nuclear weapons the U.S. wouldn\u2019t go after him, the U.S. went after him anyway and took him out.\nShe believes Kim looks at what our country has been and is still doing in Syria, trying to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad. And she said he sees how the Trump administration and some in Congress are increasing their rhetoric to go after Iran and overthrow their government.\nSo Tulsi Gabbard is calling for the U.S. to end its regime-change war policies.\n\u201cThis is necessary for North Korea to see that we are serious when we say we are not interested in toppling their regime, and that we are serious about achieving peace, stability and prosperity in a denuclearized Korean Peninsula,\u201d she said.\nThe U.S. certainly does get involved in the politics of other countries. Does it need to? Those in power think so. That\u2019s something that\u2019s been happening for decades and isn\u2019t going to change.\nWe agree that diplomatic solutions with North Korea should be pursued. A nuclear war would be horrific. That said, the U.S. must be prepared to protect Hawaii and the Mainland, and it must be prepared to use its military. It can\u2019t assume things will work out for the best. North Korea\u2019s latest missile tests show it has increasing capabilities to reach our lands. And Kim has not indicated he is looking for diplomatic solutions. He delights in the successful tests and his country\u2019s growing nuclear arsenal. The problem for the U.S. now is, if it reaches a point where it believes North Korea is a threat to America\u2019s security, it won\u2019t wait to see what Kim does, but strike first. We hope that doesn\u2019t happen. Yes, keep diplomacy open, but don\u2019t be surprised if it fails.\nMeantime, there is a chance to learn more about North Korea and how we got to this point that Hawaii again has monthly nuclear warning siren tests and faces the threat of having 15 minutes to prepare for a missile launched from North Korea, about 4,500 miles away.\nA program, \u201cKorea in Context, Past and Present,\u201d is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Kauai Community College. Speakers will be history professor Dr. Mark Ombrello, who specializes in East Asian and Pacific history, and Kauai journalist Jon Letman, who has traveled to and published articles about Korea and other countries in the region.\nOmbrello will provide a brief overview of the modern history from the overthrow of the monarchy on through the decades of colonialism under the Japanese (1910-45). Letman will place this history in context with current heightened tension and threat of war on the Korean Peninsula. The speakers will examine Kauai\u2019s role in the militarization of Korea and Northeast Asia.\nIf you can, please attend this important public meeting.\nThere is also a chance to share your views with Gabbard this week.\nThe U.S. representative will host a live, tax-focused \u201ctelephone town hall\u201d on Tuesday at 4 p.m. The conference-call-style event will allow Hawaii residents to ask questions and hear updates from the congresswoman, along with nonpartisan national and local experts on federal tax reform, resources for Hawaii residents ahead of tax season, ways Hawaii families can protect themselves against scams, and more.\nTo participate, call (888) 476-4187 at 4 p.m. to join the live conference call.\nThe U.S. is at a key point in its relationship with North Korea. The more we citizens know and understand, the more we can share informed views with our elected leaders.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-calls-congress-serve-and-protect-american-families-not-reward", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls on Congress to Serve and Protect American Families   Not Reward Corporate America", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the following statement after the House voted to move to a conference committee to resolve the differences between the House and Senate versions of the Republicans\u2019 tax reform legislation.\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said:\n\u201cMillions of hardworking American families are struggling just to get by, stretching every dollar to put food on the table and keep the lights on. Both the House and Senate versions of the Republican tax legislation include massive tax breaks to corporations and the top 1% of America, increasing the national deficit by $1.4 trillion, while providing marginal, temporary tax relief to only some low-income and middle class families, who will ultimately see their tax rates rise in just a few years. The people of this country deserve to be heard, and deserve a real tax reform bill that does right by the American people whom we serve, rather than bowing to the pressures of wealthy donors and corporate lobbyists.\u201d\n\u00a0\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-facebook-protecting-our-national-monuments", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Protecting our National Monuments", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"The beauty of our public lands contributes to the vibrant and diverse fabric of our country. \u00a0From Haleakal\u0101 in Maui to Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah and every other treasured piece of our natural and cultural heritage, we must protect and preserve our '\u0101ina for future generations to cherish and enjoy. I urge President Trump to reverse his decision and protect these monuments in Utah.\" -TG\n\u00a0\nFor more information on Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's work to preserve and protect the environment, click here.\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-secures-federal-funds-to-build-hanalei-urgent-care-clinic", "Hirono Secures Federal Funds to Build Hanalei Urgent Care Clinic", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono Secures Federal Funds to Build Hanalei Urgent Care Clinic\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMakana North Shore Urgent Care Receives USDA Loan for Over $1 Million to Complete Clinic Construction\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 4, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that the Makana North Shore Urgent Care will receive a nearly $1.1 million U.S. Department of Agriculture loan to complete construction and help with operating costs of a new urgent care clinic to serve Kauai\u2019s north shore community.\r\n\u201cRural communities across Hawaii continue to face challenges in accessing health care services,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThis loan will help complete construction of the Makana North Shore Urgent Care Clinic, and ensure that the clinic has the necessary resources to serve Kauai\u2019s north shore.\u201d\r\n\u201cMakana Urgent Care Clinic will bring critical medical care to the north shore community of Kauai and provide many added benefits including laboratory and x-ray services to local physicians,\u201d said Makaala Kaaumoana, Member of the Makana North Shore Urgent Care Board of Directors. \u201cAs a nonprofit, the staff and Board of Directors are looking forward to being a partner, working together to take care of each other and our community.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe are in the final stages of construction of the Makana North Shore Urgent Care. A much needed medical facility on Kauai\u2019s North Shore,\u201d said Dr. Edward J Kimball, Makana Foundation President. \u201cThis facility is being built with the support of generous private donations from the local community and through a USDA Rural Development Loan. This project will provide 24/7 urgent medical care, including x-ray and lab facilities to a rural and remote population on Kauai. Further, this care will be delivered by a team of experienced board certified emergency physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses. We are sincerely grateful for the USDA support and for the many efforts from Senator Hirono and her staff in helping this project come to fruition.\u201d\r\nThe Makana North Shore Urgent Care Clinic is currently under construction, and is scheduled to open in Spring 2018. In May, Senator Hirono worked with USDA leadership to expedite approval for the loan.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-republican-tax-scam-hurts-middle-class-families-to-pay-for-a-giveaway-to-wealthy-and-corporations", "Hirono: Republican Tax Scam Hurts Middle Class Families to Pay for a Giveaway to Wealthy & Corporations", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono: Republican Tax Scam Hurts Middle Class Families to Pay for a Giveaway to Wealthy & Corporations\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSaturday, December 2, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.-\u00a0U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono voted against H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a bill to provide major tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy. The legislation, released just hours before the vote, was passed in the dead of night on a 51-49 vote.\r\nAfter the vote, Senator Hirono released the following statement:\r\n\u201cRepublicans are living in an alternative universe. There is no other way to explain why they are touting this huge tax bill, which will hurt millions of American families, as the bill to end all bills to benefit the middle class. This is shibai, a sham.\r\n\u201cThis bill gives over $1 trillion in tax cuts to the richest one percent of individuals and corporations in our country, while eliminating health insurance coverage for more than 13 million Americans and raising the premiums for everyone else, and setting the stage for massive cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security\u2014all to pay for this huge giveaway for corporations and the mega-rich like Donald Trump. The American people don\u2019t buy this Republican tax scam, and the coming days and months will reveal just how badly they are being hurt.\u201d\r\nUnder the Senate\u2019s version of the Republican tax scam, corporations will receive permanent tax cuts while working families and small businesses only see temporary relief. In addition, the relief working families receive is far less than the very wealthy. In Hawaii, less one percent of taxpayers with incomes over $1 million would see an average tax cut of $59,000 in 2019, while the 60 percent of taxpayers who make under $50,000 would only see an average of $160. Most would see even less under the Republican bill.\r\nTax cuts for corporations and the wealthy will cost over $1 trillion in the next 10 years, limiting needed resources to invest in national security, education, transportation, housing, and other critical priorities. In 2018, the bill could lead to an immediate $25 billion cut to Medicare, and $100 billion in cuts to other critical programs. The legislation also includes provisions that allow for oil companies to drill in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge. Senator Hirono opposed these provisions when they were considered by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-facebook-consumer-financial-protection-bureau", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"In the years leading up to the 2008 financial crisis, American families were deceived, swindled, and cheated by Wall Street and the big banks. These banks that were \u2018too big to fail\u2019 then, are even bigger today. Since its founding, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has worked to inform, empower, and do right by American consumers, protect their hard-earned salaries, and return nearly $12 billion to 29 million American consumers. We must uphold these ideals and ensure the CFPB continues to serve its true constituents \u2013 the hardworking people of America \u2013 not Wall Street.\"-TG\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-facebook-native-hawaiian-congressional-fellowships", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Native Hawaiian Congressional Fellowships", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"As part of the first ever @OfficeofHawaiianAffairs Native Hawaiian Congressional Fellowship class, Katie worked to raise awareness in Congress around Native Hawaiian issues, helped to build bipartisan support behind my bill to combat invasive species & much more. \u00a0Learn more about this excellent opportunity for Native Hawaiian leaders here https://www.oha.org/DCinternships\" - TG\n\u00a0\nFor more information on Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's work for Native Hawaiian issues, click here.\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n \nFacebook.com/RepTulsiGabbard\n\tTwitter.com/TulsiPress\n\tYouTube.com/TulsiPress\n\tFlickr.com/RepTulsiGabbard\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-facebook-world-aids-day", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: World AIDS Day", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hawai\u02bbi District Office \n  300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm. 5-104\n\nHonolulu, HI 96850\n\n  Phone: (808) 541-1986  \n\tFax: (808) 538-0233  \n\tEmail: TulsiOffice@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-sba-loans-available-kauai", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: SBA Loans Available for Kauai", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hawai\u02bbi District Office \n  300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm. 5-104\n\nHonolulu, HI 96850\n\n  Phone: (808) 541-1986  \n\tFax: (808) 538-0233  \n\tEmail: TulsiOffice@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-twitter-kailua-intermediates-stem-opportunities", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Twitter: Kailua Intermediate's STEM Opportunities", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"Mahalo @KailuaInter for setting our keiki up for success in college & future careers with STEM initiatives, tutoring & extracurricular activities like cyber security and robotics clubs bit.ly/2B4CcSn\" - TG\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n \nFacebook.com/RepTulsiGabbard\n\tTwitter.com/TulsiPress\n\tYouTube.com/TulsiPress\n\tFlickr.com/RepTulsiGabbard\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-twitter-new-act-cosponsors", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Twitter: New OFF Act Cosponsors", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"Mahalo @RepDannyDavis and @RepEspaillat, the newest #OFFAct cosponsors. 100% renewable energy will protect our people & our planet\"- TG\nFor more information on Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's work to preserve and protect the environment, click here.\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n Facebook.com/RepTulsiGabbard\n\tTwitter.com/TulsiPress\n\tYouTube.com/TulsiPress\n\tFlickr.com/RepTulsiGabbard\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-booker-markey-introduce-amendment-to-hold-republicans-accountable-for-pledge-to-avoid-medicare-cuts", "Hirono, Booker, Markey Introduce Amendment to Hold Republicans Accountable for Pledge to Avoid Medicare Cuts", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono, Booker, Markey Introduce Amendment to Hold Republicans Accountable for Pledge to Avoid Medicare Cuts\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAmendment would snap-back corporate tax cut to prevent cuts to Medicare\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 1, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) today introduced an amendment to the Republican tax plan that would hold Senate Republicans accountable for their pledge that their tax plan will not result in any cuts to Medicare.\r\nUnder the Senate\u2019s \u201cpay-as-you-go\u201d rules, Congress is required to offset the cost of each piece of legislation or risk across-the-board spending cuts to various government programs. Under this rule, the Republicans\u2019 tax plan would trigger $150 billion in spending cuts, including a $25 billion annual cut to Medicare.\r\nThe Senators\u2019 amendment would roll back the corporate tax rate to its current level of 35 percent (the tax plan would lower the corporate rate to 20 percent) should there be any cuts to Medicare as a result of the tax plan.\r\n\u201cPutting the needs of Hawaii's seniors over corporate profits seems like a common sense priority, but the GOP tax bill could lead to cuts from Medicare just so that big corporations can get even richer,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cOur amendment would protect Hawaii's kupuna from the consequences of this corporate giveaway.\u201d\r\n\u201cRepublicans have promised repeatedly that critical safety net programs like Medicare won\u2019t be affected by their disastrous tax plan,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cOur amendment simply puts those promises in writing. Senate Republicans should back up their words with action.\u201d\r\n\r\nSenators Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), also cosponsored the amendment.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-host-live-telephone-townhall-tax-reform-resources-hawai-i", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to Host Live Telephone Townhall on Tax Reform, Resources for Hawaii Families", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Honolulu, HI\u2014Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) will host a live tax-focused \u201ctelephone town hall\u201d on Tuesday December 5, 2017 at 4:00pm HST. The conference call-style event will allow Hawai\u02bbi residents to ask questions and hear updates from the congresswoman, along with nonpartisan national and local experts, on federal tax reform, resources for Hawai\u02bbi residents ahead of tax season, ways Hawai\u02bbi families can protect themselves against scams, and more.\n To participate, call 888-476-4187 at 4:00pm HST on Tuesday December 5 to join the live conference call. \nParticipants can also register here for a pre-call reminder.\nPlease note: To protect each individual\u2019s privacy, constituents living in Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s Second Congressional District with questions regarding a personal claim or casework should contact Rep. Tulsi Gabbard\u2019s office directly at 808-541-1986 or by emailing TulsiOffice@mail.house.gov.\nFor more information, visit gabbard.house.gov.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-joins-panel-discussion-empowering-veterans-new-economy", "PHOTOS & VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Joins Panel Discussion on Empowering Veterans in the New Economy", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), co-chair of\u00a0the Congressional Post 9/11 Veterans Caucus, today joined The Future of the Workforce: Veterans in the New Economy panel discussion, hosted by POLITICO and Amazon, to discuss ways to harness the power, skills, and experience of America\u2019s veterans in the 21st century economy.\nThe panel focused on the successes and roadblocks to securing employment for veterans as well as opportunities for collaboration between the public and private sectors to increase hiring, retention, and training. \u00a0The panelists also discussed successful legislative efforts to aid the transition from military to civilian life, including The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (H.R.3218), which\u00a0the congresswoman helped\u00a0pass into law earlier this year.\n\u201cRoughly 500 veterans return to civilian life every single day, continuing their commitment to service by giving back to our local communities, starting small businesses, getting involved in public service, and more,\u201d said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a twice-deployed combat veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee. \u201cArmed with a unique skill set and experience, our veterans are natural leaders and assets to employers, whether in the private sector, the public sector, or the non-profit sector. There are many obstacles veterans face as they transition from military to civilian life, but finding a good-paying job that harnesses their skills should not be one of them. We need to clear the path for our veterans to transition their service in uniform to success in civilian life by prioritizing veteran employment and setting them up for success in the 21st century economy.\"\nVideo of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard\u2019s Panel is Available Here\nPhotos for Download are Available Here \nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n Facebook.com/RepTulsiGabbard\n\tTwitter.com/TulsiPress\n\tYouTube.com/TulsiPress\n\tFlickr.com/RepTulsiGabbard\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-republican-corporate-tax-giveaway-would-hurt-funding-for-hawaii-hospitals-other-critical-state-projects", "Hirono: Republican Corporate Tax Giveaway Would Hurt Funding for Hawaii Hospitals, Other Critical State Projects", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono: Republican Corporate Tax Giveaway Would Hurt Funding for Hawaii Hospitals, Other Critical State Projects\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHirono: \u201cRather than crafting a tax plan that would actually help middle class families, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have decided to screw them over instead.\u201d\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 30, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Ahead of expected late night votes on the\u00a0Senate\u00a0Republican tax plan, Senator Mazie K. Hirono spoke out against the bill\u2019s devastating impact on Hawaii families and critical state infrastructure.\r\nSenator Hirono highlighted the Senate bill\u2019s focus on providing substantial tax relief to corporations and wealthy individuals at the expense of working families and investments that benefit communities in Hawaii and nationwide. While not yet law, buried in the House and Senate Republicans\u2019 massive and rushed tax legislation are provisions that have already created uncertainty and impacted\u00a0the construction of Hawaii hospitals and other important infrastructure projects.\r\nSenator Hirono highlighted the impact that\u00a0these little-known provisions of the Republican tax plan\u00a0would have on the planned West Maui Hospital and Medical Center and Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children.\r\nFrom Senator Hirono\u2019s remarks:\r\n\u201cRather than crafting a tax plan that would actually help middle class families, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have decided to screw them over instead. All to give rich people and corporations huge tax cuts they do not need. The Republican tax bill hasn\u2019t even passed Congress yet, but the mere threat of eliminating private activity bonds is already having a profoundly negative impact on Hawaii and communities across the country.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s hard to understand how Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress could in good conscience cut a program that saves lives to finance tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nClick on the photo above to watch Senator Hirono\u2019s remarks\u00a0\r\n\r\nSenator Hirono\u2019s full remarks, as prepared for delivery:\r\nMr. President, the Republican tax plan we are debating today is a sham. It is a solution in search of a problem. The President and his allies in Congress are bound and determined to give the richest people in our country and large corporations huge tax cuts. The theory, certainly not reality, is that these huge tax cuts will magically trickle down to create a fantastic, incredible, tremendous economy.\r\nThe fact that this theory has been thoroughly discredited and in reality shown to be false is of little concern to them.\r\nWhat exactly, then, is the problem this bill is supposed to address? Corporations and the richest 1% of people in our country are doing just fine. They certainly don\u2019t need any more goodies.\r\nOver the past 10 years, corporate profits have grown exponentially. More wealth is concentrated in the hands of the top 1% than at any time since the Great Depression.\r\nGroups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce claim this bill will spur new investment and help workers. What world are they living in?\r\nCorporations have sheltered $2.6 trillion dollars off shore to avoid paying taxes. This is money they could already be using to create jobs, build factories, or raise employee wages. Not happening, and won\u2019t happen.\r\nThese people and corporations do not need more money and profits. On the other hand, middle class families have seen stagnant wage growth for nearly 20 years.\r\nHealth care continues to be a political football, with the President sabotaging the Affordable Care Act and Congressional efforts to repeal the law. The cost of a college education is increasingly out of reach for working people. The list goes on.\r\nBut rather than crafting a tax plan that would actually help middle class families, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have decided to screw them over instead. All to give rich people and corporations huge tax cuts they do not need.\r\nIn Hawaii, we have a word to describe what\u2019s happening here. This is shibai, or B.S.\r\nWe\u2019ve had little time to debate the devastating impact of this massive bill. But even in the short amount of time we\u2019ve had, it\u2019s clear how many of the major provisions in this bill would harm working people.\r\nFor example, this bill eliminates the individual mandate for health care, which is just another way to repeal the Affordable Care Act. How many bites out of this repeal apple are the Republicans going to take?\r\nThirteen million people will lose their health insurance. Premiums for everyone else would increase significantly every year. Do they think that these millions of people will not notice what\u2019s happening to them? I don\u2019t think so.\r\nThis bill eliminates the state and local tax deduction that thousands of taxpayers in Hawaii count on. These tax giveaways to the rich will force states to make huge and painful cuts to public education, essential social services, and infrastructure investment.\r\nBut the devastating impact of this bill is not limited to the parts everyone\u2019s heard about. This Republican tax scam has a number of obscure provisions that are already having or will cause real harm.\r\nThe House bill, for example, eliminates the ability of state and local governments to issue private activity bonds. This kind of bond certainly isn\u2019t something you\u2019re likely to hear about on Morning Joe or Wolf Blitzer, but they are very important. Through private activity bonds, the federal government allows states and local governments to issue tax-exempt bonds to finance certain kinds of projects that help our communities.\r\nState and local governments routinely issue private activity bonds to construct public housing, develop mass transit, or construct new schools and hospitals. The Republican tax bill hasn\u2019t even passed Congress yet, but the mere threat of eliminating private activity bonds is already having a profoundly negative impact on Hawaii and communities across the country.\r\nLet me give a concrete example.\r\nResidents of West Maui have been waiting for a hospital for decades. Right now, on their side of the island, if there is a medical emergency, the only way an ambulance can get from West Maui to Maui Memorial \u2013 the island\u2019s only hospital\u2014 is on a two-lane highway.\r\nOne lane winds around the side of a cliff, making it susceptible to falling rocks and flash floods. The other lane is being eaten away by coastal erosion. On a normal day when nothing goes wrong, it can take over an hour to reach Maui Memorial from West Maui. But if there\u2019s traffic or an accident on the highway, you can forget about it.\r\nFor serious injuries and illnesses, even an hour is too long to wait for lifesaving medical care. Construction of the West Maui Hospital and Medical Center is clearly important and needed. When the project is completed, West Maui will have a dedicated emergency room and will offer essential surgical and radiological services. It will save lives.\r\nAlthough initial work to lay the foundation for the hospital began earlier this year, construction has stalled. Why? Because financing for the project is being held up out of fear that Republicans in Congress will eliminate the private activity bonds this project needs for completion.\r\nBrian Hoyle, the President of Newport Hospital Corporation, which is building the West Maui Hospital said, \u201cWe\u2019re waiting to see what Congress does. All of the health care community does not like this bill. It\u2019s a very bad bill for the state of Hawaii.\u201d\r\nOther hospitals across Hawaii have used private activity bonds to finance much-needed expansions of service.\r\nWith the help of private activity bonds, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu recently finished construction on its Diamond Head Tower, which houses some of the hospital\u2019s most important neonatal functions.\r\nLast year, I visited the new 40,000 square foot Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU is five times larger than its former facility and can better serve the more than 1,000 of the most vulnerable babies born at the hospital every year. In only a few days, Kapiolani will open its new emergency room \u2013 which is twice the size of its old one -- to the nearly 125 patients who come through their doors every day.\r\nI heard from Michael Robinson, Kapiolani\u2019s Vice President of Government Relations and Community Affairs on how private activity bonds could literally mean the difference between life and death for Hawaii residents. He wrote to me, saying, \u201cPrivate activity bonds were critical in the construction of Kapiolani Medical Center\u2019s Diamond Head Tower, enabling us to expand our bed capacity and meet the needs of the most critically ill children and their families throughout Hawaii. It\u2019s difficult to understand why Congress is considering eliminating private activity bonds when this method of financing has been essential in providing non-profit hospitals the resources to provide care to the patients they serve.\"\r\nAs Michael said, it\u2019s hard to understand how Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress could in good conscience cut a program that saves lives to finance tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations.\r\nIf this bill passes before the end of this calendar year, it could trigger $136 billion in mandatory cuts to essential programs, including $25 billion in cuts to Medicare. Senator Booker, Senator Murray, and I have introduced an amendment that would automatically undo the corporate tax cut if these cuts to Medicare happen.\r\nIf we\u2019re serious about a tax plan that will help middle class families in a meaningful way, we need to kill this terrible bill and start over.\r\nI yield the floor.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-veterans-affairs-committee-approves-hirono-provisions-to-expand-health-care-access", "Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Approves Hirono Provisions to Expand Health Care Access", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee Approves Hirono Provisions to Expand Health Care Access\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 30, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, voted in support of bipartisan legislation to continue funding for veterans\u2019 health care programs, and improve the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Choice Program. The bill included several of Senator Hirono\u2019s provisions to increase Hawaii veterans\u2019 access to health care services, and passed the committee 14-1.\r\n\u201cThe bipartisan legislation approved by the Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee today will help to ensure Hawaii veterans can access high quality VA care and health services when they need it, where they need it,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThis bill gives our veterans more options, and I will continue to fight see it passed by the full Senate and signed into law so that Hawaii veterans can access the care they need from a strong, well-resourced VA system.\u201d\r\nThe following Hirono provisions were included in the bill:\r\n \r\nLanguage from the VETS Act, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Hirono and Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) that would allow veterans to access VA telemedicine services from providers across state lines.\r\nA provision to protect veterans\u2019 access to care at Native Hawaiian Health Centers.\r\nA provision including Native Hawaiian Health Care Centers as eligible entities for a new pilot program promoting VA medical residency training in rural areas.\r\n \r\n\u201cWe\u2019d like to thank Senator Hirono for her steadfast efforts to defend Native Hawaiian programs including the healthcare benefits that our Native Hawaiian veterans have earned with their service,\u201d said Dr. Sheri-Ann Daniels, Executive Director of Papa Ola Lokahi. \u201cSenator Hirono\u2019s legislation to preserve NHHCS agreements with the VA will allow us to continue our efforts to improve access to healthcare and reach more veteran clients. We also appreciate her work to include NHHCS in the VA\u2019s graduate medical residency training programs which will help strengthen Hawaii\u2019s medical workforce. \u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/view/senator-hirono-opposes-republican-tax-bill", "Senator Hirono Opposes Republican Tax Bill", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-introduces-legislation-empower-survivors-and-hold", "PHOTOS & VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Introduces Legislation to Empower Survivors and Hold Sexual Predators in Congress Accountable", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) held a press conference and spoke on the House floor today urging Congress to overhaul the broken system of sexual harassment and assault in Congress and across the country. The congresswoman called for an end to taxpayer-funded settlements which total more than $17 million in 268 Congressional settlements over the past two decades, according to recent reports. \nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was joined by Reps. Ron DeSantis (FL-06), Marsha Blackburn (TN-07), Jim Cooper (TN-05), and Kathleen Rice (NY-04) to introduce the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act. This bipartisan, comprehensive legislation would ensure that perpetrators are held personally and financially accountable for their actions by ending taxpayer-funded harassment settlements and require any individual who has settled such a claim using taxpayer funds to fully reimburse the Treasury.\nVideo of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard\u2019s Speech is Available Here\nPhotos are Available for Download Here\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said:  \u201cFor too long survivors of sexual harassment and assault have been isolated, shamed, and bullied into silence, while their abusers walk away scot-free with the privilege of anonymity and without personal or financial accountability. \n  \u201cThis has been happening right here in Congress, in the media, and in many other sectors of our society. No one, whether it be a Capitol Hill staffer, a Hollywood actor, a school teacher, or a soldier or anyone in any profession, at any time should have to choose between their job and personal safety. \n  \u201cCongress needs to act now to end the practice of taxpayer-funded sexual harassment settlements, expose perpetrators of sexual harassment and assault, and provide a fair and transparent path to justice for survivors. This behavior is absolutely unacceptable. It has no place in Congress or in our society. It must end.\"\n\u00a0\nCongressman Ron DeSantis said:\n\u201cWhat does it say about the sincerity of Congress in combating harassment when members and staff can have taxpayers cover for their misconduct while keeping it all secret? This legislation will protect taxpayers by making congressional settlement data public, barring tax dollars from being used to bail out congressional misconduct and requiring reimbursement of the treasury by members and staff who have had taxpayer-financed settlements paid on their behalf. \u00a0The bill will also allow victims to speak publicly about harassment suffered irrespective of any non-disclosure agreements. Members of Congress and staff cannot live under special rules. The current system incentivizes misconduct and makes it difficult for victims. \u00a0By exposing these secret settlements and by discontinuing using tax dollars to pay for Member misconduct, this bill will reduce the incentive for bad behavior and bring more accountability to Congress.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act will: \n Require disclosure within 30 calendar days of all settlement payments funded by taxpayers, the reason for the payment and the nature of the allegation, and the member of Congress or congressional staffer implicated in the matter.\n\tProhibit the future use of taxpayer dollars to pay sexual harassment and sexual assault claims against members of Congress and staff.\n\tProhibit members of Congress from using office budgets to camouflage payments.\n\tRequire members of Congress and staff that have ever been named in a sexual harassment or sexual assault settlement paid for by taxpayers reimburse the U.S. Treasury with interest.\n\tAny individual who received an award may make public statements about the claims notwithstanding the terms of a nondisclosure agreement and nondisclosure agreements cannot be made a condition of any future settlements.\n Original cosponsors include Jack Bergman (MI-01), Marsha Blackburn (TN-07), Dave Brat (VA-07), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Jim Cooper (TN-05), John Delaney (MD-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), Jody Hice (GA-10), Mike Johnson (LA-04), Walter Jones (NC-03), Dave Loebsack (IA-02), Luke Messer (IN-06), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Steve Pearce (R-NM-02), Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Todd Rokita (IN-04), Francis Rooney (FL-19), Thomas Rooney (FL-17), and Brad Schneider (IL-10).\n\u00a0\nBackground:  Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has been a strong advocate for ending the culture of sexual harassment and assault in Congress, the military, college campuses and across the country. She is also a cosponsor of H.R. 4396, the Member and Employee Training and Oversight On (ME TOO) Congress Act, as well as H.Res. 630 which will mandate sexual harassment trainings for all Members of Congress and staffers, and which passed the House of Representatives unanimously earlier today. \n  Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n Facebook.com/RepTulsiGabbard\n\tTwitter.com/TulsiPress\n\tYouTube.com/TulsiPress\n\tFlickr.com/RepTulsiGabbard\n\t\t\u00a0\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-tulsi-gabbard-will-hurd-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-recognize", "Reps. Tulsi Gabbard, Will Hurd Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize #GivingTuesday in Global Movement of Giving and Service", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Rep. Will Hurd (TX-23) today introduced a bipartisan House resolution to recognize #GivingTuesday as part of a global movement for giving, volunteerism, and service to others. #GivingTuesday, the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving, continues the holiday giving season with a global day dedicated to charitable giving and volunteerism, following the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday.\u00a0 \n\u201cEvery single day \u2013 and especially today on #GivingTuesday \u2013 we have the opportunity to reflect on all that we\u2019re grateful for, and pay it forward,\u201d said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. \u201cWhether it\u2019s donating your time, your talents, or a part of your paycheck, we all can find a way to give back to the causes in our communities that inspire us. As we work to overcome divisiveness and hatred, the spirit of #GivingTuesday is an opportunity to work together in the spirit of aloha and be a force for peace and positive change across our world.\u201d\n\u201cDuring the season of giving, it is important to remember that much more unites us than divides us. If we focus on these things as Americans, we can continue to be the greatest nation in the world,\u201d said U.S. Rep. Will Hurd. \u201cGiving Tuesday is the perfect example of how we come together to help those in need, and I\u2019m proud to work across the aisle with Rep. Gabbard to make the designation of this important day official.\u201d\n\u00a0\nBackground:\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has previously introduced House Resolutions to recognize #GivingTuesday as a national day of giving, volunteerism, and service in 2014, 2015, and 2016.\n#GivingTuesday 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, #GivingTuesday 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\u00a0\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/qa-congresswoman-tulsi-gabbard-future-marijuana-legalization", "Q&A: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on the future of marijuana legalization", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Q&A: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on the future of marijuana legalization \nNow in her third term in the US House of Representatives, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has become a major proponent of marijuana legislation.\nAfter previously serving on the Honolulu City Council, and becoming the youngest person ever elected to the Hawaii State Legislature at the age of 21, Gabbard now represents the state\u2019s 2nd district. Gabbard also served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for nearly 15 years, was deployed twice to the Middle East, and continues to serve as a Major.\nRep. Tulsi Gabbard currently sponsors the Congressional bill HR1227 to end prohibition on a federal level, knowing that law reform could help benefit her state\u2019s economy and patients in need, as well as the rest of the nation. Gabbard is also scheduled to present a video introduction at the\u00a0International Cannabis Business Conference\u00a0this weekend, Dec. 1-3, in Kauai.\nSmell the Truth\u00a0recently spoke with Rep. Gabbard regarding her thoughts on how to legalize cannabis, while breaking down the negative social stigma held onto by the public and lawmakers alike.\nSmell the Truth: What led you to introduce HR1227, a bill to decriminalize cannabis at the federal level?\nRep:\u00a0Tulsi Gabbard:\u00a0For years, our outdated policies on marijuana have had a devastating impact in my home state of Hawaii, and across the country. They have turned everyday Americans into criminals, torn families apart, and wasted huge amounts of taxpayer dollars to arrest, prosecute, and incarcerate people for nonviolent marijuana charges. In addition, the contradictions in state and federal law have also created confusion and uncertainty for our local businesses that affect their bottom line and ability to operate, ultimately hurting our economy. HR1227 would make these long overdue, common sense changes by removing marijuana from the Federal Schedule of Controlled Substances.\nStT: There\u2019s a big push for legalization by the veteran community \u2013 what can you tell us about that?\nGabbard: The Republican co-lead on H.R. 1227, Rep. Tom Garrett, is a fellow Army veteran and a former prosecutor, and our work together as veterans to advocate for this legislation speaks to how important it is to our brothers and sisters who have worn the uniform. With many of our wounded warriors coming home with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and other visible and invisible wounds of war, it\u2019s critical that we approach their treatment options from a place of compassion and pragmatism. The widespread devastation of the opioid crisis, particularly within our veteran community, speaks to why we must open the doors to alternatives like medical marijuana, rather than continuing to rely on highly addictive pain prescriptions that ultimately worsen the suffering of our veterans.\nStT: Why do you think there\u2019s such a stigma surrounding cannabis use and legalization? What can be done to combat it?\nGabbard: For years, Big Pharma has played a major role in preventing cannabis research by lobbying Congress for more stringent and outdated cannabis regulation laws, as well as partnering with Tobacco and Alcohol special interest groups to fund anti-legalization campaigns. This has led to the continuation of our outdated policy that classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug (along with heroin) and made it nearly impossible for medical experts and scientific researchers to fully explore the use of cannabis in treating a number of health conditions. It has also fueled and perpetuated the stigma surrounding marijuana, making it harder to enact change at all levels of our government.\nIn order to address the stigma that currently exists, we must also do more to highlight that this is a criminal justice issue. The reality is, whether or not any individual chooses to consume cannabis is irrelevant. The important question is, should we really be sending people to jail and turning them into criminals for using a substance that is far less dangerous and harmful than alcohol? The answer is no. The fiscal and social impacts of our current policy, are having devastating effects on individuals and our communities and are only perpetuating the problem.\nStT: Do you have any predictions for future law reform on either a state or federal level?\nGabbard: At the federal level, I\u2019ve introduced H.R.1227, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act, which would take marijuana off the Federal Schedule of Controlled Substances. This would decriminalize marijuana, and free up banks from current FDIC restrictions that prevent them from doing business with the cannabis industry. Right now we have bipartisan support behind the bill\u201410 Democrats, and 5 Republicans\u2014but we have a lot more work to do to pass this important legislation into law. You can help by asking your Member of Congress to sign on to the bill.\nTo find your Representative, visit\u00a0https://www.house.gov/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusa-statement-north-korea-missile-launch-and-hawaii", "Congresswoman Hanabusa Statement on North Korea  Missile Launch and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (DOD) Preparations", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Colleen Hanabusa", "H001050", "hanabusa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Congresswoman Hanabusa issued the following statement following the North Korea missile launch on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 (HST).\u00a0\n\"The North Korean regime continues to recklessly test their ballistic missile capabilities in direct defiance of the U.S. and the international community,\" said Rep. Hanabusa.\u00a0 \"While I do not believe Kim Jong Un wants to go to war with the U.S., his continued pursuit of intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities cannot go unchallenged.\u00a0 The U.S. must continue to explore a mix of diplomatic talks and economic sanctions.\n\"For Hawaii, while the trajectory of missile flights from North Korea do not put Hawaii at the top of North Korea's likely U.S. targets, I am pleased to see the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency take prudent steps to warn and protect Hawaii residents and visitors in the event of an unlikely attack.\u00a0 In addition to our state preparations, the U.S. must move quickly to implement the defense priorities set forth in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including the siting of a discriminating radar in Hawaii and the addition of defensive missiles in Alaska.\"\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-facebook-alzheimer-s-research-semipostal-stamp-act", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Alzheimers Research Semipostal Stamp Act", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"Alzheimer\u2019s disease affects more than 5 million Americans across the country including over 27,000 people in #Hawaii, making it the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. Our legislation would create a USPS stamp in recognition of all affected by Alzheimer's, and dedicate all proceeds toward finding a cure.\" - TG  \n\t\u00a0\nFor more information on Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's work to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for all, click here. \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-facebook-childhood-cancer-star-act", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Childhood Cancer Star Act", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"Each year, more than 15,700 children in the U.S are diagnosed with cancer. \u00a0I\u2019m working to pass the Childhood Cancer Star Act to improve the identification and tracking of childhood cancer incidences, expand childhood cancer research, improve the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors, and more.\" - TG\nFor more information on Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's work to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for all, click here. \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-facebook-chime-act", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: CHIME Act", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"Across the country, Community Health Centers (CHCs) provide essential healthcare for more than 27 million people. In Hawai\u2018i, our 12 CHCs serve about 150,000 people, including those in low-income, rural, and underserved communities. I\u2019ve visited several Community Health Centers throughout the state and heard firsthand challenges like lack of funding and staff shortages. \u00a0We must provide adequate funding for our Community Health Centers and pass the bipartisan CHIME Act to extend their funding.\" - TG\n\u00a0\nFor more information on Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's work to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for all, click here. \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-facebook-hawaii-farm-school-programs", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Hawai'i Farm to School Programs", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"In Hawai\u2018i, caring for and respecting our planet not only improves our own health and environment, it also strengthens our communities. We are fortunate to have a home\u00a0where innovative projects to achieve these goals thrive because of the love and support from the community. Organizations like Kona Pacific and The Kohala Center have used federal funds to bring healthy foods into schools in #Hawaii, encourage our communities to buy local, and support sustainable agriculture across Hawai'i. We must continue to support projects like these that promote sustainable agriculture and empower our local farming community. More info: https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/11/13/farm-school-success-hawaii\" - TG\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-facebook-hawaii-leads-clean-energy", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Hawai'i Leads in Clean Energy", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"#Hawaii leads the country in clean energy innovation and usage. Today, 15% of our state\u2019s power comes from solar and wind. Now, we\u2019re pioneering research into clean energy technologies to harness energy from ocean waves. We must continue to invest in green technologies that will transform our existing energy infrastructure. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve introduced HR 3671, the #OFFAct, to build off Hawai\u2018i\u2019s 100% clean energy goal by creating a pathway for the United States to move off of fossil fuels toward becoming a 100% clean energy economy by 2035.\" - TG\nFor more information, click here.\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-facebook-national-nurse-act", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: National Nurse Act", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"Nurses are the heart of our healthcare system, providing life-saving care with empathy and compassion in the most trying and stressful situations. We must do more to invest in our nation\u2019s nurses and pass HR 1651, the National Nurse Act, to improve health literacy, decrease health disparities, increase outreach and education, and more.\" - TG\nFor more information on Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's work to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for all, click here. \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-facebook-pacific-ocean-islanders-demand-end-use-fossil-fuels", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Pacific Ocean Islanders Demand End to Use of Fossil Fuels", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"The effects of climate change disproportionately devastate coastal and low-lying communities not only in the United States, but also around the world. Pacific Ocean island communities, like Hawaii are endangered by rising ocean tides and temperatures and intensifying storms. Together, we must aggressively combat climate change and pass the #OFFAct, to transition the United States off of fossil fuels to a 100% clean energy economy by 2035. We must prioritize the future of people and our planet -- and not be swayed by the power of profits or polluters.\" - TG\nFor more information on Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's work to perserve and protect the environment, click here. \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-facebook-preventing-diabetes-medicare-act", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"1 in 3 people has diabetes or prediabetes in Hawai\u2018i. Our k\u016bpuna, minorities, Native Hawaiian population, and those with a family history are most at risk for diabetes, and we can do more to help. I\u2019m working to pass HR 3124, the Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act, to increase resources for our most vulnerable and help identify and treat diabetes earlier and more effectively.\" - TG\nFor more information on Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's work to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for all, click here. \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-facebook-small-business-saturday", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Small Business Saturday", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"Small businesses are the heart of our economy and communities, in Hawaii they make up over 99% of businesses and employ nearly 270,000 people. When you #BuyLocal and #ShopSmall, your purchases directly support our local businesses that create jobs, boost our economy, and strengthen our neighborhoods. November 25th is #SmallBusinessSaturday - let\u2019s get out and support small, local businesses!\" - TG  \n\t\u00a0\nFor more information on Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's work to protect our economy and restore growth to the job market, click here.\n\u00a0\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-facebook-urging-hhs-use-medical-marijuana-curb-opioid-abuse", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Urging HHS to Use Medical Marijuana to Curb Opioid Abuse", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"As the opioid addiction epidemic continues to spread across the country, states that have legalized medical marijuana have seen addiction rates drop and opioid abuse deaths decrease by over 20%. I\u2019m calling on the Department of Health and Human Services to allow medical marijuana to serve as an alternative pain management treatment to opioids to help curb the ongoing opioid epidemic.\" - TG\n\u00a0\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-pushes-legislation-immediately-end-taxpayer-funded-harassment", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Pushes Legislation to Immediately End Taxpayer-Funded Harassment Settlements, Overhaul Broken Harassment Policies", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Honolulu, HI\u2014Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today called on Congress to pass the Member and Employee Training and Oversight On (ME TOO) Congress Act (H.R.4396), a bipartisan, comprehensive bill she co-sponsored to prevent sexual harassment in Congress, and provide a fair, transparent path to justice for victims. Recent reports indicate U.S. taxpayers have paid more than $17 million to victims in 268 Congressional settlements\u2014including sexual harassment, discrimination, and other cases\u2014over the last two decades. This legislation ensures that the names of offending Members of Congress are released, and that they are held personally financially responsible for their behavior. The bill would prohibit non-disclosure agreements as a condition of initiating a complaint, and in cases where settlements are made, require the name of the employing office and the amount of the award or settlement to be published on the Office of Compliance\u2019s (OOC) public website.\nThe legislation would also require mandatory training for all Members and staff, implement climate surveys providing interns and fellows the same protections as full-time staff, and end forced mediation and counseling, as well as the absurd and arbitrary wait times victims are currently forced to endure.\u00a0\nA section-by-section summary of the bill is available here\nRep. Tulsi Gabbard said, \u201cFor too long, victims of sexual assault and harassment have been shamed and bullied into silence, perpetuating an inexcusable culture that has no place in our country. No one, whether it be a Capitol Hill staffer, Hollywood actor, schoolteacher, or soldier, or any other profession, should have to choose between their job and their personal safety, security, and privacy. Congress must take action now to address this pervasive problem. It is outrageous that hard-working American taxpayers have paid the bill for offending lawmakers\u2019 harassment settlements totaling millions of dollars, while keeping the names of these predators secret. This is wrong and must be corrected immediately. No more excuses. Members of Congress who harass their staffers must be held personally and financially responsible for their actions, and the public should be informed of their behavior.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Facebook.com/RepTulsiGabbard\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Twitter.com/TulsiPress\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 YouTube.com/TulsiPress\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Flickr.com/RepTulsiGabbard\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-sba-loans-available-moloka-i-and-maui", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Twitter: SBA Loans Available in Molokai and Maui", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hawai\u02bbi District Office \n  300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm. 5-104\n\nHonolulu, HI 96850\n\n  Phone: (808) 541-1986  \n\tFax: (808) 538-0233  \n\tEmail: TulsiOffice@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-dedicates-new-exhibit-on-japanese-american-internment-at-kilauea-military-camp-", "Hirono Dedicates New Exhibit on Japanese American Internment at Kilauea Military Camp", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono Dedicates New Exhibit on Japanese American Internment at Kilauea Military Camp \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 22, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHILO, HAWAII \u2013 Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined Superintendent of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Cindy Orlando to dedicate a new exhibit recounting the internment of Japanese Americans at the Kilauea Military Camp (KMC) during World War II. More than 100 Japanese Americans were imprisoned at KMC \u2013 the largest incarceration site in Hawaii outside of Oahu.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was based on discrimination and racism, and when our country goes down this path, the outcome is never good. At a time when the President and his allies have escalated their rhetoric against Muslims and other racial and ethnic minorities, exhibits like this provide a necessary reminder of the consequences of hatred and division,\u201d Senator Hirono said. \u201cI commend the National Park Service for creating this new exhibit, and encourage future park visitors to take the opportunity to learn about this dark chapter in American history.\u201d\r\n\r\nSenator Hirono attends the dedication of an exhibit marking the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II at Kilauea Military Camp\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-calls-fcc-protect-net-neutrality", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls on FCC to Protect Net Neutrality", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s (FCC) plan to dismantle landmark net neutrality rules:\n\u201cYet again, Chairman Pai and the FCC are rewarding pay-to-play politics, ensuring that those with money have a seat at the table, and shutting everyone else out. Net neutrality protections ensure that the Internet remains open, fair, and equal for everyone. By dismantling these protections, we turn our backs on the most fundamental First Amendment rights of our students, entrepreneurs, innovators, small businesses, and working families, and all who rely on an open Internet to level the playing field of opportunity.\u00a0\n\u201cThe FCC must fulfill their responsibility to all Americans, not just big Internet Service Providers (ISPs). I urge the FCC to listen to the voices of more than 22 million public comments, including 61,707 from Hawai\u2018i, on net neutrality and reject this corporate attack on equality.\u201d\nBackground:\nRep. Tulsi Gabbard has been a long and proud supporter of net neutrality. \u00a0She has cosponsored legislation to prohibit multi-tiered pricing agreements between ISPs and content providers. She has voted against legislative efforts to undermine net neutrality, called on the FCC to maintain net neutrality rules, and urged the American people to\u00a0voice their opinions during the FCC comment period. \u00a0\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-cortez-masto-democratic-women-senators-to-mcconnell-pass-the-dream-act-before-senate-recesses-in-december", "Hirono, Cortez Masto, Democratic Women Senators to McConnell: Pass the Dream Act Before Senate Recesses in December", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono, Cortez Masto, Democratic Women Senators to McConnell: Pass the Dream Act Before Senate Recesses in December\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 21, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and their Democratic women colleagues urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to pass the Dream Act before the Senate recesses in December.\r\nIn the letter, the Senators emphasized the impact of President Trump\u2019s decision to rescind the DACA program on women DREAMers and their families, and underscored the need to pass legislation that would prevent them from being deported from the only home they have known.\r\n\u201cWomen make up 53 percent of DACA recipients. According to the largest survey of DACA recipients, about one-quarter are parents of American citizen children,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cThe futures of these mothers and their U.S. citizen children have been thrown into uncertainty. If Congress does not act to protect them, hundreds of thousands of women will lose their status and face deportation.\u201d\r\nThe Senators expressed concern that American citizen children of DACA recipients may end up in foster care if their mothers are deported, and noted that the fear of deportation leads fewer immigrants to report incidents of sexual abuse or domestic violence.\r\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.),\u00a0Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe full text of the letter is below:\r\n\r\nNovember 21, 2017\u00a0\r\nThe Honorable Mitch McConnell\r\nSenate Majority Leader\r\n317 Russell Senate Office Building\r\nWashington, DC 20510\r\n\r\nDear Leader McConnell:\r\nWe write to urge you to pass the Dream Act as soon as possible and before the Senate recesses for the holidays. There is bipartisan support for Dreamers who have grown up as Americans and know only this country as their home. They are enrolled in our colleges, serving in our military, contributing to our economy and leading lawful, productive lives. It has been over two months since President Trump rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (\u201cDACA\u201d) program and we have yet to see a Republican legislative plan to fix DACA. As mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers, we are particularly concerned about the harm immigrant women and young children face with the rescission of DACA.\u00a0\r\nWomen make up 53 percent of DACA recipients. According to the largest survey of DACA recipients, about one-quarter are parents of American citizen children. The futures of these mothers and their U.S. citizen children have been thrown into uncertainty. If Congress does not act to protect them, hundreds of thousands of women will lose their status and face deportation.\u00a0\r\nThe effects of deportation have a lasting impact on immigrant families. When a parent is deported, it leaves the other with the responsibility of raising a family as a single parent\u2014likely on a single income. If both parents are deported, their children may end up in foster care. Dreamer parents deserve to raise their children with dignity and without the threat of deportation.\r\nThrough the DACA program, immigrant women have been able to secure jobs and educational opportunities that allow them to provide for themselves and their families. In fact, over 90 percent of DACA recipients are currently employed and approximately 70 percent were able to get better paying jobs through their DACA status. Without the Dream Act, women will face extreme difficulty making ends meet for their families.\r\nWomen deserve to feel safe and be protected, regardless of immigration status. Taking away DACA protections places survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault at risk of further exploitation. There is already increasing fear among immigrant survivors to report these crimes. In fact, nearly 43 percent of legal advocates said they had personally worked with a domestic violence or sexual assault survivor who dropped a civil or criminal case because they were too scared of potential immigration enforcement actions to continue.\r\nIf we do not act now to pass the Dream Act, thousands of Dreamer mothers and their families will face separation. The experience of Riccy Enriquez Perdomo, a DACA recipient and mother of two small children, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) this summer despite having DACA protection, is just one example of what could happen across the country if Congress fails to pass the Dream Act. Riccy was detained for seven days and shuffled to five different detention facilities during that time. Her family was unable to see her or even get accurate information on where she was being held. ICE had already prepared travel documents for her to be sent to Honduras before acknowledging their mistake. Riccy\u2019s experience and the painful uncertainty her family faced will be repeated thousands of times across the country if we do not take action.\r\nDreamers should not be threatened with detention and deportation. Immigrant women contribute so much to our society and we cannot let them down. Congress should immediately consider legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for Dreamers.\r\nThere is absolutely no doubt that America will benefit from passage of the Dream Act, and too much is at stake not to act. We urge you to bring this legislation to the Senate floor for consideration as soon as possible.\u00a0\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-net-neutrality-", "Schatz Statement on Net Neutrality", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schatz Statement on Net Neutrality  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 21, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nHONOLULU \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, released the following statement in response to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai\u2019s plan to repeal net neutrality rules. \u201cSince its formation, we\u2019ve seen a free and open internet grow our economy and our imaginations. But today the FCC has threatened to end the internet as we know it. If adopted, the FCC\u2019s plan will change the way every American gets information, watches movies, listens to music, conducts business, and talks to their families. By repealing basic net neutrality protections, the FCC is handing over full control of the internet to providers, leaving the American people with fewer choices and less access.\u201d\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/video-photos-rep-tulsi-gabbard-speaks-kuleana-academy-recognizes-hawai-i-student", "VIDEO & PHOTOS: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Speaks at Kuleana Academy, Recognizes Hawaii Student Participants at Model United Nations, Highlights Ongoing Challenges Facing Puerto Rico", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Aloha,\nToday on O\u02bbahu, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) met with participants of the\u00a0Kuleana Academy, a four-month leadership development and non-partisan candidate training program designed to educate and train grassroots leaders who have a desire to serve in public office, or as community organizers. The congresswoman answered questions from the group on getting involved in politics, working with local advocacy groups, working in a bipartisan way to deliver results, and more.\nLater in the morning, the congresswoman delivered the closing address at the 2017 Hawai\u02bbi Pacific Model United Nations (PacMUN) 6th Annual Conference at the Hawai\u02bbi Convention Center. The conference brings together high school students from across Hawai\u02bbi, as well as several mainland schools, for simulations of the United Nations General Assembly and other multilateral bodies. Students step into the shoes of ambassadors and officials from UN member states to debate current issues on the organization\u2019s agenda, and make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate parliamentary procedure \u2013 all in the interest of mobilizing international cooperation to peacefully resolve problems that affect countries all over the world. The congresswoman spoke about her work in Congress serving on the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees, about how important the skills practiced in Model UN are, and about the power of the aloha spirit in helping to positively impact people\u2019s lives in Hawai\u02bbi, nationally, and around the world.\nIn the afternoon, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard joined local artists, yogis, musicians, and community members in an advocacy day raising awareness for the continued plight of the people of Puerto Rico. The congresswoman recognized Hawai\u02bbi Red Cross volunteers who went to Puerto Rico shortly after Hurricane Maria hit to provide aid and assistance, and spoke about the ongoing needs still facing the Puerto Rican people today. The congresswoman helped lead the passage of an aid package for Puerto Rico through Congress in September and has called on the President and Administration to mobilize additional resources to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for recovery efforts.\n\u00a0\nB-roll footage is available here for download\nPhotos from today's event are available here for download\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusa-joins-237-members-congress-letter-urging-senate", "Congresswoman Hanabusa Joins 237 Members of Congress in Letter Urging Senate Education Committee to Act to Improve Career and Technical Education", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Colleen Hanabusa", "H001050", "hanabusa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Honolulu, HI\u00a0\u2013Congresswoman Hanabusa\u00a0joined 236 other Members of the House of Representatives in urging the Senate education committee to take up the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, a bill which passed the House unanimously in June.\nThis bipartisan bill would modernize career, technical, and vocational education by increasing local control and employer involvement to focus curricula on in-demand skills. By requiring educators to work directly with local employers to identify the skills needed in the workforce, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act will ensure that career and technical education programs prepare students not just for their next job, but for a good-paying, family-sustaining career. The bill will also benefit employers through providing the skilled workforce they need to help their businesses thrive and grow.\n\"There are currently 6.1 million unfilled jobs in the US,\" said Congresswoman Hanabusa.\u00a0 \"We need to better prepare workers for careers in agriculture, cybersecurity, IT and other specialized careers through technical education programs.\"\nThe Perkins Career and Technical Education Act hasn't been reauthorized in over a decade (2006).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-hanabusa-s-statement-congress-passing-fiscal-year-2018-national", "Rep. Hanabusas Statement on Congress passing the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)", "2017-11-19", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Colleen Hanabusa", "H001050", "hanabusa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On November 14, 2017, the United States (U.S.) House of Representatives passed the 2018 NDAA compromise defense policy bill, followed by the U.S. Senate passage on November 16, 2017.\u00a0 In all, the comprehensive bill authorizes nearly $700 billion in national defense spending,\u00a0 including strategic defense authorizations for Hawai\u2018i and key provisions prioritized by Representative Hanabusa to fund military construction in Hawai\u2018i, protect Oahu\u2019s water supply with the proper federal/state oversight of the military\u2019s Red Hill facility, protect Hawai\u2018i from a North Korean Ballistic Missile Attack and clarify Congressional intent regarding the service\u2019s Military Security Program (MSP).\u00a0\n\u201cThe 2018 NDAA reflects our nation\u2019s commitment to a strengthening military and honors Hawai\u2018i\u2019s critical military role in the increasingly important pivot to Asia Pacific,\u201d said Rep. Hanabusa.\u00a0 \u201cWhile taking care of Hawai\u2018i\u2019s regional security and military construction needs, it also balances community concerns and supports Hawai\u2019i\u2019s local economy.\u201d\u00a0\nProvisions in the 2018 NDAA benefiting Hawaii:\nRed Hill - Rep. Hanabusa supported language in the conference committee report acknowledging the strategic importance of the Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility to the effectiveness and mission readiness of our Armed Services while ensuring the safety of Oahu\u2019s drinking water supply.\u00a0 Rep. Hanabusa was able to include language in the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) report implementing best available and practicable technologies (BAPT) to prevent future spills and protect Oahu\u2019s environment.\u00a0\nPacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) \u2013 The final conference report contained the House provision, \u201cDefense of Hawai\u2018i from North Korean Ballistic Missile Attack.\u201d\u00a0 Rep. Hanabusa was instrumental in securing the language of this provision that establishes a sequenced approach to Hawai\u2019i's defense while preserving PMRF\u2019s world-class test and training mission and operations.\u00a0\u00a0\nHawai\u02bbi Military Construction \u2013 The conference report authorizes numerous Military Construction (MILCON) projects for Hawai\u02bbi in FY18.\u00a0 These include, but are not limited to:\n $90 million to construct 15 megawatts of redundant power generation at the Army\u2019s Fort Shafter Command and Control Facility\n\t$73.2 million to construct a sewer line at the Navy\u2019s Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam\n\t$5.5 million to build a consolidated training facility at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for the U.S. Air Force Reserve\n Maritime Security Program (MSP) \u2013 The current MSP runs from FY 2016 through FY 2025.\u00a0 Under the MSP program, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, establishes a U.S.-flag fleet of active, commercially viable, militarily useful, privately-owned vessels to meet national defense and other security requirements and maintain a global, intermodal transportation network.\u00a0 MSP operating agreements are currently filled by 60 ships.\u00a0\nIn the 2018 NDAA, Rep. Hanabusa was lead in negotiating a key provision clarifying Congressional intent regarding the operation of the MSP program as it relates to the transportation of cargo between points in the U.S. and its territories either directly or via a foreign port.\nOther Provisions:\nWhile a provision that would repeal the existing DoD long-term temporary duty (TDY) policy for military and service workers was not included in the final conference report, Rep. Hanabusa looks forward to continuing the dialogue with necessary stakeholders and members to craft a TDY per diem policy that fairly compensates military and service workers for travel scheduled in excess of 30 days and 180 days.\u00a0\nFinally, although the final conference report did not include Rep. Hanabusa\u2019s \u201cSense of Congress regarding Pacific War Memorial\u201d provision, the conferees did agree that a Pacific War memorial should be established at a suitable location at or near Pearl Harbor.\u00a0 To that end, on November 8, 2017, Rep. Hanabusa introduced the bipartisan H.R. 4300 with Congressman Rob Bishop (R) to authorize Pacific Historic Parks to establish a commemorative display to honor members of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Pacific Theater of World War II, and for other purposes.\u00a0 H.R. 4300 is entitled the \u201cAdmiral Lloyd R. \u201cJoe\u201d Vasey Pacific War Commemorative Display Establishment Act\u201d.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-facebook-meeting-filipino-veterans-recognition-and-education", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Meeting with Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"The United States is forever grateful for the service, bravery, and perseverance of the more than 260,000 Filipino and Filipino American soldiers that served our country during World War II. These loyal and courageous soldiers suffered hardships, fought bravely, and sacrificed greatly, with many giving up their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war, yet their service was left unrecognized in the United States for decades.\u00a0 A few weeks ago, we welcomed many of these brave soldiers to the U.S. Capitol and awarded them with the Congressional Gold Medal\u2014our nation\u2019s highest civilian honor. Mahalo to General Taguba, the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, and all the champions of our Filipino WWII veterans who spent decades fighting for this important recognition.\" - TG\n\u00a0\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-votes-against-republican-s-corporate-giveaway-tax-bill", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Votes Against Republicans Corporate Giveaway Tax Bill", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today voted against H.R.1, the Republicans\u2019 tax reform bill, which passed today in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 227-205 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.\nThis disastrous tax bill would provide permanent massive tax breaks to corporations and the wealthiest Americans, providing minor temporary relief and eventually raising taxes for millions of hardworking low-income and middle class families. While adding over $1.4 trillion to our nation\u2019s already-reckless deficit, the bill eliminates numerous individual deductions that serve our most vulnerable populations, including our students, teachers, elderly, veterans, and more.\nCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said:\n\u201cThere\u2019s no question our tax code needs serious reform, but the tax bill passed by the House today is not the way to achieve it. I voted against this legislation that increases our national deficit by over $1.4 trillion while providing huge giveaways to corporations and special interests\u2014leaving everyone else behind. \u00a0\n\u201cCorporate tax cuts included in this bill were made permanent, while tax cuts for individuals last just under 10 years. Taxpayers in the top 1%\u2014people making over $730,000\u2014would ultimately receive nearly 50% of the total tax benefit. \u00a0In a place like Hawai\u02bbi, where families already struggle just to get by due to our high cost of living, those earning less than $55,000 per year will see little to no tax break from this bill, and would actually see their taxes increase in 10 years when the individual tax cuts expire.\n\u201cAs Hawai\u02bbi moves closer to its goal of transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2045, this bill would eliminate and phase out renewable and clean energy credits, while giving away $14 billion in federal subsidies to the fossil fuel industry. At a time when we need to end our dependence on fossil fuels, this is exactly the wrong direction for our country.\n\u201cNearly half of all college graduates in Hawai\u02bbi hold some form of student debt, and with this bill, tens of thousands of students and graduates would lose their student loan interest deductions, further burying them in debt.\n\u201cDeductions for major medical expenses, affecting roughly 33,000 people in Hawai\u02bbi, would be eliminated, creating a disproportionate impact on our k\u016bpuna and those most vulnerable already struggling to pay for the skyrocketing cost of medical care.\n\u201cMany Hawai\u02bbi public school teachers spend hundreds of dollars of their own money every year buying school supplies for their students. This tax bill gets rid of the deduction that teachers can take for these out of pocket expenses, further driving down their take-home pay. \u00a0\n\u201cThis bill isn\u2019t about real tax reform\u2014it\u2019s a giveaway to corporations and special interests on the backs of people who are already struggling just to make ends meet. With this bill now in the hands of the Senate, I urge our colleagues to do right by the American people, and work toward real reform that serves the American people and strengthens our future.\u201d\nHarmful provisions in the tax bill include:\n Dismantling the State and Local Tax Deduction which imposes a Federal tax on taxes already paid to State and local governments.\n\tLowering corporate taxes rates permanently, while creating temporary tax cuts for some middle class families. In 10 years, many low income and middle class families will pay more taxes at a higher rate than they do today.\n\tEliminating the medical expense deduction that more than 8.8 million Americans depend on to afford high medical costs. The current deduction allows individuals to deduct medical expenses that exceed 10 percent of their adjusted gross income. Seniors make up more than half of those who claim the medical expense deduction.\n\tPotentially triggering a $136 billion cut to mandatory programs in FY2018 alone\u2014including a mandatory $25 billion cut to Medicare\u2014to cover the offset of the $1.4 trillion dollar increase to our national deficit. In Hawai\u2018i, 245,000 people receive healthcare through Medicare. \n\tEliminating renewable energy tax credits that encourage our transition to a clean energy economy, including erasing the tax credit for electric vehicles, cutting credits for new wind energy projects by one-third, and ending the commercial solar investment credits, while leaving more than $14 billion in permanent annual federal subsidies for the fossil fuel industry untouched.\n\tWiping out student loan interest deductions that benefit 12 million Americans and eliminating lifetime learning credits and deductions for teachers paying out of pocket for school supplies for their classrooms. In addition, graduate students who receive tuition waivers would pay income tax on that deduction. Nearly half of all Hawai\u2018i graduates hold some form of student debt.\n\tImposing a new limit on the mortgage interest deduction, further exacerbating the affordable housing crisis in Hawai\u2018i. \n \u00a0\nFollow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/as-a-member-of-conference-committee-hirono-played-key-role-in-passage-of-this-years-national-defense-authorization-act", "As a Member of Conference Committee, Hirono Played Key Role in Passage of this Year’s National Defense Authorization Act", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As a Member of Conference Committee, Hirono Played Key Role in Passage of this Year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAs a Member of Conference Committee, Hirono Played Key Role in Passage of this Year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 16, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, successfully secured provisions that will strengthen Hawaii\u2019s security and economy in the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act that passed the Senate today. Senator Hirono also served as a member of the NDAA Conference Committee, which reconciled the different versions of the bill passed by the House and Senate. The NDAA is a bill that lays out the resource levels and defense policy for the year.\r\n\u201cThis year\u2019s NDAA reflects the central role Hawaii plays in supporting and advancing our country\u2019s strategic interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cFrom establishing the Asia Pacific Security Initiative, to fighting back against headquarters cuts at Pacific Command, and enhancing our nation\u2019s missile defense capabilities, this legislation strengthens our national security and benefits those who serve in Hawaii and across the country.\u201d\r\nAfter passing the Senate, the bill will now go to the President for his signature or veto.\r\nBelow is a list of provisions Senator Hirono secured for Hawaii as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the NDAA Conference Committee:\r\nEnhancing Protection of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region:\u00a0Senator Hirono added in a provision that requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with regional commanders, to submit to Congress a plan that includes the consideration of increased visible presence of key U.S. military assets.\r\nStrengthening Energy Resiliency:\u00a0Senator Hirono included several provisions that protect energy grids from cyber-attacks, authorize the Department of Defense to increase energy resiliency and conservation projects, and encourage the Department of Defense to work with the private sector to finance renewable energy projects on military installations.\r\nFighting Back Against PACOM Headquarters Cuts:\u00a0Senator Hirono included a provision requiring the Department of Defense to review data on past growth of specific headquarters staffs as well as current and projected mission requirements before assessing staff cuts. This provision will ensure that any personnel reductions deemed necessary by the Secretary do not disproportionately impact commands like PACOM, protecting jobs in Hawaii and ensuring that PACOM has the personnel necessary to cover the largest area of responsibility of any of the Department\u2019s combatant commands.\r\nInvesting in Military Construction in Hawaii\r\n$90 million for Fort Shafter\u2019s Command and Control Facility\r\n$73.2 million for the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam\u2019s Sewer Lift Station\r\n$65.9 million for the Navy\u2019s Command Facility\r\n$26.5 million for Marine Corps Base Hawaii\u2019s Mokapu Gate\r\n$25 million for the Army\u2019s Pohakuloa Training Area\r\n$19 million for the Navy\u2019s MV-22 Landing Pad\r\n$6 million for Energy Resiliency Projects at Marine Corps Base Hawaii\r\n$5.5 million for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam\u2019s Consolidated Training Facility\r\n$5 million for Wahiawa\u2019s Kunia Tunnel Entrance\r\nStrengthening U.S.-Palau Compact:\u00a0Senator Hirono worked with the Committee to include an agreement that keeps our commitment to Palau, a key strategic partner, by funding the U.S.-Palau compact. The President\u2019s budget includes $123.9 million for the United States\u2019 remaining funding commitment to the U.S.-Palau Compact.\r\nAssessing China\u2019s Influence:\u00a0Senator Hirono included a provision that calls for an independent study of how China\u2019s expanded influence through economic and military investments across the Indo-Asia-Pacific impacts regional security and U.S. policy for mitigating any harmful effects resulting from China\u2019s actions.\r\nImproving Missile Defense Capabilities:\u00a0Senator Hirono worked with Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) to include a provision to improve the capabilities of our missile defense system.\r\nEstablishing Asia Pacific Stability Initiative:\u00a0Senator Hirono and Senator John McCain included a provision authorizing an Asia Pacific Stability Initiative to help warfighting capability and to strengthen partnerships with allies in the region.\r\nFunding Anti-Corrosion Efforts:\u00a0Corrosion costs the DoD about $20 billion per year. Senator Hirono supported increased funding for corrosion control and prevention efforts, which is important to Hawaii as its unique environment often leads to significant corrosion of military assets such as helicopters and other aircraft. She also fought off a provision which would have eliminated the DoD\u2019s Office of Corrosion Policy and Prevention.\u00a0 She also included a provision directing a GAO review of the Pentagon\u2019s corrosion control and prevention efforts.\r\nStrengthening Research Agreements with Universities:\u00a0Senator Hirono included provisions that support research and development agreements between the Department of Defense and universities and provides the Secretary of Defense authority to establish mechanisms for expedited access to technical talent and expertise at academic institutions to support critical missions such as cybersecurity, unmanned systems, and advanced materials among others.\r\nPromoting Military Family Stability:\u00a0Senator Hirono included several provisions to help military families undergoing permanent change of stations within the U.S., including more flexibility with staying in government quarters and the creation of a pilot program on public-private partnerships for telework facilities on overseas military installations to improve hiring of military spouses.\r\nStreamlining of Acquisition Process:\u00a0Senator Hirono worked with the Committee to include provisions that would streamline the acquisition process, including a provision to support innovation at Department of Defense laboratories and a training program to establish in-resident target training on agile acquisition.\r\nExpanding Major Range and Test Facility Bases:\u00a0Senator Hirono supported efforts to create incentives for the Department of Defense workforce at laboratories and test ranges and to encourage the Department of Defense to use existing authority and $150 million in funding for infrastructure improvements at major range and test facility bases.\r\nStrengthening Cybersecurity Education and Training Programs:\u00a0Senator Hirono included provisions allowing easier access to universities for engineering or operational needs for cybersecurity. In addition, Senator Hirono included funding for Maui\u2019s high performance computing modernization program and well as increased funding for universities and industry research centers to encourage the development of new technology and defense systems.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-defense-authorization-bill-includes-provisions-to-keep-hawaii-safe-strengthen-hawaiis-economy", "Hirono: Defense Authorization Bill Includes Provisions to Keep Hawaii Safe, Strengthen Hawaii’s Economy", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono: Defense Authorization Bill Includes Provisions to Keep Hawaii Safe, Strengthen Hawaii\u2019s Economy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAs a Member of Conference Committee, Hirono Played Key Role in Passage of this Year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 16, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, successfully secured provisions that will strengthen Hawaii\u2019s security and economy in the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act that passed the Senate today. Senator Hirono also served as a member of the NDAA Conference Committee, which reconciled the different versions of the bill passed by the House and Senate. The NDAA is a bill that lays out the resource levels and defense policy for the year.\r\n\u201cThis year\u2019s NDAA reflects the central role Hawaii plays in supporting and advancing our country\u2019s strategic interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cFrom establishing the Asia Pacific Security Initiative, to fighting back against headquarters cuts at Pacific Command, and enhancing our nation\u2019s missile defense capabilities, this legislation strengthens our national security and benefits those who serve in Hawaii and across the country.\u201d\r\nAfter passing the Senate, the bill will now go to the President for his signature or veto.\r\nBelow is a list of provisions Senator Hirono secured for Hawaii as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the NDAA Conference Committee:\r\nEnhancing Protection of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region:\u00a0Senator Hirono added in a provision that requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with regional commanders, to submit to Congress a plan that includes the consideration of increased visible presence of key U.S. military assets.\r\nStrengthening Energy Resiliency:\u00a0Senator Hirono included several provisions that protect energy grids from cyber-attacks, authorize the Department of Defense to increase energy resiliency and conservation projects, and encourage the Department of Defense to work with the private sector to finance renewable energy projects on military installations.\r\nFighting Back Against PACOM Headquarters Cuts:\u00a0Senator Hirono included a provision requiring the Department of Defense to review data on past growth of specific headquarters staffs as well as current and projected mission requirements before assessing staff cuts. This provision will ensure that any personnel reductions deemed necessary by the Secretary do not disproportionately impact commands like PACOM, protecting jobs in Hawaii and ensuring that PACOM has the personnel necessary to cover the largest area of responsibility of any of the Department\u2019s combatant commands.\r\nInvesting in Military Construction in Hawaii\r\n$90 million for Fort Shafter\u2019s Command and Control Facility\r\n$73.2 million for the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam\u2019s Sewer Lift Station\r\n$65.9 million for the Navy\u2019s Command Facility\r\n$26.5 million for Marine Corps Base Hawaii\u2019s Mokapu Gate\r\n$25 million for the Army\u2019s Pohakuloa Training Area\r\n$19 million for the Navy\u2019s MV-22 Landing Pad\r\n$6 million for Energy Resiliency Projects at Marine Corps Base Hawaii\r\n$5.5 million for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam\u2019s Consolidated Training Facility\r\n$5 million for Wahiawa\u2019s Kunia Tunnel Entrance\r\nStrengthening U.S.-Palau Compact:\u00a0Senator Hirono worked with the Committee to include an agreement that keeps our commitment to Palau, a key strategic partner, by funding the U.S.-Palau compact. The President\u2019s budget includes $123.9 million for the United States\u2019 remaining funding commitment to the U.S.-Palau Compact.\r\nAssessing China\u2019s Influence:\u00a0Senator Hirono included a provision that calls for an independent study of how China\u2019s expanded influence through economic and military investments across the Indo-Asia-Pacific impacts regional security and U.S. policy for mitigating any harmful effects resulting from China\u2019s actions.\r\nImproving Missile Defense Capabilities:\u00a0Senator Hirono worked with Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) to include a provision to improve the capabilities of our missile defense system.\r\nEstablishing Asia Pacific Stability Initiative:\u00a0Senator Hirono and Senator John McCain included a provision authorizing an Asia Pacific Stability Initiative to help warfighting capability and to strengthen partnerships with allies in the region.\r\nFunding Anti-Corrosion Efforts:\u00a0Corrosion costs the DoD about $20 billion per year. Senator Hirono supported increased funding for corrosion control and prevention efforts, which is important to Hawaii as its unique environment often leads to significant corrosion of military assets such as helicopters and other aircraft. She also fought off a provision which would have eliminated the DoD\u2019s Office of Corrosion Policy and Prevention.\u00a0 She also included a provision directing a GAO review of the Pentagon\u2019s corrosion control and prevention efforts.\r\nStrengthening Research Agreements with Universities:\u00a0Senator Hirono included provisions that support research and development agreements between the Department of Defense and universities and provides the Secretary of Defense authority to establish mechanisms for expedited access to technical talent and expertise at academic institutions to support critical missions such as cybersecurity, unmanned systems, and advanced materials among others.\r\nPromoting Military Family Stability:\u00a0Senator Hirono included several provisions to help military families undergoing permanent change of stations within the U.S., including more flexibility with staying in government quarters and the creation of a pilot program on public-private partnerships for telework facilities on overseas military installations to improve hiring of military spouses.\r\nStreamlining of Acquisition Process:\u00a0Senator Hirono worked with the Committee to include provisions that would streamline the acquisition process, including a provision to support innovation at Department of Defense laboratories and a training program to establish in-resident target training on agile acquisition.\r\nExpanding Major Range and Test Facility Bases:\u00a0Senator Hirono supported efforts to create incentives for the Department of Defense workforce at laboratories and test ranges and to encourage the Department of Defense to use existing authority and $150 million in funding for infrastructure improvements at major range and test facility bases.\r\nStrengthening Cybersecurity Education and Training Programs:\u00a0Senator Hirono included provisions allowing easier access to universities for engineering or operational needs for cybersecurity. In addition, Senator Hirono included funding for Maui\u2019s high performance computing modernization program and well as increased funding for universities and industry research centers to encourage the development of new technology and defense systems.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 792, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "HI", "p1": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 792, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2017&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 792, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "HI", "label": "HI", "count": 792, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 792, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=HI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-11-16,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ehirono~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpress-releases~2Fhirono-defense-authorization-bill-includes-provisions-to-keep-hawaii-safe-strengthen-hawaiis-economy", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2017&_next=2017-11-16%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ehirono~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpress-releases~2Fhirono-defense-authorization-bill-includes-provisions-to-keep-hawaii-safe-strengthen-hawaiis-economy&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 131.17083115503192, "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"}