{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"HI\" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4983", "Case Statement On The Passing Of Former U.S. Representative Patricia (Pat) Saiki", "2026-09-30", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai\u2018i-1st), issued the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Representative Patricia (Pat) Saiki:\n\n\u201cI join all of our Hawai\u2018i in remembering and honoring the life and legacy of U. S. Representative Patricia Saiki,\u201d said U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai\u2018i-1st).\n\n\u201cShe is rightly credited with many specific accomplishments. But above all she was a pioneer who broke barriers, easing the path for others that followed, and her decades of public service were marked by commitment to her country and Hawai\u2018i, determination, accomplishment, example and grace.\n\n\u201cShe was a worthy steward of the office of Hawaii\u2019s First Congressional District, setting a high bar for those that followed and will follow. I join in extending my sincere condolences and appreciation to her beloved family.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/tokuda-recognizes-hawaiian-history-month-calls-out-trumps-attacks", "Tokuda Recognizes Hawaiian History Month, Calls Out Trump\u2019s Attacks", "2026-09-30", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Jill N. Tokuda", "T000487", "tokuda.house.gov", "tokuda", "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), joined by Representative Ed Case (HI-01), introduced a resolution supporting the designation of September 2026 as Hawaiian History Month and reaffirming the Federal trust responsibility to the Native Hawaiian Community. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono introduced a similar resolution in the Senate.\n\n\u201cHonoring Hawaiian History Month is not just about honoring the past, but protecting what generations of Native Hawaiian leaders, historians, scholars, and artists fought so hard to preserve and perpetuate,\u201d said Rep. Tokuda. \u201cToday, the Trump administration is targeting the very programs and institutions that sustain Hawaiian history, culture, and education. Congress must stand firm in protecting these vital resources and upholding our trust obligations to the Native Hawaiian Community.\u201d\n\nThe \u201cHawaiian History Month\u201d resolution recognizes the history, culture, and contributions of Native Hawaiians, including efforts to revitalize \u02bb\u014dlelo Hawai\u02bbi, cultural traditions, and \u02bb\u0101ina stewardship practices. It also highlights key federal programs that support Native Hawaiian museums, libraries, artists, cultural practitioners, and community organizations. The resolution directly points to recent Trump administration actions that threaten those programs, including proposed cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts.\n\nThe full text of the House resolution is available here.", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hirono-lead-senate-resolution-honoring-hawaiian-history", "Schatz, Hirono Lead Senate Resolution Honoring Hawaiian History", "2026-09-30", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai\u2018i) introduced a Senate resolution designating September 2026 as \u201cHawaiian History Month.\u201d The resolution recognizes the rich history and culture of Native Hawaiians and Hawai\u2018i.\n\n\u201cHawaiian cultural traditions and values are an essential part of what makes Hawai\u2018i special. Hawaiian History Month is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the culture, history, and contributions of the Native Hawaiian community and recommit to protecting Native Hawaiian rights,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\n\u201cHawai\u2018i\u2019s story is rooted in the wisdom, leadership, and enduring heritage of Native Hawaiians. As we celebrate our state\u2019s rich culture, I am proud to honor the immeasurable contributions Native Hawaiians have made\u2014and continue to make\u2014across our islands and nationwide,\u201d said Senator Hirono.\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4982", "Case Seeks Applicants For Appointments To Our Nation's Service Academies For The 2027 Incoming Class", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) -- U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) is seeking qualified applicants for his Congressional nomination to our nation\u2019s four service academies: the U.S. Military Academy (West Point/Army); U.S. Naval Academy(Annapolis/Navy); U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs/Air Force) and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point/Merchant Marines).\n\n\u201cOne of my favorite and most serious duties as a member of the U.S. Congress is nominating Hawaii\u2019s best and brightest young men and women to our nation\u2019s service academies,\u201d said Case.\n\n\u201cI have had the privilege for over ten years now of nominating many candidates to our service academies, many of whom are in service or now attending.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m again honored to do my part to ensure that Hawai\u02bbi continues our long tradition of contributing to the next generation of America\u2019s outstanding military leaders.\u201d\n\nA Congressional nomination is the exclusive avenue for appointment to our nation\u2019s service academies for most applicants. A nomination does not guarantee an appointment, but it is a requirement for final consideration for the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Successful applicants must have high moral character, a strong academic record and a motivation to dutifully serve our nation.\n\nFully completed applications must be postmarked or received by the District office for Congressman Case at 1003 Bishop Street, Suite #1110, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 no later than October 9, 2026.\n\nPlease also visit the military academy nomination webpage at https://case.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations.htm.\u201d\n\nCase continued: \u201cAdditionally, please note that I can only consider applicants who are legal residents of the First Congressional District which I represent (Honolulu from Makapu\u2018u through Downtown and Pearl City up to Mililani and then through Waipahu and \u2018Ewa Beach to Kapolei). My office can assist in verifying this requirement, but you can check yourself by entering your home address here: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.\n\n\u201cI encourage and invite students and school officials assisting candidates with their applications to mail in application packets to my Honolulu Office or submit applications electronically in a Portable Document Format (.pdf) to HI01.Academy@mail.house.gov. Should you have any questions, please contact Kekoa Kaluhiwa in my Honolulu office at (808) 650-6688.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-recognize-asian-american-and-native-american-pacific-islander-serving-institutions-week", "Hirono, Chu Recognize Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "While the Trump Administration slashes funding for Minority-Serving Institutions, Members of Congress recognize the importance of AANAPISIs in expanding access to higher education for all\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving-Institutions (AANAPISI) Week, from September 27-October 3, 2026. This week honors the vital role of AANAPISIs in expanding access to quality higher education for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students.\n\n\u201cIn Hawaii and nationwide, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions help students thrive in the classroom and prepare them for success after graduation. As the Trump regime continues its ideological attacks on Minority-Serving Institutions, supporting AANAPISIs and the communities they serve is critical,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cBy establishing AANAPISI Week, this resolution celebrates diversity in education and recognizes these institutions and the services they provide.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a former community college professor, I\u2019ve seen what happens when students get real support. They don\u2019t just graduate, they can transform their families and their communities for generations. AANAPISIs make that possible for students who need it the most, including first generation, and low-income students of color, by breaking down barriers and making sure all students have an equal shot at higher education,\u201d said Representative Chu, CAPAC Chair Emerita. \u201cThat\u2019s why the Trump administration\u2019s decision to terminate MSI funding, and now redirect $235 million of it to HBCUs and tribal colleges, is so disappointing. Every MSI deserves full investment, but pitting them against each other isn\u2019t the solution, it is a step backward. This AANAPISI Week, I remain committed to fighting for these institutions and for every student\u2019s right to the education they deserve.\u201d\n\nSince its authorization under the 2007 College Cost Reduction and Access Act, the AANAPISI program has provided grants to institutions serving AANHPI undergraduate students to help expand their capacity to serve all students. These institutions have played a crucial role in opening the door to higher education for minority students, especially those who are low-income or first-generation. Today, AANAPISIs enroll 46 percent of all AANHPI undergraduate students in the United States, and award over 50 percent of the associate degrees and nearly 45 percent of the bachelor\u2019s degrees attained by all AANHPI college students across the country.\n\nThis resolution comes days after the Trump Administration illegally diverted an additional $235 million in federal funding that Congress designated for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). Instead of increasing investment in all institutions that serve minority communities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), AANNAPISIs, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (ANNHSIs), Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), the Trump Administration has approached support for minority communities as a zero-sum game.\n\n\u201cDuring this AANAPISI Week, APAHE extends our deepest gratitude to CAPAC for their steadfast leadership in defending the federal AANAPISI designation amid ongoing efforts by the Department of Education to dismantle these critical programs. AANAPISIs are vital to educational equity and AA&NHPI student success, and we must aggressively defend this essential resource from being stripped away,\u201d said Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng, President, Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE).\n\nSenator Hirono has long advocated on behalf of AANHPI students in Hawaii, the U.S., and Pacific Island nations and territories. She has introduced this legislation every year since 2022, leading a bicameral coalition to designate Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving-Institutions Week. In April, she led a press conference calling out the Trump Administration\u2019s attacks on Minority-Serving Institutions following its redirection of $350 million in federal funding away from MSIs. In May, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Senator Hirono marking May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. In February, Senator Hirono held a spotlight forum titled, \u201cED\u2019s Attacks on Minority Students: Defunding Programs, Limiting Opportunities,\u201d which highlighted the U.S. Department of Education\u2019s (ED) efforts to dismantle support for over 800 Minority-Serving Institutions, including AANAPISIs.\n\nA companion resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Grace Meng (D-NY), and Mark Takano (D-CA).\n\nThe full resolution text is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-quick-approval-of-emergency-declaration-request-ahead-of-tropical-storm-nolo", "Hawai\u2018i Congressional Delegation Urges Quick Approval of Emergency Declaration Request Ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai\u2018i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai\u2018i) today released the following statement of support after Governor Josh Green requested an emergency declaration from the president ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo.\n\n\u201cAn emergency declaration is critical to ensuring Hawai\u2018i has the federal resources it needs to prepare for and respond to Tropical Storm Nolo as we continue recovering from Hurricanes Lala and Lowell. With parts of our state facing the threat of strengthening hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and mudslides, federal support will help our state and counties protect communities, maintain essential services, and respond quickly to damage and other emergency needs.\n\n\u201cWe urge swift approval of Governor Green\u2019s request for an emergency declaration and the additional federal assistance it will provide.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/09/24/2026/senate-passes-schatz-wicker-resolution-designating-telehealth-awareness-week", "Senate Passes Schatz-Wicker Resolution Designating Telehealth Awareness Week", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) designating September 20-26 as \u201cTelehealth Awareness Week.\u201d The resolution recognizes that telehealth has helped millions of Americans across the country access quality health care and has become a critical component of health care delivery. The resolution is cosponsored by members of the bipartisan Senate Telehealth Working Group, U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).\n\n\u201cTelehealth helps people access quality health care when and where they need it, and our resolution highlights the broad, bipartisan support for raising awareness of and expanding access to telehealth,\u201d said Senator Schatz, co-chair of the Senate Telehealth Working Group.\n\n\u201cTelehealth has reduced barriers to health care across Mississippi, yet too many patients around the country are not fully aware of its benefits,\u201d said Senator Wicker. \u201cOur resolution shines a light on the value of telehealth services and encourages further action to expand the offerings and outcomes around this innovative type of care.\u201d\n\nThe resolution affirms the bipartisan support in Congress for telehealth and encourages expanded access to telehealth services for all people, including members of rural and underserved communities. It notes that 23 percent of Medicare beneficiaries used telehealth services at least once in 2025, and that more than 90 percent were satisfied with their experience. And it underscores that \u201cTelehealth Awareness Week\u201d unites the efforts of patients, caregivers, health care providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance the role of telehealth in health care.\n\nSchatz has led efforts to expand access to telehealth, including reintroducing the CONNECT for Health Act, the most comprehensive bipartisan telehealth legislation in Congress. Since its first iteration in 2016, several provisions from the bill have been signed into law.\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-climate-change-is-why-disasters-are-piling-up", "Schatz: Climate Change is Why Disasters are Piling Up", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Video of Senator Schatz\u2019s Remarks Available Here\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) spoke on the Senate floor about recent storms in Hawai\u2018i and the warming planet\u2019s role in making disasters more frequent and severe. Schatz highlighted the damage and disruption caused by Hurricanes Lala and Lowell in recent weeks and the need for the federal government to help communities across the country not just respond to, but also prepare for, disasters as they occur more often.\n\n\u201cIn recent weeks, Hawai\u2018i experienced two separate hurricanes which destroyed homes and roads, closed schools and offices, and left thousands of people in the dark. 90 percent of the island of Kaua\u2018i lost power during Hurricane Lowell earlier this month \u2013 that\u2019s how extensive the damage was \u2013 and crews are still working to restore power. People on Hawai\u2018i Island, meanwhile, are still picking up the pieces from Hurricane Lala last month which damaged 267 homes; washed out roads, bridges, and even a cemetery; and left people without water and power. And now, the state is bracing for yet another storm,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\n\u201cThere is a reason these destructive disasters are piling up one after another, leaving communities exhausted and governments depleted. It\u2019s the warming planet,\u201d Senator Schatz added. \u201cDisasters used to be an unfortunate reality you had to deal with from time to time. Now, we\u2019re getting back-to-back hurricanes on top of historic floods that dumped more than two trillion gallons of water on the state earlier this year and catastrophic fires that leveled Lahaina three years ago. That is not normal.\u201d\n\nA transcript of Senator Schatz\u2019s remarks is below. Video is available here.\n\nIn recent weeks, Hawai\u2018i experienced two separate hurricanes which destroyed homes and roads, closed schools and offices, and left thousands of people in the dark. 90 percent of the island of Kaua\u2018i lost power during Hurricane Lowell earlier this month \u2013 that\u2019s how extensive the damage was \u2013 and crews are still working to restore power. People on Hawai\u2018i Island meanwhile are still picking up the pieces from Hurricane Lala last month which damaged 267 homes; washed out roads, bridges, and even a cemetery; and left people without water and power. And now, the state is bracing for yet another storm. According to the National Hurricane Center this one could bring \u201clife-threatening, catastrophic flooding and mudslides\u201d across parts of Hawai\u2018i Island and Maui. It has been one storm after another this year.\n\nWe grieve those who died in the storms. And as always, we\u2019re so grateful to the neighbors, first responders, linemen, and state and local officials who have been working together to help people in need. In the hours after the storms, people brought over shovels to clear debris from streets and driveways and checked in on neighbors while their own power was out. And in the days following, crews worked around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible. That\u2019s what we do in Hawai\u2018i\u2026we take care of each other. That\u2019s the aloha spirit. And as response gives way to recovery, we will do everything we can to make sure federal support is available for as long as it\u2019s needed.\n\nBut today, I want to talk about something I\u2019ve been reluctant to raise in my 14 years in the United States Senate. And that\u2019s that there is a reason these destructive disasters are piling up one after another, leaving communities exhausted and governments depleted. It\u2019s the warming planet.\n\nNow, look, when someone\u2019s sitting in the dark without power for days, or worse, they\u2019ve lost a loved one or their home, they don\u2019t want to hear about how drier fields and warmer oceans are the culprits for their pain. And they\u2019re right. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, our collective obligation \u2013 but especially the government\u2019s obligation \u2013 is to set politics aside and help. Not to make a point you\u2019ve always wanted to make or say, \u201cI told you so,\u201d but to help. And so I\u2019ve always hesitated talking about disasters in this context.\n\nBut the reason I feel so strongly that it\u2019s time we named the problem, as uncomfortable as it is, is that we can\u2019t go on like this. Disasters used to be an unfortunate reality you had to deal with from time to time. Now, we\u2019re getting back-to-back hurricanes on top of historic floods that dumped more than 2 trillion gallons of water on the state earlier this year and catastrophic fires that leveled Lahaina 3 years ago. That is not normal.\n\nNow, it\u2019s true that we\u2019re in an El Ni\u00f1o year, and a particularly bad one at that. But this isn\u2019t isolated to just this year nor is it limited to just Hawai\u2018i. For three years in a row now, we\u2019ve had more than 20 disasters nationwide, each costing over a billion dollars in damages. And the world\u2019s eight hottest months ever on record have all been in the past three years. You can chalk that all up to being a terrible coincidence \u2013 maybe it\u2019s the weather fairy acting up. Or, you can trust your own eyes. Because we all see it and feel it.\n\nYou feel it when you go to the park and your kids can\u2019t breathe because of smoke from a wildfire that\u2019s burning hundreds of miles away. You feel it when you have to board up your windows and gather up supplies as yet another storm approaches. You feel it when you move to a new state and find out you can\u2019t get home insurance anymore. You don\u2019t need a fancy science degree to understand what\u2019s happening, nor do you need to love the outdoors to want to do something about it. We\u2019re all paying the price for our inaction.\n\nAnd so what do we do about it? The most obvious answer is to scale clean energy and reduce pollution as aggressively as we possibly can. But that\u2019s not going to happen overnight and these disasters are on our doorsteps today. And so we need a plan to help communities prepare for and respond to disasters in the here and now. Improving evacuation routes. Hardening power lines. Pre-positioning equipment and supplies. Making sure people have access to AC and heating. Clearing underbrush to slow or stop fires. Building infrastructure to reduce the risk of flooding. These are the kinds of steps we need to be taking right now to protect people.\n\nMost of my colleagues here know that disasters aren\u2019t a partisan problem. Hurricanes and floods and tornadoes and fires don\u2019t pick and choose their targets based on how the last election went. This week, it\u2019s Hawai\u2018i. It was Texas and Indiana earlier in the summer. It will be somewhere else next. There, but for the grace of God, go I. And so we need to step up here. States and localities are lurching from one disaster to the next, and they need help. And every day Congress pretends like we don\u2019t know what\u2019s happening, more and more people will get hurt.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-warner-to-take-to-senate-floor-to-demand-passage-of-new-ai-security-legislation", "Schatz, Warner To Take To Senate Floor To Demand Passage\r\nOf New AI Security Legislation", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, introduced sweeping legislation to establish enforceable safety and security standards for the most advanced artificial intelligence systems. Later today, Warner and Schatz will speak about the legislation on the Senate floor.\n\nThe Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act of 2026 comes as leading AI companies and cybersecurity researchers have issued increasingly urgent warnings about the rapidly advancing capabilities of frontier AI systems. Leading AI companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Deepmind, Meta, and Microsoft have issued warnings about the rapidly advancing cybersecurity capabilities of their models, warning that the newest frontier models can identify and exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities without human guidance. Recent incidents have also highlighted alarming deficiencies in frontier labs\u2019 security practices. The combination of these factors underscores a rapidly emerging challenge: AI systems are becoming increasingly capable of performing sophisticated cybersecurity tasks that can be enormously valuable to defenders but could also pose serious risks if misused or inadequately secured.\n\n\u201cEvery day, we\u2019re seeing new reports of AI models going rogue and hacking systems without our knowledge or oversight. The risks of AI are not theoretical \u2013 they are happening in real-time,\u201d said Sen. Schatz. \u201cOur bill is about making sure humans remain in control of AI models and preventing future breaches with rigorous standards, testing, and oversight. Immediate risk requires immediate action.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe companies building the most powerful AI systems in the world are sounding the alarm: the step-change increase in AI models\u2019 capacity for cyber-offense, combined with clear failures to securely host and deploy these capabilities, could pose serious risks to our national security, our critical infrastructure, and the systems Americans rely on every day,\u201d said Sen. Warner. \u201cI remain enormously optimistic about the potential of AI, but optimism cannot be an excuse for inaction, nor can we normalize these kinds of concerning incidents. If a model is capable of finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in a bank, a water system, or our electric grid, we ought to know that before it is released to the public \u2013 not after something goes catastrophically wrong. This legislation establishes basic, enforceable rules of the road to make sure the most powerful models are tested, secured, and responsibly deployed.\u201d\n\nThe Warner-Schatz legislation would establish a permanent Artificial Intelligence Safety Board within the Department of Commerce, bringing together representatives from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), and Department of the Treasury, along with independent technical experts, to evaluate emerging AI risks and establish technical safety and security standards.\n\nCritically, developers of frontier AI models would be required to provide the Board access to their models at least 45 days before public release, including model weights, configuration files, runtimes, and software libraries necessary to operate the model, allowing experts to evaluate powerful models before deployment.\n\nThe legislation would also require AI developers to create and follow Model Safety Plans identifying the capabilities and risks of their systems, the specific steps they will take to mitigate those risks, and the corporate officer responsible for implementing the plan.\n\nUnder the legislation, the AI Safety Board would develop enforceable standards for evaluating frontier models and securing testing environments, including safeguards and monitoring procedures for models capable of discovering and exploiting software vulnerabilities without direct human prompting. Developers would be legally required to comply with applicable standards, with violations subject to civil penalties of up to $250,000 per violation, per day.\n\nThe bill would also:\n\nCreate a secure reporting process and a national AI incident database to track AI safety and security incidents, recurring flaws, and near misses so researchers, government agencies, and developers can learn from failures across different systems. The database would be established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in coordination with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.\n\nRequire frontier AI companies to report serious safety and security incidents, generally within 30 days, and within 72 hours when an incident poses an imminent threat to national security, critical infrastructure, or public safety. Critical infrastructure operators using AI to manage industrial control systems or other operational technologies would also be covered.\n\nEstablish secure federal testing environments that can use resources at the National Security Agency and Department of Energy National Laboratories to conduct sensitive pre-deployment testing of frontier models.\n\nDevelop new standards specifically for autonomous AI agents, including risks involving identity, authentication, authorization, access to data and systems, and differing levels of autonomy.\n\nRequire standardized documentation for AI agents, including their intended uses, authority boundaries, access to data and tools, known limitations, and results of independent evaluations where applicable.\n\nThe legislation specifically focuses on advanced artificial intelligence models \u2013 systems that exhibit, or could be modified to exhibit, high levels of performance on tasks posing serious risks to national security, national economic security, or public health and safety.\n\nThe legislation is designed to address a range of risks associated with increasingly capable AI systems, including their potential to facilitate cyberattacks, evade the control of their developers or operators, assist in the development of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or other weapons, or have their model weights stolen or maliciously modified.\n\nText of the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act of 2026 is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-urges-president-trump-to-protect-americas-ai-advantage-ahead-of-bilateral-talks-with-china", "Rep. Tokuda Urges President Trump to Protect America\u2019s AI Advantage Ahead of Bilateral Talks with China", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Jill N. Tokuda", "T000487", "tokuda.house.gov", "tokuda", "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "scraper", "HAWAI\u02bbI \u2014 U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), a member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), led House Democrats in a letter urging President Trump to halt any potential concessions on advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chip sales to Beijing ahead of high-stakes talks with President Xi Jinping.\n\nRepresentative Tokuda was joined by Ro Khanna (CA-17), Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the CCP, and 13 other Members of Congress, calling on the Trump administration to maintain strict export controls on advanced AI chips under the Export Control Reform Act, warning that creating loopholes or exceptions directly threatens American economic stability and national defense capabilities.\n\n\u201cIf the United States gives our very best AI chips to China, it would exponentially increase their capacity to dominate the AI race,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cWe must not let that happen. Retaining the most advanced AI chips for domestic use, along with allies and partners, is an effective way to slow down China\u2019s AI progress and strengthen America\u2019s economic and national security advantages.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers warned that next-generation chips like Nvidia\u2019s Blackwell run up to eight times faster than older processors sold to China, arguing that this decisive advantage must stay in American hands.\n\nA copy of the letter may be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-and-video-hirono-holds-spotlight-forum-on-national-private-school-voucher-program-highlights-funding-diversions-from-public-schools", "PHOTOS & VIDEO: Hirono Holds Spotlight Forum on National Private School Voucher Program, Highlights Funding Diversions from Public Schools", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) held a spotlight forum titled: \u201cRaising the Alarm: How the National School Voucher Program Will Be Harmful to Students,\u201d examining how the new national private school voucher program will harm the over 50 million students who rely on public schools. During the forum, a panel of witnesses comprised of policy and legal experts, education advocates, district leaders, and classroom educators spoke about how the national private school voucher program is set to divert over $51 billion each year in taxpayer funding\u2014which could otherwise be used for public education\u2014to private schools. The panel also outlined the potential ramifications for states that participate in the national program and the negative impacts the program will have on low-income students, rural students, students with disabilities, students of color, and LGBTQ+ students.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump and his allies have long championed private school voucher programs under the pretense of \u2018school choice,\u2019 but we all know where the real choice lies: not with families, but with private school voucher organizations and private schools, said Senator Hirono. \u201cBy diverting more than $51 billion each year\u2014by some estimates\u2014to school vouchers, the national program will drain funding that we could otherwise use to strengthen public schools. The result will be a two-tiered system: exclusive private schools for the wealthy, and underfunded public schools for everyone else.\u201d\n\nLast year, the enactment of H.R. 1 created the first ever national private school voucher program, which lets individuals claim a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations of up to $1,700 made to \u201cscholarship granting organizations\u201d (SGOs) that distribute school vouchers\u2014meaning that none of the funding from this program will go directly to the states, school districts, or schools that actually serve our students. Instead, these SGOs will determine which students receive the vouchers and private schools will decide whether to accept those students. The program is expected to cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars\u2014with some estimates showing that it could cost as much as $51 billion per year.\n\nIn June, the Treasury Department previewed its guidance for the program and indicated that the full guidance for the program would be available in September\u2014giving state governors only three months to decide whether they should \u201copt-in\u201d or \u201copt-out\u201d of the program before it goes into effect on January 1, 2027. At the time of the spotlight forum, Treasury had not yet released the full guidance for the program. Even more concerning, the preview of the guidance confirmed that so-called \u201copt-in\u201d states will be significantly limited in terms of how they can regulate the program, with governors being prevented from placing substantive requirements on SGOs that provide scholarships to students in their states.\n\nIn addition to these concerns, Senator Hirono also highlighted how the program is designed to function as tax break for wealthy families whose children are already enrolled in private schools, rather than offering a true \u201cchoice\u201d to more students. While federal programs designed to support low-income students and students with disabilities remain underfunded, this program diverts tens of billions of public dollars to third-party organizations, which will significantly benefit from the program.\n\n\u201cEvery dollar claimed is federal revenue unavailable for public schools or other essential services. That structure raises three fundamental questions for policymakers, families, and taxpayers alike: Who benefits? Who is protected? And who is accountable? The [Federal Voucher Tax Credit] falls short on each,\u201d said Augustus Mays, Vice President of Partnerships & Engagement, EdTrust. \u201cRather than funneling public dollars into private, exclusionary institutions, we must invest these billions of dollars back into our public education system, explicitly targeting the students who are most underserved.\u201d\n\n\u201cProtecting the rights of students with disabilities has always been a critical government interest; therefore, it is so deeply troubling that this program, funded with federal tax dollars, will be implemented without regulation or further clarification of rights and protections for students with disabilities. A program that was designed to fund private school tuition is not a solution for public schools. Instead, we need to increase federal funding for IDEA and other programs that help our public schools serve students with disabilities,\u201d said Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer, National Center for Learning Disabilities.\n\n\u201cConnecticut has consistently rejected voucher programs. As a direct result of investing in public education, our state boasts the highest average ACT score in the nation and ranks #3 overall in academic outcomes. This success is not an anomaly: the top-performing states in the nation- and all top five performing state systems-do not divert public funds to private or religious voucher schemes. High standards and strong outcomes are built through robust public investment and committed professionals\u2014 not privatization,\u201d said Dr. Maureen Brummett, Superintendent, Newington Public Schools\n\n\u201cDuring the 2025 Legislative cycle, Texas had a surplus of $24 billion dollars. Yet the legislature has made a choice. They have chosen not to fully fund our public schools, but to divert funding instead to private school vouchers, which overwhelmingly help wealthier families whose children were already enrolled in private schools,\u201d said Alejandra Lopez, President, San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel. \u201cImagine if policymakers at all levels of government were committed to fully funding public education instead of undermining and privatizing it. Fully funded public schools would mean full staffing where students are able to get the support they need from the professionals who are committed to serving them.\u201d\n\n\"There is ZERO reliable evidence that vouchers improve student success. In fact, numerous recent studies show that vouchers consistently lead to drops in student achievement. What conclusive evidence does show is that investing more money in public education improves student achievement,\u201d said John Quesenberry, High School Teacher, Woodrow Wilson High School. \u201cVouchers subsidize tuition for families who are already paying for it. America cannot afford to fund two education systems\u2014one private and one public. It should be a federal priority to strengthen public education, not undermine it.\"\n\n\u201cStates should not opt in to the federal voucher program, and Congress should repeal it. Like all vouchers, the federal program is part of a broader assault on public education. State and federal efforts must instead focus on supporting and adequately resourcing our public schools, which serve the vast majority of America\u2019s students and are a keystone common good underpinning American democracy,\u201d said Jessica Levin, Litigation Director, Education Law Center.\n\nSenator Hirono has consistently fought back against President Trump and Congressional Republicans\u2019 attacks on public education. In April 2026, she and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) led 34 of their Democratic Senate colleagues in introducing the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act , which would fully repeal the private school voucher program. The bill currently has 34 other cosponsors in the Senate, and a companion bill has 107 cosponsors in the House. Senator Hirono has also hosted seven spotlight forums, bringing together educators, students, administrators, advocates, and experts, to demonstrate the widespread consequences of President Trump\u2019s efforts to undermine public education. Her most recent forum highlighted the dangerous consequences of the Trump Administration\u2019s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for our nation\u2019s students with disabilities and their families.\n\nVideos from the forum can be found here and photos can be found here.\n\nA full transcript of Senator Hirono\u2019s opening remarks can be found below:\n\nAloha, thank you all for being here today as we discuss the national private school voucher program and its threats to public education.\n\nThis fall, students across the country returned to school. But instead of supporting the over 50 million students who rely on public schools, Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are sending tens of billions of dollars in critical taxpayer funding to private school voucher organizations and private schools.\n\nDonald Trump and his allies have long championed private school voucher programs under the pretense of \u201cschool choice,\u201d wrongfully claiming these programs allow families to choose the best educational opportunities for their children.\n\nBut we all know where the real choice lies: not with families, but with private school voucher organizations and private schools.\n\nBecause unlike public schools, which are required to serve all students, regardless of family income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status, private schools have discretion about which students they admit and what services they provide.\n\nThey have the freedom to do so as private schools. For that same reason, they should not be able to access public funds for private education. Which is exactly what the private school voucher program is going to do: take public funds to be used for private education.\n\nWhile the national program is new, state programs have existed for decades; currently, two-thirds of states nationwide have school voucher programs. We are still awaiting guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding how this program will be implemented. But data from existing state voucher programs shows us how voucher programs have failed to meet students\u2019 needs.\n\nFirst, there is no guarantee that vouchers will cover the full cost of tuition at private schools. On average, private schools charge around $32,000 per year.\n\nNationally, state vouchers only cover around $8,000 per year.\n\nEven worse, there have been specific examples of private schools increasing their tuition as soon as vouchers were implemented.\n\nIn Iowa, private schools increased their tuition by up to 25 percent for kindergarten, and 16 percent for other grades, shortly after the state adopted a universal voucher program.\n\nDesigned by the Big Ugly Bill (H.R. 1), the national voucher program gives Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) the ultimate say on which students get the funding, and how much they receive.\n\nWithout clear guidance on which students can get funding or how much they can get, middle class families cannot depend on the program to cover the cost of private school tuition.\n\nInstead, wealthy families can continue sending their kids to private schools, with the potential bonus of receiving a government subsidy to help cover the cost.\n\nSecond, school vouchers are not accessible to all students, such as those with disabilities.\n\nSome states like Florida and Louisiana have reported that around 8-30 percent of students with disabilities who received vouchers later returned them because their parents could not find private schools that were willing or able to meet their children\u2019s needs.\n\nThird, school vouchers do not deliver funding directly to schools. Rather than sending funding directly to states, school districts, or schools, the national program will send funding to private school voucher organizations that decide which students benefit.\n\nIn fact, states that \u201copt-in\u201d will not even be able to regulate these organizations after the program goes into effect next year. They will be very restricted.\n\nLastly, reports on how voucher funds have been used by families in states with existing programs raise alarms about whether these funds are going to education at all. In states like Arizona and Florida, school vouchers were used for driving lessons and flatscreen TVs, at golf stores and ski resorts, and even at Disney World.\n\nThere has been very little oversight of these state programs to prevent this kind of misuse of funds, and I have no reason to believe the national program will be any different.\n\nBy diverting more than $51 billion each year by some estimates to school vouchers, the national program will drain funding that we could otherwise use to strengthen public schools.\n\nTo compare, last year, Congress provided $18 billion to Title I programs and $15 billion to IDEA\u2014both federal programs that support public education for low-income students and students with disabilities. These are the kinds of public programs we should be increasing support for with our public dollars.\n\nInstead, this national private school voucher program will result in a two-tiered system: exclusive private schools for the wealthy, and underfunded public schools for everyone else.\n\nIn the coming months, governors will need to decide whether they should \u201copt-in\u201d to the national program.\n\nHow can they make an informed decision without clear guidance from Treasury, or a full understanding of how this program will be implemented? They need to hear these concerns.\n\nIn the meantime, we are working to build support for the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act, which Senator Kelly and I, along with 33 other senators, have introduced to fully repeal the national program.\n\nFamilies deserve a government that defends the rights of all students to receive a quality public education. But Donald Trump is doing everything he can to undermine public education from the inside out.\n\nToday, we are going to hear directly from K-12 education leaders, disability advocates, civil rights advocates, and educators about the harm that the national private school voucher program will have on our students.\n\nI look forward to hearing more from my colleagues and today\u2019s panelists as we work to keep our public funding in our public schools.\n\nMahalo.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-blackburn-lead-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-calling-for-release-of-wrongfully-detained-american-journalist-in-iran-urge-state-department-to-step-up-efforts", "Schatz, Blackburn Lead Bipartisan Group of Senators in Calling for Release of Wrongfully Detained American Journalist in Iran, Urge State Department to Step Up Efforts", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) today urged the U.S. Department of State to prioritize and step up efforts to bring wrongfully detained American journalist Reza Valizadeh home. Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen and former broadcast journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty\u2019s Persian language service Radio Farda, was arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in September 2024 and was charged and sentenced, without legal due process, for \u201ccollaborating\u201d with the United States. The vague charge, often used by the Iranian regime to target those who are critical of the government, stems from Valizadeh\u2019s work reporting on the Iranian regime\u2019s corruption and repression.\n\nIn their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the senators wrote, \u201cAs partners in the effort to secure Mr. Valizadeh\u2019s release, we ask that his freedom and welfare be an urgent priority through all available diplomatic channels with Iranian officials.\u201d\n\nThe senators continued, \u201cMr. Valizadeh is currently being held in Evin Prison, which is notorious for its inhumane conditions and arbitrary executions of political prisoners. His health has significantly deteriorated in custody, where he has consistently been denied medical care, including the inhaler he needs to treat his asthma. With every day of continued detention, Mr. Valizadeh\u2019s life is in danger. We are extremely concerned that Iranian authorities could take sudden, arbitrary actions to endanger his life.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Schatz and Blackburn, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found below and is available here.\n\nDear Secretary Rubio,\n\nWe write to draw your urgent attention to the case of Reza Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen who has been wrongfully detained in Iran since September 2024. Mr. Valizadeh is a former broadcast journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty\u2019s Persian language service Radio Farda, which is funded by Congress. In May 2025, you formally recognized Mr. Valizadeh as \u201cwrongfully detained.\u201d\n\nMr. Valizadeh is serving an unjust ten-year sentence for \u201ccollaborating\u201d with the United States. These charges stem from his U.S. citizenship and work for Radio Farda, where he reported from 2012 to 2022 on the Iranian regime\u2019s corruption and repression. You designated Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention, pursuant to the authority in Executive Order 14348. Mr. Valizadeh\u2019s case is part of Tehran\u2019s long history of targeting journalists and dual nationals.\n\nMr. Valizadeh is currently being held in Evin Prison, which is notorious for its inhumane conditions and arbitrary executions of political prisoners. His health has significantly deteriorated in custody, where he has consistently been denied medical care, including the inhaler he needs to treat his asthma. With every day of continued detention, Mr. Valizadeh\u2019s life is in danger. We are extremely concerned that Iranian authorities could take sudden, arbitrary actions to endanger his life. As you know, Iran is not afraid to use American citizens as political pawns.\n\nAs partners in the effort to secure Mr. Valizadeh\u2019s release, we ask that his freedom and welfare be an urgent priority through all available diplomatic channels with Iranian officials. We look forward to working with you to bring him home.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/trump-admin-set-to-impound-or-redirect-billions-of-dollars-in-foreign-policy-investments-congress-made", "Trump Admin Set to Impound or Redirect Billions of Dollars in Foreign Policy Investments Congress Made", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, issued the following statement on the Trump administration\u2019s refusal to spend foreign assistance investments Congress made as intended as the end of the fiscal year quickly approaches on September 30.\n\n\u201cCracking down on fentanyl trafficking, countering Putin, protecting Americans from global health threats\u2014these are priorities just about everyone supports. But instead of spending funding Congress provided to support these common-sense objectives, the Trump administration is on track to permanently impound nearly a billion dollars and to commit billions more to pay for its brazen dismantlement of USAID instead of following the law that Congress passed and using those funds to save lives and advance bipartisan U.S. foreign policy objectives.\n\n\u201cFar from cutting wasteful spending, the Trump administration has created more of it. This administration is now using funding Congress provided for countering health threats and autocrats alike to cover legal bills Trump and DOGE incurred from illegally razing USAID to the ground and cutting off lifesaving work in the blink of an eye.\n\n\u201cCongress passed a law to invest in saving lives, protecting the American people, and advancing our interests abroad; it did not hand Trump a checkbook to spend on whatever he pleases while blocking funding for everything else. The Trump administration needs to rework its plans and spend these resources as Congress intended, and we need Republicans in Congress to finally join us in insisting that happens.\u201d\n\nWhen Congress provides federal funding, it specifies how long that funding is available to be expended. Most foreign assistance funding is available to be spent down for two fiscal years, and as the end of the fiscal year nears on September 30, the Trump administration plans to:\n\nRaid $2.5 billion provided in fiscal year 2025 for global health programs ($1.3 billion) and development assistance ($1.2 billion) to pay for \u201cUSAID closeout costs.\u201d While provided for USAID, these funds remain available through FY26 for the State Department to spend down on the same priorities that Congress provided them for: to advance U.S. interests, combat global health threats, and save lives. In fact, the State Department has already tapped some of the funds to belatedly invest in the Ebola response after it previously cancelled related global health work. But instead of expending the remainder of the $2.5 billion in funding, the Trump administration is raiding these funds and obligating them to cover costs incurred when dismantling USAID\u2014despite the fact that other balances already exist that could cover these costs.\n\nPermanently impound $725 million provided in fiscal year 2025 to: combat the international illicit narcotics trade, human trafficking, and other international crimes ($115 million); counter Russia with U.S. assistance in Europe and Eurasia ($310 million); and invest in secure supply chains and American competitiveness through economic growth programs ($300 million). These investments were provided by Congress to spend through September 30, 2026, but President Trump has, at Russ Vought\u2019s urging, illegally refused to spend them.\n\nSenators Murray and Schatz have been pushing the administration to get every appropriated dollar out as Congress intended. In June, Senator Murray called out the administration\u2019s withholding of these funds, and Senator Schatz pressed Secretary Rubio on the matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-murray-trump-admin-set-to-impound-or-redirect-billions-of-dollars-in-foreign-policy-investments-congress-made", "Schatz, Murray: Trump Admin Set to Impound or Redirect Billions of Dollars in Foreign Policy Investments Congress Made", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Trump administration\u2019s refusal to spend foreign assistance investments Congress made as intended as the end of the fiscal year quickly approaches on September 30.\n\n\u201cCracking down on fentanyl trafficking, countering Putin, protecting Americans from global health threats\u2014these are priorities just about everyone supports. But instead of spending funding Congress provided to support these common-sense objectives, the Trump administration is on track to permanently impound nearly a billion dollars and to commit billions more to pay for its brazen dismantlement of USAID instead of following the law that Congress passed and using those funds to save lives and advance bipartisan U.S. foreign policy objectives.\n\n\u201cFar from cutting wasteful spending, the Trump administration has created more of it. This administration is now using funding Congress provided for countering health threats and autocrats alike to cover legal bills Trump and DOGE incurred from illegally razing USAID to the ground and cutting off lifesaving work in the blink of an eye.\n\n\u201cCongress passed a law to invest in saving lives, protecting the American people, and advancing our interests abroad; it did not hand Trump a checkbook to spend on whatever he pleases while blocking funding for everything else. The Trump administration needs to rework its plans and spend these resources as Congress intended, and we need Republicans in Congress to finally join us in insisting that happens.\u201d\n\nWhen Congress provides federal funding, it specifies how long that funding is available to be expended. Most foreign assistance funding is available to be spent down for two fiscal years, and as the end of the fiscal year nears on September 30, the Trump administration plans to:\n\nRaid $2.5 billion provided in fiscal year 2025 for global health programs ($1.3 billion) and development assistance ($1.2 billion) to pay for \u201cUSAID closeout costs.\u201d While provided for USAID, these funds remain available through FY26 for the State Department to spend down on the same priorities that Congress provided them for: to advance U.S. interests, combat global health threats, and save lives. In fact, the State Department has already tapped some of the funds to belatedly invest in the Ebola response after it previously cancelled related global health work. But instead of expending the remainder of the $2.5 billion in funding, the Trump administration is raiding these funds and obligating them to cover costs incurred when dismantling USAID\u2014despite the fact that other balances already exist that could cover these costs.\n\nPermanently impound $725 million provided in fiscal year 2025 to: combat the international illicit narcotics trade, human trafficking, and other international crimes ($115 million); counter Russia with U.S. assistance in Europe and Eurasia ($310 million); and invest in secure supply chains and American competitiveness through economic growth programs ($300 million). These investments were provided by Congress to spend through September 30, 2026, but President Trump has, at Russ Vought\u2019s urging, illegally refused to spend them.\n\nSenators Murray and Schatz have been pushing the administration to get every appropriated dollar out as Congress intended. In June, Senator Murray called out the administration\u2019s withholding of these funds, and Senator Schatz pressed Secretary Rubio on the matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-murray-shaheen-reed-warner-coons-statement-on-deadly-iranian-wedding-strike", "Schatz, Murray, Shaheen, Reed, Warner, Coons Statement on Deadly Iranian Wedding Strike", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Mark Warner (D-Va.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement on an apparent errant U.S. strike on a home hosting a wedding in Kuhestak, Iran on September 1st.\n\n\u201cReports that a strike on a home in Kuhestak, Iran that killed four civilians, including women and a child, and injured more than 60 others was likely caused by an errant U.S. bomb are shocking and deeply troubling. This is not the first time that U.S. strikes have resulted in civilian casualties during this war of choice, and it once again raises grave concerns about the Trump administration\u2019s disregard for protecting civilian life. This incident must be fully and impartially investigated, and the full investigation must be shared publicly with Congress and the American people. We have yet to receive the full investigation of the Pentagon\u2019s inquiry into a February 28th strike on a school in Minab that killed 175 civilians, mostly children. The public deserves to know what led to these failures and what is being done to prevent similar incidents in the future. This war must end.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4980", "Case Announces U.S. House Approval Of Critical Water Infrastructure Projects For Hawaii", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai\u2018i \u2013 District 1) announced that the U.S. House yesterday approved major legislation to address improvements for the nation\u2019s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation system, flood and storm risk management, environment, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure.\n\nCase\u2019s requests were included in H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. WRDA is developed and passed by Congress every two years. The House approved this Congress\u2019 bill by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 415-9.\n\nWRDA-authorized federal projects are critical to communities throughout the country to keep them connected and safe and to strengthen the overall U.S. economy. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) implements these projects in partnership with federal, local and state agencies, non-government organizations and tribal nations.\n\nCase works with government and community partners well in advance of each WRDA to request authorization of projects key to Hawaii\u2019s safety, security and economy. The four provisions secured by Case in the 2026 WRDA include:\n\nExpanding and upgrading Honolulu Harbor.\n\nCase secured approval for an update on the in-depth study called for in previous measures on critical improvements to Honolulu Harbor which includes Case\u2019s successful push in 2024 to amend the WRDA to reflect the expanded complexity, scope and funding needs for the Harbor, including elements of coastal storm risk management. House approval of the 2026 WRDA will help continue the project and focus its benefits on disaster resilience and enhanced national security from improved utilization of the harbor.\n\n\u201cAs the main port of the State of Hawai\u2018i, Honolulu Harbor receives and distributes all overseas cargo shipments constituting over 80% of all imports into the state, supports fishing operations and cruise ships and handles federal maritime activity including the U.S. Coast Guard\u2019s 14th District,\u201d said Case.\n\n\u201cProviding this additional refined and expanded authorization will ensure our critical harbor is designed for resilience and that this literal lifeline for Hawai\u2018i remains operational in the face of natural disaster and other contingencies.\u201d\n\nCase said the 2026 WRDA also includes his call for the status of the assessment of the benefits of the project modification on disaster resiliency and enhanced national security from utilization of the harbor by the Department of Defense.\n\nCase secured a complementary provision to conduct a full review of Honolulu Harbor\u2019s critical role in our nation's defense and security. \u201cWith Honolulu Harbor being the main port for the State of Hawai\u2018i, our national defense presence also depends on this harbor to remain strong and reliable to maintain a steady flow of resources for our military needs and communities,\u201d said Case.\n\nCase added: \u201cStrengthening this harbor will allow for enhanced military readiness and resilience and for our communities to be prepared for a national security threat. This provision directs USACE to consider the benefits of project modification for disaster resilience and enhanced national security from utilization of the harbor by the Department of Defense and assists in paving the way for full funding of improvement projects.\u201d\n\nManagement of the risks of floods and coastal storms in Waik\u012bk\u012b\n\nThe 2026 WRDA includes approval of Case\u2019s requests for federal feasibility studies on the management of the risks triggered by floods and coastal storms risk in the vicinities of the Waik\u012bk\u012b Natatorium War Memorial, K\u0101imana Beach and Waik\u012bk\u012b Beach.\n\n\u201cAs was recently witnessed by the storms that have battered Hawai\u2018i, we all are facing the real-life evidence every day of the effects of climate change including disastrous flooding, and we must continue our efforts to mitigate catastrophic impacts to the coastline that are major attractions to both our kama\u02bb\u0101ina and visitors to these locales in Waik\u012bk\u012b,\u201d said Case.\n\nExpediting studies of projects O\u2018ahu, Maui and Kaua\u02bbi\n\nCase also secured approval to complete feasibility studies previously directed for the following projects (such studies being the first step in project authorization):\n\n\u00b7 Flood risk management for the Kaiaka-Wai\u02bbalua watershed on O\u2018ahu;\n\n\u00b7 Flood risk and coastal storm risk management for the County of Kaua\u02bbi; and,\n\n\u00b7 Flood risk management and ecosystem restoration for the County of Maui\n\nExpedite completion of a project on Kaua\u02bbi\n\nThe 2026 WRDA also includes Case\u2019s call to expedite completion of a project involving aquatic ecosystem restoration of the wetlands in Waimea on the island of Kaua\u02bbi.\n\nThe measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.\n\n\u00b7 The House Committee on Transportation & infrastructure explanation of the 2026 WRDA is here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-young-introduce-legislation-to-help-stop-child-labor", "Schatz, Young Introduce Legislation to Help Stop Child Labor", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) introduced legislation to help stop illegal child labor. The bipartisan Stop Child Labor Act would increase maximum fines for violations, establish new criminal penalties, allow victims harmed by violations to file private lawsuits, and encourage collaboration between employers and government to stop child labor violations before they occur.\n\n\u201cRight now, our laws are allowing some of the worst employers to get away with exploiting kids for labor with nothing more than weak fines,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cOur bill will strengthen our child labor laws, hold bad employers accountable, and protect kids from this illicit practice.\u201d\n\n\u201cRecent data shows that child labor exploitation is not a thing of the past or a problem limited to the developing world. We have a responsibility to enforce the law, protect American children, and ensure that those who exploit them are held accountable,\u201d said Senator Young. \u201cThis bipartisan bill would strengthen our nation\u2019s labor laws to do just that.\u201d\n\nFederal child labor violations are at or near record levels, according to the most recent enforcement data from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). In fiscal year 2025, the Department's Wage and Hour Division closed 976 cases involving child labor violations, more than in any year since the Great Recession, including 773 employed in violation of hazardous occupation standards. That represents a 72 percent increase in affected children since fiscal year 2019. Currently, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) imposes weak fines for violations, making it financially easier for companies to skirt child labor laws. In 2023, it was revealed that migrant child labor is being used for hazardous jobs in factories making products for well-known brands like Cheetos, Fruit of the Loom, and Lucky Charms. That same year, DOL found that Packers Sanitation Services Inc., a sanitation contractor to major meat producers including JBS Foods, had employed at least 102 children, ages 13 to 17, in hazardous occupations on overnight shifts at 13 meat processing facilities across eight states. At least three minors were injured, but DOL could assess only the statutory maximum of $15,138 per count.\n\nTo stop child labor and hold bad employers accountable, the Stop Child Labor Act would:\n\nIncrease child labor violation civil penalties to:\n\n$5,000 minimum \u2013 $132,270 maximum for routine violations;\n\n$25,000 minimum \u2013 $601,150 maximum for each violation that causes the death or serious injury of a minor;\n\nCreate criminal penalties for a repeat or willful violation of child labor laws to include a fine of up to $50,000 and a year in jail;\n\nAllow children harmed by violations of the law to seek compensation;\n\nStart a grant program aimed at helping employers recognize, avoid, and prevent child labor violations; and\n\nPermanently establish a National Advisory Committee on Child Labor.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the Child Labor Coalition, National Consumers League, Global March Against Child Labor, First Focus Campaign for Children, National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, and Center for Law and Social Policy.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4979", "Case, Moylan Announce Full U.S. House Passage Of Their Bipartisan Bill To Combat Invasive Species", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 U.S. Congressman Ed Case (D-HI-01) and U.S. Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam) announced that the U.S. House recently voted 371-33 to approve their National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act, which would significantly expand federal efforts to combat invasive species, responsible for severely impacting environments across the country.\n\n\u201cHawai\u2018i in particular faces unique challenges from invasive species. Our isolation has led to the evolution of many endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth,\u201d said Case, who formerly served six years on the House Natural Resources Committee and is in his eighth year on the House Appropriations Committee.\n\n\u201cOur measure is especially timely as we reckon with the wide-ranging ripple effect of the recent storms that have struck the state, including accelerated spread of destructive invasive species especially in vulnerable places such as our national wildlife refuges.\n\n\u201cIn Hawai\u2018i, invasive species have caused significant ecological damage, threatening the survival of native birds and plants. Protecting Hawaii\u2019s unique biodiversity is not just an environmental necessity \u2013 it is a cultural imperative that reflects the identity and heritage of the Hawaiian people.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor island communities like Guam, invasive species are more than an environmental concern - they threaten our ecosystems, agriculture, economy, and way of life, said Congressman Moylan. \u201cOnce an invasive species takes hold on an island, the cost of eradication can be enormous, and the damage may be impossible to reverse.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to see the House pass this bipartisan legislation to strengthen early detection and rapid response within our National Wildlife Refuge System. Prevention is our best defense, and investing in it today will help protect America\u2019s natural resources, preserve our unique biodiversity, and save taxpayers from far greater costs down the road. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this important legislation forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cTropical storms and hurricanes (and other extreme weather) cause havoc to endemic species, even in refuges,\u201d said Jonetta \u201cJonee\u201d Leina\u2018ala Peters, Executive Director of the Conservation Council for Hawai\u2018i. \u201c\n\n\u201cHawai\u2018i struggles already with the onslaught of other issues that cause extinctions, being insular is a huge issue, (our species have nowhere to escape these threats).\n\n\u201cWe are now seeing and experiencing the effects of global warming or climate change.\n\n\u201cStorms do increase habitat destruction with damage to forests, rivers and streams, as well as coastal marine resources, bringing disturbances to ecosystems. These weather events also spread aggressive non-native invasive species (both plants and animals) to vulnerable areas which take hold and flourish. And, of course, these storms destroy native flora as well.\u201d\n\n\u201cInvasive species are putting increased pressure on native wildlife and are especially damaging across our national wildlife refuges,\u201d said Jill Feldhusen, senior manager of wildlife policy at the National Wildlife Federation.\n\n\u201cBy establishing dedicated, regional strike teams, this bipartisan bill helps refuges respond more rapidly to invasive species threats before they cause lasting harm. Thank you, Representative Ed Case, for reintroducing the National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act and broadening the impact of cross-jurisdictional collaboration.\n\nCase continued: \u201cInvasive species are not just a localized problem; they pose a significant threat to the integrity of our natural world. Addressing this crisis requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach, focusing on prevention, early detection, and effective management strategies to safeguard our vulnerable ecosystems.\n\n\u201cThis legislation will codify the existing Invasive Species Strike Teams program currently operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). These specialized teams play an essential role in managing emerging invasive species, employing strategies tailored to local conditions across the National Wildlife Refuge System.\n\n\u201cWith multiple teams strategically positioned in all nine FWS regions across our country, they are on the front lines, addressing the unique challenges posed by invasive species.\u201d\n\nCase said formally establishing the Invasive Species Strike Teams program will create a stable and legally supported framework to ensure consistent funding and enhance management efforts. The act also signifies a transformative shift within the FWS, moving from a reactive, species-by-species approach to a more strategic, ecosystem-wide framework for managing emerging invasive species.\n\n\u201cThe act also mandates enhanced coordination and reporting through integrated systems and standardized procedures, ensuring transparency and enabling us to track progress with annual reports to Congress and the public,\u201d said Case.\n\n\u201cFurthermore, it authorizes $10 million annually from Fiscal Year 2027 through 2033 to support ongoing initiatives.\u201d\n\nCase introduced the measure after federal invasive species experts toured O\u2018ahu to research the effects of invasive species on island communities. The bill now move on to the Senate.\n\nVideo of Case remarks on the floor of the U.S. House is here\n\nText of Case remarks is here\n\nText of H.R. 4219 is here\n\nPhoto of both Case and Moylan attached\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-leads-hawaii-congressional-delegation-in-demanding-usps-restore-direct-mail-delivery-to-rebuilt-lahaina-properties", "Rep. Tokuda Leads Hawai\u02bbi Congressional Delegation in Demanding USPS Restore Direct Mail Delivery to Rebuilt Lahaina Properties", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Jill N. Tokuda", "T000487", "tokuda.house.gov", "tokuda", "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) led the Hawai\u02bbi Congressional Delegation in demanding that the United States Postal Service (USPS) immediately halt its unilateral decision to stop direct home mail delivery for Lahaina families returning to rebuilt properties.\n\nIn a joint letter sent to Postmaster General David Steiner, Rep. Tokuda, Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), and Representative Ed Case (HI-01), pressed USPS leadership to reverse policies that classify rebuilt properties in Lahaina as \"new developments\" and subject to centralized delivery to community mailboxes rather than restoring their home delivery. The lawmakers also expressed strong opposition to a feasibility study that could permanently close the Downtown Lahaina Post Office, which has been under emergency suspension since the August 2023 wildfires.\n\n\"Lahaina residents are not moving into new subdivisions. They are returning to a historic community and to homes rebuilt on the same properties and at the same delivery points that existed before the fire,\" the delegation wrote. \"Lahaina\u2019s survivors have already borne extraordinary burdens in the aftermath of the wildfires. They should not be expected to shoulder additional burdens, costs, and disruptions resulting from changes to postal services that USPS has failed to adequately communicate, plan for, or implement.\"\n\nThe delegation called on USPS to take immediate corrective steps:\n\nReverse the classification of rebuilt Lahaina properties as \"new developments\" and restore pre-disaster direct mail delivery.\n\nEnsure affected residents have reasonable access to mail without additional costs or unnecessary disruptions while permanent delivery arrangements are established.\n\nDisclose full administrative, legal, and operational records detailing why direct delivery was cut before replacement infrastructure was ready.\n\nExplain why the Downtown Lahaina Post Office lease was not renewed, along with USPS\u2019s efforts to secure a new location.\n\nHold meaningful, accessible public meetings with residents and local businesses before making permanent changes.\n\nThe full letter to Postmaster General Steiner is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-pocan-introduce-legislation-to-end-student-loan-debt-crisis", "Schatz, Pocan Introduce Legislation to End Student Loan Debt Crisis", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) introduced the Debt-Free College Act, legislation that will reverse the growing student debt crisis in the United States. The bill restores a path to affordable college by providing states incentives through matching grants to increase investments in public higher education and provide students with debt-free college.\n\n\u201cSolving the student loan debt crisis means focusing on the full cost of college \u2013 that includes books, room and board, and supplies,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cOur bill brings states back to the table and leverages federal dollars to reinvest in public education and help students and their families cover the real cost of college.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery student in America deserves the opportunity to get a college education without student debt crushing them for years after graduation,\u201d said Representative Pocan. \u201cThe Debt-Free College Act creates a federal-state partnership that would enable students to attend college debt-free within five years. Student debt isn\u2019t just about tuition\u2014it\u2019s books, housing, supplies, and food. This bill reflects those true costs. If we believe in the value of our education system, then we should make it easier for students to pursue higher education, not financially burdensome for years to come. This bill helps ensure that college is accessible to all.\u201d\n\nThe Debt-Free College Act would establish a state-federal partnership that provides a dollar-for-dollar federal match to state higher education appropriations in exchange for a commitment to help students pay for the full cost of attendance without having to take on debt. The bicameral legislation, first introduced in 2018, was the first proposal to go beyond free tuition, and ensure that students leave college without the financial burden of student loan debt.\n\nAccording to the Education Data Initiative, 72 percent of student debt holders believe their student loan debt will delay homeownership. A 2025 survey from The Institute for College Access & Success found that student loans negatively impacted the ability to cover basic needs for more than 4 in 10 borrowers. 52 percent of borrowers reported that their loans negatively impacted their ability to save for retirement while nearly a third said loans impacted their plans to get married and start a family.\n\nThe bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.).\n\nIn the House, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Jes\u00fas Garc\u00eda (D-Ill.), and Cleo Fields (D-La.).\n\nThe text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-fbi-director-kash-patel-on-abuse-of-power-leadership-failures", "Hirono Presses FBI Director Kash Patel on Abuse of Power, Leadership Failures", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "~ Watch Senator Hirono\u2019s Statement Here ~\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, pressed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel on his repeated failure to uphold the ideals of the agency he leads. During a full Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Senator Hirono questioned Patel on his \u201cVIP snorkel tour\u201d and partying in Milan, following his failure to respond to her previous requests that he disclose his personal travel and its costs to American taxpayers. During her time, Senator Hirono traced a pattern of Patel\u2019s mismanagement of the FBI and raised concerns about his ability to lead an agency tasked with enforcing the law and investigating public corruption.\n\n\u201cYou have been at the helm of the FBI for almost two years, and the list of your failings is long and frankly growing,\u201d said Senator Hirono.\n\nSenator Hirono began her statement by highlighting Director Patel\u2019s irresponsible use of taxpayer money and disrespect for the sailors honored and entombed at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial during his \u201cVIP snorkeling trip,\u201d raising concerns about Patel\u2019s broader pattern of conducting personal travel events on American taxpayers\u2019 dime. Since 2020, these Pearl Harbor snorkeling tours have only been available to senior Defense officers, members of the military, and one American Congressman who served in the Special Forces\u2014with the notable exception of Director Patel, who is neither a member of defense leadership, nor a member or veteran of the American military.\n\n\u201cIf this snorkel tour were a one-off incident, that would be one thing. But it\u2019s part of a broader pattern of using your office to benefit yourself, showing your lack of judgment and character,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cYou have wasted untold taxpayer dollars driving around in foreign luxury cars, partying in Italy, and flying a private jet to play golf and watch hockey.\u201d\n\nSenator Hirono raised alarms about the mass firings at the FBI under Patel\u2019s leadership, including 12 Iran experts who were dismissed shortly before the beginning of the war in Iran. She also called attention to changes in FBI hiring policy under Patel that removed theft from an employer, sex solicitation, and bestiality from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications.\n\n\u201cI think all of us would love to know why an organization charged with investigating theft should bring thieves into its midst,\u201d said Senator Hirono.\n\nSenator Hirono listed some of the FBI\u2019s responsibilities, which include investigating sex crimes, drug trafficking, corruption, and foreign malign influence, as well as defending the nation against domestic threats, including ethnically and racially motivated extremists.\n\n\u201cThe good work still being done by the remaining FBI agents and analysts on the sort of cases you describe is happening in spite of, and not because of, your leadership,\u201d said Senator Hirono.\n\nSenator Hirono concluded her statement by highlighting Patel\u2019s failure to investigate multiple examples of public corruption the Trump Administration has engaged in, including the $400 million gifted jet from Qatar, offering tech billionaires special White House access in exchange for payment for the White House ballroom, and recent reporting of a Russian oligarch contributing $170,000 for Donald Trump Jr.\u2019s wedding.\n\n\u201cThe FBI is supposed to be investigating this sort of blatant public corruption,\u201d she said.\n\nTo see the full video of Senator Hirono\u2019s statement click here.\n\nA full transcript of Senator Hirono\u2019s statement is available below:\n\nMr. Patel, the FBI Director should at least try to be above reproach. But there are many questions and concerns raised about your judgment and character.\n\nFor example, in August 2025, you took a VIP snorkeling tour around the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, a sacred site. Sacred. That is why these tours are rare.\n\nSince 2020, only senior Defense officials, members of the military, and one congressman who was a special forces veteran have participated. And then came you.\n\nWhen this incident came to light in May, Senators Schumer, Durbin, and I sent you a letter.\n\nAnd we asked you three simple questions:\n\nFirst: what personal travel have you taken as FBI Director?\n\nTwo: what non-official activities have you attended as part of official travel?\n\nThree: what has been the cost to taxpayers of these kinds of activities?\n\nThree months later, we have received no response.\n\nMr. Patel, when can we expect your response to that letter?\n\nIs there a date anywhere when we can expect a response? I don\u2019t have a response, do you have it with you? Maybe you can hand it to me.\n\nThe reason I ask that is because I had a director who said that there was a report that he had, right then and there. And then it didn\u2019t come to me until a lot later.\n\nIf you have a response, give it to me right now please. I assume there is no response.\n\nI\u2019m not going to be holding my breath that you will provide that response.\n\nIf this snorkel tour were a one-off incident, that would be one thing. But it\u2019s part of a broader pattern of using your office to benefit yourself, showing your lack of judgement and character.\n\nYou have wasted untold taxpayer dollars driving around in foreign luxury cars, partying in Italy, and flying a private jet to play golf and watch hockey.\n\nThere has been bipartisan criticism. I\u2019m glad to know that some of my Republican colleagues actually criticized some of this activity, and they have criticized this waste and abuse. Maybe today one of my Republican colleagues will demand an explanation.\n\nNow, Mr. Patel, you have clearly politicized the FBI. And whenever you are asked, even today, questions you don\u2019t feel like answering you respond it\u2019s \u201congoing\u201d it\u2019s \u201cpart of an investigation.\u201d You think that covers everything and so you don\u2019t answer.\n\nThat is what you\u2019ve resorted to, aside from, I\u2019ve just watched you today in a very combative mode with my colleague Senator Welch and you attacking him, which is also the way you approach questions that you don\u2019t want to answer.\n\nAnd then I note your recent appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee, I\u2019ll get to that in a bit.\n\nTo be clear, there are many things you should answer for. You have been at the helm of the FBI for almost two years, and the list of your failings is long and frankly growing.\n\nYou have decimated the FBI workforce. The FBI today is down thousands of dedicated professionals who worked to keep our country safe. And frankly, your answers to questions along those lines have been unbelievable.\n\nIf I thought I could get a truthful answer out of you, I\u2019d ask you questions like what the hell you were thinking firing a dozen Iran experts on the eve of an illegal war with Iran.\n\nThe good work still being done by the remaining FBI agents and analysts on the sort of cases you describe are happening in spite of, and not because of you.\n\nYou have lowered hiring standards to allow applicants with a history of bestiality and theft to serve as FBI employees.\n\nI think all of us would love to know why an organization charged with investigating theft should bring thieves into your midst. But you won\u2019t give a straight answer as to why this change was made to your hiring, even to Senator Kennedy\u2019s questions this morning.\n\nI think he\u2019s still pretty mystified that bestiality was taken off the list.\n\nYou have been so drunk that briefings have been rescheduled so you could sleep it off.\n\nWhen challenged by Senator Van Hollen at the Appropriations hearing several months ago to take an alcoholism test, you agreed. Sen. Van Hollen has posted the results of his test. We\u2019re all still waiting to see post the results of your test.\n\nThe FBI has long identified Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists, including White Nationalists, as the most lethal group of domestic terrorists in our country. Your FBI no longer talks about that threat. You no longer post about it. And it\u2019s not because the threat has gone away.\n\nYou approved so-called \u201csurges\u201d where FBI agents were diverted to low-level, non-criminal, immigration enforcement, something we know is near and dear to the President\u2019s heart, when these agents should be focused on important missions such as preventing sex crimes, elder fraud, and drug trafficking.\n\nYou have undermined prosecutions by posting details to your social media. You testified today to questions you don\u2019t feel like answering \u201cit\u2019s ongoing, it\u2019s under investigation, can\u2019t talk about it\u201d and yet, you have actually posted for things that are ongoing and where you should keep your mouth shut.\n\nYour FBI executed a raid of an elections office in Fulton County, Georgia, and seized ballots in an effort to prove the President\u2019s unhinged conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. Another thing near and dear to the President\u2019s heart in which you sought to help him out on.\n\nAnd yet, you have done nothing about the rampant corruption now taking place at the highest levels of the executive branch:\n\nWe all know that President Trump accepted a $400 million dollar jet from Qatar, which he plans to keep after he leaves office.\n\nTech billionaires received special access to the White House in exchange for paying for the President\u2019s new ballroom vanity project.\n\nPardons have been available for $1 million dollar contributions to the President\u2019s campaign.\n\nAnd just this week, it has been revealed that a Russian Oligarch paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for Donald Trump Jr. to have his wedding on a private island.\n\nThe FBI is supposed to be investigating this sort of blatant public corruption, not turning a blind eye.\n\nMr. Patel, this country needs an FBI who will give us straight answers, not the kind of rhetoric that you have provided once again today. It is a disservice to this Committee\u2019s oversight functions and certainly a disservice to the American people.\n\nIt is no wonder former AG Bill Barr said you would take a leadership role at the FBI over his dead body. And yet, here you are.\n\nMr. Chairman, I\u2019m done with this witness.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-joins-van-hollen-kaine-sanders-senators-in-introducing-privileged-resolution-seeking-answers-on-west-bank-violence", "Schatz Joins Van Hollen, Kaine, Sanders, Senators in Introducing Privileged Resolution Seeking Answers on West Bank Violence", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) are leading 20 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a 502B privileged resolution requiring the Department of State to report to Congress on increasing violence in the West Bank, including the killings of Americans in the West Bank. Nine Americans have been killed in the West Bank in recent years \u2013 and more detained \u2013 and none have received accountability or justice from either the Israeli or United States Governments. The Senators\u2019 resolution would require the Department of State to provide information and assessments related to investigations of the killing of United States citizens by violent Israeli settlers or Israeli security forces in the West Bank, as well as an assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank, specifically related to the detention of Palestinian children.\n\nThey were joined in introducing the resolution by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai\u2018i), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).\n\n\u201cSettlers have attacked and killed Palestinians and Americans in the West Bank for years, too often without any real accountability from the Israeli government. We need answers about why this violence has been allowed to continue and what concrete steps are being taken to prevent future tragedies. When settler violence goes unchecked, it puts lives at risk and further undermines the prospects for lasting peace in the region,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\n\u201cThis Administration has said ensuring the safety and security of American citizens abroad is one of its highest priorities. And yet, as we\u2019ve seen violence rise in the West Bank, American citizens have been killed time and again, and they have received no justice and no accountability. It\u2019s past time we get answers on their deaths \u2013 and on the growing violent Israeli settler attacks and the injustices Palestinians in the West Bank face on a daily basis. This resolution will require the State Department to begin to produce these answers, which are owed to the families of those who have lost loved ones, to the American people, and to all of those who want to ensure recipients of U.S. taxpayer dollars are acting in line with our laws and our values,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe violence committed by Israeli settlers in the West Bank is reaching an unprecedented level, and as a result more and more Americans and Palestinians are being killed and injured. These actions\u2014and the Israeli government\u2019s lack of response to this violence\u2014are unacceptable and threaten the long-term safety and security of the entire region,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cFriends need to listen to each other, and my colleagues and I have repeatedly urged Israeli leaders to take firmer action to curtail illegal settlements in the West Bank, prosecute violent settlers, and protect Palestinian residents as well as American citizens living in or visiting the West Bank. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this resolution to require the State Department to conduct a formal assessment and provide a report to Congress on the situation in the West Bank, in particular the safety and security of Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery day, Palestinians in the West Bank experience horrific violence at the hands of Israeli settlers and security forces \u2014 and for years, the Israeli government has offered impunity instead of accountability. Enough is enough. The United States cannot keep bankrolling this violence and looking the other way \u2014 it\u2019s time to end our complicity, once and for all,\u201d said Senator Sanders.\n\n\u201cIn my visits to the West Bank, I\u2019ve heard numerous stories about the organized strategy of harassment and violence settlers are inflicting upon Palestinian villagers and Palestinian Americans. Tactics include cutting off villagers from their wells, their vineyards, and their orchards, burning their vehicles, and assaulting defenseless individuals, all with the implicit support of the Netanyahu government. This is wrong under every moral code,\u201d said Senator Merkley. \u201cThis resolution demands answers about these abuses and accountability for those responsible.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Netanyahu government has failed to stop Israeli security forces and settler attacks in the West Bank for years, including attacks that killed American citizens. The Trump administration has even gone so far as to reverse sanctions against individuals connected to this pattern of horrific violence. It's long past time for the U.S. government to stand up for human rights, investigate this violence against Americans and Palestinian civilians, provide full information to Congress, and hold the perpetrators accountable,\u201d said Senator Warren.\n\n\u201cIsraeli settlers in the West Bank have perpetrated violent crimes against Palestinians, including American citizens, with impunity. It is completely reasonable for Congress to demand our own government to report who was involved in these attacks. The United States has a moral obligation to seek justice for both our own citizens and Palestinians, including many children, targeted by Israeli security forces or settlers in the West Bank,\u201d said Senator Smith. \u201cA mature democracy can face up to its failures and commit to doing better. I am not at all convinced that Benjamin Netanyahu\u2019s government is up to that task, which is why it\u2019s up to the United States.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have a responsibility to protect Americans abroad and seek justice when Americans are killed,\u201d said Senator Luj\u00e1n. \u201cThe escalating violence in the West Bank and lack of accountability for the deaths of American citizens are deeply concerning. This resolution will help us get the answers we need, demand accountability, and ensure that we have a better assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank.\u201d\n\n\u201cIsraeli military and police forces are a leading perpetrator of deadly violence against American civilians\u2014including 9 killed since 2022,\u201d said Senator Welch. \u201cToo often there are no serious investigations and there is no accountability after violent attacks. Israel should be held to the same standards as every other nation when it comes to the lives of American citizens\u2014that\u2019s what this resolution demands.\u201d\n\n\u201cViolent, lethal lawlessness on the West Bank is a betrayal of Israel\u2019s moral standing and our shared values, and must be stopped. This resolution is now necessary, after so many have urged action and violence only continues to rise. Failing to enforce clear legal prohibitions and protections has cost American and Palestinian lives \u2013 and deeply threatens a peaceful, stable future for all Israelis and Palestinians,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cI have long said that continued settlement activity is one of the obstacles to a long term two-state solution. Recent settler violence only further undermines this goal and demands a serious response from the Netanyahu government\u2014a message this resolution clearly conveys,\u201d said Senator Durbin.\n\n\u201cWe have a responsibility to ensure the killing of American citizens is thoroughly investigated anywhere in the world,\u201d said Senator Shaheen. \u201cThese killings and extremist settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank undermine the rule of law and threaten a two-state solution. I\u2019m proud to join this resolution to send the message from Congress that the United States will not sign off on unchecked escalation. I encourage the Trump Administration to continue to make clear that the U.S. opposes annexation of the West Bank and extremist settler policies.\u201d\n\n\"The United States cannot look the other way when Americans are killed or when Palestinians are subjected to violence and displacement, and neither can Israel. We must send a clear message to the Trump administration and the Israeli government: New Mexicans will not stand by while U.S. citizens are killed by violent Israeli settlers and the Israeli military,\u201d said Heinrich. \"We need to end the bloodshed and work toward lasting peace in the region. That starts with holding President Netanyahu accountable for the human rights abuses taking place in the West Bank and making clear that American taxpayers will not provide a blank check for the Israeli government to kill U.S. citizens and kill and displace Palestinians. This resolution will get us closer to real accountability from the Trump Administration and the Israeli Government.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe escalating settler violence in the West Bank has claimed the lives of Americans and innocent Palestinian civilians. Both the Trump administration and Netanyahu government have failed to ensure accountability and justice for these families or meaningfully provide for the safety and security of those in the West Bank. This resolution will help Congress receive information it needs to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars do not bankroll such abuses,\u201d said Senator Wyden.\n\nThe resolution draws upon Section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act, which allows Congress to file a privileged resolution that, if passed, would require the State Department to provide information on any country receiving U.S. security assistance and that country\u2019s observance of internationally-recognized human rights. After introduction, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has ten days to consider it in committee, and if it fails to do so, the resolution can be called up for a vote on the Senate floor. If the resolution passes the Senate, the Trump Administration must submit the report within 30 days or the majority of security assistance authorized to Israel would be prohibited. If the resolution passes, and following the receipt of the State Department report, Congress may consider any necessary changes to U.S. security assistance to that country in light of the information received. If the Administration declines or fails to submit the required report, the Administration\u2019s decision would prompt the termination of certain covered security assistance programs for Israel.\n\nText of the resolution is available here.", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-approval-of-presidential-disaster-declaration-requests-following-hurricanes-lowell-and-lala", "Hawai\u2018i Congressional Delegation Urges Approval of Presidential Disaster Declaration Requests Following Hurricanes Lowell and Lala", "2026-09-13", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai\u2018i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai\u2018i) today urged for the approval of Governor Josh Green\u2019s requests for Presidential Major Disaster Declarations for communities across the state impacted by Hurricanes Lowell and Lala. President Donald Trump\u2019s approval of the requests would help ensure that affected communities can access critical federal funding and resources needed to support response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.\n\nIn their letter to the president, the delegation wrote, \u201cWe request that you act quickly to grant Hawai\u2018i access to all available assistance from federal agencies to speed our recovery from a succession of extreme events in less than six months: the Kona Lows (March), the Kona earthquake (May), Hurricane Lala (August), Tropical Storm Moke (August), and Hurricane Lowell (September). The cumulative impact of these events exceeds the capacity of the State and our counties, warranting federal assistance.\u201d\n\n\u201cSwift approval of these requests would ensure urgently needed aid to Hawai?i residents who have been impacted by these disasters, including expanded eligibility for food assistance under the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) for individuals who experienced disaster-related losses or the interruption of their income due to Lala,\u201d the delegation continued.\n\nThe full text of the delegation\u2019s letter can be found below and is available here.\n\nDear President Trump:\n\nWe request that you act quickly to grant Hawai\u2018i access to all available assistance from federal agencies to speed our recovery from a succession of extreme events in less than six months: the Kona Lows (March), the Kona earthquake (May), Hurricane Lala (August), Tropical Storm Moke (August), and Hurricane Lowell (September). The cumulative impact of these events exceeds the capacity of the State and our counties, warranting federal assistance.\n\nSpecifically, we write in support of:\n\nGovernor Josh Green\u2019s September 9, 2026, expedited request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the Counties of Kaua\u2018i and Maui as a result of Hurricane Lowell; and\n\nThe Governor\u2019s September 9, 2026, request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Hawai\u2018i as a result of Hurricane Lala, followed by Tropical Storm Moke.\n\nSwift approval of these requests would ensure urgently needed aid to Hawai?i residents who have been impacted by these disasters, including expanded eligibility for food assistance under the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) for individuals who experienced disaster-related losses or the interruption of their income due to Lala.\n\nWe are grateful for your disaster declarations for the Kona Lows and the Kona Earthquake and respectfully ask your continued support for the recovery of the people of Hawai\u2018i.\n\nHurricane Lowell\n\nHurricane Lowell had extreme impacts on Kaua\u2018i and Maui Counties\u2019 basic infrastructure, which left communities isolated. At its peak, Lowell brought gusts of 87 miles per hour in Nawiliwili and 84 miles per hour in Lihu\u2018e. Rainfall reached 17 inches in Kauai\u2018i\u2019s higher elevations, and storm surge of 2 to 4 feet impacted the south and west coasts of the islands of Kaua\u2018i and Ni\u2018ihau. Lowell also brought storm surge and heavy rains throughout the state.\n\nThe Kaua\u2018i Island Utility Cooperative reported that approximately 90 percent\u2014more than 33,000 of its 36,000 member accounts\u2014experienced a power outage during the storm. Thousands of Kauai\u2018i\u2019s residents still lack electricity to refrigerate their food and medications. At its peak, Lowell forced the closure of all of Kaua\u2018i\u2019s commercial ports and Lihu\u2018e airport, which effectively shut down external access to the island. Compounding these impacts, numerous roads were impassable due to fallen trees, other debris, and flooding, which isolated communities and has made it difficult for the Kaua\u2018i Island Utility Cooperative to assess and repair damaged electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure.\n\nLana\u2018i\u2019s Kaumalapa\u2018u Harbor, the sole commercial cargo access to the island of Lana\u2018i, was also damaged during Lowell and is inoperable. Lana\u2018i\u2019s three thousand residents depend on Kaumalapa\u2018u Harbor for food, fuel, medical supplies, and all construction and repair materials.\n\nHurricane Lala\n\nFrom August 14 to 16, 2026, Hurricane Lala brought severe impacts across the State of Hawai\u2018i. Some areas of the State received between 20 to 40 inches of rain, which caused flooding, runoff, and landslides that had significant impacts to communities, transportation systems, utilities, and public infrastructure across the state.\n\nCommunities in Hawai\u2018i County\u2019s Ka\u2018u district sustained particularly heavy impacts. These communities are connected to the rest of the county by a single primary highway corridor, known as Highway 11, which suffered major damage from the flash flooding, mudslides, and heavy debris caused by Lala. As a result, community members were physically isolated while they lost access to electric and cellular service, fuel, groceries, and medical care. Severe slope failure at Na\u2018alehu Cemetery caused the disinterment of human remains, creating an urgent public health, cultural, and operational challenge.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) validated Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment confirms over $67 million in damages statewide that would be eligible under Categories A \u2013 G of FEMA\u2019s Public Assistance (PA) program. Assessments of damage to residences eligible under FEMA\u2019s Individual Assistance (IA) program confirm 267 damaged residences statewide across three counties, with Hawai\u2018i County accounting for 217 of the damaged residences.\n\nFederal Assistance\n\nTo effectively respond and recover from these two hurricanes, we support the Governor\u2019s requests for federal assistance. Specifically, we urge you to approve for Hurricane Lowell:\n\nA Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Hawai\u2018i;\n\nAll applicable categories of FEMA\u2019s PA program for Kaua\u2018i and Maui Counties;\n\nAll applicable categories of FEMA\u2019s IA program for Kaua\u2018i and Maui Counties, including the Other Needs Assistance program;\n\nFEMA\u2019s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (statewide); and\n\nthe Small Business Administration\u2019s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program for Kaua\u2018i and Maui Counties.\n\nWe also urge you to approve the following regarding Hurricane Lala:\n\nA Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Hawai\u2018i;\n\nAll applicable categories of FEMA\u2019s PA program for Hawai\u2018i, Honolulu, and Maui Counties;\n\nAll applicable categories of FEMA\u2019s IA program for Hawai\u2018i, Honolulu, and Maui Counties, including the Other Needs Assistance program;\n\nFEMA\u2019s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (statewide); and\n\nDirect federal assistance as required.\n\nWe are grateful for your consideration of these requests and look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead to help Hawai\u2018i recover and rebuild.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-introduces-bipartisan-reh-20-to-strengthen-rural-hospitals", "Rep. Tokuda Introduces Bipartisan REH 2.0 to Strengthen Rural Hospitals", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Jill N. Tokuda", "T000487", "tokuda.house.gov", "tokuda", "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), alongside Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Don Davis (NC-01), and Carol Miller (R-WV) introduced the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act (REH 2.0).\n\nCongress created the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation in 2020 as a lifeline for struggling rural hospitals at risk of closure, providing enhanced Medicare reimbursement for certain emergency and outpatient services and a monthly facility payment in exchange for transitioning away from traditional inpatient care. But the program has fallen short of its promise. Despite more than 1,500 eligible hospitals, only about 40 have converted. Hospitals have cited the loss of inpatient and other essential services, 340B drug discounts, costly facility requirements, and restrictive eligibility rules as barriers, leaving many rural communities without a viable path to preserving local access to care.\n\nREH 2.0 seeks to strengthen the REH model by allowing these hospitals to maintain distinct inpatient psychiatric and obstetric units, providing dedicated funding for laboratory services, and clarifying state Medicaid payment flexibilities.\n\n\u201cToo many rural hospitals are on the brink of closure, forcing them to make impossible choices about which essential services they can afford to keep. Rural America already struggles with access to healthcare, and I\u2019ve seen firsthand how difficult that reality is for hospitals in Hawai\u2019i, where the cost of delivering care is often significantly higher,\" said Rep. Tokuda. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to strengthen the vital REH model, giving rural hospitals the flexibility and financial stability they need to keep their doors open and maintain critical services.\"\n\n\"The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is grateful to Representatives Tokuda, Mann, Davids, Bergman, Davis, and Miller for leading the introduction of the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Improvement Act, which will allow more critical access hospitals (CAHs) and rural hospitals at risk of closure to sustain health care services in rural communities. REH designations play a critical role in preserving needed access to care by allowing financially strained rural facilities to convert their licenses to maintain 24/7 emergency and outpatient services instead of shutting down completely. We are ecstatic to see legislation that continues to support rural hospital viability and sustain rural healthcare access,\u201d said Alan Morgan, CEO, NRHA.\n\nThe Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act would:\n\nAllow hospitals that closed or downsized between 2015 and 2020 to apply for \u201cREH\u201d status and give federal health officials flexibility to approve similar rural facilities.\n\nAllow REHs to maintain or establish inpatient psychiatric, obstetric, and rehabilitation services.\n\nExpand access to swing beds and skilled nursing care.\n\nMake REHs eligible for federal workforce and rural hospital improvement programs.\n\nIncrease Medicare payments for laboratory services by 5% and clarify Medicaid payment for REH services.\n\nPermit certain REHs to return to \u201cCritical Access Hospital\u201d status if the model no longer meets their community\u2019s needs.\n\nSenators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The full bill text is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-roundtable-discussion-on-improving-repatriation-of-native-hawaiian-remains-cultural-items", "Schatz Leads Roundtable Discussion on Improving Repatriation of Native Hawaiian Remains, Cultural Items", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Schatz\u2019s Efforts To Press Museums, Institutions Has Resulted In Over 400% Increase In Notices Of Intent To Repatriate Items\n\nHONOLULU \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led a roundtable discussion on the status of repatriating Native Hawaiian ancestral remains and cultural items under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and ways to improve the law\u2019s implementation in Hawai\u2018i.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve seen a significant uptick in efforts by museums and institutions to comply with federal law and repatriate remains and cultural items back to Native Hawaiians and other Native communities, where they belong,\u201d said Vice Chair Schatz. \u201cBut our work is not over, and this discussion was a chance to hear about what Congress can do to strengthen the law to improve compliance and speed up repatriation.\u201d\n\nJoining Schatz in the roundtable discussion were Kaiali\u2018i Kahele, Chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Dr. Kristofer Helgen, President and CEO of the Bishop Museum; Dr. Halena Kapuni-Reynolds, Associate Curator of Native Hawaiian History and Culture at the National Museum of the American Indian; Dr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer, Dean and Professor at the Hawai?inuiakea School of Hawaiian Knowledge and the University of Hawai?i at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law; and Dr. Kehaunani Abad, Vice President of Uluhiwa Strategy and Experience at Kamehameha Schools.\n\nSince 2023, Schatz has repeatedly pressed more than 70 institutions with the largest unrepatriated NAGPRA collections to comply with the law. As a result, notices of intent from museums and institutions to repatriate NAGPRA items have increased by over 400 percent. Schatz is working on new legislation to strengthen NAGPRA in several areas, including creating opportunities for improved relationships between museums and communities, compliance, enforcement, and funding.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-schatz-mcmahon-agreement-education-department-set-to-deliver-nearly-30-million-in-federal-funding-to-hawaii-providers-by-friday", "Following Schatz-McMahon Agreement, Education Department Set to Deliver Nearly $30 Million in Federal Funding to Hawai\u2018i Providers by Friday", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "HONOLULU \u2013 Following an agreement between U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the U.S Department of Education finalized an extension to fully fund the Native Hawaiian Education Program for another year and today awarded $29.7 million of that funding, which is set to go to Hawai\u2018i providers by Friday. The remaining funding from the extension agreement is expected to be released in the coming weeks. Federal funding for the Native Hawaiian Education Program supports more than 60 early childhood education sites across Hawai\u2018i and sustains other critical education programs, including home visiting for children under 5, workforce development for parents, and Hawaiian language immersion programs. The federally funded programs serve more than 3,000 Hawai\u2018i families.\n\n\u201cThis is good news for Hawai\u2018i. This money helps thousands of young kids develop learning skills and gives Native Hawaiian families more affordable child care options,\u201d said Senator Schatz, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to Secretary McMahon for working with us to protect this funding and will continue fighting every day to make sure Hawai\u2018i gets its fair share of federal dollars.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4967", "Federal Aviation Administration Denies Trident Adventures' Petition To Operate Tour Helicopter Snorkel and Scuba Drops Into State Waters", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has denied a petition from Trident Adventures for an exemption to the FAA\u2019s rules governing the use of aircraft safety belts and supplemental restraints which would allow the company to continue operating its so-called \u201chelocast\u201d jumps from helicopters into the ocean while hovering at low altitude above the water.\n\nCase had joined many others in communicating his strong opposition to the petition. In his letter to the FAA, Case said that Trident Adventures \u201chas temporarily suspended this activity and is seeking an exemption from applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations to resume conducting helocast jumps as part of its tour operations.\n\nCase noted that the petition called for an exemption \u201cthat would allow temporary release of passenger restraints during a stabilized helicopter hover approximately 10 to 35 feet above open water for the purpose of conducting controlled water-entry operations.\n\n\u201cThese provisions are critical to maintaining the safety of air travel, regardless of flight altitude or aircraft stability. Trident Adventures seeks to rely on its low-altitude, stable flight operations as grounds for an exemption from passenger restraint requirements and the resumption of helocast operations.\u201d\n\n\u201cAny uncertainty regarding whether air-tour services such as those proposed by Trident Adventures are authorized to operate and comply with the applicable regulatory framework would place public safety at risk.\u201d\n\nThe FAA noted that Trident Adventures was \u201cnot seeking a reduction in safety standards or operational oversight but believes that their operational history, documented procedures, training programs, and conservative performance based operating limitations together demonstrate an equivalent or greater level of safety\u201d as called for in the agency\u2019s rules.\n\nHowever, in its analysis of the company\u2019s helocast operations, the FAA noted that while the company made assurances for passenger safety \u201cthe operational and environmental controls do not provide an equivalent level of protection against slip, loss of footing, aircraft motion, turbulence, windblast, sudden control input, or human error that the regulation\u2019s restraint framework is intended to provide.\u201d\n\nThe FAA went on to say that \u201ceven under favorable conditions a participant remains exposed to the possibility of a fall caused by unexpected aircraft movement, momentary loss of balance, wet or unstable footing, downwash effects, or sudden participant movement.\n\n\u201cTherefore, although the controls put in place by Trident Adventures may reduce the probability of encountering a degraded operating environment and reduce the likelihood of an inadvertent separation of persons from the aircraft, the FAA finds that they do not provide for a level of safety at least equivalent to the restraint-based protections required by \u00a7 91.108 once the participant is no longer seated and restrained inside the aircraft.\u201d\n\nAfter reviewing the petition, the FAA in its 21-page ruling found that \u201ca grant of exemption would not provide an equivalent level of safety\u201d as defined in its rules \u201cand therefore would not be in the public interest.\u201d\n\nFAA denial of the petition is here\n\nCase letter opposing the petition is here\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-to-hold-statewide-telephone-town-hall-on-sept-1", "Rep. Tokuda to Hold Statewide Telephone Town Hall on Sept. 1", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Jill N. Tokuda", "T000487", "tokuda.house.gov", "tokuda", "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) will host a statewide telephone town hall on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. HST. Rep. Tokuda will take questions live over the phone from residents across the islands, discuss pressing issues facing local families, and share updates on federal priorities impacting Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s communities.\n\nResidents are encouraged to RSVP to receive an automatic call when the town hall begins. Anyone who does not receive a call can dial in directly at 833-946-1568 or listen via the livestream on Rep. Tokuda\u2019s Facebook page.\n\nTo RSVP and learn more, please visit the Events page on Rep. Tokuda\u2019s website at tokuda.house.gov or call her Hawai\u02bbi office at 808-746-6220.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-local-leaders-discuss-expanding-housing-access-for-native-hawaiians", "Schatz, Local Leaders Discuss Expanding Housing Access for Native Hawaiians", "2026-08-30", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "HONOLULU \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led a roundtable discussion with local leaders about innovations and partnerships that are helping to expand housing access for Native Hawaiians.\n\n\u201cHawai\u2018i\u2019s housing crisis affects everyone, including Native Hawaiians,\u201d said Vice Chair Schatz. \u201cWe simply have to make it easier to build housing. I appreciated hearing directly from leaders who are working every day to get more housing built about what we can do to help.\u201d\n\nSchatz was joined in the discussion by Hawai\u2018i State Representative Kirstin Kahaloa; Kali Watson, Chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission; Kuhio Lewis, President and CEO of the Hawaiian Council; Lee Wang, Executive Director of Housing Hawai\u2018i\u2019s Future; and Damien Waikoloa, Chapter Lead of Hawai\u2018i YIMBY.\n\nEarlier this year, he introduced the NAHASDA Modernization Act, comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and modernize federal housing programs serving Native Hawaiians and other Native communities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/joint-statement-from-us-representative-jill-n-tokuda-and-councilmember-tamara-paltin-on-the-lahaina-downtown-post-office", "Joint Statement from U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda and Councilmember Tamara Paltin on the Lahaina Downtown Post Office", "2026-08-26", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Jill N. Tokuda", "T000487", "tokuda.house.gov", "tokuda", "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "scraper", "Hawai\u02bbi \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) and Maui County Councilmember Tamara Paltin released the following joint statement opposing the proposed permanent closure of the Lahaina Downtown Post Office.\n\n\u201cTo permanently close the Lahaina Downtown Post Office is yet another slap in the face to a community that has already endured far too much. Lahaina has gone without this downtown post office since the August 2023 wildfires.\n\nNow, as families and small businesses rebuild, USPS wants to eliminate another essential public service. The people of Lahaina deserve better.\n\nA 30-minute online meeting held during the workday, with only a few days\u2019 notice, does not constitute meaningful community engagement. It excludes working families, k\u016bpuna, and residents without reliable internet access, and falls far short of the transparency and public participation this decision demands. The people of Lahaina deserve a genuine opportunity to be heard, not a half-hearted process designed to check a box.\n\nAnd it comes as residents moving back into rebuilt homes are facing another loss: direct home mail delivery. Rebuilt neighborhoods are not new subdivisions. They are restored communities, and residents deserve the same level of service they had before the disaster.\n\nUSPS should be working with Lahaina to restore service, not finding new ways to take it away. We are demanding a halt to this closure plan, genuine in-person engagement with the community, home delivery for returning residents, and a serious effort to restore the downtown post office. Lahaina has been through enough. Our community deserves more than a pitiful excuse for engagement. It deserves a Postal Service that shows up, listens, and helps rebuild Lahaina, not one that abandons it.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-usda-announcement-hirono-encourages-agricultural-producers-impacted-by-lala-to-apply-for-federal-disaster-assistance", "Following USDA Announcement, Hirono Encourages Agricultural Producers Impacted by Lala to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance", "2026-08-25", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "HONOLULU, H.I. \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be offering technical and financial assistance to help Hawaii\u2019s farmers, ranchers, and livestock producers recover from Hurricane Lala. Impacted Hawaii agricultural producers could be eligible for multiple federal programs designed to support farmers and ranchers after natural disasters.\n\n\u201cAs we continue assessing the damages from Hurricane Lala and begin our recovery efforts, I\u2019m committed to ensuring that Hawaii\u2019s farmers, ranchers, and livestock producers receive the resources they need,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThe federal assistance from USDA\u2019s emergency loans and land restoration programs will help our state\u2019s agricultural producers rebuild quickly and receive compensation for their losses. I urge all impacted operators to document their losses immediately and connect with their local USDA Service Center.\u201d\n\nUSDA announced that Hawaii\u2019s farmers, ranchers and livestock producers could be eligible for the following programs aimed at supporting recovery efforts from Hurricane Lala:\n\nLivestock Indemnity Program (LIP): Producers who experience livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality or sell injured livestock at a reduced price may be eligible. To participate in LIP, producers must provide acceptable documentation of death losses or evidence of reduced sales resulting from an eligible adverse event, including an adverse weather event, and submit a notice of loss to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) no later than March 1, 2027, for 2026 calendar year losses.\n\nEmergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP): Provides eligible livestock producers with compensation for feed and grazing losses. For honeybees, ELAP may cover colony loss and damage to hives and purchased or produced feed. ELAP may also cover purchased or produced farm-raised fish feed losses for feed that was intended to be fed to eligible farm-raised fish along with any physical inventory loss of the eligible farm raised fish. For ELAP, producers are required to complete a notice of loss and submit a payment application to their local FSA office no later than March 1, 2027, for 2026 calendar year losses.\n\nTree Assistance Program (TAP): Provides eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers with cost-share assistance to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes or vines. TAP complements the?Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program?(NAP) or crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. For TAP, a program application must be filed within 90 days of the disaster event or the date when the loss of the trees, bushes or vines is apparent\n\nAdditionally, FSA offers a variety of direct and guaranteed?farm loans, including operating and emergency farm loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing. Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low interest?emergency loans?to help them recover from production and physical losses. Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover family living expenses or refinance farm-related debts and other needs.\n\nAdditionally, FSA offers several loan servicing options available for borrowers who are unable to make scheduled payments on their farm loan programs debt to the agency because of reasons beyond their control.????\n\nThe Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) provides low-interest financing so producers can build, repair, replace or upgrade facilities to store commodities. Loan terms vary from three to 12 years. Producers who incurred damage to or loss of their equipment or infrastructure funded by the FSFL program should contact their insurance agent and their local USDA Service Center. Producers in need of on-farm storage should also contact USDA.??\n\nAdditional USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov. Those resources include the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, Loan Assistance Tool, and Natural Disasters and Crop Insurance fact sheet. Additionally, FarmRaise offers an FSA educational hub with LIP and ELAP decision tools as well as farm loan resource videos. For FSA and NRCS programs, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-26T05:33:32Z", "2026-08-26T05:34:56Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-approval-of-emergency-declaration", "Schatz Statement on Approval of Emergency Declaration", "2026-08-25", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "HONOLULU \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) released the following statement on President Donald Trump\u2019s approval of an emergency declaration that will bring significant relief to communities impacted by Hurricane Lala. Last week, Schatz and the Hawai\u2018i congressional delegation urged the president to quickly approve Governor Green\u2019s emergency declaration request.\n\n\u201cThis emergency declaration will bring critical federal resources to communities impacted by Hurricane Lala and help with restoring essential services, clearing debris, and repairing damaged infrastructure.\n\n\u201cWe will continue working with Governor Green, county leaders, and the administration to make sure Hawai\u2018i gets the support it needs to recover.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-quick-approval-of-emergency-declaration-request-following-hurricane-lala", "Hawai\u2018i Congressional Delegation Urges Quick Approval Of Emergency Declaration Request Following Hurricane Lala", "2026-08-22", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "HONOLULU \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai\u2018i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai\u2018i) today released the following statement of support after Governor Josh Green requested an emergency declaration from the president following Hurricane Lala.\n\n\u201cAn emergency declaration is critical to ensuring Hawai?i has the federal resources it needs to continue recovering from Hurricane Lala. On Hawai?i Island, communities are still experiencing power outages and damaged infrastructure, while local resources continue to be stretched thin by the recovery effort. Additional emergency federal support will help the state and counties immediately restore essential services, clear debris, repair critical roads, and support people affected by the hurricane.\n\n\u201cWith another storm approaching, it is especially important that these recovery efforts continue without delay. We urge swift approval of Governor Green\u2019s request for an emergency declaration and the additional federal assistance it will provide.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-urging-from-schatz-transportation-department-approves-initial-6-million-in-emergency-federal-funds-for-hurricane-lala-recovery", "Following Urging From Schatz, Transportation Department Approves Initial $6 Million In Emergency Federal Funds For Hurricane Lala Recovery", "2026-08-19", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "HONOLULU \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai?i) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved an initial $6 million in Emergency Relief \u201cquick release\u201d funds to help Hawai?i repair transportation infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Lala. The approval follows a call from Schatz to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy on Sunday, urging quick approval of the federal funding.\n\n\u201cThis will help Hawai?i move quickly from emergency response to recovery and get our communities back on their feet,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cLala brought devastating flooding, damaged roads and bridges, knocked out power, and left communities isolated. These federal funds will help Hawai?i move quickly to clear debris, restore access, and begin making the repairs our roads and highways need.\u201d\n\nThe $6 million in \u201cquick release\u201d funding will provide immediate federal assistance as the state continues assessing storm-related transportation damage and carrying out recovery work. Additional federal funding and resources for Hawai\u2018i are expected in the coming weeks and months.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-20T05:28:41Z", "2026-08-20T05:29:58Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-transportation-secretary-duffy-discuss-federal-support-for-hawaiis-recovery-from-tropical-storm-lala", "Schatz, Transportation Secretary Duffy Discuss Federal Support for Hawai\u2018i\u2019s Recovery from Tropical Storm Lala", "2026-08-16", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "HONOLULU \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) spoke with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy today about providing federal support as Hawai\u2018i recovers from Tropical Storm Lala. Schatz urged Secretary Duffy to approve a forthcoming request from the state for emergency funding to help clear debris and repair roads and highways that have been damaged by the storm.\n\n\u201cI had a constructive conversation with Secretary Duffy, and he offered to help with Hawai\u2018i\u2019s recovery from Tropical Storm Lala,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cClearing and restoring roads is a top priority, and we\u2019re working closely with state and federal agencies to deliver the resources needed to do it as quickly as possible.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-talks-story-with-small-business-owners-students-law-enforcement-officers-and-staff-across-maui", "Schatz Talks Story With Small Business Owners, Students, Law Enforcement Officers And Staff Across Maui", "2026-08-12", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "KAHULUI \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) met with students, small business owners, and law enforcement officers and personnel across Maui. Schatz listened to their priorities and concerns, provided updates on his work in the Senate, and took questions on rising costs, federal funding for Maui, disaster recovery, housing, and education, among other topics.\n\n\u201cI always appreciate the chance to hear directly from people across Maui about their priorities and concerns. Mahalo to everyone who joined us for productive conversations,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cWe\u2019re going to continue working to make life more affordable and deliver federal resources to every part of Maui Nui.\u201d\n\nSchatz first met with Maui Police Department officers and staff in Wailuku. He then joined a roundtable of more than a dozen small business owners hosted by the Maui Economic Development Board in Kihei, followed by a discussion with nearly two dozen youth leaders in Kahului.\n\nSenator Schatz addresses federal and local issues with the Maui Police Department Leadership Cohort.\n\nSenator Schatz discusses disaster recovery with small business owners affected by the Maui fires and Kona low storms.\n\nSenator Schatz with youth leaders from Maui, Kaua\u2018i and Hawai\u2018i Island.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-marking-three-years-since-maui-wildfires", "Hirono Statement Marking Three Years Since Maui Wildfires", "2026-08-08", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) issued the following statement commemorating the third anniversary of the Maui wildfires.\n\n\u201cAugust 8th is a day the people of Maui, and Hawaii, will never forget. Three years later, we still feel the weight of the devastating losses the wrought by the wildfires, especially the 102 community members whose lives were tragically lost.\n\nAs we mourn these losses, we also recognize the incredible strength and unity shown by the people of Maui over the past three years. To support the community's resilience, over $2.8 billion in federal recovery aid has been delivered to date. These critical resources span every step of the rebuilding process\u2014direct assistance to displaced families, SBA disaster loans for homeowners and small businesses, and more than $740 million in FEMA grants to restore Lahaina\u2019s core infrastructure.\n\nThe progress made over the past three years is inspiring, but the road to full recovery remains long. I remain fully committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to advocate for the ongoing federal funding and long-term support Maui needs to fully rebuild.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-09T05:47:57Z", "2026-08-09T05:49:40Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-blanche-confirmation-vote", "Hirono Statement on Blanche Confirmation Vote", "2026-08-08", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, released the following statement after voting against Todd Blanche\u2019s nomination to serve as the next U.S. Attorney General:\n\n\u201cThe Attorney General of the United States must be independent from the president and committed to upholding the rule of law. Todd Blanche\u2019s unyielding loyalty to Donald Trump makes clear that he cares about neither independence nor the rule of law.\n\nFrom gaslighting Epstein survivors to pursuing political witch hunts, Todd Blanche has helped Donald Trump transform the Department of Justice into a department of revenge, retribution, and corruption. As Attorney General, he will continue to enable this regime\u2019s rampant illegalities, which is why I voted against his confirmation.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-09T05:47:57Z", "2026-08-09T05:49:40Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-congratulates-pearl-city-little-league-on-senior-league-world-series-win", "Schatz Congratulates Pearl City Little League On Senior League World Series Win", "2026-08-08", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "HONOLULU \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) released the following statement congratulating Pearl City Little League on winning the 2026 Senior League World Series.\n\n\u201cCongratulations to Pearl City Little League on an incredible win! These young athletes represented Hawai?i with heart and determination. Hawai?i is proud of you. Congratulations, champions!\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-11T05:54:29Z", "2026-08-11T05:56:25Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-hegseth-on-critical-munitions-inventory-raises-alarms-about-readiness-impacts", "Hirono Presses Hegseth on Critical Munitions Inventory, Raises Alarms About Readiness Impacts", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cI write to express my deep and continuing concern regarding the state of the United States military\u2019s critical munitions inventory.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, pressed U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth on the state of the United States military\u2019s critical munitions inventory, following reports of depleted weapons shortages as a result of the ongoing illegal war in Iran. In a letter to Secretary Hegseth, Senator Hirono raised alarms about the impacts of munitions shortages on the United States military\u2019s overall readiness, demanding an accurate update on the impacts of these shortages.\n\n\u201cA recent Washington Post report details a disturbing confrontation at Camp David last week, where President Trump reportedly expressed frustration over being misled regarding the severity of offensive and defensive weapons shortages in pursuit of this illegal war in Iran. I note what was not said \u2013 how the shortages are negatively impacting overall military readiness and our ability to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Despite the President and your own dismissals of the reporting as \u201cNOT TRUE\u201d, your recent $87 billion-dollar supplemental funding request to Congress includes $21 billion alone for \u201cmunitions procurement\u201d, highlighting the urgency of this issue,\u201d wrote Senator Hirono.\n\nIn her letter, Senator Hirono outlined that even prior to the war in Iran, Congress had expressed concerns over the alarming state of the United States military\u2019s munitions inventory, especially if the United States were to be pulled into a large-scale military conflict with a near peer adversary. She highlighted how the ongoing munitions expenditures in the Middle East at an unsustainable rate could create a strategic vacuum in other theaters, including the Indo-Pacific.\n\n\u201cThis leaves the United States unacceptably vulnerable to aggression from near-peer adversaries like China,\u201d she continued.\n\nSenator Hirono demanded that DOD provide prompt and accurate responses, including a classified accounting of munitions stockpile levels prior to the Iran War; an assessment of how critical munitions shortages have affected military options, strike planning, and defense postures during the ongoing conflict; the mitigation strategies at DOD to ensure deterrence is not compromised in the Indo-Pacific; and resources required to replenish and bolster the munitions inventory.\n\nThe full letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Hegseth,\n\nI write to express my deep and continuing concern regarding the state of the United States military\u2019s critical munitions inventory. Even prior to the war in Iran, senior military leaders, defense analysts, and members of Congress were worried about the alarming state of our inventory, especially if the United States was pulled into a large-scale military conflict with a near-peer adversary. This illegal, five-month war with Iran has only exacerbated these concerns because of the expenditure of hundreds of offensive precision guided missiles and air-defense interceptors, leaving our arsenal dangerously depleted.\n\nA recent Washington Post report details a disturbing confrontation at Camp David last week, where President Trump reportedly expressed frustration over being misled regarding the severity of offensive and defensive weapons shortages in pursuit of this illegal war in Iran. I note what was not said \u2013 how the shortages are negatively impacting overall military readiness and our ability to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Despite the President and your own dismissals of the reporting as \u201cNOT TRUE\u201d, your recent $87 billion-dollar supplemental funding request to Congress includes $21 billion alone for \u201cmunitions procurement\u201d, highlighting the urgency of this issue.\n\nBy expending critical munitions at an unsustainable rate in the Middle East, the Department is creating a severe strategic vacuum in the Indo-Pacific. This leaves the United States unacceptably vulnerable to aggression from near-peer adversaries like China. To fulfill my constitutional oversight responsibilities, I request that the Department provide answers to the following questions no later than August 31, 2026:\n\nA complete, classified accounting of current stockpile levels for all critical munitions, along with an accounting of the stockpile levels prior to the start of the Iran War in February 2026. For purposes of this request, \u201ccritical munitions\u201d are defined as the fourteen priority weapons systems identified by the Pentagon\u2019s Munitions Acceleration Council (MAC).\n\nTo what extent have critical munitions shortages influenced or restricted military options, strike plans, or defense postures in the ongoing war with Iran?\n\nWhat specific mitigation strategies is the Department executing to ensure that expenditures in the Middle East do not compromise our deterrence posture and forward-deployed units in the Indo-Pacific?\n\nThe MAC is the Department\u2019s primary body established to rapidly scale up critical munitions production. What steps is the MAC currently taking to expand critical munitions procurement, and what additional authorities or actions may Congress consider to help with this process?\n\nGiven that manufacturing lead times for critical munitions often span years, what is the realistic timeline for the restoration of inventories to pre-Iran War levels in February 2026? What is the realistic timeline for bolstering the inventory of critical munitions to the level required by U.S. Pacific Command\u2019s operational plan (OPLAN) related to a potential conflict with China over Taiwan?\n\nThe cost disparity between expensive U.S. missile interceptors and cheap one-way attack drones has been highlighted in the Iran War, with the cost ratio often exceeding 100 to 1, an unsustainable amount not only for this illegal war, but also potential wars of the future with near-peer competitors. What steps is the Department taking to actively develop and procure cheaper low-cost interceptors and offensive strike missiles in order to address this problem?\n\nI appreciate your prompt attention to these questions and expect a timely and complete response.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-block-trump-administrations-so-called-public-charge-rule", "Hirono, Chu Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Block Trump Administration\u2019s So-Called \u201cPublic Charge\u201d Rule", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) introduces the Protect American Values Act, legislation that would prevent federal funds from being used to implement, administer, enforce, or otherwise carry out the Trump Administration\u2019s finalized \u201cpublic charge\u201d rule. Scheduled to take effect on September 18, 2026, the rule would make it more difficult for immigrants who rely on certain government benefits to obtain green cards or adjust their immigration status.\n\n\u201cBy removing any guidance for what qualifies as \u2018public charge\u2019 the Trump Regime\u2019s rule creates fear and prevents immigrants and their families from accessing services they need\u2014even if they are still entitled to them. In making the pathway to attaining a green card more confusing, the anti-immigrant ideology of this regime is abundantly clear,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThe Protecting American Values Act ensures that American tax dollars cannot be used for promoting the anti-American principles the Trump Regime is attempting to implement.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump is once again weaponizing our immigration system against families who are simply trying to build better lives in America,\u201d said Representative Chu. \u201cHis revived \u2018Public Charge\u2019 rule is even more expansive and harmful than the version from his first term, when it was ultimately struck down in court. Unlike the previous rule, this finalized policy does not even identify which benefits will be considered in a public charge test, giving Trump\u2019s immigration officers sweeping discretion to deny green card applications based on subjective judgement instead of clear legal standards. We know exactly what the result will be. Millions of immigrants and mixed-status families will be forced to choose between putting food on the table, getting health care, keeping a roof over their heads, or protecting their future in America. And when families are driven away from health care, nutrition assistance, and other basic services they are legally entitled to, every community pays the price through worse health outcomes, greater strain on providers, and a weaker economy. It is cruel, it is arbitrary, and it is fundamentally un-American. That is why I am proud to reintroduce the Protect American Values Act with Senator Hirono to ensure not a single federal dollar can be used to implement this shameful policy.\u201d\n\nThe Trump Administration\u2019s finalized rule rescinds the Biden Administration\u2019s 2022 reinstatement of the longstanding public charge policy, which made clear that the use of non-cash public benefits\u2014including SNAP, Medicaid, and housing assistance\u2014could not be considered when making public charge determinations. The public charge test is intended to determine whether an individual is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for support and use that as grounds for denying admission to the United States or adjustment of lawful permanent resident status.\n\nThis new rule\u2019s open-ended approach will have a massive chilling effect on the lawful use of benefits by legal permanent residents and even U.S. citizens. As noncitizens do not know which public benefits could result in a green card denial, many will likely avoid using any means-tested public benefits despite their eligibility. Furthermore, because this new rule removes the bright-line limitation on adjudicators considering benefit use by the immigrants\u2019 family members, the new rule discourages the use of public benefits by U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents in mixed-status families. While the Trump Administration claims this rule would result in reduced government spending, much of this saving will likely come from reduced benefits usage from U.S. citizens and children.\n\nIn addition to Senator Hirono, the Protecting American Values Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).\n\n\u201cSince the beginning of his second term, President Trump has normalized cruel immigration policies and stoked fear across immigrant communities,\u201d said Senator Bennet. \u201cThis rule isn\u2019t about securing our borders or more efficient spending, its purpose is to punish immigrants who only seek to make a better life for themselves and their families. The Protect American Values Act sends a clear message that, as a nation, we will continue to stand up for our communities and fight this Administration\u2019s inhumane efforts.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s already law that most noncitizens are not eligible for public benefits. Yet the Trump-Vance Administration, hellbent on terrorizing immigrants, is now trying to hurt their U.S. citizen children and family members by allowing low-level adjudicators to weaponize those citizens\u2019 use of any public benefits against their noncitizen families when they apply for green cards,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cWe don\u2019t have to imagine the negative consequences this policy will have on the health and well-being of our communities, because when President Trump previously instituted a similar policy, it led to widespread avoidance of medical care and other important programs, including among U.S. citizen children. I urge my colleagues to join us in stopping this horrible move in its tracks.\u201d\n\n\u201cTrump\u2019s \u2018public charge\u2019 rule is a yet another cruel, un-American assault on immigrants and their families,\u201d said Senator Duckworth. \u201cAs the daughter of an immigrant who relied on food stamps to survive, I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in pushing back on this heartless rule. Nobody should have to choose between receiving citizenship or going hungry.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the bill, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-press-trump-administration-on-proposed-forest-research-and-development-facility-closures-demand-transparency", "Hirono, Colleagues Press Trump Administration on Proposed Forest Research and Development Facility Closures, Demand Transparency", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) a senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), led 16 Senate Democratic colleagues in urging U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to provide Congress with a full breakdown of the Service\u2019s decision to close up to 57 U.S. Forest Service Research and Development (R&D) Facilities, including the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF) in Hilo, Hawaii. Despite multiple inquiries from both the Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. Forest Service has still failed to provide Congress with a comprehensive accounting of the framework used to evaluate facilities slotted for closure. In a letter to Chief Schultz, the senators demanded the Administration provide them with the information Congress has been requesting for the past several months.\n\n\u201cSince announcing the list of facilities being evaluated for possible closure in March, very little detail or analysis has been provided to Congress or the public on the factors being considered for each facility,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cInstead, official responses rely on broad assurances- stating only that the agency is assessing \u2018operating costs, amount of space, utilization rate, number of employees\u2019 and proximate facilities \u2013 without revealing the actual methodology or criteria driving these determinations.\u201d\n\nSince 1905, Forest Service R&D has used forests as \u201cliving laboratories\u201d to help researchers, governments, and communities alike better understand their surrounding natural environment. The 57 Forest Service Research and Development sites that are expected to close span 31 states and each perform critical, specialized research that cannot be easily replicated or relocated. In their letter the Senators highlighted IPIF, which not only covers the State of Hawaii, but a region in the Pacific covering an area larger than the Continental United States, as well as the Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory in Seattle and the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Wenatchee, both of which conduct crucial wildfire research and forecasting for the Pacific Northwest region which is currently experiencing a record wildfire season. As the only research facilities of their kind in the regions they serve, the Senators raised alarms about the consequences of their closure.\n\n\u201cWe are very concerned that missing from the list of considerations are factors such as current benefits of research services provided to surrounding communities, what research services would be lost with facility closures, estimate of travel expenses resulting from facility closures, estimate on the number of staff unwilling or unable to relocate or travel an additional distance as a result of closing a facility, the replacement costs of each facility, etc.,\u201d the senators continued.\n\nThe senators concluded their letter by emphasizing the importance of consulting with local communities and governments when analyzing sites for closure, raising alarms that such community collaboration has not, to their knowledge, occurred.\n\nIn addition to Senator Hirono, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).\n\nTo read the full letter, click here or below:\n\nDear Chief Schultz:\n\nWe write to request a detailed breakdown of all criteria and factors driving the decision to potentially close the 57 U.S. Forest Service Research and Development Facilities announced on March 31, 2026. Spanning 31 states, these facilities perform critical, specialized research that cannot be easily replicated or relocated \u2013 nor can it be terminated without jeopardizing long-term environmental and economic priorities.\n\nDespite repeated inquiries from both the House and Senate, the U.S. Forest Service has failed to provide a transparent, detailed accounting of the analytical framework used to evaluate these facilities. Instead, official responses rely on broad assurances- stating only that the agency is assessing \u2018operating costs, amount of space, utilization rate, number of employees\u2019 and proximate facilities \u2013 without revealing the actual methodology or criteria driving these determinations.\n\nThe establishment of many of these facilities took decades of thoughtful work by numerous experts and stakeholders. They were designed to serve a specific purpose and fill a critical gap in forestry needs within their geographic region. For example, the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry facility in Hawaii took roughly 60 years to be realized and serves the islanded forestry needs of the entire Pacific Region. The next closest U.S. Forest Service-owned office space is in California. Similarly, the Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory in Seattle and the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Wenatchee conduct crucial wildfire research and forecasting for the Pacific Northwest region. Closing both of those facilities in Washington State will leave numerous communities throughout that entire region vulnerable to increasing wildfire threats. In fact, according to reporting, 20 of the 57 facilities being considered for closure conduct important wildfire prevention research.\n\nSince announcing the list of facilities being evaluated for possible closure in March, very little detail or analysis has been provided to Congress or the public on the factors being considered for each facility. We are very concerned that missing from the list of considerations are factors such as current benefits of research services provided to surrounding communities, what research services would be lost with facility closures, estimate of travel expenses resulting from facility closures, estimate on the number of staff unwilling or unable to relocate or travel an additional distance as a result of closing a facility, the replacement costs of each facility, etc.\n\nDecisions as significant as closing 57 facilities across 31 states must include consultation with local communities and governments. To the best of our knowledge, these consultations have not occurred. Indeed, community outcry has been so great that the Forest Service was forced to walk back their initial March 31 announcement that these facilities would close and instead announced that these facilities are being analyzed for closure.\n\nTo help us and impacted communities all across the nation better understand what factors you are utilizing to determine whether to close these facilities, please avail your staff for a briefing on, or provide in writing, the complete list of criteria that you are using for each of the 57 facilities, a list of local stakeholders that you are consulting with on each of these determinations, and a timeline for which you expect to make a determination for each facility no later than August 19, 2026.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-14-senators-in-introducing-new-bill-to-restore-press-freedom-at-pentagon", "Schatz Leads Group Of 14 Senators In Introducing New Bill To Restore Press Freedom At Pentagon", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) today led a group of 14 senators in introducing the Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act. The new legislation would restore press access at the Department of Defense, reversing attempts by Secretary Pete Hegseth to suppress independent reporting at the Pentagon. In addition to Schatz, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).\n\n\u201cAt a time of war, transparency and independent, accurate reporting matter more than ever,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cOur bill will reverse the Pentagon's effort to shut out the free press and make sure the public gets the information it deserves.\u201d\n\nSince taking office, Secretary Hegseth imposed a series of unreasonable and retaliatory restrictions on credentialed journalists\u2019 access to the Pentagon and their ability to report. These measures go well beyond reasonable rules of conduct and reverse the Pentagon\u2019s longstanding approach to the press, which has been maintained by officials from both parties.\n\nThe Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act would:\n\nRestore press access to areas of the Pentagon that were accessible prior to the 2025 restrictions, including the \u201cCorrespondents\u2019 Corridor\u201d;\n\nRestore unescorted press access to areas of the Pentagon that were accessible without an escort prior to the 2025 restrictions;\n\nRequire the Secretary to ensure the integrity of the process to issue to reporters a Pentagon credential, ensuring the security review process is conducted by career officials in the Pentagon Force Protection Agency without unnecessary delays or political influence; and\n\nProhibit any changes to press access at the Pentagon, including the designation of press workspaces, access areas, and press credentials, without prior congressional consultation.\n\nAs the co-author of the Global Press Freedom Act, Schatz has been leading efforts to protect press freedom around the world, including a resolution recognizing World Press Freedom Day.\n\nThe Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act is supported by Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and Reporters Without Borders.\n\nThe text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-and-video-hirono-holds-spotlight-forum-on-interagency-agreements-that-will-harm-students-with-disabilities", "PHOTOS & VIDEO: Hirono Holds Spotlight Forum on Interagency Agreements that will Harm Students with Disabilities", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) held a spotlight forum titled: Breaking the Promise: How Relocating the IDEA will be Detrimental to Students and Families,\u201d highlighting the dangerous consequences of the Trump Administration\u2019s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for our nation\u2019s students with disabilities and their families. During the forum, a panel of witnesses comprised of former ED leaders, civil rights advocates, and parent advocates spoke about how outsourcing ED\u2019s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which oversee critical federal programs for students with disabilities, to other agencies will harm millions of students with disabilities nationwide.\n\n\u201cThese agreements are not just harmless administrative shifts,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cWhat we are witnessing is nothing short of a deliberate effort to dismantle the programs that support students with disabilities and their families, particularly for those with nowhere else to turn.\u201d\n\nIn June, the Trump Administration announced that OSERS would be moving away from ED to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and OCR would be moving to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). OSERS has been responsible for enforcing compliance of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)\u2014 which helps guarantee that every child with a disability can receive a free and appropriate public education that responds to their needs\u2014 since the law was passed five decades ago.\n\nSenator Hirono raised alarms about how moving OSERS to HHS, an agency that lacks the personnel and infrastructure to enforce the IDEA could threaten the over 8 million students who rely this civil rights law to provide them with adequate services. Senator Hirono also highlighted how shifting OCR\u2014the agency responsible for investigating potential violations of students\u2019 rights\u2014 to DOJ would exacerbate an already severe backlog of over 23,000 cases.\n\nAt the forum, Senator Hirono was also joined by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).\n\n\u201cI have heard from hundreds of my constituents in New Hampshire about this Administration\u2019s moves to dismantle the Department of Education, and they\u2019re concerned about what would happen\u2014particularly for our young children with disabilities,\u201d said Senator Shaheen. \u201cThank you to the witnesses for sharing your knowledge and experience with us today and helping to sound the alarm around the harms that would come to instruction and services for children with disabilities if special education were removed from the Department of Education.\u201d\n\n\"Students come to the classroom with varying backgrounds and abilities, but they each deserve to pursue an education with peace of mind. OCR has supported this goal since the late 1960s, but the Trump administration's decision to move this office to the Department of Justice will hinder these efforts,\" said Senator Blunt Rochester. \"I'm proud to stand with Senator Hirono and my colleagues to push back against President Trump's attempts to dismantle the Department of Education, and I'll continue fighting to put our students' well-being and success first.\"\n\n\u201cA quality education is the cornerstone of our children\u2019s success, and the Department of Education has been responsible for ensuring students with disabilities have equal access to a public education since the passage of the IDEA\u2019s predecessor half a century ago. The Trump Administration\u2019s illegal decision to move that responsibility to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice \u2013 agencies with none of the expertise or experience necessary to best serve our students \u2013 will worsen educational outcomes and delay civil rights protections. We will fight to keep IDEA and the Department of Education alive to provide every student in America equal access to a high-quality education,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cAll children deserve a strong education that meets their emotional and academic needs. The Trump Administration\u2019s removal of crucial programs from the Department of Education will harm students with disabilities. Shuttling the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and Office for Civil Rights to agencies that lack experience serving students with disabilities hinders students\u2019 access to a safe and high-quality learning environment and the recourses they are entitled to if they face discrimination,\u201d Senator Durbin said.\n\nThe forum featured testimony from:\n\nLaurie VanderPloeg, Associate Executive Director for Professional Affairs, Council for Exceptional Children\n\nKaty Neas, Chief Executive Officer, The Arc of the United States\n\nValerie C. Williams, Former Director, Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education\n\nSeth Galanter, Senior Fellow, Edley Center on Law & Democracy\n\nElizabeth Tang, Senior Counsel for Education and Workplace Justice, National Women\u2019s Law Center\n\n\"I ran the office that administers IDEA, and I am the mother of a son who happens to have Down syndrome,\" said Valerie C. Williams, CEO of Apokrisis Consultants and former Director of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). \"From both chairs the answer is the same: children with disabilities are students first, not patients, and the work that protects their right to learn belongs in the Department of Education, not scattered across agencies that have never done it.\"\n\n\"OCR's tradition valuing every complaint by students and families is nothing like DOJ's impact-litigation culture -- you can't swap one for the other,\" said Seth Galanter, Senior Fellow at the Edley Center on Law and Democracy and former OCR official in the Biden and Obama Administrations. \"The Department shouldn't be paying DOJ to be a poor substitute for the office it's dismantling.\"\n\n\"These changes will leave a lasting gap in the leadership and support that helps states improve special education. The result will be pockets of excellence, while vast parts of the country struggle to meet their responsibilities to children with disabilities,\" said Laurie VanverPloeg, Associate Executive Director for Professional Affairs, Council for Exceptional Children.\n\n\u201cBehind every complaint of discrimination that OCR receives is a student who has experienced real harm,\u201d said Elizabeth Tang, senior counsel for education and workplace justice at National Women\u2019s Law Center. \u201cThose tens of thousands of students are in danger of being ignored if the Department of Education and its civil rights office continue to be systematically neutered and dismantled. Every child deserves to feel safe and included at school\u2014we owe it to them to fight for a world where they will be.\u201d\n\nVideos from the forum can be found hereand photos can be found here.\n\nA full transcript of Senator Hirono\u2019s opening remarks is available below.\n\nAloha, thank you all for being here today as we discuss the threats the Trump Administration\u2019s Interagency Agreements pose to students with disabilities.\n\nAs you may know, President Trump has been working to undermine the U.S. Department of Education (ED) at every turn, with the stated goal of dismantling the entire Department.\n\nFollowing Donald Trump\u2019s illegal Executive Order to dismantle ED, the Trump Regime has issued a total of 14 \u201cInteragency Agreements,\u201d or IAAs, to move programs from ED to other agencies.\n\nThese agreements are not just harmless administrative shifts. The result will be weakening and removing federal government support for these programs.\n\nToday we are here to discuss two of these agreements and their impacts on students with disabilities. First, transferring the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, or OSERS, to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and second, moving the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to the Department of Justice (DOJ).\n\nFifty years ago, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to help guarantee that every child\u2014regardless of disability, zip code, or family income\u2014has access to a free and appropriate public education that responds to their needs.\n\nCurrently, there are more than 8 million students with disabilities who receive services under the IDEA.\n\nSince the IDEA was created, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) has been responsible for ensuring that schools comply with the IDEA so students get the services they need.\n\nHanding that responsibility to The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proves this regime doesn't give a rip about students with disabilities. HHS has zero experience dealing with the IDEA.\n\nAnd with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly calling autism an \u201cindividual tragedy that destroys families,\u201d I have serious concerns about his department\u2019s ability to adequately serve students with special needs.\n\nTo make matters worse, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR)\u2014the agency responsible for investigating violations of student rights, including special education access\u2014is being moved to the Department of Justice\u2019s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division.\n\nThat division has already significant staffing cuts and was never designed to advocate for individual students.\n\nConsider the difference: while the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is required to review every complaint it receives\u2014amounting to thousands of cases each year\u2014the DOJ Civil Rights Division, by contrast, selectively picks a few dozen high-impact cases annually.\n\nWe are already experiencing a severe backlog of OCR cases: over 23,000 cases\u2014about half of which concern students with disabilities. In moving this mountain of cases to the DOJ Civil Rights Division, we can expect this backlog to get even worse. Thousands of legitimate complaints could end up buried, ignored, or summarily dismissed.\n\nWhat we are witnessing is nothing short of a deliberate effort to dismantle the programs that support students with disabilities and their families, particularly for those with nowhere else to turn.\n\nFamilies deserve a government that will defend students\u2019 rights, support disability programs, and strengthen public education for all. Instead, this regime continues to attack our nation\u2019s public education system and the tens of millions of families across our country that rely on it.\n\nToday, we are going to hear directly from education leaders, civil rights advocates, and parent advocates, about the implications related to these moves. I look forward to hearing more from my colleagues and today\u2019s panelists as we work to defend special education across our public schools.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-trump-republicans-are-raising-prices-on-purpose", "Schatz: Trump, Republicans Are Raising Prices On Purpose", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) spoke on the Senate floor today about how President Donald Trump and Republicans are raising prices for Americans on purpose.\n\n\u201cThe price of everything is up and that's on purpose,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cThe President of the United States has decided that Americans should pay more for everything. And so, while he's busy lining his pockets with crypto schemes and insider information subscription programs, regular people can't afford their lives.\u201d\n\nSenator Schatz continued, \u201cIt is common for presidents have to deal with the problems related to the economy. And specifically, what can be a real political killer is the question of inflation. But this is very unusual and maybe unprecedented in American history. You have a President of the United States whose stated policy on tariffs, on energy, on Iran, on health care, on food, is to raise the price of everything. That is not a sort of accidental outcome of his economic policy. People are going broke, and they are doing it to you on purpose.\u201d\n\nA transcript of Senator Schatz\u2019s remarks is below. Video is available here.\n\nThe price of everything is up and that's on purpose. It's on purpose because Donald Trump made it so. We are not in the middle of a pandemic or a recession or a national emergency. But the President of the United States has decided that Americans should pay more for everything. Food, gas, electricity, health care, housing, clothes \u2013 everything. And so, while he's busy lining his pockets with crypto schemes and insider information subscription programs, regular people can't afford their lives.\n\nNow, I say he's doing this on purpose because these are deliberate policy choices that he's made. First, it was the tariffs that jacked up the prices of goods across the board. Tomatoes went up 40%. Coffee went up by 20%. Clothes and car seats were up by 20%. Electronics shot up by hundreds of dollars. And so it wasn't as if you could avoid the hit by not shopping at a particular store for a particular thing. And people in Hawai\u2018i are very expert at figuring out, okay, turkey's high, let's get chicken. Okay, pork is high, let's get beef.\n\nThe difference now is there's no escape. Literally everything is up. And that's because the president of the United States has decided through this Iran war, through the tariffs, through the energy bans, through the Medicaid and Medicare cuts, through the ACA cuts, through the nutrition cuts to make literally every aspect of your life more expensive.\n\nThen came the One Big Beautiful Bill where in order to cut taxes for billionaires, Trump and the Republicans slashed subsidies for affordable health care and food assistance. And I want you to understand this sounds like the kind of thing a partisan would say. And it is. But it's also true that the way they paid for tax cuts for the wealthiest people and the wealthiest corporations on this planet, the way they literally paid for it, is to take away people's health care. Without the enhanced premium tax credits, ACA premiums went up by close to 60%. And as a result, millions of Americans are living without health care this year. Millions of Americans are living without health care this year \u2013 not by choice, but by force. And I want to read some of what those people had to say about it. A man in Texas said, \u201cThe prices are simply too high. I don't think we can afford our mortgage if I had to pay for health insurance. If I had catastrophic health event, it makes more sense for me to just declare bankruptcy than it would for me to be delinquent on our other payments.\u201d Here's another, a 38-year-old from Alabama: \u201cI can't afford insurance, I can't afford health care without insurance. So basically just hoping and praying I don't get sick.\u201d People are having a gamble on their health so that the richest people ever to live can pay even less in taxes. And the price hikes aren't over yet, because premiums are set to rise by double digits again next year, according to proposals from insurers.\n\nAside from health care, the Republican tax bill also compounded Trump's ban on wind and solar energy. They are banning wind and solar energy, which is not only clean and helps us to address the climate crisis, it's just the quickest and cheapest energy that we can possibly get on the grid. And so it's not like we're in 1970 and we're arguing about the climate crisis versus the price that people pay on their utility bills. Now, the way to address the climate crisis is to do a lot more wind and solar. And the benefit is that it's the cheapest form of energy. And yet this president has banned wind and solar energy through their administrative actions. And that is spiking the price of utilities across the country.\n\nAnd that's all before you factor in the war in Iran, which in addition to being a spectacular failure that has achieved very little of Trump's own stated goals, has also caused gas and energy and food prices to spike everywhere. Gas is over four bucks right now nationally, and it's even higher in Hawai\u2018i at $5.45. Diesel is $1.60 more than it was a year ago, which means that we're all paying more at stores and for deliveries. In Hawai\u2018i, electricity bills went up 20% in one month \u2013 20% in one month \u2013 because of skyrocketing oil prices. And food prices continue to climb everywhere as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz extends a global fertilizer shortage.\n\nIt is common for presidents have to deal with the problems related to the economy. And specifically, what can be a real political killer is the question of inflation. But this is very unusual and maybe unprecedented in American history. You have a President of the United States whose stated policy on tariffs, on energy, on Iran, on health care, on food, is to raise the price of everything. That is not a sort of accidental outcome of his economic policy. It is his economic policy to raise the price of everything. People are going broke, and they are doing it to you on purpose.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-judiciary-committee-hirono-votes-against-advancing-blanche-confirmation", "In Judiciary Committee, Hirono Votes Against Advancing Blanche Confirmation", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "~ Watch Senator Hirono\u2019s Statement Here ~\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, voted against advancing Todd Blanche\u2019s nomination to serve as the United States Attorney General. In a Judiciary Committee executive business meeting, Senator Hirono raised concerns about Mr. Blanche\u2019s ability to lead an independent U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) committed to enforcing the rule of law.\n\n\u201cMr. Blanche has demonstrated that his words to us at his hearing do not matter. I intend to judge Mr. Blanche not by his words but by his actions. Even though he said he would cooperate with the New Mexico Epstein investigation, he will not actually do so. Even though he claims to follow the constitution and the law, he acts as the President\u2019s lawyer, catering to his whims,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cAt a time when DOJ has lost thousands of career attorneys with millennia of combined experience, and when DOJ\u2019s independence from politics is no longer in existence, I cannot vote in favor of someone whose actions so clearly make him ineligible to serve as Attorney General\u2014even of a department as compromised as this Department of Justice, which is basically the Department of Retribution and Revenge.\u201d\n\nSince the beginning of President Trump\u2019s second term, Senator Hirono has been fighting back against the Trump Administration\u2019s flagrant attacks on the rule of law. Last month, during Mr. Blanche\u2019s nomination hearing, Senator Hirono pressed Blanche on his role in weaponizing the DOJ against President Trump\u2019s perceived enemies, his failure to rescind the anti-weaponization slush fund, and his commitment to assisting the state of New Mexico\u2019s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein\u2019s Zorro Ranch. In March, on the Senate Floor, Senator Hirono opposed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act which, unlike its name suggests, would make it significantly harder for Americans to exercise their right to vote. Additionally, Senator Hirono has consistently raised alarms about the Administration\u2019s failure to adequately address cryptocurrency related crimes. Senator Hirono has also consistently sought justice for sexual assault survivors, including those assaulted by Jeffrey Epstein and President Trump.\n\nWatch the video of Senator Hirono\u2019s statement here. A full transcript of Senator Hirono\u2019s statement is available below:\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\nI asked Mr. Blanche questions in three broad areas during his hearing two weeks ago.\n\nFirst, I asked him about the Epstein files. Specifically, I asked whether he would cooperate with the New Mexico Department of Justice\u2019s investigation into Epstein\u2019s Zorro Ranch. And I asked if he would help state law enforcement get the information that it was seeking from the Epstein files.\n\nAt the hearing, he said DOJ would cooperate. But in follow-up questions for the record, he dodged. And I understand that DOJ is actually stonewalling the New Mexico Department of Justice in its request for information in its investigation.\n\nThis public show of concern contrasted with private dismissiveness is how he treated the survivors who met with him, the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein.\n\nI asked one of those survivors about the meeting that he finally had with the survivors.\n\nShe said, \u201cWe walked away with a feeling of demoralization because he did not come into that meeting looking to work with us in good faith.\u201d\n\nI thank and commend the survivors for their courage in fighting for justice.\n\nThe second category of questions I asked Mr. Blanche two weeks ago centered on DOJ\u2019s independence. I asked him the simple question, \u201cDo you believe it is the President\u2019s \u2018right\u2019 and \u2018duty\u2019 to order the investigation or prosecution of his perceived enemies?\u201d\n\nMr. Blanche responded, \u201cI can\u2019t answer that yes or no.\u201d He might as well just have said yes.\n\nIn follow-up questions for the record, I asked him the simple question, \u201cIf confirmed, will your highest duty be to the Constitution of the United States or to the President of the United States?\u201d\n\nHe left the answer to that question blank. Blank. When he is sworn in as Attorney General, he will swear to uphold and defend the Constitution, but we know that oath will take a back seat to his loyalty to the President.\n\nThe third category of questions I asked him was related to the slush fund. At his hearing, I asked him whether he had rescinded the Order dated May 18, 2026, setting out parameters for the anti-weaponization fund. He testified that he had rescinded it.\n\nIn questions for the record, I asked him on what date he had rescinded the order and this fund. He did not answer the question with a date.\n\nHe refused to end this felon fund in writing until he was forced into it in order to secure needed votes from my Republican colleagues. And how can we trust that this so-called \u201cdeath\u201d will be lasting when he has shown that his words to us at his hearing do not matter? He was under oath at the hearing, but he\u2019s hardly going to prosecute himself for lying to Congress, which he did.\n\nMr. Chairman, I intend to judge Mr. Blanche not by his words but by his actions.\n\nEven though he said he would cooperate with the New Mexico Epstein investigation, it seems he will not actually do so. Even though he claims to follow the constitution and the law, he acts as the President\u2019s lawyer, catering to his whims and protecting him.\n\nAnd even though he said repeatedly that the anti-weaponization fund is dead, he had to be forced literally kicking and screaming to memorialize that death in written.\n\nThat non-binding writing will mean little when the President wants the fund and is loudly saying so. Who do you think Mr. Blanche will side with?\n\nIs he going to uphold this so-called non-binding statement made to secure today\u2019s vote from some of my Republican colleagues? Or the wishes of the President to whom he is loyal above all?\n\nAt a time when DOJ has lost thousands of career attorneys with millennia of combined experience, and when DOJ\u2019s independence from politics is no longer in existence I cannot vote in favor of someone whose actions so clearly make him ineligible to serve as Attorney General\u2014even of a department as compromised as this Department of Justice, which basically is a Department of Retribution and Revenge.\n\nAnd I urge my colleagues to vote no as well.\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-05T07:37:37Z", "2026-08-05T07:38:44Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4964", "Key U.S. House Committee Approves Case's Bipartisan Bill To Combat Invasive Species", "2026-07-31", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) announced that the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee (Committee) has unanimously approved his National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act, which would significantly expand federal efforts to combat invasive species, responsible for severely impacting environments across the country.\n\n\u201cHawai\u2018i in particular faces unique challenges from invasive species. Our isolation has led to the evolution of many endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth,\u201d said Case, who formerly served six years on the House Natural Resources Committee and is in his eighth year on the House Appropriations Committee.\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, these native species often lack the defenses to compete with or resist the pressures of invasive plants and animals, which can rapidly alter ecosystems and displace local species.\n\n\u201cIn Hawai\u2018i, invasive species have caused significant ecological damage, threatening the survival of native birds and plants. Protecting Hawaii\u2019s unique biodiversity is not just an environmental necessity \u2013 it is a cultural imperative that reflects the identity and heritage of the Hawaiian people.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor island communities like Guam, invasive species are more than an environmental concern\u2014they threaten our native ecosystems, agriculture, economy, and way of life,\u201d said Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam).\n\n\u201cOnce an invasive species becomes established on an island, the cost of eradication can be enormous, and in many cases, the damage cannot be undone. This bipartisan legislation takes a proactive approach by strengthening rapid response and early detection efforts within our National Wildlife Refuge System. By investing in prevention today, we can better protect America\u2019s natural resources, preserve our unique biodiversity, and reduce far greater costs in the future.\u201d\n\n\"We are pleased with the passage of this measure that prioritizes funds and measures towards early detection through identifying, reporting, and eradicating invasive species and the harm it causes in the National Wildlife Refuge System lands and waters and its surrounding areas,\u201d said Jonnetta \"Jonee\" Leina'ala Peters, Executive Director of the Conservation Council for Hawai\u2018i. \u201cEarly detection is critical in protecting endangered and threatened species. This is also a major step in eradicating invasive species that harm animals, humans, food sources, and the economy.\"\n\n\u201cInvasive species are putting increased pressure on native wildlife and are especially damaging across our national wildlife refuges,\u201d said Jill Feldhusen, senior manager of wildlife policy at the National Wildlife Federation.\n\n\u201cBy establishing dedicated, regional strike teams, this bipartisan bill helps refuges respond more rapidly to invasive species threats before they cause lasting harm. Thank you, Representative Ed Case, for reintroducing the National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act and broadening the impact of cross-jurisdictional collaboration.\n\nCase continued: \u201cInvasive species are not just a localized problem; they pose a significant threat to the integrity of our natural world. Addressing this crisis requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach, focusing on prevention, early detection, and effective management strategies to safeguard our vulnerable ecosystems.\n\n\u201cThis legislation will codify the existing Invasive Species Strike Teams program currently operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). These specialized teams play an essential role in managing emerging invasive species, employing strategies tailored to local conditions across the National Wildlife Refuge System. With multiple teams strategically positioned in all nine FWS regions across our country, they are on the front lines, addressing the unique challenges posed by invasive species.\u201d\n\nCase said formally establishing the Invasive Species Strike Teams program will create a stable and legally supported framework to ensure consistent funding and enhance management efforts. The act also signifies a transformative shift within the FWS, moving from a reactive, species-by-species approach to a more strategic, ecosystem-wide framework for managing emerging invasive species.\n\n\u201cThe act also mandates enhanced coordination and reporting through integrated systems and standardized procedures, ensuring transparency and enabling us to track progress with annual reports to Congress and the public,\u201d said Case.\n\n\u201cFurthermore, it authorizes $10 million annually from Fiscal Year 2027 through 2033 to support ongoing initiatives.\u201d\n\nCase introduced the measure after federal invasive species experts toured O\u2018ahu to research the effects of invasive species on island communities. The bill also directs these experts to produce a report summarizing the Strike Teams\u2019 work and advising how they can continue to help Hawai\u2018i and island territories. Following approval by the Committee, the measure awaits action by the full House.\n\nText of the measure is here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-01T07:27:26Z", "2026-08-01T07:28:22Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-duckworth-colleagues-introduce-warrior-act-to-codify-womens-right-to-serve-in-combat", "Hirono, Duckworth, Colleagues Introduce WARRIOR Act to Codify Women\u2019s Right to Serve in Combat", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services (SASC), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led 19 of their Democratic colleagues in the Senate in introducing the Women Add Resourcefulness and Resilience to Improve Operational Readiness (WARRIOR) Act, legislation reinforcing the principle that the U.S. military has always relied upon: standards must be based on the demands of the job, not gender. This legislation is critical for maintaining rigorous, gender-neutral standards, especially in light of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth\u2019s decision to order a study examining \u201cthe effectiveness of women in combat jobs,\u201d despite there being no evidence that the presence of women in combat units lowers standards. If passed, the WARRIOR Act would codify the commonsense DOD policy that ensures every service member is evaluated on validated and merit-based standards.\n\n\u201cFrom blocking the promotions of qualified servicewomen to ordering an unnecessary study re-examining what a decade of service has already proven, it\u2019s clear that Secretary Hegseth is more interested in attacking women service members than he is in protecting the security of our nation. Building and maintaining the strongest military in the world depends on giving every qualified servicemember a fair chance to meet the required standards to serve our country,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThis commonsense legislation honors the service of thousands of women who have served in combat roles with distinction, while strengthening our military by ensuring that every qualified service member is judged by their ability, not their gender.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur nation would never be ready for battle without our brave women in uniform who have earned their place in our military,\u201d said Senator Duckworth. \u201cFor all his bluster about meritocracy, Pete Hegseth continues to find slimy ways to push out warriors who have earned their right to serve. This threatens morale and readiness at every level. We must curb this Administration\u2019s moronic agenda against our women in uniform by requiring gender-neutral standards that are scientifically rigorous and prohibiting gender-based exclusion in our Armed Forces, before our military is weakened any further.\u201d\n\nThe WARRIOR Act updates outdated provisions of federal law to align with current DOD policy that ensures military occupational standards are based on validated requirements of the job and applied equally to all qualified service members. This bill codifies what more than two decades of experience has already proven: maintaining rigorous, gender-neutral standards strengthens our military readiness.\n\nDespite this long-standing tradition of merit-based promotions and standards, recent reporting revealed that Secretary Hegseth blocked the promotions of seven senior Navy officers, five of whom are women or people of color. Secretary Hegseth\u2019s unprecedented decision to overrule the promotion board means that for the first time in more than a decade, no female active-duty naval officers are likely to be promoted to admiral this year, officials said. These actions underscore the need for statutory protections to ensure that qualified service members are evaluated on merit, rather than gender.\n\nSpecifically, the WARRIOR Act reinforces merit-based standards in our Armed Forces by:\n\nEstablishing a clear, statutory prohibition on excluding any service member from a military occupational specialty, career field, or assignment based on gender;\n\nRemoving outdated language limiting protections to roles already \u201copen to both male and female members,\u201d ensuring all positions are covered;\n\nMandating that military occupational standards reflect the actual requirements of the job, including technical, tactical, cognitive, physical abilities, and requiring standards to be developed through a scientifically rigorous process;\n\nExpanding congressional review of proposed changes, including costs, data, and rationale, and extending the review period to 180 days and requiring the Department of Defense to submit annual reports to Congress including\n\nChanges to occupational standards\n\nData on involuntary reassignments and separations\n\nJustifications for personnel decisions;\n\nRequiring that service members in good standing have at least 18 months to meet any new or revised standard and incorporating input from DoD medical and research experts, and;\n\nMandating submission to Congress of the full, unredacted study on combat unit effectiveness ordered by the Secretary of Defense in December and requiring a follow-up review by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).\n\nIn addition to Senators Hirono and Duckworth, the WARRIOR Act was cosponsored by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ed Markey (D-MA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NY), John Fetterman (D-PA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Mark Warner (D-VA).\n\n\u201cThose who defend our freedoms deserve and must receive fair treatment,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cThe WARRIOR Act prevents the unjust exclusion of women from combat roles in our armed forces and establishes objective standards that will improve military readiness. I am proud to support this important legislation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to honor the sacrifice that women service members have made for our country.\u201d\n\n\u201cArbitrarily blocking women from serving in combat roles hurts our military readiness and makes Americans less safe. We should be opening doors to anyone who meets our already high standards to serve - that\u2019s what keeps our military strong,\u201d said Senator Warren.\n\n\u201cTime and time again, Secretary Hegseth has proven that he is willing to jeopardize our nation\u2019s security to promote his extreme ideology and deny qualified servicemembers the roles they have earned. Our servicewomen are essential to our nation\u2019s military strength and readiness and must be given the same opportunity to serve as everyone else,\u201d said Senator Rosen. \u201cThe WARRIOR Act ensures that every single servicemember is judged not by their gender, but by their ability to meet the merit-based standards that are the bedrock of our military effectiveness.\u201d\n\n\u201cWomen have long been integral to our status as the world\u2019s strongest military. Questioning their effectiveness with unnecessary studies or dismissing qualified female officers undermines readiness and weakens national security,\u201d said Senator Kelly. \u201cThis bill preserves gender-neutral standards and ensures any changes are driven by evidence and mission requirements, not politics.\u201d\n\n\"Our fighting force is stronger when any American \u2014 regardless of their gender \u2014 can meet the toughest military standards in the world. With Pete Hegseth at the helm of the Department of Defense, it's critical that we send a clear mission that no position should be off limits solely based on gender,\" said Senator Shaheen.\n\n\"If we want to ensure our military remains the greatest in the world, it is absolutely critical that we pass the WARRIOR Act so that every service member is evaluated based on the demands of the job, not on their gender,\" said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cInstead of unifying to celebrate our many strengths and celebrating the diversity of our servicemembers, the Trump Administration and Secretary Hegseth are focused on undermining women in our military. Ensuring that the United States military reflects the talents of all Americans and supports women servicemembers is critical to its strength and success. This legislation reinforces the long-held principle that every service member must be judged on merit-based standards, not partisan metrics or gender,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cPete Hegseth has denigrated the role of women in the military in ways that are completely detached from the reality of the meaningful contributions of women servicemembers. As Secretary of Defense, he is stripping women\u2019s roles in the military and stalling women servicemembers\u2019 promotions. The contributions of our women servicemembers, their courage, and the immense sacrifices they make to keep us safe should never be demeaned,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cI am proud to lead this legislation alongside my colleagues to make it clear that servicemembers should be evaluated on merit-based standards, not their gender. And I want to send a strong message to every woman who bravely serves our nation: we stand with you, we celebrate you, and our country is forever grateful for your service.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur military should judge every service member by their ability, not their gender,\u201d said Senator Hickenlooper. \u201cThe more than 5,000 women who have served our nation with distinction in combat have shown that every qualified American who meets the appropriate standards deserves the opportunity to serve. This bill ensures this administration can't play politics with the careers of the service members who risk their lives to keep Americans safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cAnyone with the will to serve their country and the ability to do the job shouldn\u2019t be shut out of combat units due to their gender,\u201d said Senator Wyden. \u201cPete Hegseth has made no secret of his contempt for women and transgender servicemembers. That's why Congress must pass the WARRIOR Act\u2014to protect the fact that every qualified servicemember should be judged by merit, not by chauvinistic and outdated perceptions of gender roles.\u201d\n\nThe WARRIOR ACT is endorsed by the: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Service Women's Action Network (SWAN), Minority Veterans of America, Women in Service Coalition Inc. (WiSCI), National Women's Law Center Action Fund, Former JAGs Working Group, Vet Voice Foundation.\n\n\u201cWomen play critical roles across the U.S. military, including in ground combat arms, and are integral to our miliary readiness. Removing qualified women from these roles would disrupt units, damage morale, gut retention and recruiting, and send an anti-women message with far-reaching impact across the force. WiSCI supports the WARRIOR Act to ensure that changes in personnel policy are based on evidence of impact to combat capability and not bias,\u201d said Brenda S. \"Sue\u201d Fulton, Executive Director WiSCI: Women in the Service Coalition, Inc.\n\n\"Service members have been meeting rigorous, job-specific standards for decades, particularly in operational and combat roles where requirements are tied to mission demands. This legislation affirms that service members must meet the standards required to succeed in today\u2019s military and recognizes that excellence is defined by skill, performance, and ability, not gender,\u201d said Lindsay Church, Executive Director of Minority Veterans of America. \u201cMilitary readiness is best ensured by allowing every qualified person the opportunity to serve in any role, including in combat.\"\n\n\u201cWomen serve an invaluable role in our military, displaying courage, skill, and commitment. Our national security and today\u2019s military readiness, recruitment and retention depend on the many women serving their country in the military, including in combat,\u201d said Gaylynn Burroughs, Vice President for Education and Workplace Justice at NWLC AF. \u201cBut as this administration has made clear, too often their role is undermined and even attacked. The WARRIOR Act reinforces that individuals should be judged on individual merit and ability, not gender-based stereotypes. The bill recognizes the important role of women in the military by prohibiting any exclusions from military occupational specialties or assignments because of gender. We thank Senators Hirono and Duckworth for taking action and introducing this timely and important legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe end of the discriminatory direct ground combat exclusion policy in 2013 and the opening of all jobs and units in 2016 was long overdue and much heralded. This change finally actualized the fundamental principles of meritocracy and skill that guide our institutions, rejecting policy premised on stereotypes and ideology,\u201d said Mike Zamore, National Director of Policy and Government Affairs, ACLU. \u201cFor the past decade, service women have continuously met the standards and excelled in ground combat roles \u2014 all of which is now at risk. We applaud Sen. Hirono and Sen. Duckworth for introducing the WARRIOR Act. The legislation bars exclusions based on gender and authorizes congressional oversight of changes that may undermine the integration of women in combat roles. We urge all Members of Congress to support this legislation.\u201d\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Maggy Goodlander (D-NH), Gil Cisneros (D-Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Maggy Goodlander (D-NH), Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Pat Ryan (D-NY), Mike Thompson (D-CA), and Derek Tran (D-CA).\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-president-to-approve-hawaiis-disaster-declaration", "Hawai\u2018i Congressional Delegation Urges President To Approve Hawai\u2018i\u2019s Disaster Declaration", "2026-07-29", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai\u2018i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai\u2018i) urged President Donald Trump to act swiftly on Governor Josh Green\u2019s request for a presidential disaster declaration for areas impacted by a recent 6.0 earthquake on Hawai\u2018i Island. The declaration will help ensure that the affected communities can access important federal funding and resources to recover.\n\n\u201cWe ask that you consider expediting all federal assistance possible to help the State recover from the impacts of a magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Hawai\u2018i Island on May 22, 2026, particularly the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program,\u201d the delegation wrote in their letter to the president. \u201cIt is difficult to overstate the stress that the earthquake has placed on this community, where approximately 20 percent of the population lives at or below the poverty line, and roughly 20 percent of the general population reports having a disability. State and county governments are also stretched to their capacities by the successive disasters the State has faced since 2018.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter follows and is available here.\n\nDear President Trump:\n\nWe write in support of Governor Josh Green\u2019s July 20, 2026, request that you issue a Major Disaster Declaration for Hawai\u2018i. We ask that you consider expediting all federal assistance possible to help the State recover from the impacts of a magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Hawai\u2018i Island on May 22, 2026, particularly the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program. We appreciate your continued efforts to support Hawai\u2018i as we recover from multiple natural disasters.\n\nA powerful 6.0 earthquake struck the western side of Hawai\u2018i Island on the evening of May 22, 2026. Centered near the Honaunau-Napo?opo?o area, the initial seismic shock severely damaged local roadways, triggering multiple rockslides that completely blocked the highway. The earthquake also caused widespread power outages that affected roughly 1,330 utility customers and commercial agricultural operations throughout the island.\n\nIn total, state and local governments received reports of damages to 548 homes on Hawai\u2018i Island. The Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment evaluated 313 of these properties and determined that 110 homes either sustained major structural damage or were completely destroyed. Notably, many of the homes in the affected region are not connected to county water infrastructure and rely on rain catchment and cesspool systems for their water infrastructure. 105 homes suffered the total loss of the water catchment systems, creating a health and safety hazard for residents and potentially the broader community.\n\nIt is difficult to overstate the stress that the earthquake has placed on this community, where approximately 20 percent of the population lives at or below the poverty line, and roughly 20 percent of the general population reports having a disability. Due to the extremely high cost of earthquake insurance in this volcanically active region, only 5.2 percent of the 548 homes reporting damage have a standard homeowner\u2019s policy, and only two homes had earthquake insurance. State and county governments are also stretched to their capacities by the successive disasters the State has faced since 2018.\n\nTo effectively respond to these needs, we support the Governor\u2019s request for the following assistance:\n\nA Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Hawai\u2018i;\n\nAuthorization to activate the Individual Assistance Program for Hawai\u2018i County; and\n\nAuthorization of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.\n\nWe are grateful for your consideration of this request, and we look forward to working with your agency in the months and years ahead to help Hawai\u2018i recover and rebuild.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-provide-paid-family-medical-leave-for-federal-employees", "Schatz, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Provide Paid Family, Medical Leave For Federal Employees", "2026-07-29", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) led a group of 8 senators in introducing the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act, legislation to expand federal paid leave to include 12 weeks of family and medical leave. In addition to Schatz, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).\n\n\u201cRight now, our laws are forcing federal workers to make the impossible choice between caring for their families and keeping their jobs,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cOur bill will provide federal workers with 12 weeks of paid leave, giving them the time they need to take care of their own health and their loved ones.\u201d\n\nCurrently, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees in the private sector can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a newborn or an ill family member without fear of losing their jobs. For federal employees, while parental leave is paid due to the passage of Senator Schatz\u2019s Federal Employee Paid Leave Act in 2019, family and medical leave continues to be unpaid.\n\nStudies have shown that providing paid leave for federal employees would save the government at least $50 million annually in turnover and replacement costs. With federal agencies struggling to recruit and retain young talent, family-friendly policies are necessary to maintain a robust workforce. Just six percent of the federal workforce is under the age of 30, while roughly 40 percent of the workforce is eligible to retire within the next three years.\n\nThe Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act will guarantee 12 weeks of paid family leave for federal employees in all instances covered by the FMLA, including:\n\nIn order to care for the spouse, child, or parent of the employee, if such spouse, child, or parent has a serious health condition;\n\nBecause of a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of the employee\u2019s position; and\n\nBecause of any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the spouse, child, or parent of the employee is on covered active duty (or has been notified of an impending call or order to covered active duty) in the Armed Forces.\n\nThe Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act is supported by the American Federation of Government Employees, National Treasury Employees Union, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, National Federation of Federal Employees, NARFE, National Association of Letter Carriers, American Postal Workers Union, and American Association of University Women.\n\n\u201cAFGE thanks Senator Brian Schatz for once again championing federal workers and their families by reintroducing the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act. Expanding paid family and medical leave ensures federal employees never have to choose between caring for themselves or a loved one and serving the American people. This legislation will strengthen the federal workforce, improve employee retention, and help the government remain a competitive employer for the dedicated public servants our nation depends on,\u201d said Everett Kelley, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees.\n\n\u201cFederal employees should never have to choose between caring for their loved ones and paying their bills on time. The Comprehensive Paid Family Leave Act would provide federal workers with the flexibility and support they need during some of life's most significant moments. As the federal government works to attract and retain talented public servants, providing comprehensive paid family leave is both the right thing to do and a smart investment in the workforce. NTEU is proud to endorse this legislation and appreciates Senator Schatz's continued leadership in advancing policies that strengthen the federal workforce and support working families,\u201d said Doreen Greenwald, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union.\n\nThe text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-trump-administration-releasing-600-million-for-gavi-to-provide-vaccines-save-lives", "Schatz Statement On Trump Administration Releasing $600 Million For Gavi To Provide Vaccines, Save Lives", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released the following statement after Secretary of State Marco Rubio took steps to provide $600 million in funding provided by Congress for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The funding will support Gavi's work to protect millions of children from preventable diseases, safeguard Americans from infectious disease threats, and ensure critical vaccine stockpiles \u2013 including for Ebola, cholera, and mpox \u2013 remain available.\n\n\u201cGavi is one of the most effective health partnerships in the world. This funding will help save lives around the world and protect Americans here at home by making vaccines available to those who need it and stopping the spread of preventable diseases.\n\n\u201cWhile I\u2019m glad the administration is finally following the law and taking the necessary steps to provide this funding, it must also release the billions of dollars in global health funding that it continues to withhold, wasting resources while people needlessly die and disease and hunger rapidly spread.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-30T07:32:48Z", "2026-07-30T07:34:08Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4959", "Case Votes Against First Version Of Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) Tuesday voted in the full U.S. House against the current version of the $1.15 trillion Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\nThe annual authorization is considered must-pass legislation, with Congress enacting one every year since fiscal 1962. It is separate from the regular annual appropriations bills that Representative Case helps develop as a member of the House Appropriations Committee; those bills actually direct funding using the NDAA as an authorizing framework.\n\n\u201cOur National Defense Authorization Act is a critical annual measure that not only authorizes our defense spending for the year, supplementing my Appropriations Committee\u2019s parallel funding responsibilities, but also establishes defense policies, including organization and administration of the Defense Department,\u201d said Case, who serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, responsible for all defense and intelligence community funding, and previously served on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, responsible for all funding in those areas.\n\n\u201cWhile this current version of the FY 2027 NDAA includes many critical Hawai\u2018i and Indo-Pacific priorities I requested, I regrettably had to vote against it at this stage for various reasons. These included the lack of any Congressional authorization of the Iran war; the insufficiency of any justification for the huge authorized increase in defense spending; the lack of any assurance of adequate Congressional oversight of that spending; and the inclusion of various other proposals not relevant to defense such as the SAVE America Act, which I have separately voted against several other times.\u201d\n\nGiven the significant economic contribution of military construction to Hawai\u2018i, Case highlighted various projects he advocated for that were included in the NDAA, including:\n\n\u00b7 $507 million to continue building Dry Dock 5 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.\n\n\u00b7 $248 million to continue building the Red Hill Water Treatment Plant. Case provided the initial funding for this effort in FY 2026 through his assignment on the House Appropriations Committee.\n\n\u00b7 $184 million to expand the Ford Island Pacific Warfighting Center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.\n\n\u00b7 $142 million to make airfield improvements at the Pacific Missile Range Facility.\n\n\u00b7 $90 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar at Wheeler Army Airfield.\n\n\u00b7 $77 million to expand an armory at Marine Corps Base Hawai\u2018i.\n\n\u00b7 $72 million for water wells and storage tanks at Helemano Military Reservation.\n\n\u00b7 $71 million for a clear well and booster pump at Fort Shafter.\n\n\u00b7 $49 million to upgrade the main gate at Marine Corp Base Hawai\u2018i.\n\n\u00b7 $34 million at Marine Corps Base Hawai\u2018i for an air traffic control compound.\n\n\u00b7 $30 million for a fire station at Schofield Barracks.\n\n\u00b7 $26 million for an elevated water tank and distribution lines at Schofield Barracks.\n\n\u00b7 $21 million for a water storage tank Schofield Barracks.\n\n\u00b7 $4 million for a Secure Integration Support Lab on Maui.\n\nThe measure also included three floor amendments (amendments added in full House deliberations) authored by Case that:\n\n\u00b7 Require a study on the potential benefits of establishing a Strategic Infrastructure Partnership Initiative to assist U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) in identifying, developing and implementing dual-use infrastructure projects across the Indo-Pacific.\n\n\u00b7 Require a comprehensive analysis of the People's Republic of China's (PRC) influence and activities within the Freely Associated States and recommending steps to help protect these three Pacific nations.\n\n\u00b7 Direct the Space Force to assess the security, physical, cyber and geopolitical vulnerabilities of commercially owned and operated satellite ground-based nodes located within the Indo-Pacific. Multiple such locations are in Hawai\u2018i.\n\nThe bill further included several provisions advocated for and supported by Case to continue the military\u2019s investment in Hawai\u2018i and the Indo-Pacific, including:\n\n\u00b7 Authorizing an additional $2.5 million for the Pacific Disaster Center on Maui.\n\n\u00b7 Extending the authority for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative.\n\n\u00b7 Formally establishing an Inter-Pacific Air Forces Academy. This existing yet uncodified program focuses on leader-follower self-awareness, enhancing strategic intelligence, cultivating intercultural communication and fostering relationships among the multinational enlisted force.\n\n\u00b7 Requiring a study on recapitalizing the Army\u2019s watercraft fleet and how they will be supported by uncrewed systems. Hawai\u2018i is the homeport for three Army watercraft.\n\n\u00b7 Directing the military to prioritize the distribution and retention of KC-135 tanker aircraft to Air Force and Air National Guard installations in the Indo-Pacific. Hawai\u2018i Air National Guard\u2019s 154th Wing currently operates KC-135s out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.\n\n\u00b7 Requiring the military to establish a secure, all-domain, virtual-constructive training environment to support training in the Indo-Pacific. This will help reduce the need to conduct more dangerous live-fire training.\n\n\u00b7 Directing the Navy to evaluate installations that are critical to force generation, deployment and sustainment for USPACOM and what can be done to improve the capacity of naval shipyards, regional maintenance centers, depots, aircraft maintenance facilities and civilian industrial capacity to maintain, repair and rearm ships and aircraft.\n\n\u00b7 Authorizing $1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative.\n\n\u00b7 Authorizing $8.4 billion for two Virginia-class attack submarines. Pearl Harbor is the home of this class of submarine and conducts major maintenance on them at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.\n\nThe bill additionally included several provisions cosponsored by Case, including amendments that:\n\n\u00b7 Direct the Defense Department to conduct base hardening assessments at key logistics nodes and commercial interfaces for major defense installations, which would include locations in Hawai\u2018i.\n\n\u00b7 Direct the military to inventory, assess and prioritize all military construction and logistics infrastructure projects across the Indo-Pacific to meet USPACOM\u2019s operational requirements.\n\n\u00b7 Extend the requirement to annually assess of Taiwan\u2019s military readiness, regional allied responses and U.S. contingency planning in the face of rising Chinese aggression.\n\n\u00b7 Extend the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative through 2031 and expand it to include unmanned systems.\n\n\u00b7 Mandate a report to Congress on the military\u2019s strategy for developing a resilient and distributed missile tracking system and authorize funds to implement the report\u2019s recommendations. These efforts can be used to help improve the defense of Hawai\u2018i.\n\nFinally, the NDAA version included various provisions Case has supported to assist our nation\u2019s servicemembers, including:\n\n\u00b7 Directs a 7% pay raise for junior enlisted personnel, a 6% raise for senior enlisted personnel and junior officers, and a 5% raise for senior officers.\n\n\u00b7 Protects the collective bargaining rights of civilian Defense Department employees.\n\n\u00b7 Authorizes over $1.8 billion for new construction of barracks and family housing.\n\n\u00b7 Requires an assessment of junior enlisted housing shortfalls and a plan to close housing shortfalls.\n\n\u00b7 Authorizes incentive pay for medical officers with doctoral degrees.\n\n\u00b7 Increases the Family Separation Allowance for deployed servicemembers.\n\n\u00b7 Authorizes $226 million to design and build new childcare centers.\n\n\u00b7 Authorizes $170 million for new on-base schools.\n\n\u00b7 Authorizes a pilot program to provide grants to expand access to childcare for military families.\n\n\u00b7 Authorizes $50 million in Impact Aid assistance to public schools with military dependent students and an additional $20 million in assistance to local schools teaching children with severe disabilities.\n\n\u00b7 Requires a cost-of-living allowance to eligible servicemembers. The authority is currently optional and only applies to servicemembers assigned to high-cost areas.\n\nThe bill passed the House by a vote of 216 to 212 and now heads to the Senate for its consideration. \u201cI am hopeful that, as this critical measure moves further through the legislative process, its serious flaws will be corrected and I will be able to vote yes on the final version, as I have with past NDAAs,\u201d said Case.\n\nATTACHMENTS:\n\n1. The text of the bill is available here.\n\n2. The explanatory committee report is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-25T07:13:44Z", "2026-07-25T07:15:09Z"], ["https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-votes-no-after-republicans-hijack-annual-defense-bill", "Rep. Tokuda Votes No After Republicans Hijack Annual Defense Bill", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Jill N. Tokuda", "T000487", "tokuda.house.gov", "tokuda", "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. The bill passed the House by a vote of 216-212 and will now head to the U.S. Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cMy goal was clear from day one: keep any authority for the military to condemn and take Hawai\u02bbi lands out of the NDAA. We drew a red line, held it, and won. The final bill does not give the military that power, and decisions about Hawai\u02bbi lands remain where they belong: in Hawai\u02bbi hands. That victory was never guaranteed. It took sustained pressure, clear opposition, and a refusal to let Hawai\u02bbi be treated as an afterthought. I will always fight to protect Hawai\u02bbi and defend our right to decide what happens to our lands,\u201d said Rep. Tokuda.\n\n\u201cWhile we defended Hawai\u02bbi, House Republicans gutted the bipartisan NDAA we built in committee. They loaded it with toxic poison-pills that undermine our military, punish the people who serve and their families, and make our country less safe.\"\n\n\u201cWorst of all, Republicans attached the SAVE America Act onto this bill, imposing burdensome voter-ID requirements that make it harder for eligible Americans to vote. They hijacked a must-pass defense bill to advance a partisan election agenda that has nothing to do with military readiness.\n\n\u201cI could not in good conscience vote for a bill that puts politics ahead of our troops. The NDAA should strengthen our military and support those who serve\u2014not be used as a vehicle to advance a partisan agenda.\u201d\n\nA summary of the FY27 NDAA can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-25T07:13:44Z", "2026-07-25T07:15:09Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-colleagues-in-pressing-hegseth-on-inaccurate-casualty-reporting-demanding-transparency-on-human-cost-of-war-in-iran", "Hirono Leads Colleagues in Pressing Hegseth on Inaccurate Casualty Reporting, Demanding Transparency on Human Cost of War in Iran", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services (SASC), led all of her Democratic colleagues on SASC in demanding a full and accurate accounting of all service members who were killed, wounded, and injured in support or in connection with Operation Epic Fury. In a letter to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine; Commander of United States Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper; and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Anthony Tata, the senators raised alarms about multiple inconsistencies between the Pentagon\u2019s public casualty number and official statements. The senators pressed DOD to be transparent with the American people, servicemembers, and their families on the human cost of the ongoing war in Iran.\n\n\u201cThe American people, Congress, service members, and their families are entitled to a full and accurate accounting of the human costs of war. The information currently available to the public suggests that the Department has not consistently provided timely and comprehensive public casualty reporting throughout the conflict,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\nWhile DOD has reported that the Pentagon\u2019s Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) is accurate and \u201cregularly updated,\u201d the Senators raised inconsistencies both in overall casualty and injury reporting since the beginning of the conflict, and during the month of July. For example, on July 20, DOD spokesman Sean Parnell publicly stated: \"While nearly 100 service members were deemed to have some degree of injury since July 7, 2026, 96% have returned to duty.\" These injuries, however, were not included total casualty count and July\u2019s monthly casualty report. In the same report, DCAS listed 14 servicemembers killed, despite wide reporting of 18 service members killed as of July 20, 2026. While the number of service members killed has been updated as of July 23, these inconsistencies raise significant concerns about the DOD\u2019s overall transparency and timely reporting.\n\n\u201cThis lack of transparency undermines confidence that military families and the American people are receiving a complete and accurate accounting of the sacrifices made by those serving in uniform,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\nThe Senators requested prompt, detailed responses from DOD by Thursday, July 30, 2026, including an exact casualty breakdown, an explanation for the total and month-of-July reporting discrepancies, data on traumatic brain injuries, undisclosed attacks in Jordan, and an assessment of mass casualty response capabilities and overall readiness in the theater. They concluded their letter by emphasizing the importance of transparency to servicemembers, their families, and the American people.\n\n\u201cWe appreciate your prompt attention to these questions and expect a timely and complete response. Our service members and their families deserve nothing less than a full and honest accounting of the costs of this war,\u201d they concluded.\n\nIn addition to Senator Hirono, the letter was signed by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) SASC Ranking Member, Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).\n\nThe full text of letter is available here and below.\n\nSecretary Hegseth:\n\nWe write to express our concern regarding the Department of Defense's (DoD or the Department) public reporting of U.S. military casualties associated with Operation Epic Fury and to formally request a comprehensive accounting of the number of service members who have been killed, wounded, or injured in support of the operation.\n\nThe American people, Congress, service members, and their families are entitled to a full and accurate accounting of the human costs of war. The information currently available to the public suggests that the Department has not consistently provided timely and comprehensive public casualty reporting throughout the conflict.\n\nThe Pentagon's Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS), which the Department has described as being \"regularly updated,\" has reported inconsistent casualty figures, raising additional questions about the transparency and reliability of the Department's public reporting and statements.\n\nFor example, on July 20, 2026, the DoD\u2019s chief spokesman, Sean Parnell, publicly stated: \"While nearly 100 service members were deemed to have some degree of injury since July 7, 2026, 96% have returned to duty\" (Statement posted to X, @SeanParnellASW, July 20, 2026). However, DCAS listed 14 service members killed (despite wide reporting of 18 service members killed as of July 20, 2026) and 447 injured during Operation Epic Fury as and recorded zero wounded in action for the month of July as of July 21, 2026. Both the total casualties and the monthly July casualty data do not reflect the Department's public acknowledgment on July 20th of nearly 100 additional injuries in July. We are concerned that DCAS is not being maintained at the granular level and calls into serious question the completeness and reliability of the aggregate totals. Stars and Stripes also reported on this data inconsistency. Such discrepancies prevent Congress and the public from determining the true human cost of the ongoing operation.\n\nCongress has a constitutional responsibility to oversee military operations and ensure that casualty reporting is both timely and accurate. From the start of Operation Epic Fury in February 2026, this administration has failed to provide timely updates on the military readiness, personnel, and financial impacts of this war. Delays or inconsistencies in publicly reporting these casualty figures further impede Congress's ability to conduct oversight and limit the public's understanding of the operation's costs. This lack of transparency undermines confidence that military families and the American people are receiving a complete and accurate accounting of the sacrifices made by those serving in uniform.\n\nTo better understand the Department's casualty reporting practices during Operation Epic Fury, we request responses to the following questions no later than Thursday, July 30th, 2026:\n\nAs of the date of your response, what is the total number of U.S. service members who have been killed, wounded in action (or received care for injuries sustained while supporting Operation Epic Fury, including those who returned to full duty after care?\n\nAs reported in DCAS, please provide details on the casualty types (hostile vs. non-hostile), and all DCAS reporting categories (Grade, Age, Sex, Component, Race, Ethnicity) across each Service.\n\nDo these numbers include all battle injury (BI) and disease and non-battle injury (DNBI) reporting provided to the Services by U.S. Central Command?\n\nIf not, please provide the corresponding figures from U.S. Central Command.\n\nAccording to The New York Times, a U.S. military official stated that U.S. Central Command is not required to publicly disclose information about injured service members, particularly when they quickly return to duty. Does the Department still receive this information from CENTCOM, even if it\u2019s not posted publicly on DCAS? Please explain the communication and updates OSD receives from CENTCOM, including the frequency and timing.\n\nHow does U.S. Central Command determine whether a service member has returned to duty \u2018quickly enough\u2019 to not publicly disclose this injury?\n\nIn how many cases has U.S. Central Command determined that a service member has returned to duty \u2018quickly enough\u2019 for it to not disclose those injuries to the public?\n\nAre there service members who were killed or wounded in action while deployed to the region in support of another named operation (e.g., Operation Inherent Resolve) who are not included in the Defense Casualty Analysis Systems\u2019 accounting for Operation Epic Fury?\n\nIf so, how many by category? Please specify for each DoD casualty reporting category in detail, as of the date of your response.\n\nAs referenced earlier in this letter, why does the DCAS \"Casualties by Month\" report not reflect the July 2026 injuries the Department has publicly acknowledged, as of July 21, 2026?\n\nHas the underlying July casualty data been entered into DCAS? If so, why is it not displaying? If not, when will it be publicly available?\n\nGiven that the granular monthly data is incomplete, what specific assurance can the Department provide that the aggregate operation totals are complete and accurate?\n\nWhat is the Department's standard process and timeline for entering monthly casualty data into DCAS, and who is responsible for ensuring its accuracy?\n\nHow frequently is DCAS updated for Operation Epic Fury? What is the average lag between a casualty event and its entry into DCAS, and what accounts for the July wounded-in-action figure still displaying zero (as of July 21, 2026)?\n\nProvide a breakdown of all Operation Epic Fury casualties that separates hostile-fire wounded in action from non-battle injuries. Given the Department's statement that the wounded total includes injuries \"entirely unrelated to combat operations,\" how does the Department define \"injury,\" \"wounded in action,\" and \"casualty\" for the purpose of Operation Epic Fury reporting?\n\nHow many service members have been screened for, and diagnosed with, a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) in connection with Operation Epic Fury? Are those cases counted within the wounded-in-action total, and what is the Department's process for updating casualty counts as delayed TBI diagnoses emerge?\n\nWith respect to the three Iranian attacks on U.S. forces in Jordan reported to have occurred in the week before the July attack:\n\nHow many service members were injured in each attack?\n\nAre those injuries reflected in DCAS? If not, why not?\n\nWho authorized the decision not to publicly disclose those attacks or the associated injuries, and on what legal or policy basis?\n\nGiven the number of casualties sustained to date, what is the Department's and CENTCOM's current assessment of the operation's impact on personnel, unit readiness, and operational capability in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility? Please include the following in your response or in a classified annex:\n\nThe readiness and manning of affected units, including any degradation resulting from casualties;\n\nAvailability and sustainability of medical and personnel resources in theater; and\n\nOverall operational capability to sustain current and projected mission requirements.\n\nGiven the number of casualties sustained to date, does the Department and U.S. Central Command assess that sufficient medical, evacuation, personnel recovery, and other support resources are in place to respond to a mass casualty scenario in the theater?\n\nIf yes, please describe the capabilities, resources, and contingency plans currently in place, including any recent adjustments made based on casualty trends observed during the operation.\n\nIf no, what are the capability gaps, resource constraints, or additional requirements needed to ensure an adequate response to a mass casualty event?\n\nWill the Department commit to providing Congress with a comprehensive written casualty accounting on a recurring, weekly basis that draws directly on U.S. Central Command's casualty reporting? If so, which office will be responsible for producing it?\n\nWe appreciate your prompt attention to these questions and expect a timely and complete response. Our service members and their families deserve nothing less than a full and honest accounting of the costs of this war.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-trump-administration-on-grant-review-process-raises-alarms-on-politically-motivated-delays", "Hirono Presses Trump Administration on Grant Review Process, Raises Alarms on Politically Motivated Delays", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), pressed Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Kevin Lilly on his repeated failure to provide straightforward answers on the agency\u2019s grant review process. In a letter to Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Lilly, Senator Hirono highlighted Lilly\u2019s failure to provide clarifying follow-up on the grant review process, following his inability to answer Hirono\u2019s questions on the matter at an ENR hearing held in June.\n\n\u201cYour refusal to be forthcoming or provide any substantive information about activities that appear to be politically motivated raises serious concerns about the process that\u2019s being applied,\u201d wrote Senator Hirono. \u201cNot only should these grants be awarded consistent with the Administration\u2019s priorities, but also consistent with the law which is written by Congress.\u201d\n\nDuring an ENR hearing on June 23, 2026, Senator Hirono asked Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Lilly about his review of grants totaling more than $50,000, specifically how many grants were awaiting his review and the sum of those grants. While Lilly was unable to answer during the hearing, he committed to providing the information in writing. Despite this pledge, Senator Hirono did not receive enlightening follow-up. Instead, Lilly\u2019s response said:\n\n\u201cAs I said at my hearing, we take the opportunity to provide grants very seriously. The Department is working through a judicious and thorough review of all of these grants to ensure that they are awarded appropriately and consistent with the Administration\u2019s priorities.\u201d\n\nSenator Hirono highlighted the impact of Lilly\u2019s incomplete follow-up and delayed grant review on the agency Lilly is responsible for running.\n\n\u201cFor decades the Department of the Interior has cultivated relationships with trusted partners to carry out projects that contribute to the Department\u2019s mission\u2014maintenance of trails, protection of wildlife, etc. Politically motivated delays in the administration of grants jeopardize that critical work from being completed and run the risk of ruining those relationships and the Department\u2019s ability to execute its mission in the future,\u201d wrote Senator Hirono.\n\nSenator Hirono also raised alarms about the consistent refusal from appointees across the Trump Administration to provide Congress with transparent information about the agencies Congress is constitutionally obligated to oversee.\n\nThe full text of letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Lilly:\n\nDuring your nomination hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on June 23, 2026, I asked you about your review of grants totaling more than $50,000. I asked you how many grants were awaiting your review and the sum of these grants. You did not have the information available at that time. Subsequently, I submitted the following questions for the record to allow you to access that information and provide it to me in writing:\n\nWhat are the criteria that you are using to review these grants?\n\nHow many grants are currently awaiting your review?\n\nHow much money do these backlogged grants total?\n\nWhat is the current average grant review timeline?\n\nWhat, if any, groups have expressed concern about delays in reviewing grants?\n\nInstead of answering these questions and providing transparency to Congress and the public about the Department\u2019s handling of taxpayer dollars, you provided the following response:\n\n\u201cAs I said at my hearing, we take the opportunity to provide grants very seriously. The Department is working through a judicious and thorough review of all of these grants to ensure that they are awarded appropriately and consistent with the Administration\u2019s priorities.\u201d\n\nMy question was not about the seriousness with which you approach grant administration. Your refusal to be forthcoming or provide any substantive information about activities that appear to be politically motivated raises serious concerns about the process that\u2019s being applied. Not only should these grants be awarded consistent with the Administration\u2019s priorities, but also consistent with the law which is written by Congress.\n\nAs a nominee appearing before Congress, it is expected that you will answer questions to the best of your ability. Yet, it has become standard practice for Trump Administration officials appearing before Congress not to provide any information about what is going on at their agencies-agencies Congress is charged with overseeing.\n\nFor decades the Department of the Interior has cultivated relationships with trusted partners to carry out projects that contribute to the Department\u2019s mission\u2014maintenance of trails, protection of wildlife, etc. Politically motivated delays in the administration of grants jeopardize that critical work from being completed and run the risk of ruining those relationships and the Department\u2019s ability to execute its mission in the future.\n\nAs you claim that you take opportunity to provide these grants very seriously, I expect you to provide my serious questions with very serious answers.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-condemns-state-departments-delays-in-providing-global-health-funding", "Schatz Condemns State Department\u2019s Delays In Providing Global Health Funding", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), Ranking Member of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations subcommittee, criticized the Trump State Department for not providing global health funding appropriated by Congress to entities like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Fund. Speaking on the Senate floor, Schatz condemned the State Department for not following the law, endangering lives, and spending money on projects that are not core to U.S. national security interests.\n\n\u201cIt shouldn't be this difficult to get the State Department to follow the law,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cEarlier this year, when we passed the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill on a bipartisan basis, we were very clear that the spending requirements in it were not suggestions \u2013 they were a matter of law. And yet, we are still having to fight tooth and nail with State Department officials to get money out to the people and places around the world that are counting on the United States of America.\u201d\n\nSenator Schatz continued, \u201cEvery day this money doesn't get to where it's supposed to go; every contribution, worth hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars, is delayed, people go hungry, people get sick, people die.\u201d\n\nA transcript of Senator Schatz\u2019s remarks is below. Video is available here.\n\nIt shouldn't be this difficult to get the State Department to follow the law. Earlier this year, when we passed the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill on a bipartisan basis, we were very clear that the spending requirements in it were not suggestions \u2013 they were a matter of law. We are not asking the State Department to do us a favor and spend the money that we provided. We made a law. And yet, we are still having to fight tooth and nail with State Department officials to get money out to the people and places around the world that are counting on the United States of America.\n\nLet's take funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. For months, the administration has been withholding $600 million, which are meant to help millions of children get vaccinated against preventable diseases, including Ebola, cholera and mpox. And even though the Secretary has told us repeatedly, including in a hearing last month, that he will personally see to it that this money is released, it's still stuck. Why? Because people at HHS, who have their own views and theories about vaccines, keep blocking it. But here's the thing. This funding is in the State Department's budget. HHS has no jurisdiction here. And I want to be really clear about this. Sure, this is a jurisdictional dispute. Sure, this is a legal matter. A, this is a law, not a suggestion. B, this just doesn't go through HHS. They have no jurisdiction here.\n\nBut why am I so animated about it? It\u2019s because little kids are not getting vaccinated right now. Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, they come to us and they articulate to us that children across the planet are getting sick unnecessarily because they're not getting vaccinated. And what happened was, because of the COVID pandemic and the disagreement about mandatory COVID vaccines, now certain people are so brain-poisoned that we think we shouldn't even prevent disease in children. And kids are dying because the United States is sitting on its butt, not disbursing money. That is a matter of law.\n\nHere's another example with the Global Fund. Last week, after months of fighting to release funding, the administration finally made a $661 million contribution to the Global Fund which will help fight deadly epidemics like HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria by providing medicines and strengthening health infrastructure. But even then, the administration is still withholding close to $2 billion in additional contributions, all while HIV prevention is falling, malaria is surging, and we're trying to contain multiple outbreaks globally, including Ebola.\n\nWhen Congress got all animated about attacking USAID, it was because, \u201cHey, we want to help PEPFAR. We want to help Gavi. We want to help the Global Fund. We want to be the good guys around the world. But let's not do all this cultural stuff. Let's not waste all this money on superfluous stuff.\u201d And you know what's happening? They eliminated a tiny portion of the tens of billions of dollars that get pushed out every year. Tiny, and I mean, we're talking tens of millions versus tens of billions that was cultural stuff, and arguably \u2013 arguably \u2013 progressive or left wing. Tiny portion of it. But I want everybody to understand what they did in the process. They cut previously bipartisan priorities, and lots and lots of people died.\n\nThese are not bureaucratic mix-ups. Every day this money doesn't get to where it's supposed to go; every contribution, worth hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars, is delayed, people go hungry. People get sick. People die.\n\nAnd that's what made what happened last year at USAID particularly cruel. The richest man in the world wanted to send USAID to the woodchipper. And this Congress and this Senate ratified those decisions. And yet, we worked with the Secretary, and we worked with appropriators on both sides of the aisle, and we worked with the great late Senator Lindsey Graham \u2013 may his memory be a blessing \u2013 to reestablish the principle that the United States is the good guy and that it is not just the example of our power, but the power of our example.\n\nThat the United States is the indispensable nation. We are the good guys. And when a batch of aid \u2013 medicine or communications infrastructure or food \u2013 arrives with that little patch with the United States of America on it, people go, \u201cHelp is on the way. The good guys are here.\u201d And so we got through this process on the appropriations side to reestablish the principle that USAID in its new iteration, under mostly the State Department, is still a bipartisan priority. And there are lots of people who believe that. But the State Department is not executing on these dollars. And the consequences are geopolitical, but they're also human. People are still literally dying because we're not pushing this money out.\n\nAnd just so you know that I don't think this is an entirely partisan question. There were Democrats, people who consider themselves Democratic strategists, who said out loud that Democrats were walking into a trap because USAID doesn't poll well. I don't care if it polls well. I am not here to have a pollster tell me that I shouldn't care that kids are getting malaria. I am not here to get talked out of the United States being the good guys, because health care polls higher, because the cost of gasoline pulls higher. I'm not deciding what to put into a 30-second spot. I'm deciding how to use the power given to me by the people of the state of Hawai\u2018i. And I think they care about whether people die unnecessarily because of the stupidity of this Congress.\n\nAnd I want everybody to know what's happening now, in addition to all that money still being throttled. So there were parades and festivals and other things that were funded that ended up in a Fox News chyron that were embarrassing to USAID. And I would say about two thirds of them were just flatly untrue. But some of them actually happened. And so I went to Lindsey, I went to Marco, I went to Mario Diaz-Balart, I went to Lois Frankel, I went to John Thune, I went to others, and I said, \u201cLook, you're pushing on an open door. If the principle here is the U.S. should stick to its knitting, stay in a narrow couple of lanes for military financing, economic assistance, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. We should do nothing superfluous. You\u2019re pushing on an open door if you would like USAID to be a little more aligned with the State Department and not working against each other's interests, even in-country. Fine. You're pushing on an open door.\u201d\n\nAnd so that's what we tried to ratify in the last appropriations bill. But here's the crazy thing. It's not that they\u2019re not spending money on ideological projects. They've just decided to spend money on their own ideological projects. So instead of vaccinating little kids against deadly diseases, they're now spending millions of dollars to help British nonprofits \u2013 one of them recently established and now receiving $7 million from United States taxpayer dollars \u2013 report on whether free speech is being censored in London. This is how they explain the funding: \u201cAmerican diplomacy should continue to stand up for genuine democracy, freedom of expression, and unapologetic celebrations of European nations, individual character, and history.\u201d Just so we're all clear, they're trying to get out of the business of saving lives in order to get into the business of promoting unapologetic celebrations of European nations, individual character, and history. That's what we're now paying for with our tax dollars.\n\nHere's another one. They want to send millions of dollars to protect free speech and foster dialog in the UK, Europe, and Australia. Not Equatorial Guinea or Eswatini, which, despite being among the world's most repressive governments, the Trump administration is still sending tax dollars to them. They're going after our allies. Is the UK or the EU or Australia a threat to democracy?\n\nOne more example. The State Department set up a $200 million fund to make private sector investments in and around Armenia. And the guy they appointed to lead it just so happens to be one of Trump's ballroom donors and has deep business ties in the region.\n\nYou could have made a credible argument that USAID strayed from its central mission by supporting societal and cultural activities. And that it tried to do too many things in too many places, and that, actually, focusing our efforts on a few key priorities was a better strategy. But they didn't do that. They've just picked their own right-wing version of wokeness to fund with taxpayer dollars.\n\nAnd so we are only partially through metabolizing what has happened to foreign aid globally and in the United States. The good news is that we've reestablished a bipartisan principle that we should still be present in the world, that we should still alleviate suffering, that we should still provide economic assistance, that we should still respond to disasters, that we should still do foreign military financing, and that all of that is the right thing to do, because we are the good guys. And also all of that is the right thing to do because it is way cheaper than any military engagement. And winning hearts and minds is just a hell of a lot cheaper than going to war. And so we\u2019ve reestablished that principle in the legislative context. But now the State Department has to start executing on what the law says.\n\nAnd this is not like the USAID thing where we gave them a pile of money and gave them the authority to do a bunch of grants and then they canceled a bunch of grants and moved things around. I may have objected to that, but that was permissible. What they're doing now is not permissible. PEPFAR money is not a choice they get to make \u2013 it\u2019s a choice we already made. Gavi money is not a choice they get to make \u2013 it\u2019s a choice we already made. The Global Fund money is not a choice they get to make \u2013 it\u2019s a choice we already made. These are things in statutory law. This is not the Ford Foundation where they say, \u201cWell, we've changed our grant criteria.\u201d This is a matter of federal law, and they have to follow it.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4957", "Case Calls On President To Once Again Extend Jones Act Waiver To Address Severe Risk Of Disruption Of Critical Energy Supplies To Hawaii Resulting From Ongoing Iran War", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai\u2018i-First) asked President Trump to grant another 60-day extension of the current waiver of the Jones Act, citing continued global shipping disruptions, constrained fuel supply chains and rising gasoline and energy costs in Hawai\u2018i, along with implications for U.S. military readiness in the Indo-Pacific. In April, Case called on the President to grant the initial extension that is set to expire on August 15.\n\nIn his latest letter to the President, Case again urged that: \u201cThe waiver should be extended now rather than on current expiration because contracts for the acquisition and shipping of fossil fuel products to U.S. ports are signed well in advance of shipping and delivery and failure to provide clarity on that timeframe will seriously disrupt shipping options and prices with wide ranging effects.\n\n\u201cThe waiver is operating nationally to mitigate the effects of market disruption on energy availability and pricing nationally. But the need for the waiver is especially acute in Hawai\u2018i and other noncontiguous jurisdictions which are largely reliant on external fossil fuel-based products for energy, agriculture, transportation, and other key needs, and where the Jones Act, even in a non-disrupted world, imposes unique severe constraints on the delivery of energy supplies and related pricing.\u201d\n\nCase continued: \u201cAs I explained before when asking you to extend the waiver earlier this year, Hawai\u2018i is one of the most isolated parts of our country and depends on shipping for over ninety percent of our goods, including nearly all of our fossil fuel products. Yet the Jones Act severely limits shipping options from the continental U.S. to U.S. Jones Act vessels only, despite the widespread availability of shipping in the international markets. For fossil fuel products specifically, of the thousands of tankers operating globally, only a small fraction are Jones Act-compliant and available for domestic transport, and virtually none are suited for certain bulk commodities such as fertilizer. As a result, even though the United States is a net energy exporter, Hawai\u2018i typically relies on foreign imports because Jones Act shipping is far more expensive and less dependable that international shipping.\u201d\n\nThe Jones Act, a century-old federal maritime law, mandates that all cargo shipped between U.S. ports be transported on U.S.-flagged vessels, excluding most ships operating in global trade that are flagged internationally. With fewer than 100 oceangoing Jones Act vessels nationwide, limited domestic capacity faces no international competition, contributing to higher shipping costs.\n\nThe constraints in oil shipping are even more stark: of the nearly 7,500 oil tankers operating worldwide, only 54 are Jones Act-compliant and eligible to move fossil fuel products from the Continent to Hawai\u2018i, which remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuel products for energy. As a result, Hawai\u2018i typically must source most of its essential resources from foreign markets, where shipping is far cheaper.\n\nCase also highlighted to the President the extensive military presence in Hawai\u2018i, which is largely dependent on the same sources of energy, fuel and other fossil fuel products as the civilian population. He said: \u201cThe military in Hawai\u2018i also depends on this same fuel network. Hawai\u2018i is the Indo-Pacific home to every service \u2013 the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Space Force \u2013 along with a significant presence of our nation\u2019s intelligence community.\n\n\u201cIt is our nation\u2019s Indo-Pacific headquarters, hosting U.S. Pacific Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Army Pacific, Marine Corps Forces Pacific, Special Operations Command Pacific, Space Force Indo-Pacific and the National Security Agency Hawai\u2018i. It also has many key military installations including Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Marine Corps Base Hawai\u2018i, Schofield Barracks, Fort Shafter, the Pacific Missile Range Facility, P\u014dhakuloa Training Area and various other locations. These installations support key operating forces based in Hawai\u2018i, including nuclear attack submarines, surface combatants, an Army infantry division, F-22s, MV-22s, C-17s, fuel tankers, Apaches, a Marine Corp regiment and approximately 60,000 Department of Defense (DoD) personnel plus families. Both these services and their active duty and civilian personnel and families are all being impacted by substantially higher fossil fuel-related costs.\n\n\u201cThe conditions that justified the initial request, including global tanker dislocation, severely constrained availability of U.S.-flagged vessels and disruptions associated with instability in and around the Strait of Hormuz, continue to affect fuel logistics. These ongoing challenges underscore the importance of maintaining maximum flexibility in maritime transport to ensure both civilian and military fuel needs are met.\u201d\n\nIn the current 119th Congress, Case again introduced legislation to reform the Jones Act and open up Hawai\u2018i - Continent shipping to international competition.\n\nAttachments\n\nCopy of letter to the President: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:04799e35-96b8-496f-9834-97812094233b\n\nCase\u2019s February 14, 2025, press release on introduction of his current measures: https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3520\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-22T07:34:13Z", "2026-07-22T07:35:16Z"], ["https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-leads-hawaii-delegation-urging-president-trump-to-approve-fema-kona-low-recovery-aid", "Rep. Tokuda Leads Hawai\u02bbi Delegation Urging President Trump to Approve FEMA Kona Low Recovery Aid", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Jill N. Tokuda", "T000487", "tokuda.house.gov", "tokuda", "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), joined by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging that he support the State of Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s appeal and reconsideration requests to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following the March 2026 Kona low storms.\n\nThe delegation is asking the Administration to approve the state\u2019s requests for additional federal disaster assistance to help repair storm-damaged public infrastructure and provide funding for projects that reduce the risk of future flooding and other disasters.\n\n\u201cThe appeal for Public Assistance Category G has been updated with additional data, validating more than $20 million in quantifiable damage, including more than $15 million in damage to airport grounds infrastructure and nearly $5 million of damage to parks, trails, cultural facilities, and early warning systems,\u201d the lawmakers wrote in the letter. \u201cThis damage includes structural pavement failure of taxiways at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, the state\u2019s primary gateway for tourists, residents, business travelers, and military service members.\u201d\n\n\"Recovering from a disaster of this scale is a long-term commitment, and our priority must be protecting our communities from future vulnerabilities,\u201d said Rep. Tokuda. \u201cThis federal assistance is about hardening our infrastructure and making the necessary improvements to prevent the kind of severe disruptions we just witnessed. We must invest in safeguarding our islands so our residents can feel secure and prepared for the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cHawai\u02bbi needs additional federal disaster aid to restore critical infrastructure, support ongoing recovery efforts, and help prepare for future disasters. Investing in mitigation and preparedness now can help keep communities safer in the future. Hawai\u02bbi shouldn't have to face these challenges alone. The people of Hawai\u02bbi deserve the full support and partnership of the federal government,\u201d said Sen. Schatz.\n\n\"As Hawai\u02bbi communities that were damaged by the Kona Low storms continue to clean up, assess damages, and begin to recover, our federal government has a responsibility to be a continuing partner in helping our state be better protected from future storms,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThis additional federal support will make our state more resilient to the extreme weather events that threaten our state and communities nationwide with increasing frequency.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe updated data demonstrating the severe and continuing damage of the Kona Low storms strengthens our request for federal disaster assistance to repair our major international airport,\u201d said Rep. Ed Case. \u201cOur airports are central to an isolated island state, and natural disaster damage to them has wide-ranging ripple effects through our economy and community which FEMA and related federal assistance should assist in addressing.\u201d\n\nA copy of the letter may be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-22T07:34:13Z", "2026-07-22T07:35:16Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-presses-secretary-hegseth-on-failure-to-achieve-trumps-iran-war-goals", "Schatz Presses Secretary Hegseth On Failure To Achieve Trump\u2019s Iran War Goals", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on a supplemental budget request, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the Trump administration\u2019s failure to meet the goals it set out at the beginning of the war in Iran, including regime change and destroying Iran\u2019s nuclear capabilities.\n\n\u201cI go back to the original five objectives. And none of them have been met. Some of them have changed, but none of them have been met,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\n\u201cAbout 190,000 people in the state of Hawai\u2018i, believe it or not, voted for Donald Trump. And I know a lot of them, and I represent all of them. And one of the reasons that they were enthusiastic about Donald Trump and you, Mr. Secretary, was they thought that we were going to have a new foreign policy,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cPeople were pretty thrilled about the idea that America First, in their mind, meant that we were going to not do this kind of adventurism.\u201d\n\nVideo of Senator Schatz\u2019s exchange with Secretary Hegseth is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4956", "Case Statement On The Death Of First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan Of Hawaii", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) issued the following statement on the death of 1st Lieutenant Tyler Feehan of Ewa Beach in Jordan.\n\n\u201cI join all of our Hawai\u2019i in mourning the passing in Jordan of United States Army First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan of \u2018Ewa Beach. The loss of any of our servicemembers is tragic, but of one of our own \u2018ohana is especially deep. I extend my deepest sympathies to Lt Feehan\u2019s family with our Hawaii\u2019s lasting gratitude for his service to our country.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-issues-statement-on-the-passing-of-us-army-first-lieutenant-tyler-feehan", "Rep. Tokuda Issues Statement on the Passing of U.S. Army First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Jill N. Tokuda", "T000487", "tokuda.house.gov", "tokuda", "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) issued the following statement honoring United States Army First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan of \u02bbEwa Beach, who passed away while serving in Jordan.\n\n\"This tragedy strikes especially close to home because Tyler was one of Hawai\u02bbi's own, from \u02bbEwa Beach. Today, our \u02bbohana and the entire nation mourn Tyler and Isabella, two young Americans taken far too soon while serving our country. We hold their families, friends, and fellow servicemembers close in our hearts. Every life lost is one too many, and we must keep fighting to end this war and bring our troops home safely.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-death-of-first-lieutenant-tyler-j-feehan", "Hirono Statement on Death of First Lieutenant Tyler J. Feehan", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the death of First Lieutenant Tyler J. Feehan, of Ewa Beach, who was killed in action on July 18, 2026 in an attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan:\n\n\u201cI join people across Hawaii and throughout our nation in mourning the tragic loss of First Lieutenant Tyler J. Feehan of Ewa Beach. Today, my thoughts and aloha are with 1st Lt Feehan\u2019s family, and the families of all the brave servicemembers killed and injured in this war. As we honor their service and sacrifice, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to bring an end to this war.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-death-of-first-lieutenant-tyler-james-feehan", "Schatz Statement On Death Of First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) today released the following statement on the death of First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, of \u2018Ewa Beach, who was killed in action on July 18, 2026 at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.\n\n\u201cWe are heartbroken by the loss of 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan of ?Ewa Beach, who gave his life while serving our country. My thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and fellow soldiers as they grieve this unimaginable loss. May his memory be a blessing.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4954", "Case Introduces Bipartisan Measure To Boost Affordable Housing Nationwide In Areas Designated For Transit Oriented Development", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), joined by Delegate James Moylan (Guam), has co-introduced his bipartisan Transit Oriented Development Act to drive greater development of affordable housing in areas designated for transit oriented development such as along the Honolulu Skyline.\n\n\u201cThe affordable housing shortage remains one of the most significant drivers of the unacceptably high cost of living facing most Americans\u201d, said Case. \u201cIn my home state of Hawai\u02bbi, this crisis is particularly acute. Housing costs consume an outsized share of household income, forcing working families to make impossible choices between rent, groceries and health care.\n\n\u201cFar too many of our keiki and kama\u02bb\u0101ina find themselves priced out of the communities they call home. To truly address affordability, we must not only increase the supply of housing but do so in ways that reflect the unique economic realities of our communities and lower overall living costs for families. That means building housing that is attainable, affordable, well-located and connected to jobs and services.\u201d\n\nCase added: \u201cOne of the most important federal tools we have to do that is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which has long been one of our nation's most successful programs for financing affordable rental housing. Yet the current allocation structure does not always reflect the significant differences in housing costs and development challenges that exist across the country. Because allocations are based principally on population, communities facing exceptionally high housing costs\u2014including Hawai\u02bbi and other non-contiguous jurisdictions\u2014often face greater difficulty producing affordable housing despite having substantial need.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor families on Guam, the challenge isn\u2019t just finding affordable housing\u2014it\u2019s finding housing that keeps them connected to jobs, schools, healthcare, and essential services,\u201d said Delegate Moylan. \u201cAs America\u2019s westernmost territory, we face unique development constraints and higher construction costs. This bipartisan legislation recognizes those realities by strengthening incentives to build affordable housing in communities where transportation and opportunity come together. I\u2019m proud to co-lead this effort because it helps ensure federal housing policy works not only for the mainland, but for Guam and all of our island communities as well.\u201d\n\n\"Increasing the TOD basis boost would significantly improve project feasibility around our lands in East Kapolei, including next to the Ka Makana Ali\u02bbi Shopping Center, as well as in Moanalua Kai,\u201d said Kali Watson, director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. \"The additional 25% basis boost would generate approximately $38,000 to $58,000 in additional equity per housing unit, or roughly $3.8 to $5.8 million for a 100-unit project. This would substantially reduce the financing gap and allow more housing for beneficiaries and further revenue-generating opportunities to advance the mission of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920.\"\n\n\u201cI am pleased to support the reintroduction of the TOD legislation that I originally introduced in the 117th Congress in collaboration with Congressman Case,\u201d said Kaiali\u02bbi Kahele, Chairman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and former U.S. Congressman for the Second District of Hawai\u02bbi.\n\n\u201cThe enhanced basis adjustment aligns with OHA\u2019s strategic presence within the Iwilei\u2013Kap\u0101lama Transit-Oriented Development area, including the proposed K\u016bwili Skyline Station, and provides an incentive for OHA\u2019s future mixed-use development plans that integrate cultural revitalization, community services, and sustainable revenue generation.\u201d\n\n\"The City is laying the foundation for one of Hawai\u02bbi's largest transit-oriented redevelopment efforts through the master planning of the Iwilei-K\u016bwili district, where our long-term vision includes more than 2,500 affordable homes surrounding the future K\u016bwili Skyline Station,\u201d said Kevin D. Auger, Director, City and County of Honolulu Department of Housing and Land Management.\n\n\u201cDelivering projects of this scale requires strategic land assembly, strong public-private partnerships, and financing tools that reflect the realities of building affordable housing in high-cost communities like Honolulu. Legislation that strengthens the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit for transit-oriented development would provide another important tool to help communities advance these critical housing initiatives and create more affordable homes near transit.\"\n\n\"Congressman Case's Transit-Oriented Development Act recognizes that affordable housing and high-quality public transportation go hand in hand,\u201d said Roger Morton, Director, City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services. \u201cFor Honolulu, this legislation complements our investment in Skyline by encouraging more affordable housing near transit, reducing transportation costs for working families, and creating more connected, sustainable communities. We appreciate Congressman Case's leadership in advancing this practical approach for Hawai\u02bbi.\"\n\n\u201cThe Transit Oriented Development Act will help create a safer, more resilient, equitable, reliable, and efficient transportation system, said Mark Garrity, Executive Director of the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (Oahu MPO). \u201cOahuMPO strongly supports this critical legislation.\u201d\n\n\"This is simple and smart legislation that will stimulate affordable housing development along side of the transportation infrastructure that the government has invested in,\u201d said Craig Watase, Chief Executive Officer of Mark Development, a developer of affordable housing in Hawai\u02bbi. \u201cThis will be a major factor in project feasibility of many affordable housing projects.\"\n\nCase continued: \u201cOur Transit Oriented Development Act takes a targeted approach to addressing that challenge. The bill provides an enhanced Low-Income Housing Tax Credit incentive for affordable housing developments located within designated transit oriented development areas. This includes places that are already served by rail, bus, harbor or waterway transportation and are zoned for higher-density development.\n\n\u201cBy encouraging affordable housing near existing transportation infrastructure, we can help reduce transportation costs for residents, improve access to jobs and essential services and support more efficient and sustainable community growth.\u201d\n\nText of the Transit Oriented Development Act of 2026 is here\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"], ["https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-responds-to-president-trumps-remarks-on-election-integrity", "Rep. Tokuda Responds to President Trump's Remarks on Election Integrity", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Jill N. Tokuda", "T000487", "tokuda.house.gov", "tokuda", "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "scraper", "Hawai\u02bbi \u2014 U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's remarks on election integrity and the SAVE America Act.\n\n\"While families are wondering how they'll afford groceries, gas, and healthcare, Donald Trump is still obsessed with relitigating an election he lost six years ago. Elections were secure then, and they are secure now. Manufacturing doubt and pushing baseless conspiracies doesn't SAVE America\u2014it weakens our democracy. Real leaders trust the American people. Only cowards try to make it harder for Americans to vote.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-schatz-led-efforts-to-boost-medicare-funding-for-hawaii-hhs-increases-state-medicare-reimbursements-for-hospitals-by-nearly-17-million-every-year", "Following Schatz-Led Efforts To Boost Medicare Funding For Hawai\u2018i, HHS Increases State Medicare Reimbursements For Hospitals By Nearly $17 Million Every Year", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Following legislation and efforts led by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it will begin the process to increase the amount that hospitals in Hawai\u2018i can be reimbursed by Medicare to perform outpatient care, such as emergency department visits and imaging services, for enrolled seniors. Once the proposed change is finalized, Hawai\u2018i is set to receive an estimated $17 million in additional Medicare funding every year.\n\n\u201cThis is a big win for Hawai\u2018i. With millions more in Medicare funding for Hawai\u2018i hospitals every year, seniors across the state will continue to have access to the health care services they need,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\nHistorically, rural states have faced significant cost disparities for Medicare reimbursement that drive up costs for both hospitals and patients. Schatz has led legislation that recognizes the unique cost-of-living challenges that hospitals in Hawai\u2018i face and would increase reimbursements for hospitals in Hawai\u2018i to ensure that they can continue to serve seniors.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-attorney-general-nominee-todd-blanche-on-doj-weaponization-rule-of-law", "Hirono Presses Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche on DOJ Weaponization, Rule of Law", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "~ Watch Senator Hirono\u2019s Questions Here ~\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, pressed Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche on his role in weaponizing the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) against President Trump\u2019s perceived enemies during Mr. Blanche\u2019s nomination hearing. During her question line, Senator Hirono also questioned Mr. Blanche on his failure to rescind the anti-weaponization slush fund and got Blanche to commit on the record to cooperating with the state of New Mexico\u2019s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein\u2019s Zorro Ranch.\n\n\u201cMr. Blanche, you see nothing wrong with the President treating DOJ as his own personal law firm to use against his perceived enemies and as a way of helping his friends,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cYou oversaw the botched release of the Epstein files, denying justice once again to survivors who have been waiting so long for it. You have no business being the Attorney General of the United States.\u201d\n\nEarlier in the hearing, following a question by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), Mr. Blanche asserted that he is \u201cthe President\u2019s lawyer.\u201d Senator Hirono raised alarms about Blanche\u2019s role in enabling DOJ to serve as President Trump\u2019s personal law firm. She cited a social media post from President Trump calling for George Soros to be criminally charged, and a DOJ investigation into Soros that was opened shortly after that post. Senator Hirono also highlighted DOJ\u2019s lawsuits seeking full voter lists as part of a campaign to suppress the votes of American citizens, asking Blanche if any of the judges in the 14 resolved lawsuits have sided with DOJ.\n\n\u201cThe answer is no,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThese 14 federal judges, some of them were Trump appointees, disagreed with DOJ\u2019s position.\u201d\n\nSenator Hirono asked Blanche about public statements he previously made declaring \u201cwar\u201d on federal judges who were ruling against the administration. Blanche clarified that he did not believe federal judges should be impeached for ruling against the administration.\n\nSenator Hirono concluded her line of questioning by pressing Blanche on his memo that effectively terminated DOJ\u2019s cryptocurrency investigations and prosecutions. Senator Hirono led her colleagues in calling on DOJ to reconsider that memo. When the memo was issued, Blanche held significant cryptocurrency assets. Senator Hirono led her colleagues in a letter questioning Blanche\u2019s cryptocurrency conflicts, but he has not responded. Since Blanche\u2019s memo eviscerating cryptocurrency enforcement work, Americans have reported over $11 billion in crypto fraud losses to the FBI in the past year.\n\n\u201cIt is clear to me your leadership will be a continuation of what we have seen so far at the Trump Department of Justice. You are more likely to be called the Department of Retribution and Corruption,\u201d said Senator Hirono.\n\nSince the beginning of President Trump\u2019s second term, Senator Hirono has been fighting back against the Trump Administration\u2019s flagrant attacks on the rule of law. In March, on the Senate Floor, Senator Hirono opposed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act which, unlike its name suggests, would make it significantly harder for Americans to exercise their right to vote. Additionally, Senator Hirono has consistently raised alarms about the Administration\u2019s failure to adequately address cryptocurrency related crimes. Senator Hirono has also consistently sought justice for sexual assault survivors, including those assaulted by Jeffrey Epstein and President Trump.\n\nTo see the full video of Senator Hirono\u2019s questions click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"], ["https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-joins-colleagues-in-calling-to-halt-33-billion-in-military-funding-to-israel", "Rep. Tokuda Joins Colleagues in Calling to Halt $3.3 Billion in Military Funding to Israel", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Jill N. Tokuda", "T000487", "tokuda.house.gov", "tokuda", "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) joined 26 of her colleagues in a joint statement ahead of a House vote on an amendment to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act that would halt $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing to Israel.\n\n\"As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents\u2019 hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America\u2019s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon\u2014operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough.\n\nPalestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach.\n\nOur vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term prospects for a just and lasting peace. We remain committed to supporting these and similar programs while ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars advance peace, security, and American interests and values.\"\n\nThe statement was released by Representatives: Jim McGovern (D-MA), Becca Balint (D-VT), Don Beyer (D-VA), Greg Casar (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jes\u00fas G. \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (D-IL), Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Emily Randall (D-WA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY).\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"], ["https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-announces-applications-for-military-service-academies", "Rep. Tokuda Announces Applications for Military Service Academies", "2026-07-14", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Jill N. Tokuda", "T000487", "tokuda.house.gov", "tokuda", "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "scraper", "Honolulu, HI \u2014 U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) announced that her office will begin accepting applications on Friday, August 1, 2026, from students in Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s Second Congressional District seeking a nomination to one of the United States military service academies. Qualified applicants must submit their complete applications no later than Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. HST.\n\nEvery year, members of Congress, including Rep. Tokuda, are allotted a limited number of nominations for exceptional applicants from their districts seeking appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.\n\n\u201cEvery year, I am humbled to nominate students from Hawai\u02bbi who are ready to serve our country and lead with purpose,\u201d said Rep. Tokuda, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. \u201cOur service academies ask a lot of these young people, but Hawai\u02bbi students know what it means to carry responsibility, care for community, and step up when it matters. I encourage eligible students across Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s Second Congressional District to apply.\u201d\n\nTo be considered for a nomination, candidates must reside in Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s Second Congressional District, meet the basic eligibility requirements established by the academies, and submit a complete nomination application by Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. HST.\n\nFor more information on eligibility and the application process, visit tokuda.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations or call Rep. Tokuda\u2019s District Office at (808) 746-6220.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-deliver-faster-disaster-aid-becomes-law", "Schatz Legislation To Deliver Faster Disaster Aid Becomes Law", "2026-07-14", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 A bipartisan housing package, which includes the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act, became law over the weekend. The Reforming Disaster Recovery Act, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), will help communities recover from major disasters more quickly by establishing a permanent and predictable funding process at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).\n\n\u201cRight now, each time a disaster happens, communities in crisis are forced to wait for Congress to pass a disaster funding bill before HUD can help. Our new law will now mean they no longer have to wait. As soon as a disaster strikes, HUD will be able to help communities begin the process of recovery,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\nThe provision will accelerate assistance to disaster-impacted communities by:\n\nCreating a disaster recovery fund to allow HUD to predictably assist communities;\n\nAuthorizing HUD to issue regulations to codify program requirements and reduce unnecessary red tape, delays, and unpredictability that stems from the current process;\n\nSupporting resilience as a part of \u2013 rather than separate from \u2013 disaster recovery;\n\nAuthorizing \u201cquick release\u201d funds to support grantee capacity right after an event;\n\nImproving federal coordination by establishing an office at HUD devoted to disaster recovery and resilience; and\n\nReducing unnecessary administrative burdens and interagency requirement conflicts.\n\nThe full text of the provision is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4953", "Case, Moylan Introduce Measure To Counter Transnational Crime In The Indo-Pacific", "2026-07-08", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) -- U.S. Congressmen Ed Case (D-HI-01) and James Moylan (R-Guam) have introduced a measure in the U.S. House to boost U.S. efforts to counter growing transnational crime in the Indo-Pacific.\n\n\u201cOur Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act addresses the growing use of Pacific Island nations as transit hubs for cross-Pacific illegal drug trade by transnational criminal networks, particularly narcotics traffickers,\u201d said Case, a founder and Co-Chair of the House Pacific Islands Caucus, a bipartisan Member group focused on the Pacific (https://pacificislandscaucus-case.house.gov).\n\n\u201cOur fellow Pacific Island nations which are being victimized as stop-offs in this Pacific drug highway are now suffering from related domestic crisis including addiction broader public health, such as an HIV epidemic in Fiji primary spread by unsafe injecting practices,\u201d said Case. \u201cOur Pacific \u2018ohana (family) have clearly prioritized this crisis and asked for our continued partnership in both reducing the trade to start with and addressing its consequences.\u201d\n\n\u201cGuam sits at the crossroads of the Indo-Pacific, and we understand better than most that transnational crime does not stop at borders,\u201d said Moylan. \u201cStrengthening law enforcement partnerships throughout the Pacific protects our communities, reinforces our alliances, and advances America\u2019s strategic interests in the region. The Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative is a smart investment in regional security, and I\u2019m proud to support efforts that ensure Guam continues to play a leading role in keeping the Indo-Pacific safe, secure, and resilient.\u201d\n\nCase and Moylan noted that while much attention has focused on precursor chemicals moving eastward across the Pacific to illicit drug producers in the Western Hemisphere, a lesser-known trafficking route moves cocaine and methamphetamine westward from the Americas through Oceania to Australia and New Zealand, where significantly higher street prices generate enormous profits for criminal organizations.\n\nIn 2017, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) Homeland Security Investigations division (HSI) spearheaded the Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative by establishing internal policies and procedures for coordination among HSI Honolulu, HSI Domestic Operations, and HSI International Operations to disrupt and deter transnational criminal organizations that exploit Pacific Island nations as transit points for the movement and concealment of illicit contraband bound for the United States, Australia and New Zealand.\n\nCase, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Homeland Security which oversees and funds DHS including HSI, said, \u201cThis is not just a regional challenge for the Pacific Islands.\n\n\u201cThose inflated profits flow right back to transnational criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere, strengthening the networks that threaten communities throughout the U.S.\n\n\u201cOur Pacific partners and allies have also been working tirelessly on this issue, including by coordinating with U.S. government agencies like HSI and the Joint Interagency Task Force \u2013 West, but they need more support and our measure is part of that answer.\u201d\n\nThe Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act would:\n\n\u00b7 Establish in statute HSI\u2019s Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative;\n\n\u00b7 Require four full-time HSI personnel at HSI Honolulu and HSI Guam to oversee the Initiative;\n\n\u00b7 Require an annual report to Congress on the activities of the Initiative; and\n\n\u00b7 Specifically authorize $5 million a year for the Initiative.\n\no Text of the Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act is here\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-24-million-heading-to-hawaii-to-replace-bridges-on-hna-highway", "Schatz: $24 Million Heading To Hawai\u2018i To Replace Bridges On H\u0101na Highway", "2026-07-08", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) announced that the Hawai\u2018i Department of Transportation will receive $24 million in federal funding to rehabilitate and replace approximately six bridges within the Hana Highway Historical District with modern, resilient structures.\n\n\u201cThis funding will help modernize our aging infrastructure and help people in East Maui get to where they need to go,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\nAs a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz has worked to ensure Hawai\u2018i receives its fair share of federal funding to improve infrastructure statewide.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4950", "Case Leads Bipartisan National Gerrymandering Reform Initiative", "2026-07-02", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai\u2018i-First District) today announced that his U.S. House Problem Solvers Caucus has endorsed a comprehensive proposal to reform runaway gerrymandering of Congressional districts and restore trust in the redistricting process, limit partisan interference, advance broader representation and facilitate real solutions in Congress.\n\nThe proposal was developed by the Problem Solvers\u2019 Gerrymandering Working Group, co-chaired by Case, a Democrat, and U.S. Representative Jeff Hurd (Colorado-Third District), a Republican.\n\n\u201cThe Problem Solvers is about facing and solving our toughest challenges and making our government work,\u201d said Case, who also serves as Vice Chair of the 45-Member caucus. \u201cThe worsening redistricting wars are a direct obstacle to a representative, inclusive, functioning and trusted government, and a solution must be a priority.\n\n\u201cOur Caucus\u2019 endorsed framework lays out the guideposts of for real reform and demonstrates that even the toughest and most political issues can be solved on a bipartisan basis.\u201d\n\nCase said the framework establishes five principles for Congressional redistricting:\n\n\u00b7 Stability and predictability in representation,\n\n\u00b7 Transparency and public confidence in the map-drawing process,\n\n\u00b7 Fair and consistent application of standards across states,\n\n\u00b7 Respect for communities and political subdivisions, and\n\n\u00b7 Reduction of incentives for partisan manipulation.\n\nThe framework also identifies four bipartisan reforms designed to create a more transparent, fair, and consistent process for drawing congressional districts nationwide:\n\n\u00b7 Once-a-Decade Redistricting: Restrict Congressional redistricting to once every ten years following the decennial Census.\n\n\u00b7 Nationwide Uniform Standards: Require Congressional districts to be drawn using clear, objective criteria while rejecting partisan advantage and incumbent protection as legitimate goals.\n\n\u00b7 Reducing Partisan Influence: Support approaches that minimize partisan influence, including independent commissions, algorithmic mapping and other mechanisms that promote public confidence.\n\n\u00b7 Federal Resolution of Challenges: Establish a consistent federal process for resolving Congressional redistricting disputes.\n\n\u201cVoters should choose their representatives, not the other way around,\u201d said Case.\n\n\u201cThese hyperpartisan gerrymandering wars are destructive to democracy because they effectively disenfranchise large segments of our electorate and balkanize our nation into a state of perpetual partisan warfare.\n\n\u201cWe need a Washington that truly represents the American people and works together to solve tough issues, not politicians endlessly pulled and beholden to irreconcilable extremes.\n\n\u201cOur Problem Solvers gerrymandering framework focuses on reforms that facilitate fair inclusion of all viewpoints, democratic debate and representative solutions.\u201d\n\nThe House Problem Solvers Caucus is an official group of Members in the U.S. House of Representatives, evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. Founded in 2017, its mission is to foster bipartisan cooperation, overcome legislative gridlock and advance consensus-based solutions on major national issues. More information about the Problem Solvers is available at https://problemsolverscaucus.house.gov.\n\nCase said that over the coming months, the Problem Solvers will further develop these principles into specific common-sense legislation and continue to build a coalition of support from across the political spectrum for essential reform.\n\nRead the full framework here.\n\nGerrymandering statistics here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4948", "Case Provides Summary Of Legislative Record Since Returning To Congress In 2019", "2026-06-29", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) provides below and at https://case.house.gov/ detailed information on key portions of his legislative record over the last eight years since he returned to Congress in 2019.\n\n\u201cMy mission is to help lead our country, help our Hawai\u2018i and help my constituents,\u201d said Case, who also previously served in Congress from 2002 to 2007.\n\n\u201cMy legislative record is the sum total of my efforts and accomplishments to fulfill that mission. It includes my votes in Congress (6,032 to date), legislation, work in my House Appropriations Committee and other committees and caucuses, speeches, joint letters and statements and more. I believe in making it readily available to let constituents know what I\u2019m doing and why, to answer questions and to correct misunderstandings.\n\n\u201cMy first and main effort is to provide a simple, central, transparent resource on my record and other efforts through my official website at https://case.house.gov/. That has information on me, my positions and activities, legislation and votes, public statements and communications, key issue summaries, and how to contact me.\n\n\u201cIn addition, I\u2019m providing the following summaries of my record in several areas of interest to me and my constituents:\n\n1. Cost of Living link\n\n2. Crime link\n\n3. Defense link\n\n4. Education link\n\n5. Energy link\n\n6. Federal Deficit/Debt/Finances link\n\n7. Foreign Affairs link\n\n8. Health Care link\n\n9. K\u016bpuna link\n\n10. Labor link\n\n11. LGBTQ+ link\n\n12. Maui Wildfires link\n\n13. Native Hawaiians link\n\n14. Natural Resources link\n\n15. Oceans link\n\n16. Small Business link\n\n17. Trump Opposition link\n\n18. Veterans link\n\n19. Voting Rights link\n\n20. Women link\n\n\u201cMy Appropriations Committee is responsible for all federal discretionary funding, currently at about $1.7 trillion total per year,\u201d said Case. \u201cI\u2019m serving my eighth year on Appropriations overall, and fourth year on our Subcommittee on Defense and Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which together make up almost 60% of our total federal budget. This is a national leadership position that also results in billions of federal funding to Hawai\u2018i every year. For these reasons, I focus on my Appropriations work and my legislative record reflects my efforts and accomplishments in the oversight and funding of all our federal government.\n\n\u201cEach year in Appropriations, we pass twelve separate measures, each of which covers parts of our federal government and all of which make up our total federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year. We just completed our last measure, Defense, and now move on to full House passage of the measures, and Senate and conference consideration before final passage.\n\n\u201cHere are my news releases on my efforts and accomplishments in Appropriations so far this year as we work to fund Fiscal Year 2027, which starts October 1st of this year:\n\n\u00b7 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs link\n\n\u00b7 Financial Services and General Government link\n\n\u00b7 National Security, State Department and Related Programs link\n\n\u00b7 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies link\n\n\u00b7 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies link\n\n\u00b7 Legislative Branch and Energy and Water link\n\n\u00b7 Transportation/Housing/Urban Development and Interior Department link\n\n\u00b7 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education link\n\n\u00b7 Homeland Security Department link\n\n\u00b7 Defense Department link\n\n\u201cI was also just ranked #4 of 214 House Democrats in securing direct Congressional funding for worthy community projects in my district (known as Community Project Funding, or CPFs) in our FY27 measures,\u201d said Case. \u201cI secured all 20 of my CPF requests for a total of $18,936,300.\n\n\u201cOverall, for the five years Congress has authorized CPFs, I\u2019ve gained approval of 74 district projects for $326 million. More here.\n\n\u201cFinally, I want to highlight as well the third part of my mission, which is to help my individual constituents with their own questions and concerns,\u201d said Case. \u201cSince 2019 my great staff and I have assisted over 10,000 constituents with concerns with Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, immigration and many other matters.\n\n\u201cAgain, please see my website at https://case.house.gov/ for more information on my legislative record and other activities. For any questions or further information, please contact me at ed.case@mail.house.gov.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-30T06:29:10Z", "2026-06-30T06:30:42Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-johnson-introduce-legislation-to-increase-judiciary-transparency", "Hirono, Johnson Introduce Legislation to Increase Judiciary Transparency", "2026-06-29", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member on the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, and U.S. Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee over Federal Courts, introduced the Open Meetings Act, legislation to require Judicial Conference meetings to be more open and accessible to the American people. The Judicial Conference is the policymaking and administrative governing body for the federal court system. By granting public access to these meetings by default, this bill will increase transparency in the Judiciary.\n\n\u201cThe federal judiciary is a key pillar of our constitutional system of government,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cAmericans need to have confidence that the judiciary is beholden only to the law and not to any ideological agendas or special interests. By requiring meetings of the judiciary\u2019s policymaking and administrative arm to be open to the public by default, this commonsense bill will help increase transparency and support that confidence.\u201d\n\nCurrently, the policies that govern much of the administration of the federal judicial system are discussed and implemented during semiannual Judicial Conference meetings\u2014all behind closed doors. While the Conference publishes an official report and press release summarizing the meeting activities after the meetings have concluded, there is no advance notice of the topics to be discussed, and no transcripts are made available.\n\nThe Open Meetings Act would make Judicial Conference meetings accessible to the public through livestreamed audio recordings and published meeting agendas. The Judicial Conference would still be permitted to close certain sensitive portions of its meetings as long as it provided an explanation for doing so. By lifting the curtain that stands between the Judicial Conference and the American people, this legislation would help ensure that the governance of the federal Judiciary remains apolitical and transparent to the public.\n\nLed by Representative Hank Johnson, companion legislation was co-sponsored in the U.S. House of Representatives by Steve Cohen (D-TN), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), and Shri Thanedar (D-MI).\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-30T06:29:10Z", "2026-06-30T06:30:42Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-illegal-sports-gambling-indictment", "Schatz Statement On Illegal Sports Gambling Indictment", "2026-06-29", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) today released the following statement after federal prosecutors announced that that two former NBA players have been indicted on sports gambling charges. Schatz is set to introduce legislation regulating gambling in professional sports, which includes a ban on micro prop bets.\n\n\u201cThis indictment is the latest example of how the explosion of unregulated sports betting is undermining the integrity of professional sports. While these players are rightly being held accountable, DOJ enforcement alone is not enough to crack down on the rampant misconduct. We need stronger federal regulation and oversight of prop bets to protect fans and restore public trust in sports.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-30T06:29:10Z", "2026-06-30T06:30:42Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-ossoff-introduce-right-to-vote-act", "Hirono, Ossoff Introduce Right to Vote Act", "2026-06-26", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) introduced the Right to Vote Act, legislation to create the first-ever affirmative federal voting rights guarantee for all eligible citizens. As the Trump Administration continues to threaten the voting rights of millions of Americans nationwide, this legislation would enshrine the fundamental right to vote into law.\n\n\u201cNothing is more fundamental to our democracy than ensuring that all citizens can exercise their fundamental right to vote. Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans know their agenda is deeply unpopular, but instead of delivering for the American people, they are working overtime to disenfranchise millions of voters who have the constitutional right to vote them out of office,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cBy empowering voters to fight back against restrictions on their voting rights, this legislation will help ensure that every voice can be heard on Election Day.\u201d\n\nThe Right to Vote Act would protect American citizens\u2019 fundamental right to vote by establishing a first-ever statutory right to vote in federal elections \u2014 protecting U.S. citizens from laws that make it harder to cast a ballot. This legislation would allow Americans to enforce that right by challenging in court any policy that unduly restricts ballot access. States attempting to restrict voting access would have to meet a high bar to justify any policy that makes it harder for U.S. citizens to participate in federal elections.\n\nSenator Hirono has long fought to ensure all American voters can cast their ballots. On the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Senator Hirono introduced the Time Off to Vote Act, legislation that would require employers to provide at least two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in federal elections. Last Congress, she joined her colleagues on National Voter Registration Day in introducing a resolution recognizing September as \u201cNational Voting Rights Month.\u201d Additionally, Senator Hirono has previously cosponsored the Election Worker Protection Act and the Youth Voting Rights Act, legislation that would also help increase election safeguards and voting access.\n\nSenator Hirono has also consistently fought back against repeated attempts to disenfranchise millions of voters. Following the Supreme Court\u2019s Callais decision, which effectively gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Senator Hirono raised alarms about the dangerous ideological agenda promoted by the Supreme Court majority that would dilute the voting power of minorities, influencing elections for years to come. In March, on the Senate Floor, Senator Hirono opposed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act which, unlike its name suggests, would make it significantly harder for Americans to exercise their right to vote. In her speech, she highlighted how the proposed legislation would prevent millions of American citizens\u2014including servicemembers and their families, married women, and those without a passport\u2014 from being able to vote.\n\nIn addition to Senators Hirono and Ossoff, the Right to Vote Act is co-sponsored by Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angus King (I-ME), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T06:16:17Z", "2026-06-27T06:17:30Z"], ["https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-statement-on-supreme-court-decision-overturning-hawaii-gun-safety-law", "Rep. Tokuda Statement on Supreme Court Decision Overturning Hawai\u02bbi Gun Safety Law", "2026-06-25", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Jill N. Tokuda", "T000487", "tokuda.house.gov", "tokuda", "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Rep. Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to strike down Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s law establishing a safety-first default that concealed-carry permit holders must receive permission before bringing firearms onto private property open to the public:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s Supreme Court decision is wrong for Hawai\u02bbi, wrong for public safety, and the wrong precedent for states and communities working to keep people safe.\n\nHawai\u02bbi's law did not take away anyone\u2019s right to own or carry a firearm. It simply said that before bringing a gun onto someone else\u2019s private property, you should get permission first.\n\nThat should not be controversial. It is a matter of basic respect.\n\nBusinesses and property owners set basic rules every day about what is allowed on their property and what is not. No shirt, no shoes, no service. But when Hawai\u02bbi set a commonsense safety standard for firearms, this Court decided that even asking permission went too far.\n\nThis ruling puts guns ahead of Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s ability to determine what safety looks like in our own communities and businesses. It shifts the burden onto property owners, workers, and families who deserve to feel safe in the places where they live, work, shop, and gather. I will keep fighting for commonsense gun safety laws that protect our people, respect everyone\u2019s rights, and prioritizes our communities' ability to determine what safety looks like for ourselves.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-26T06:29:35Z", "2026-06-26T06:31:46Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-wolford-v-lopez-supreme-court-decision", "Hirono Statement on Wolford v. Lopez Supreme Court Decision", "2026-06-25", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled to change longstanding Hawaii gun regulation and make it easier for people to bring guns onto private property in its Wolford v. Lopez decision:\n\n\u201cHawaii has the lowest rate of gun deaths in the country, largely because of our historically strong gun safety laws. Once again, this out-of-control Supreme Court majority is placing political ideology above protecting lives, making our state and our country less safe by expanding the presence of firearms. As this Court exacerbates our nation\u2019s gun violence crisis, I remain committed to working towards the common-sense gun safety policies our country desperately needs.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-26T06:29:35Z", "2026-06-26T06:31:46Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-schatz-condemns-disastrous-consequences-of-iran-war", "Schatz Condemns Disastrous Consequences Of Iran War", "2026-06-25", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, yesterday spoke on the Senate floor about the disastrous consequences of President Donald Trump\u2019s war in Iran.\n\n\u201cNot only was this war reckless and illegal and unnecessary, but it also didn't get us anything. It's made a lot of things worse,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cThe mistake is not ending the war, it was starting it in the first place. Every day this war went on only compounded that catastrophe. And so we ought to be relieved that it may be over and that diplomacy is being given another chance, because it is the only viable path forward. But none of that obviates the fact that we are suing for peace because it's the least bad option. That a diplomatic solution was within reach all along, before a single bomb was dropped. That after several months of a deadly and costly war, things are worse, not better.\u201d\n\nA transcript of Senator Schatz's remarks is below. Video is available here.\n\nFor every American who is wondering what on earth the war in Iran over the past three and a half months was for, the answer is relatively simple: next to nothing. 13 American service members are dead. Thousands of Iranians have been killed. We spent tens of billions of dollars in taxpayer money. Gas shot up to $5.70 in Hawaii. Grocery bills and energy bills spiked everywhere. We depleted our stockpiles of critical weapons systems. We alienated even our closest allies, who understandably wanted nothing to do with this regime change war of choice. And what was it all for? What did we get out of it?\n\nWell, if you take one look at the memorandum of understanding that Donald Trump signed last week, what is plainly obvious is that not only was this war reckless and illegal and unnecessary, but it also didn't get us anything. It's made a lot of things worse. We don't have a nuclear agreement yet, only a framework to try to reach something close to the original Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. So, to be clear, pre-Trump, we had a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. We had the ability for the IAEA to come in to Iran and do intrusive inspections. We had a plan to dispose of the fissile material in a third party country and to be able to verify it. And now what we have is an MOU to negotiate. And if we are very fortunate, if things break absolutely in every correct direction, we will get back to where we were 12 years ago.\n\nThe same regime is still in place, but now it's younger and more radical, and they've demonstrated that they have substantial leverage in the Strait of Hormuz. The opposition in Iran is weaker. One of the hopes of this regime change war was they were going to see the destruction coming from the American and Israeli military, and it would rally the opposition. And the ayatollahs would collapse and give up, and there would be a regime change and a new era in Iran. It's gotten worse. They're younger and more radical, and they have more leverage.\n\nNow, I want to be really clear here. The mistake is not ending the war, it was starting it in the first place. Every day this war went on only compounded that catastrophe. And so we ought to be relieved that it may be over and that diplomacy is being given another chance, because it is the only viable path forward. But none of that obviates the fact that we are suing for peace because it's the least bad option. That a diplomatic solution was within reach all along, before a single bomb was dropped. That after several months of a deadly and costly war, things are worse, not better.\n\nOn February 27th, the day before the war started, the Strait of Hormuz was open. Oil and other commodities like fertilizer flowed freely to all of the places around the world. Now, under the MOU, the strait is open again, but only for 60 days, after which Iran is reserving the right to charge a fee for ships to pass. Do you understand how unprecedented it is in terms of international law, in terms of international commerce, in terms of the way this planet works with freedom of navigation? That one belligerent country now gets to charge a fee if you want to move something through international waters. That is not a W. That is not good for this country or regional stability.\n\nUnder the original Iran agreement that President Obama signed and Trump later ripped up, Iran promised not to develop a nuclear weapon. It was right there on the first page of the JCPOA. And what it meant was that Iran would not produce the kind of highly enriched uranium that could be used in a nuclear weapon. They've renewed that commitment in the MOU, except for a much higher price this time. Under the JCPOA, and I remember I was on the floor, I was a baby senator here. And my colleagues on the other side of the aisle said, oh my God, you are unfreezing Iranian sanctioned money assets to the tune of many billions of dollars. Can you believe how much money we are giving to Iran in exchange for this pause in the development of their nuclear program? Can you believe that you're giving money to Iran? Look how belligerent they are in the region. That was the argument, okay? I thought it was worth it because it was basically buying us 15 years of them not being capable to develop a nuclear weapon.\n\nBut under this and by the way, not in exchange for a nuclear agreement, in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. So I want you to understand what they are getting is enormous. But it's also not even for a nuclear agreement. It's for an agreement to stop choking the global economy. Not only will their assets be unfrozen, they will be able to sell their oil freely on the open market for the first time in 30 years. That is not some $1.7 billion concession. That is not some $10 billion concession. That changes generations of bipartisan policy against the Iranian regime. One of the reasons that they were not even more belligerent, even more powerful, was that we were heavily sanctioning their oil, and we are lifting it in exchange for not a nuclear agreement for them, but just for them to take their boot off the neck of the global economy.\n\nAnd so I reiterate this point. Keep two thoughts in your head. First of all, the main error was in starting this stupid regime change war in the first place, and that you don't have to be some member of the Foreign Relations Committee, or some fancy foreign policy expert, or some professor at some school that studies the Middle East to say, hey, you know what? These same dudes keep asking for a new regime change war in the Middle East about every decade. They usually get it and it always fails. And they did it again. And it failed again. And that is a different thing from me demanding that they continue this idiocy. I am not demanding that they continue this idiocy. I am glad that they are finally folding. But make no mistake, they are folding. And they are folding because they played a terrible hand as terribly as you could possibly play it.\n\nAnd so all I'm asking if you're an Iran hawk, if you're a dove, if you're anywhere in between us, let's have a logical foreign policy. Let's understand that Iran is a belligerent country. They are not our allies, and that almost every single time, not every time, but almost every single time, kinetic engagement without any kind of strategy doesn't work and always backfires. And by the way, that's generally speaking, true. It is extraordinarily, predictably true in the Middle East.\n\nAnd I want to make one final point. It's the same people every time. It's the same foreign policy think tanks. It's the same people in the media. It's the same nonprofits. It's the same members of Congress. They just look around the planet for a place to remake with force. And there may be a couple of examples in human history when you can remake a place with force, but usually it backfires spectacularly. And it did here again.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-26T06:29:35Z", "2026-06-26T06:31:46Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-curtis-warner-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-provide-more-transparency-on-ai-generated-content", "Schatz, Curtis, Warner Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Provide More Transparency On AI-Generated Content", "2026-06-25", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), John Curtis (R-Utah), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide more transparency on digital content generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The bill will help ensure people know when they are viewing AI-made content or interacting with an AI chatbot by requiring clear labels and disclosures.\n\n\u201cPeople deserve to know whether the videos, photos, and content they see and read online are real or not,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cOur bill is simple \u2013 if any digital content is made by AI, it should be labeled so that people are aware and aren\u2019t fooled or scammed.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs AI-generated content becomes more refined and realistic, people deserve to know whether what they\u2019re seeing is created by a human or generated by artificial intelligence,\u201d said Senator Curtis. \u201cOur bipartisan AI Labeling Act establishes clear, commonsense transparency standards that help consumers make informed decisions, promote trust in digital content, and discourage bad actors from using AI to deceive the public.\u201d\n\nThe AI Labeling Act will:\n\nRequire both visible and machine-readable disclosures identifying AI-generated digital content, including image, video, or audio content;\n\nRequire AI developers and all major social media platforms to collaborate to ensure users can identify the authenticity of shared content; and\n\nEstablish a working group to create technical standards so users and social media platforms can identify AI-generated content and support content provenance.\n\n\u201cJurisdictions around the globe are moving to adopt common-sense rules around labeling AI-generated content \u2013 it\u2019s time for the U.S. to catch up and in fact lead the world with a disclosure and anti-circumvention model that should be the global standard,\u201d said Senator Warner.\n\nIn May 2023, an AI-generated photo of an explosion near the Pentagon went viral, triggering a dip in the stock market. Deepfake images of President Trump being arrested were viewed by millions on social media, demonstrating the types of manipulation we could see during elections. And fraudsters are already abusing AI systems to generate scam calls, impersonating a loved one\u2019s voice and scamming Americans out of their hard-earned money. As generative AI becomes increasingly convincing and widespread, it is critical that companies take steps to ensure that American consumers can identify AI-generated content.\n\nThe AI Labeling Act is endorsed by the American Society for Collective Rights Licensing INC (ASCRL); Authors Guild; Common Cause; Consumer Action; Consumer Federation of America (CFA); Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE); International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); Music Creators North America (MCNA); National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA); National Consumers League (NCL); Public Citizen; SAG-AFTRA; Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL); Songwriters Guild of America (SGA); Writers' Guild of America East (WGAE).\n\n\u201cThe National Association of Voice Actors proudly supports the AI Labeling Act. Audiences deserve to know what is real, ensuring consumers can make informed decisions about the content they engage with. Voice actors are already seeing their voices cloned, synthesized, and deployed without any clear disclosure. For audiences and voice actors, transparency is fundamental to protecting trust and preserving the value of human performance while creating a marketplace where authenticity is not left to guesswork. The AI Labeling Act takes an important step toward that goal by establishing clear disclosure and provenance requirements for AI-generated content. We thank Senators Schatz and Curtis for their leadership and look forward to working with Congress to move this legislation forward,\u201d said Tim Friedlander, President and Co-Founder, National Association of Voice Actors.\n\n\"The Authors Guild applauds Senators Schatz and Curtis for reintroducing the AI Labeling Act. Readers deserve to know whether what they're reading was written by a human author or generated by a machine. As generative AI floods the market with synthetic books and articles, clear and conspicuous labeling is essential to protecting both the integrity of authorship and the public's trust in what they read. We are proud to endorse this commonsense, bipartisan bill,\u201d said Mary Rasenberger, CEO, The Authors Guild.\n\n\"AI-generated deception is becoming a routine part of everyday life. Deepfakes and synthetic media increasingly appear in our social media, political discourse, and even messages shared by trusted friends and family. Americans shouldn't have to play detective every time they open a text, scroll through a newsfeed, or watch a video online. The AI Labeling Act is a commonsense transparency measure that helps restore trust in our information ecosystem by ensuring consumers can identify AI-generated content. In a world where seeing is no longer believing, transparency becomes the prerequisite for trust, accountability, and an informed public,\u201d said J.B. Branch, AI Governance and Technology Policy Counsel, Public Citizen.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-26T06:29:35Z", "2026-06-26T06:31:46Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4942", "Case Opposes Defense Funding Measure That Fails To Properly Oversee Proposed Massive Increases In Defense Spending And To Fairly Balance National Security And Pressing Domestic Needs", "2026-06-24", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) reported that his U.S. House Appropriations Committee today approved its final Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 funding bill \u2013 the Defense Appropriations Act.\n\nThe measure, the twelfth of twelve annual federal funding measures considered by Appropriations, provides funding for federal agencies and programs in the Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community, including the military branches of services, the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency.\n\nCase, who is in his eighth year on Appropriations, serves on its Subcommittee on Defense, which is responsible for developing the bill.\n\nCase voted against the FY 2027 Defense bill that proposes $1.1 trillion in discretionary spending, $234 billion more than the current fiscal year. Total defense spending would grow to nearly $1.5 trillion annually if combined with the proposed reconciliation, or mandatory spending, bill requested by the Present.\n\n\u201cWhile the measure funds many critical Hawai\u2018i and Indo-Pacific priorities I requested, I regrettably had to vote against this version because the proposed increase in total defense spending is not accompanied by any substantial Congressional oversight of such massive new spending levels, and comes as the Congressional majority and President Trump propose steep cuts to domestic programs that support working people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis,\u201d said Case. (Click here to watch Case explain the flawed overall structure for the President\u2019s funding request and the bill.)\n\nCase also stressed that the bill embraced a partisan approach to various aspects of our nation\u2019s security. For example, it fails to include the $400 million for the bipartisan Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, continues funding for a National Guard Reaction Force to be deployed into American cities and fails to provide any checks on the President\u2019s military operations in Iran.\n\nDuring the Committee\u2019s debate over the bill, Case also spoke in strong opposition to recent actions by the Secretary of Defense to fire qualified military leaders and undermine military promotion boards that have become political rather than merit based, which has disproportionally targeted women and minorities. He explained that two recent military leaders that served in Hawai\u2018i were harmed by these purges - General Charles \u201cCQ\u201d Brown (former head of Pacific Air Forces and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs) and Admiral Stephen Barnett (former Head of Navy Region Hawai\u2018i).\n\nCase warned of the negative message sent throughout the current and future officer corps and enlisted ranks and implications for recruitment, retention and merit-based service and advancement, asking rhetorically what the 75% of Hawai\u2018i that are minorities would consider their opportunities in the military to be. (See Case\u2019s speech here.)\n\nCase also warned about the dangers of approving further funding for the Golden Dome missile defense program when the Department of Defense has failed to provide an overall plan and detailed information on the program and proposed spending which even at conservative estimates would cost over $1 trillion. (See Case\u2019s speech here).\n\nDespite his opposition to the bill, Case highlighted programs and provisions that he requested and secured in the Defense funding measure that are especially critical to Hawai\u2018i, including:\n\n\u00b7 Protecting the special contracting preference for Native Hawaiian businesses.\n\n\u00b7 $10 million for Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility long-term environmental monitoring, additional scientific studies and targeted remediation efforts to facilitate the permanent closure of the site.\n\n\u00b7 $10 million of additional funding for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program, which help address shared environmental concerns affecting the military and local communities in Hawai\u2018i.\n\n\u00b7 $10 million to advance Indo-Pacific-focused advance manufacturing efforts in Hawai\u2018i.\n\n\u00b7 $10 million of additional funding for Regional Centers for Security Studies, to include the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI-APCSS) in Honolulu.\n\n\u00b7 $44 million to continue efforts to replace O\u2018ahu\u2019s outdated air surveillance radar, which is needed to defend Hawai\u2018i from missile attacks.\n\n\u00b7 $309 million for the Navy\u2019s Environmental Restoration program plus an additional $239 million for the cleanup of Formerly Used Defense Sites. These funds will help accelerate efforts to remediate per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination and remove unexploded ordnance and discarded military munitions in Hawai\u2018i and throughout the nation.\n\n\u00b7 Funding for two Virginia-class fast attack submarines, which are critical to protecting the Indo-Pacific and are maintained at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.\n\n\u00b7 $160 million for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which maintains critical scientific laboratories at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.\n\n\u00b7 $264 million for the Sea-Based X-Band Radar, which helps defend Hawai\u2018i from ballistic missile threats.\n\n\u00b7 $202 million for the National Guard Youth Challenge Program to help at-risk youth improve life skills, academic achievement and employment potential \u2013 an increase of $100 million. These funds will help support Hawaii\u2019s Youth Challenge Academy.\n\n\u00b7 $50 million for Impact Aid and $20 million for Impact Aid for children with disabilities, which help Hawaii\u2019s public schools by partially reimbursing the cost of educating military children.\n\n\u00b7 Blocked efforts to change the command and control structure of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. There have long been efforts within the department to \u201cstreamline\u201d control of forces under one command structure, which would limit the ability of Navy forces in Hawai\u2018i to respond quickly to changing threats in the Indo-Pacific region.\n\nCase requested and supported other programs and provisions in the measure that are especially critical to the broader Indo-Pacific, including:\n\n\u00b7 $18 million for the Asia Pacific Regional Initiative (APRI) Program, managed by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. APRI supports a wide range of exercises, humanitarian assistance, programs and training symposiums that help expand U.S. influence in the Indo-Pacific. The initiative is an important tool for the U.S. military to strengthen relationships throughout the Indo-Pacific region.\n\n\u00b7 Continued support for providing humanitarian and other assistance by U.S. military Civic Action Teams in the Freely Associated States.\n\n\u00b7 $1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative to increase Taiwan\u2019s defense, readiness and deterrence capabilities.\n\n\u00b7 Carveout allowing Hawai\u2018i-based military hospitals to treat civilian patients from American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Guam.\n\nGeneral military-related programs and provisions supported by Case related to the DoD overall include:\n\n\u00b7 Providing a military pay raise of 7% for all military personnel ranked E-5 and below, 6% for E-6 to O-4, and 5% for O-4 and above.\n\n\u00b7 $917 million for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). The CDMRP fills research gaps by funding high impact, high risk and high gain projects that other agencies may not venture to fund.\n\n\u00b7 $15 million for the Military and Family Life Counseling Program, which provides counseling services to service members and their families to support operational readiness and resilience.\n\nA summary of the Defense Appropriations bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-25T06:30:03Z", "2026-06-25T06:31:21Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-murray-blunt-rochester-baldwin-grijalva-introduce-bicameral-resolution-to-commemorate-54th-anniversary-of-title-ix", "Hirono, Murray, Blunt Rochester, Baldwin, Grijalva Introduce Bicameral Resolution to Commemorate 54th Anniversary of Title IX", "2026-06-24", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced a bicameral resolution commemorating the 54th anniversary of the passage of Title IX. In 1972, Title IX was signed into law, outlawing sex-based discrimination in federally-funded education programs, while expanding educational opportunities for women and girls. As the Trump Administration, Congressional Republicans, and others have tried to weaponize this landmark civil rights law to harm and exclude vulnerable students\u2014including transgender women and girls\u2014this resolution reaffirms the importance of Title IX, recognizes that more work remains to fulfill the promises of Title IX, and condemns those who have tried to use Title IX to harm students.\n\n\u201cMore than 50 years ago, Title IX was signed into law, advancing equity and creating countless opportunities for women to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in their workplace. But instead promoting diversity in education, Congressional Republicans and the Trump regime are twisting Title IX to tear minorities down,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThis resolution celebrates the true legacy of Title IX. I remain committed to standing up for students and helping them reach their fullest potentials.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor decades, Title IX has opened countless doors for women and girls in education and sports. Congress should be working to strengthen Title IX and the Education Department, expand opportunities for women and girls in our schools, and protect them from harassment and assault,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cInstead, we are seeing the Trump administration utterly fail to protect women and girls\u2014they will fearmonger about trans kids until the sun comes up, but the fact is this administration has all but decimated the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education, leaving egregious instances of sexual harassment and assault, and so much else, totally unaddressed. Rather than focus on working through the backlog of cases at the Department of Education, Trump wants to pass off this work to the Department of Justice, an agency that is not prepared to do this work\u2014creating bureaucratic delays for students and incurring new costs for taxpayers. You can\u2019t strengthen Title IX by abolishing the Department of Education, any more than you can strengthen a bridge with a wrecking ball\u2014I\u2019ll be fighting back every step of the way for women and girls at schools and college campuses everywhere.\u201d\n\n\u201c54 years ago, Title IX was enacted to ensure students can pursue an education free from discrimination. Now as modern challenges continue to arise, its principles feel even more important,\u201d said Senator Blunt Rochester. \u201cThis resolution reaffirms our commitment to the promises laid out in Title IX and serves as a reminder that every student should be afforded equitable treatment under the law.\u201d\n\n\u201cTitle IX changed what was possible for generations of women and girls \u2013 in classrooms, laboratories, boardrooms, and on playing fields,\u201d said Senator Baldwin. \u201cOn the 54th anniversary of this landmark legislation, I am proud to lead this resolution with Senator Hirono and will continue to fight to ensure that all women and girls have the protections they need and deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cTitle IX has opened doors for generations of women and girls, expanding access to education, athletics, and opportunities that were too often denied. Fifty-four years later, its promise remains as important as ever: every student deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed free from discrimination. That includes transgender students, who deserve the same dignity, safety, and educational opportunities as anyone else. As we celebrate the progress made under Title IX, we must remain committed to protecting its promise for all students,\u201d said Representative Adelita Grijalva.\n\nTitle IX signed into law in 1972 and was spearheaded by Hawaii Congresswoman Patsy Mink, who called education equity \u201cthe best route to equity and social justice.\u201d While Title IX remains one of the most consequential pieces of civil rights legislation ever passed in U.S. History, advancing gender equity remains a challenge in schools across the nation. As Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration promote their anti-diversity education agenda, Title IX is being weaponized to roll back protections for transgender students and restrict the ways schools can address systemic gender discrimination.\n\nThis resolution pushes back against the false narratives that diversity in schools harms students. Specifically, this resolution celebrates the true legacy of Title IX by:\n\nCelebrating the progress of Title IX and the increased protections and opportunities it has created for millions of students across the country;\n\nApplauding the accomplishments of women and girls in all areas of life in the United States;\n\nRecognizing that, despite progress being made, much work still remains to secure the rights and opportunities guaranteed by title IX, so that no federally funded educational institution shall discriminate against any individual on the basis of sex;\n\nCalling upon the executive branch to protect the rights of individuals to fairness and safety at school by working to ensure schools prevent and respond to discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex, including based on\u2014\n\n(A) pregnancy and related medical conditions;\n\n(B) actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics;\n\n(C) sex stereotypes; and\n\n(D) sex-based harassment, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and sex-based stalking; and\n\nCondemning the weaponization of title IX to harm vulnerable students, particularly women and girls who are transgender and intersex, and nonbinary students, and to dismantle programs aiming to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion of women and girls in education.\n\n\u201cThe National Women\u2019s Law Center was founded the same year Title IX was enacted decades ago,\u201d said Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of National Women\u2019s Law Center. \u201cSince then, we have fought for every student to be protected from sex discrimination in education, and tremendous progress has been made. But with the far-rights' distortion of this crucial law and this administration\u2019s recent attacks on our most vulnerable student populations, it is more imperative than ever that we come together to fight for safe and inclusive schools. I commend Senator Hirono, Senator Murray, and Representative Grijalva for introducing this important resolution that affirms Title IX\u2019s true purpose and the work that remains to make its promise a reality for all students.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith this resolution we are reminded that there are still leaders who will show up for our rights, our families, and a brighter future for all of us. Just as advocates and Congressional leaders came together 54 years ago to promise a future free from sex discrimination, we must raise our voices together again and say that we demand all of our rights here and now,\u201d said Liz King, Principal, All, Here, and Now LLC.\n\nThis resolution was endorsed by Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), Advocates for Youth, Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, American Association of University Women (AAUW), Arab American Institute (AAI), California National Organization for Women (CA NOW), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Clearinghouse on Women's Issues, Delaware Alliance Against Sexual Violence, Equal Justice Society, Equal Rights Advocates, Feminist Majority Foundation, FL National Organization for Women, Girls Inc. of Orange County, Greater Orlando National Organization for Women, HerSports, Human Rights Campaign, interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth, Justice + Joy National Collaborative, Know Your IX, Legal Momentum, the Women's Legal Defense & Education Fund, MANA, A National Latina Organization, NADOHE--National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Council of Jewish Women, National Education Association, National Organization For Women, National Women's Political Caucus, National Women's Studies Association, New America Higher Education Policy Program, Out Accountability Project, PFLAG National, Public Counsel, Public Justice, Reproductive Freedom for All, SafeBAE, School Staff Against Sexual Violence, Sexual Violence Prevention Association, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN), Stop Sexual Assault in Schools, The New York Women's Foundation, The Every Voice Coalition, The Feminist Majority, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Victim Rights Law Center, Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Women Employed, Women\u2019s Law Project, WorkLife Law, Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA), and Just Solutions.\n\nSenator Hirono has long been a champion of Title IX and other efforts to limit harassment and discrimination in federally-funded education programs. In November, she led 130 members of Congress in filing an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in the cases of West Virgina v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, where the Court will be considering whether categorical bans on transgender students participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity violate Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause. Last Congress, she reintroduced the Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act (GEEA), which would provide additional resources for ED\u2019s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to better implement Title IX. In 2023, she blocked Republicans from passing the anti-transgender Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act\u2014legislation that would have banned transgender women and girls from participating in sports consistent with their gender. Senator Hirono has also introduced legislation to strengthen civil rights protections against harassment and discrimination in schools. On the 50th anniversary of Title IX, she delivered remarks at the portrait unveiling for the late Congresswoman Patsy Mink at the U.S. Capitol, where she celebrated the life and legacy of Congresswoman Mink, who introduced and championed Title IX.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-25T06:30:03Z", "2026-06-25T06:31:21Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-murray-reed-whitehouse-pocan-scott-introduce-bill-to-make-college-more-affordable-double-pell-grant", "Hirono, Murray, Reed, Whitehouse, Pocan, Scott Introduce Bill to Make College More Affordable, Double Pell Grant", "2026-06-23", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (D-VA) introduced bicameral legislation to make higher education more affordable for millions of working and middle-class students across the country. The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 would nearly double the Pell Grant maximum award, index the maximum award for inflation, and make other changes to expand the award for working students, while also protecting the program from budget shortfalls and eligibility changes.\n\n\u201cFor thousands of students in Hawaii and millions of students across the country, Pell Grants have helped to make higher education more affordable. But as costs continue to rise, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for students to pursue the college and career opportunities that will allow them to succeed in the future,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cBy increasing the Pell Grant maximum award, indexing the maximum award for inflation, and protecting the program from future cuts, this legislation will allow students across the country to reach their full potential.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile Trump is driving up the cost of just about everything, including college\u2014Democrats are instead putting forward reasonable proposals to make sure everyone who is willing to work hard can pursue a higher education,\u201d said Senator Patty Murray. \u201cThere is absolutely no reason students should be saddled with mountains of debt if they want to get a college degree. Government should be helping to open doors for American students, not slamming them shut like Trump is doing. Every year, I fight to protect and expand the Pell Grant\u2014this bill would increase Pell Grants for millions of students to help them afford a postsecondary education and further their careers while helping ensure the Pell Grant is there to support students for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor decades, Pell grants have been the cornerstone of our federal financial aid programs. Today, with the costs of higher education continuing to increase, these grants cover a shrinking percentage of the actual cost of college. Students should not have to rack up mountains of debt just to continue their education and earn their degree,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cIt is past time we double the power of Pell grants and ensure this essential financial aid keeps up with inflation. This legislation would help expand access to Pell grants, lower student debt, strengthen our economy and workforce, and help deserving students reach their full potential.\u201d\n\n\u201cPell Grants, one of Senator Claiborne Pell\u2019s enduring legacies, have helped generations of Rhode Islanders get a high-quality education while taking on less debt,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse. \u201cOur bill would increase the purchasing power of a Pell Grant and inflation-proof the awards to bring us closer to realizing Senator Pell\u2019s vision of affordable higher education for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo one should be denied a chance at a higher education if they are smart and capable enough but are unable to afford it. As a recipient of the Pell Grant myself, I know just how instrumental of a tool it is to make college accessible for all,\u201d Congressman Pocan said. \u201cUnfortunately, skyrocketing tuition costs and perpetual underfunding continue to undermine this critical program. The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act would not only double the maximum Pell Grant, it would protect the program from future cuts, expand eligibility to include DREAMers, and ensure that postsecondary education is attainable for every student, regardless of their socioeconomic status.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Pell Grant is the most important tool we have to help students afford college. Unfortunately, due to Republicans' attacks on federal student aid \u2014 including slashing loans in annual appropriations and refusal to fully fund the Pell Grant program in the 'Big Ugly Bill' \u2014 students now face a significant Pell Grant shortfall, made worse by the rising cost of college. Simply put, Pell Grants' purchasing power has severely eroded, making it even more difficult for students to afford higher education,\u201d said House Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott. \u201cBy doubling the maximum Pell Grant award and moving the program to mandatory funding, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act directly addresses this shortfall and begins to restore purchasing power to help millions of students earn a quality degree without being forced to take on excessive debt.\u201d\n\nThe federal Pell Grant program, which currently serves more than 7 million students nationwide, has been the cornerstone of federal student aid for more than 50 years. But with rising costs, the purchasing power of the Pell Grant maximum award has significantly declined over the years\u2014from covering more than three-quarters of the cost of attendance at a four-year, public institution when the program was first created, to now covering less than one-third of the cost of attendance today. At the same time, the Pell Grant program faces a substantial shortfall, putting it at severe risk of future cuts.\n\nIn response, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 would double the Pell Grant maximum award\u2014from $7,395, to $15,000\u2014over six years, index the maximum award for inflation to maintain its purchasing power, and make the program fully mandatory funding to protect it from future cuts. In addition, the bill would also expand the program to include DREAMers and restore lifetime eligibility to 18 semesters\u2014among other important changes that will benefit students.\n\n\u201cThe Pell Grant program is our nation\u2019s foundational investment in college affordability, but the award has not kept pace with rising costs, and the program\u2019s funding structure puts it at ongoing risk of cuts. We strongly support the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act, which not only increases the maximum Pell award to make college far more affordable for millions of students, but expands, protects, and strengthens the program for years to come,\u201d said Michele Zampini, Associate Vice President, Federal Policy & Advocacy at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS).\n\n\u201cThe Pell Grant is the cornerstone of federal financial aid, but its funding is perpetually one shortfall away from cuts and the maximum award now covers less than a quarter of the cost of attending an in-state public four-year college. Students cannot meet their most basic needs\u2014food, housing, child care\u2014on a grant that no longer keeps pace with what college actually costs,\u201d said Bryce McKibben, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University. \u201cThe Hope Center for Student Basic Needs strongly supports the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act as a transformative proposal that will dramatically cut the cost of higher education borne by students. By funding Pell as a permanent program, this legislation finally frees the program from the annual budget brinkmanship that leaves millions uncertain whether their financial aid will be there next year. It also overhauls outdated red tape, administrative burdens, and eligibility restrictions that prevent millions of deserving students from getting aid when they need it most. This bill is a clear statement that a low-income student's path to a degree is worth protecting, for this generation and the ones to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cEdTrust is proud to support the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act, a comprehensive package of reforms that will strengthen the Pell Grant for millions of students from low-income backgrounds and students of color. By doubling the maximum Pell award and making the program fully mandatory, among other important improvements, this bill addresses financial barriers that make it harder for college students to earn a degree and ensures the program will not face budget shortfalls like the current one. This bill is a tremendous step toward ensuring that higher education remains accessible for millions of students who otherwise would not have the ability to pursue their dreams and gain valuable skills. We salute U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono, Patty Murray, Jack Reed , and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Mark Pocan and Bobby Scott for their leadership on behalf of students from low-income backgrounds and students of color and urge Congress to pass the bicameral Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act,\u201d said Denise Forte, President and CEO at EdTrust.\n\nIn addition to Senators Hirono, Murray, Reed, and Whitehouse, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 is co-sponsored Tim Kaine (D-VA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angus King (I-ME), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Jon Ossoff (D-GA).\n\nIn addition to Representatives Scott and Pocan, companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives was co-sponsored by Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-CA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OH), Danny Davis (D-IL), Suzan DelBene (D-MI), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Shomari Figures (D-AL), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jesus \u201cChuy\u201d Garcia (D-IL), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Pablo Hernandez (D-PR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Summer Lee (D-PA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), John Mannion (D-NY), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Frank J. Mrvan (D-IN), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Linda S\u00e1nchez (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Simon, Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Juan Vargas (D-CA), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).\n\nThe bill is endorsed by The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS), The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs (Hope Center), The Education Trust (EdTrust), Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), United States Student Association (USSA), National College Attainment Network (NCAN), Southern California College Attainment Network (SoCal CAN), HawaiiKidsCAN, Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Coalition on Human Needs (CHN), New America Higher Education Program, Legal Defense Fund (LDF), Third Way, College Possible, FuturesNW, Denver Scholarship Foundation, Capital Area College Access Network (CAPCAN), OHIO YAB (Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board), ACTION Ohio (Alumni of Care Together Improving Outcomes Now Ohio), Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation, and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here. A fact sheet is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-24T06:25:30Z", "2026-06-24T06:26:49Z"], ["https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-leads-hawaii-congressional-delegation-to-rename-waianae-post-office-after-the-late-colleen-hanabusa", "Rep. Tokuda Leads Hawai\u02bbi Congressional Delegation to Rename Wai\u02bbanae Post Office after the Late Colleen Hanabusa", "2026-06-22", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Jill N. Tokuda", "T000487", "tokuda.house.gov", "tokuda", "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) led the Hawai\u02bbi Congressional Delegation in introducing bipartisan legislation to rename the Wai\u02bbanae Post Office as the \u201cU.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa Post Office Building.\u201d U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\n\nThe joint effort, co-sponsored by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Representative Ed Case (HI-01), and a bipartisan coalition honors the life and public service of Hanabusa, a proud daughter of Wai\u02bbanae who passed away on March 6, 2026. The post office is located at 86-014 Farrington Highway.\n\nHanabusa dedicated her career to Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s working families, rising from a local labor attorney to become the first female President of the Hawai\u02bbi State Senate and later serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cColleen was a trailblazer and mentor who paved the way for so many. She brought toughness and integrity to everything she did\u2014from becoming the first woman State Senate president to elevating Hawai\u02bbi voices in Congress\u2014while never forgetting her roots as a proud daughter of Wai\u02bbanae,\u201d said Rep. Tokuda. \u201cRenaming this post office in the heart of her hometown is a fitting tribute to a leader who inspired a generation and dedicated her life to serving our people with deep aloha.\u201d\n\n\u201cColleen Hanabusa was one of the most accomplished, skilled, and dedicated public servants of the last several generations in the state of Hawai\u2018i,\u201d said Sen. Schatz. \u201cThis is a fitting memorial to her Wai\u2018anae roots and enduring impact on our state.\u201d\n\nBorn and raised on the Wai\u02bbanae Coast, Hanabusa grew up working at her family\u2019s gas station before earning her law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law in 1977.\n\nAfter launching a legal career in labor advocacy, she was elected to the Hawai\u02bbi State Senate in 1998, making history as the state\u2019s first female Senate President in 2007 and the first AAPI woman in the nation to serve as a state Senate President. Hanabusa later went on to represent Hawaii\u2019s 1st Congressional District in Washington from 2011 to 2015 and 2016 to 2019.\n\nOriginal cosponsors of the bill include Representatives Ed Case (HI-01), James Moylan (GU-At-Large), Auma Amata Coleman Radewagen (AS-At-Large), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Glenn Thompson (PA-15), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Frank Lucas (OK-03), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Grace Meng (NY-06).\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here. Photos available for media use here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-23T06:27:52Z", "2026-06-23T06:29:20Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-schatzs-bipartisan-bill-to-deliver-faster-relief-to-disaster-survivors", "Senate Passes Schatz\u2019s Bipartisan Bill to Deliver Faster Relief to Disaster Survivors", "2026-06-22", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The U.S. Senate today voted 85-5 to pass a bipartisan housing package which includes the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act. The provision, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), will help communities recover from major disasters more quickly by establishing a permanent and predictable funding process at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).\n\n\u201cRight now, each time a disaster happens, communities in crisis are forced to wait for Congress to pass a disaster funding bill before HUD can help. Our provision changes the law so they no longer have to wait. As soon as a disaster strikes, HUD will be able to help communities begin the process of recovery,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\nThe provision will accelerate assistance to disaster-impacted communities by:\n\nCreating a disaster recovery fund to allow HUD to predictably assist communities;\n\nAuthorizing HUD to issue regulations to codify program requirements and reduce unnecessary red tape, delays, and unpredictability that stems from the current process;\n\nSupporting resilience as a part of \u2013 rather than separate from \u2013 disaster recovery;\n\nAuthorizing \u201cquick release\u201d funds to support grantee capacity right after an event;\n\nImproving federal coordination by establishing an office at HUD devoted to disaster recovery and resilience; and\n\nReducing unnecessary administrative burdens and interagency requirement conflicts.\n\nThe full text of the provision is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-24T06:25:30Z", "2026-06-24T06:26:49Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4941", "Case Ranked 4th Among 214 U.S. House Democrats In Appropriations-Approved Community Project Funding For His District In Fiscal Year 2027 Measures", "2026-06-19", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 According to a report by a non-partisan Congress tracking service, U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) ranks 4th among all 214 Democrats in the House of Representatives in total funding for district community projects approved by his House Appropriations Committee for upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2027.\n\nThe report by Congressional Quarterly analyzed all approved Community Project Funding (CPFs) in the eleven federal funding measures passed to date by House Appropriations for FY27 (which begins October 1 of this year). There are twelve annual Appropriations-approved measures to fund the federal government (totaling $1.7 trillion for current FY26). The last one, Defense, does not include CPFs, so the report covers all House CPFs for FY27.\n\nCongress implemented CPFs in FY22 to permit Members of Congress to provide direct federal funding to worthy state and local government and community projects in their districts. The CPF process is subject to strict rules: in the U.S. House each project must have demonstrated community support, requesting Members must personally disclose their CPF requests and attest to each project, and each project is subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case\u2019s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm.\n\nCase gained approval of all 20 of his CPF requests for a total of $18,936,300 in his Appropriations Committee-approved FY27 measures, some of which have passed the full House and the rest of which are pending passage. For the five full fiscal years for which CPFs have been approved, Case has gained approval of 74 CPF requests for a total of $325,809,228 in direct district project funding. A full list of all of Case\u2019s approved CPFs by fiscal year and Appropriations measure is attached.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m very happy that we\u2019re having a fifth especially successful year for our CPF requests,\u201d said Case, who is serving in his eighth year on the House Appropriations Committee. \u201cThis federal funding option is hard to master yet invaluable in helping so many worthy state, county and community projects to deliver on so many diverse community needs that might not otherwise be met fully. While the dollar amount of each project may be small compared to overall federal funding of billions of dollars to Hawai\u2019i every year, for many of these projects it is essential.\u201d\n\n\u201cMy CPF requests come straight from my ongoing outreach and partnerships with my state, county and community partners throughout my district, looking to match the needs and opportunities I find with the various possibilities for federal assistance through Appropriations and otherwise. Then, once we identify worthy CPF possibilities that I believe can be approved by Congress, we work hard to mold them into solid requests that have a solid chance of approval and then shepherd them through the Appropriations process maze.\u201d\n\nCase used as one example his outreach to the Blood Bank of Hawai\u2018i in advance of the FY22 appropriations cycle. The Blood Bank was short of funds to build its critical new Kapolei center. Case sought and gained a $2 million CPF to assist and was gratified to visit the beautiful new center on its opening earlier this year.\n\nHere are Case\u2019s FY27 approved CPFs:\n\n- $1.8 million for the City and County of Honolulu\u2019s Chinatown Affordable Housing Project. These funds would help preserve much-needed housing by upgrading mechanical systems, making roof and waterproofing improvements and installing accessibility enhancements.\n\n- $250,000 for the Hawai\u2018i State Department of Education\u2019s Safer Hawai\u2018i Schools Pilot Program. These funds would enhance the security infrastructure for Ruth Keli\u2018ik\u014dlani Middle School by helping to build a new security camera system.\n\n- $772,000 for Loko I\u2018a Restoration in Pu\u2018uloa by the University of Hawai\u2018i. The Pu\u2018uloa estuary (today commonly referred to as Pearl Harbor) once supported 35 highly productive fishponds. After years of watershed degradation, elevated levels of contaminants have led to unsafe seafood consumption and diminished ecosystem function. This project would support a coordinated effort to restore fishponds in Pu\u2018uloa through remediation planning, restoration of fishpond infrastructure and invasive species management.\n\n- $772,000 for the Enhancing Hawai\u2018i Cargo Security through Advanced High-Energy Cargo Screening Systems Project at the Hawai\u2018i State Department of Law Enforcement. With these funds, the Hawai\u2018i State Department of Law Enforcement would develop advanced high-energy cargo screening systems for Honolulu's ports. This targeted investment will enhance the state's ability to interdict illegal fireworks, weapons, narcotics and other contraband, while also strengthening Hawaii's first line of defense against invasive species and other biosecurity threats entering through commercial freight pathways.\n\n- $772,000 for the Food Analysis Research and Extension Lab at the University of Hawai\u2018i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience. These funds would establish the Food Analysis Research and Extension (FARE) Lab, which will serve as a hub for standardized data necessary to support local farmers and food innovators. The FARE Lab will use national standards to document differences across local species and cultivars that serve as staple foods in the diets of people living in Hawai\u2018i and the broader Pacific.\n\n- $772,000 for the Marine Finfish Hatchery for Stock Enhancement Project at the Hawai\u2018i State Department for Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources. These funds would help establish the first state-operated marine finfish hatchery on Oahu at the Division of Aquatic Resources Anuenue Fisheries Research Center to support the protection, restoration and sustainable management of reef fish populations.\n\n- $772,000 for the Drone as First Responder Project at the Honolulu Police Department. This project would use automated drones and intelligent surveillance cameras to improve emergency response. The system will include drone launch stations, secure storage, maintenance areas, and real-time video streaming so drones can arrive at incidents within minutes.\n\n- $772,000 for the Waik\u012bk\u012b Flood Watch Test Project at the University of Hawai\u2018i. This project would develop a cyberphysical testbed that would transform how Hawai\u2018i predicts and responds to flooding. Unlike traditional systems that rely on rainfall alone, this platform captures the full picture of compound flooding, including sensors, computer models, digital twins and AI alerts to provide faster and sharper predictions of floods in Waik\u012bk\u012b. By providing earlier and more actionable guidance to city and state emergency managers, the project strengthens preparedness, reduces risk to businesses and residents and helps safeguard one of Hawaii's most vital coastal communities, while demonstrating best practices for similarly situated communities nationally.\n\n- $772,000 for a Critical Incident Response Apparatus (CIRA) for the Honolulu Police Department. This apparatus is a vital asset that enhances the Honolulu Police Department's rescue and recovery capabilities across Oahu. Designed as a shield and barricade tool for rapid deployment, CIRA provides critical protection for the public and first responders during emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters, hazardous material incidents, terrorist attacks and other large-scale critical events.\n\n- $772,000 for the Hawai\u2018i Port Resilience and Coastal Erosion Study at the Hawai\u2018i Department of Transportation. This study would address vulnerabilities from coastal erosion and changing sea conditions impacting Hawaii's commercial ports by enhancing a digital twin model with wave modeling, vulnerability assessments, drone-based pier inspections and bathymetric surveys to advance resilience planning for Hawaii's maritime system.\n\n- $772,000 for the Applied Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Research Laboratory at the Hawai\u2018i Pacific University. This project would establish a laboratory to conduct hands-on, applied research focused on securing AI systems, strengthening AI-enabled cyber defense and defending against AI-driven cyberattacks; while developing practical tools, testing environments and implementation guidance tailored to Hawaii's defense contractors and critical infrastructure operators.\n\n- $300,000 for the Security Water Quantity and Quality in the Ala Wai Watershed Project at the Hawai\u2018i State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife. The Ala Wai watershed is currently heavily invaded by Miconia, an invasive plant that increases the propensity for erosion and landslides by limiting understory growth, destabilizing soil and decreasing water absorption. With these funds, the Division of Forestry and Wildlife would manage the invasive plant throughout the Ala Wai watershed by establishing field crews to remove the invasive plant, data management staff and coordinator positions.\n\n\u00b7 $1.9 million for the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) for two projects:\n\nAn aviation fuel tender, to significantly strengthen HFD\u2019s ability to sustain aerial firefighting and rescue operations during extended emergencies. The tender would allow for reliable on-site fueling capability, ensuring firefighting aircraft can remain operational near the incident rather than losing valuable time traveling long distances to refuel.\n\nA helicopter hoist training simulator. The simulator would allow HFD\u2019s personnel to improve their skills, rehearse emergency procedures and practice complex hoist maneuvers without placing additional strain on the aircraft. It will boost readiness and extend the life of essential equipment, enabling HFD crews to consistently provide fast, dependable aerial rescue services.\n\n\u00b7 $1.9 million for Wai\u2018anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center\u2019s (WCCHC) Waipahu Clinic Expansion Project. This project would allow WCCHC to increase access to health care and social services and open a new Health and Wellness Learning Center in Waipahu to support the WCCHC\u2019s nurse practitioner and dental residency programs to meet crucial health workforce needs.\n\n\u00b7 $1 million for Kalihi Palama Health Center\u2019s (KPHC) Emergency Resilience and Internal Renovation Project. This project would repair KPHC\u2019s air conditioning system, purchase an emergency generator to power its elevator and medication refrigerators in the case of power outages, and acquire a digital panoramic X-Ray machine.\n\n\u00b7 $395,000 for Waik\u012bk\u012b Health Center\u2019s Clinical Upgrade and Service Enhancement Project. These funds would support the upgrade and build-out of a new clinical space and several physician exam rooms that need renovation, along with the purchase of new pharmacy vaccine refrigerators.\n\n\u00b7 $250,000 for K\u014dkua Kalihi Valley\u2019s Accessibility and Resilience Project. This project would modernize key facility components through the installation of a solar photovoltaic system, an entry ramp and a new elevator.\n\n\u00b7 $581,533 for the Hawai\u2018i Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (HIEMA) Kapolei Warehouse Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Renovation. This project would fund the construction of a satellite EOC on the west side of Oahu in a multi-use Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) warehouse.\n\n\u00b7 $1,007,060 for HIEMA\u2019s DHHL Warehouse Retrofit Project. This project would fund critically needed improvements to the same multi-use DHHL warehouse by installing an emergency power backup generator, automatic transfer switch and housing, ultimately strengthening Hawaii\u2019s ability to pre-position emergency supplies and equipment on the west side of Oahu.\n\nThe Congressional Quarterly report also ranked Case #102 among all 441 House members in total CPF funding for FY27. The current House Republican majority, as did the prior Democratic majority, allocates a disproportionate share of total CPF funding to Republican members. \u201cMy overall result was especially good given I am not in the current majority,\u201d said Case. \u201cIt demonstrates the importance of committee membership, experience, relationships, solid processes and hard work in producing results regardless of who is in the majority.\u201d\n\nOn the House Appropriations Committee, Case is in his fourth year now of service on the Subcommittee on Defense and Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which together make up almost 60% of the total federal budget. He formerly served for four years on the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, and the Subcommittee on Legislative Branch.\n\n\u00b7 List of all CPFS requested and approved for Congressman Case FY 2022-FY 2027 here\n\n\u00b7 Link to Congressional Quarterly article here\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-20T06:35:38Z", "2026-06-20T06:37:01Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-celebrates-two-hawaii-chefs-on-national-competition-show-wins", "Schatz Celebrates Two Hawai\u2018i Chefs On National Competition Show Wins", "2026-06-18", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) today celebrated a pair of wins for two Hawai\u2018i chefs who recently competed and won major national cooking competition shows. Chef Rhoda Magbitang, a Hawai\u2018i Island resident and executive chef at CanoeHouse, was crowned the winner of Bravo\u2019s Top Chef this month, while Lee Anne Wong, a Maui resident, owner of Koko Head Cafe on O\u2018ahu, and a former Top Chef finalist, won Season 3 of the Food Network\u2019s 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing.\n\nIn remarks on the Senate floor celebrating their wins, Schatz said, \u201cBoth chefs displayed incredible skill and perseverance in their respective competitions and showcased what makes Hawai\u2018i\u2019s food scene so special, with our unique blend of cultures and cuisines. We\u2019re lucky to have Chefs Magbitang and Wong and so many outstanding chefs who make Hawai\u2018i, Hawai\u2018i. Congratulations on your wins, you\u2019ve made Hawai\u2018i proud.\u201d\n\nVideo of the Senator\u2019s remarks is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-23T06:27:52Z", "2026-06-23T06:29:20Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-donald-trump-is-distracted-with-things-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-peoples-lives", "Schatz: Donald Trump Is Distracted With Things That Have Nothing To Do With People\u2019s Lives", "2026-06-18", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) spoke today on the Senate floor about President Donald Trump\u2019s preoccupation with building monuments and hosting sporting events while Americans across the country struggle to make ends meet amid rising prices.\n\n\u201c$600 million to build a ballroom at the White House. $100 million to build a triumphal arch. $250 million to renovate the Kennedy Center. And $60 million to host a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House. These are the things Donald Trump is putting his time and energy into right now, along with a whole lot of taxpayer money,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\nSenator Schatz continued, \u201cPeople all across the country are eating less and driving less and saving less and seeing the doctor less because of his actions. Wars, tariffs, tax cuts for billionaires, paid for by cutting working people\u2019s health care. And yet, all he can think about is where his next military adventure might be or what new monument he can build himself.\u201d\n\nSenator Schatz\u2019s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below. Video is available here.\n\n$600 million to build a ballroom at the White House. $100 million to build a triumphal arch. $250 million to renovate the Kennedy Center. And $60 million to host a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House. These are the things Donald Trump is putting his time and energy into right now, along with a whole lot of taxpayer money. Meanwhile, gas is more than 4 bucks a gallon nationally and $5.58 in Hawai\u2018i. Grocery prices keep going up. Electricity bills are through the roof. Millions of Americans don\u2019t have health insurance this year. And rents and mortgages are impossible to keep up with.\n\nThis is not a question of whether you like sports or monuments. I like sports. I think the capital city of the most powerful nation in the history of the world should be beautiful and modern and vibrant. But this is not that. This is a president who is so thoroughly distracted with his own personal pet projects that he has no time to do anything to lower prices and fix people\u2019s actual problems. It\u2019s not like these are events that have overtaken his agenda \u2013 this is his agenda. These are his initiatives that he came up with.\n\nIt\u2019s plainly obvious that the Donald Trump is distracted with things that have nothing to do with regular people\u2019s lives. But you don\u2019t have to take my word for it. Last week, after inflation reached the highest level in 3 years, he said, \u201cI love the inflation.\u201d And a few weeks ago, as a war of his own making was ravaging people\u2019s paychecks, he said, \u201cI don\u2019t think about Americans\u2019 financial situation.\u201d I don\u2019t think about Americans\u2019 financial situation. This is not me making a partisan accusation \u2013 those are his words!\n\nPeople all across the country are eating less and driving less and saving less and seeing the doctor less because of his actions. Wars, tariffs, tax cuts for billionaires, paid for by cutting working people\u2019s health care. And yet, all he can think about is where his next military adventure might be or what new monument he can build himself.\n\nIt\u2019s not hard to imagine a focused, energetic president who exerts his authority to make people\u2019s lives better, easier, more affordable, more fulfilling. And in the past, even when we didn\u2019t agree with a president from the other party on solutions, we at least agreed on the problems. But not with Donald Trump. The problem was never that the Kennedy Center was too woke. The problem was never that gas was too cheap. No one woke up thinking, gee, I wish we were involved in more wars. Or man, we really ought to be throwing bigger parties for the president\u2019s birthday.\n\nNo one asked for this. No one wants this. But we have a president who is at the end of his political career, with nothing to lose electorally. And all he can think about is himself and his legacy \u2013 not you.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-24T06:25:30Z", "2026-06-24T06:26:49Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-set-to-receive-nearly-25-million-for-native-hawaiian-health-care", "Schatz: Hawai\u2018i Set To Receive Nearly $25 Million For Native Hawaiian Health Care", "2026-06-18", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) announced that the five Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems and Papa Ola Lokahi, which coordinates health care programs and services for Native Hawaiians, will receive nearly $25 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This funding, provided through the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program, will help the centers provide health education, promotion, disease prevention, and basic primary care services for thousands of people across Hawai\u2018i.\n\n\u201cThese health centers are essential for keeping local families healthy,\u201d said Senator Schatz, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. \u201cThis federal funding will help these clinics all across the state keep their doors open and deliver the health care people rely on every single day.\u201d\n\nThe funding includes:\n\n$3,088,269 for Hui No Ke Ola Pono on Maui\n\n$2,530,712 for Na Pu?uwai on Molokai\n\n$3,246,769 for Ho?ola Lahui Hawai?i on Kaua\u2018i\n\n$3,001,484 for Hui Malama Ola Na ?Oiwi on Hawai\u2018i Island\n\n$2,924,208 for Ke Ola Mamo on O\u2018ahu\n\n$10,000,000 for Papa Ola Lokahi\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-24T06:25:30Z", "2026-06-24T06:26:49Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-kim-duckworth-release-statement-following-the-senate-vote-on-michelle-steel-for-us-ambassador-to-republic-of-korea", "Hirono, Kim, Duckworth Release Statement Following the Senate Vote on Michelle Steel for U.S. Ambassador to Republic of Korea", "2026-06-17", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm former Congresswoman Michelle Steel as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea:\n\n\u201cThe Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community is the fastest growing minority community in America. As the three United States Senators of AANHPI descent, we have a deep understanding of the way our communities are perceived at home and abroad. When leaders in our community weaponize division and hate, it is not representative of who we are as Americans.\n\n\u201cCongresswoman Steel has a disturbing history of using racially-based attacks and tropes. She has targeted AANHPI leaders \u2013 including Americans who have served our country in uniform \u2013 to divide and push us further apart.\n\n\u201cThe role of a United States Ambassador is more than executing the policies of the United States Government; it is to serve as a symbol of what America is and what it should be to people around the world. As we work to advance the U.S.-ROK alliance, it is critical that the connections between our people are grounded in unity and building broader coalitions both domestically and globally.\n\n\u201cThis is not a question of political affiliation, but one of whether the actions of Congresswoman Steel represent the vision of America we want to project to the world and to AANHPI members at home. To us, the answer is no unless she steps up, disavows her previous behaviors and acts as the leader the region deserves. The relationship with the ROK is too important to be undermined by petty politics.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-18T06:41:00Z", "2026-06-18T06:43:25Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-bill-to-harden-infrastructure-against-floods-extreme-weather", "Schatz Introduces Bill To Harden Infrastructure Against Floods, Extreme Weather", "2026-06-17", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) joined colleagues in introducing the Federal Flood Risk Management Act, legislation to ensure that federally-funded infrastructure projects are built to withstand the impacts of flooding and other extreme weather. Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Hawai\u2018i and nationwide, most recently evidenced during the Kona low storms earlier this year.\n\n\u201cExtreme weather is becoming more frequent and more severe in Hawai\u2018i and across the country, and it\u2019s taking a huge toll on our infrastructure. Our bill will help ensure that federally-funded infrastructure is built to be more resilient to the impact of floods and other disasters,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\nThe Federal Flood Risk Management Act will codify the standards first set forth by President Barack Obama in 2015 but later rescinded by President Donald Trump. The bill will ensure that federal investments account for the impacts of climate change in order to protect infrastructure, save taxpayer dollars, safeguard businesses from flood damage, and keep communities safe.\n\nThe text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-24T06:25:30Z", "2026-06-24T06:26:49Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-presses-museums-and-universities-to-quickly-return-native-ancestral-remains-and-items-comply-with-native-american-graves-protection-and-repatriation-act", "Schatz Presses Museums And Universities To Quickly Return Native Ancestral Remains And Items, Comply With Native American Graves Protection And Repatriation Act", "2026-06-17", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, renewed calls to 15 museums and universities to promptly repatriate Native ancestral remains and cultural items to the communities they belong to and meet their obligations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The renewed call follows efforts Schatz has led over the past few years to address the slow repatriation process by many U.S. institutions who continue to hold tens of thousands of Native remains and items.\n\n\"It shouldn\u2019t take this long to return Native remains to their communities. Indigenous people have waited long enough. It's time for these museums and universities to stop the delays and finally do the right thing,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\nThe 15 museums and universities Schatz wrote to include Ohio History Connection, Illinois State Museum, Harvard University, University of California Berkley, Indiana University, University of Tennessee Knoxville, University of Kentucky, University of Alabama, University of Arizona, University of Florida, University of Missouri, University of Oklahoma, Center for American Archeology, University of Texas at Austin, and Milwaukee Public Museum. Each were asked to update their compliance with NAGPRA, explain why NAGPRA items remain in their possession, and report any barriers to compliance, among other follow up questions unique to each institution\u2019s initial responses.\n\nThe letters Schatz sent to the institutions are available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-24T06:25:30Z", "2026-06-24T06:26:49Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-uk-social-media-ban-for-kids-under-16", "Schatz Statement On UK Social Media Ban For Kids Under 16", "2026-06-17", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) released the following statement after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his government\u2019s plans to ban access to social media for all children under the age of 16. Schatz is the lead author of the Kids Off Social Media Act, bipartisan legislation that will keep kids off social media and help protect them from its harmful impacts.\n\n\u201cThe UK is the latest example of a country stepping up to protect kids online. More and more governments are recognizing that addictive social media platforms are causing real harm to kids. Parents are asking for help, and lawmakers should listen. It\u2019s time to pass the Kids Off Social Media Act.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-24T06:25:30Z", "2026-06-24T06:26:49Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-foreign-relations-committee-advances-schatz-bipartisan-bill-to-promote-geothermal-in-indo-pacific", "Senate Foreign Relations Committee Advances Schatz Bipartisan Bill To Promote Geothermal In Indo-Pacific", "2026-06-17", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced the Pacific POWER Act, bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) to promote geothermal exploration and production in the Indo-Pacific by leveraging the United States\u2019 expertise as the world leader in geothermal electricity generation capacity. In addition to Schatz, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Curtis (R-Utah), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.).\n\n\u201cWith energy demand rising and countries experiencing shortages, we have an opportunity to extend our leadership in geothermal energy and help our allies and partners become more energy secure,\u201d said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. \u201cOur bill will harness the expertise, capabilities, and financial tools of the U.S. public and private sectors to promote geothermal research and deployment in the Indo-Pacific in ways that support our economic interests and national security.\u201d\n\nGeothermal energy has the potential to meet a significant portion of the growth in electricity demand globally over the next few decades. But geothermal development is lagging globally because of challenges including high exploration costs and the need for stronger policy and supply chains. The United States, as the global leader in geothermal electricity generation, has the resources, expertise, and commercial capabilities necessary to support allies and partners develop geothermal capacity and become more energy secure in ways that also benefit U.S. security and economic businesses.\n\nThe Pacific POWER Act will:\n\nEstablish a new geothermal program at the U.S. Department of State, tasked with working bilaterally and multilaterally to develop goals for geothermal deployment;\n\nDirect the Department of State to assess global geothermal resources, determine areas of highest potential that benefit U.S. security and economic interests, strengthen geothermal supply chains, and develop financial tools to help advance geothermal projects; and\n\nRequire the Department of State to create public-private partnerships for geothermal research, exploration, and production in at least five countries, three of which must be in the Indo-Pacific.\n\nThe text of the legislation is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-24T06:25:30Z", "2026-06-24T06:26:49Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-blackburn-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-stop-people-from-sending-unwanted-nude-photos", "Schatz, Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Help Stop People From Sending Unwanted Nude Photos", "2026-06-16", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced legislation to curb the sending of sexually explicit images online, also known as cyberflashing, by creating a federal private right of action for victims who receive such images and imposing civil penalties for individuals who send them. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.) and Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas).\n\n\u201cNo one should fall victim to unwanted flashing, whether in real-life or online,\u201d said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. \u201cBy providing a federal private right of action and imposing penalties, this bill will help prevent sexual harassment and hold perpetrators accountable.\u201d\n\n\u201cAI has opened the door for bad actors to produce explicit images quickly and cheaply to abuse or harass more victims, especially targeting young women,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe bipartisan CONSENT Act would provide victims with a civil right of action and relief when they receive unwanted sexual images or videos on dating apps, text messages, and other forms of online communication.\u201d\n\nCyberflashing can occur on social media, dating apps, over text, or even via AirDrop, and disproportionately impacts women. According to the Pew Research Center, more than half of women and more than a third of men between 18-29 have received such images. Additionally, victims may face barriers to reporting including fear of retaliation, stigma, and procedural barriers. In addition, artificial intelligence has enabled a new form of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), which can be generated quickly and cheaply. A 2024 study found that 15% of K-12 students were aware of at least one NCII deepfake that depicts an individual associated with their school. These deepfakes can cause lasting trauma whether the videos or images are real or fake, or whether the recipient is the one being depicted.\n\nThe CONSENT Act would enable civil right of action and relief to victims who receive intimate digital depictions or intimate digital forgery without their consent. It also provides an exception for transmissions of intimate visual depictions for a good faith medical, education, or law enforcement purpose. An individual may obtain relief in the form of:\n\nStatutory damages of up to $1,000 or compensatory damages for emotional distress;\n\nReasonable attorney fees and costs; and\n\nA temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction ordering the defendant to cease transmitting intimate visual depictions to the plaintiff without consent.\n\nThe CONSENT Act is endorsed by Bumble, SafeBAE, RAINN, the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline), National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), National Women's Law Center Action Fund, and Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA).\n\n\u201cFor years, Bumble has championed efforts to criminalize cyberflashing and protect people from unsolicited explicit content online. While we are proud of the progress that has been made at the state level, millions of Americans, especially women, remain unprotected without a federal standard. That\u2019s why we support the bipartisan CONSENT Act, which empowers individuals to take legal action against those who knowingly send nonconsensual explicit content. Congress has an opportunity to make it clear that these acts are unacceptable and that everyone deserves a safer, more respectful online experience. Thank you to the bill sponsors who are helping move this critical legislation forward,\u201d said Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder and CEO of Bumble.\n\n\"Cyberflashing is not a harmless prank or minor inconvenience. It is digital sexual violence. It violates the victims consent and can threaten their safety. Right now, digital sexual violence is the most rapidly increasing form of sexual violence. Yet, victims are left without avenues for justice and perpetrators are encouraged to continue their harm without consequences. The CONSENT Act changes this. It empowers survivors with the tools to seek justice in the form of civil restitution. Accountability and action change culture. The CONSENT Act will prevent future cyberflashing by changing the norms around accountability and action,\u201d said Omny Miranda Martone, Founder and CEO of the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA).\n\n\u201cUnsolicited intimate images are a deeply invasive form of technology-facilitated abuse that can be used to harass, intimidate, and control victims and survivors,\u201d said Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. \u201cThe CONSENT Act would create an important pathway for accountability and help ensure that survivors, including minors and those targeted by AI-generated abuse, have meaningful options to protect their safety, privacy, and dignity. The Hotline is grateful for continued bipartisan leadership to address the evolving ways technology is being used to cause harm.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe sending of unsolicited intimate images has been commonplace for decades, but federal law has failed to keep pace with technology-facilitated sexual harassment,\u201d said Elizabeth Tang, Senior Counsel for Education and Workplace Justice at the National Women\u2019s Law Center Action Fund. \u201cThe CONSENT Act closes this gap by allowing recipients of unsolicited sexual images to go to court to stop the harassment and recover reasonable damages, attorney fees, and court costs from their harasser. We urge Congress to act swiftly to pass this important and long-overdue bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) strongly supports the CONSENT Act and applauds Representatives McClellan and Moran and Senators Schatz and Blackburn for introducing this bipartisan, survivor-centered legislation. Survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse increasingly face serious harm from the non-consensual sharing and transmission of intimate images. By creating a clear pathway for survivors to seek accountability and injunctive relief, the CONSENT Act helps address a critical gap in existing law. NNEDV is proud to support this effort to strengthen protections against technology-facilitated abuse and ensure survivors have meaningful tools to pursue justice in the digital age,\u201d said Tonia Moultry-Pace, Interim CEO and President of NNEDV.\n\nThe CONSENT Act takes an important step forward to acknowledge the harm caused to victims from receiving non-consensual sexual images, and, importantly, increases accountability for those engaged in this harm. We support the creation of a private right of action allowing recipients to seek damages and injunctive relief against individuals who knowingly transmit intimate images without consent,\u201d said Terri Poore, Policy Director for the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-18T06:41:00Z", "2026-06-18T06:43:25Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-committee-passage-of-fy27-national-defense-authorization-act", "Hirono Statement on Committee Passage of FY27 National Defense Authorization Act", "2026-06-12", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Ranking Member of the Readiness and Management Support Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Committee passed its draft of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) earlier this week:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to have secured numerous provisions in the Senate\u2019s FY27 NDAA that invest in military readiness, Hawaii, the Indo-Pacific Region, and our servicemembers and their families, while also holding the Army accountable on the military training land lease negotiations. However, I could not in good conscience vote to advance a bill that paves the way for an up to 40% increase in year-over-year Department of Defense spending, especially as this administration wages an illegal war in Iran with no plan or end in sight.\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s strength depends not only on our military power, but also on the economic well-being of our people. At a time when families across the country are struggling with skyrocketing costs, the Trump Administration is asking Congress to authorize a massive increase in defense spending just months after slashing programs like SNAP and Medicaid upon which millions of Americans rely. Equally concerning, this bill comes amid Pentagon leadership\u2019s racist and sexist war on diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the firing and withheld promotion of dozens of officers, most of whom are women or persons of color. While I\u2019m proud of many of the provisions in this bill that support our servicemembers and our national security, I voted against authorizing a massive increase in military spending for this regime. I remain committed to working toward a final version of the bill that balances the importance of our national security with the domestic needs of the American people.\u201d\n\nDespite her opposition to the bill, Senator Hirono secured and supported several key provisions in the FY 2027 NDAA. Specifically, the bill includes provisions introduced by Senator Hirono that:\n\nDeliver for Hawaii\n\nDirects the Secretary of the Army to seek from the State of Hawaii, on terms acceptable to both the Army and the State, a renewal of expiring training land leases. As part of this, requires the Army to expeditiously resubmit their Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) for the leased lands and address deficiencies identified by the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources.\n\nReinforces efforts to safely and expeditiously close the Red Hill Fuel Facility by adding $10 million above the President\u2019s Budget for environmental restoration and remediation and $5 million for community engagement initiatives.\n\nProhibits the use of funds to carry out a hiring freeze, reduction in force, or hiring delay without cause at all four public shipyards, including Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.\n\nProvides authority to conduct Electrical and Infrastructure Upgrades on Former Naval Air Station Barber\u2019s Point (Kalaeloa) and directs the Navy to transfer and make available $14 million in funds to support this effort.\n\nAdds $17 million for the Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative (P3I), which creates a local skilled workforce to meet DOD demand for intelligence, IT, and cyber professionals in Hawaii and address cuts in the President\u2019s Budget.\n\n$9.5 million increase for the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), which mitigates the large program cuts in the President's Budget.\n\nAdds $20 million for the High-Performance Computing Modernization program to address cuts in the President\u2019s Budget.\n\nEstablishes a grant program to help small businesses and nontraditional contractors cover Level 2 Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification costs.\n\nAuthorizes $50 million for supplemental impact aid to educational agencies affected by the enrollment of military and DOD civilian dependents, $10 million for impact aid for children with severe disabilities, and $20 million for local educational agencies determined to have high concentrations of military children with severe disabilities.\n\nEncourages the DOD to identify opportunities to strengthen domestic shipbuilding and repair capacity through investments in infrastructure, industrial modernization, and workforce development.\n\nProvides flexibility for 8(a) companies by modifying the Small Business Act's \"bona fide place of business\" requirement for DoD construction contracts awarded under the 8(a) program, allowing an 8(a) participant to satisfy the requirement by certifying they will establish a staffed, physical office in the designated geographic area within 60 days of the contract award.\n\nDirects the Secretary of the Air Force to limit divestment and to submit a report and briefing on the MQ-9 aircraft, while directing the MQ-9 to increase inventory by 2028.\n\nRequires a briefing from the Secretary of the Navy on the recent decision to shift the homeport of USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) from Honolulu to San Diego.\n\nInvest in Critical Infrastructure:\n\nInvests over $2.2 billion for 17 military construction projects in Hawaii:\n\n$507 million for the next increment of funding for the Dry Dock 3 replacement at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH).\n\n$380 million for a new aircraft maintenance hangar at Wheeler Army Airfield.\n\n$248 million for the next increment of funding for the water treatment plant at JBPHH.\n\n$183 million for the Pacific Warfighting Center expansion at Ford Island.\n\n$142 million for the next increment of funding for airfield pavement upgrades at Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands.\n\n$134 million for the company command compound at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay.\n\n$129 million for electrical distribution and modernization at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay.\n\n$79 million for the Air traffic control tower at Wheeler Army Airfield.\n\n$76 million for the Armory expansion at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay.\n\n$72 million for costs to complete the wells and storage tanks at Helemano Military Reservation.\n\n$71 million for costs to complete the water well and booster pump at Fort Shafter.\n\n$49 million for the main gate entry control point at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay.\n\n$30 million for a new fire station at Schofield Barracks.\n\n$26 million to complete the elevated tank and distribution lines at Schofield Barracks.\n\n$21 million to complete the water storage tank at Schofield Barracks.\n\n$3.6 million for the secure integration support lab and land acquisition at Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site.\n\n$3.3 million in planning and design funds for the aircraft clear water rinse facility at Wheeler Army Airfield.\n\nReport and briefing on the Navy\u2019s alternative plans for the Waterfront Production Facility at Pearl Harbor\n\nSupport Servicemembers, Veterans, and their Families:\n\nAuthorizes a 3.6 percent pay raise for all military members.\n\nRequires the DoD to report on their implementation of chaperone policies for sensitive examinations across the Department.\n\nRequires the DoD to provide the complete, unredacted report on the effectiveness of women serving in ground combat roles, including all underlying background information and methodology, to the Government Accountability Office to support an independent third-party study.\n\nDirects the DoD to assess how reversing the influenza vaccine requirement may affect military readiness and report the findings to Congress.\n\nProtects military retiree freedom of speech by prohibiting DoD leaders from weaponizing the Uniform Code of Military Justice against them.\n\nExpands the Department\u2019s new Defense Health Agency complaint system to explicitly include tracking, reporting, and handling of issues related to women\u2019s healthcare.\n\nCodifies a requirement for the military to notify relevant state medical boards when a licensed medical professional is being investigated or charged with misconduct.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense to provide Congress a briefing on the Public Schools on Military Installations Program (PSMI) priority list, which includes several Hawaii schools. The briefing must cover an assessment of costs of construction/renovation and a recommended federal/state cost share ratio for funding.\n\nAllows the Secretary of Defense to establish the pay of wage-grade employees located at any defense industrial base facility in order to make rates of pay comparable to the private sector and surrounding areas.\n\nRequires the DoD to institute the \u201cSmitty Checks\u201d policy, which are mandatory, in-person wellness checks for injured, ill, or recovering servicemembers. This provision is named in honor of Private First Class Caleb \u201cSmitty\u201d Smither, U.S. Army. who tragically passed away in 2020 after suffering a head injury and returning to his barracks.\n\nDirects the Defense Health Agency to provide a briefing and report on the feasibility of DoD administering an H. pylori testing and treatment program, guidelines to treat H. Pylori, and prevalence of gastric conditions such as stomach cancer and ulcers among active duty servicemembers and veterans.\n\nRequires the Department to address the oversight gap in the military-to-civilian transition by standardizing the performance metrics for the transition assistance program.\n\nExpands protected communications of tenants of privatized military housing who report housing-related issues relative to the privatized housing.\n\nRequires timely notification to both Congress and affected officers when the promotion of an officer is delayed, including the basis, expected duration, and status of any associated review or investigation.\n\nRequires DoD and the VA to establish an access to health care pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of expanding reciprocal access to health care facilities, personnel, and services between the DoD and VA.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments to ensure that the disclosure of telework and remote work eligibility, as well as exemptions for return-to-in-person-work requirements, is considered for all announcements of vacant positions in the DOD to encourage all agencies of the Department to utilize these flexibilities to support the employment of military spouses.\n\nExpands eligibility for hearing aids to include children of retirees enrolled in family coverage under TRICARE Select.\n\nRequires DoD to notify the Armed Services Committees after a material failure affects patient care in an operating room, critical care unit, intensive care unit, or emergency department at a military medical treatment facility.\n\nDirects the Comptroller General to assess DOD\u2019s use of nondisclosure agreements and to conduct a study on whistleblower protections within the Department.\n\nAuthorizes the Department to increase the maximum tuition assistance benefit.\n\nProhibits the DoD from reducing the number of personnel assigned to service review agencies that provide critical administrative relief and records correction services for servicemembers and veterans.\n\nIncreases maximum authorized amounts for hostile fire and imminent danger pay, as well as aviation incentive pays and bonuses, to better recognize operational demands and support retention in critical specialties.\n\nRequires briefings on how each Service is ensuring that retention efforts focus not only on meeting end strength requirements, but also on retaining high-performing servicemembers and personnel in critical skill areas.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense to standardize the collection and reporting of data related to childcare capacity, workforce readiness, and waitlists across the Armed Forces and military installations, including disaggregated data on utilization, staffing, unmet demand, and fee assistance programs.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense to declassify or make such information available for family members to review, any record, live-sighting report, or other information in the custody of the DOD that relates to the location, treatment, or condition of any prisoner of war or missing in action from World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.\n\nDirects each service to develop a service-wide strategy for scaling human performance technology to advance mental health, sleep, and wellness tracking for servicemembers.\n\nStrengthen Our Ability to Protect the Indo-Pacific Region:\n\nAuthorizes and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI).\n\nDirects the INDOPACOM Commander to provide an independent assessment of how transfers of personnel, platforms, equipment, munitions, and other capabilities from INDOPACOM affect the command\u2019s ability to deter and, if necessary, prevail in conflict in the Indo-Pacific.\n\nExtends the admission of H-2B nonimmigrant visas to Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands by two years and adds Wake Island to the list of locations to support military construction projects.\n\nAuthorizes multi-year procurement for certain munitions.\n\nEnhances DoD\u2019s ability to train ally and partner foreign security force capacity by adding additional authorities (foreign internal defense, disaster risk reduction/response operations, and space domain awareness/space operations) to the list of eligible programs the U.S. would be allowed to provide assistance under security assistance authorities.\n\nSupports the Navy\u2019s accelerated procurement of amphibious warfare ships by expanding the multi-ship authority.\n\nIncreases the INDOPACOM Commander\u2019s minor military construction threshold from $30 million to 35 million to bolster posture in the Indo-Pacific.\n\nIncreases the unspecified minor military construction threshold from $9 million to\n\n$15 million and relieves the area cost factor adjustments for Alaska, Hawaii, and other\n\nislands in the Indo-Pacific for a period of 5 years.\n\nRequires certification that there is a continuity of operations plan before the Guam command and control facility is declared operational.\n\nRedesignates the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative as the First Island Chain Security Cooperation Initiative (FICSCI) and makes the Philippines eligible to receive assistance under this authority. It also extends FICSCI to 2032 and authorizes up to $1.5 billion in assistance in FY 2027.\n\nAuthorizes the Department to establish a War Reserve Stockpile program for Taiwan.\n\nProhibits a reduction in U.S. military posture on the Korean Peninsula or a change in wartime operational control over the Combined Forces Command until the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest. Further directs the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the INDOPACOM Commander, and U.S. Forces Korea to conduct an independent risk assessment of any changes.\n\nDirects INDOPACOM, Space Force, and key stakeholders to brief Congress on integration of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities into current and future joint exercises with our allies and partners.\n\nRequires a strategy for crisis management in the South China Sea.\n\nProhibits DOD from retiring or decommissioning in FY 27 any oceanographic research vessels, including the Kilo Moana operated by the University of Hawaii.\n\nDirects a report detailing U.S. support to Japan in the development and fielding of an operational counterstrike capability.\n\nDirects a briefing on efforts to enhance combined United States-Republic of Korea operational capabilities and interoperability using emerging technologies.\n\nRevitalizes the AUKUS partnership by designating the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Armaments Cooperation as the Senior Defense Official with responsibility for AUKUS and extends the timeframe for this function until 2032.\n\nModifies the authorization of the sale of nuclear attack submarines in the AUKUS agreement to allow for the transfer of up to three in-service subs.\n\nDirects a plan in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual to remove unnecessary procedures and regulations related to AUKUS.\n\nRequires a report assessing planned use of mobile networking and resilient command and control architecture in Taiwan.\n\nDirect the Navy to do a report/analysis on the required number of submarine tenders to support the larger future fleet of submarines.\n\nDirects the Department to brief Congress every quarter on the status of planning for and implementation of core Homeland defense priorities, including plans for responding to a major attack on the Homeland in the context of military operations in other areas of responsibility \u2013 this briefing includes Hawaii and Alaska.\n\nAuthorizes a pilot program to replace a chiller or chiller-related facilities that support subsistence resiliency within INDOPACOM at locations that have been deemed remote and isolated.\n\nDirects a briefing on efforts to expand and deepen bilateral military exercises with India in the space domain.\n\nRequires a report on how DoD can more efficiently work with our partners in the Freely Associated States to speed up dual-use military construction projects.\n\nModernize the Force:\n\nDirects the establishment of a DOD-wide ecosystem for the deployment and enterprise use of agentic artificial intelligence systems at scale and speed.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense to brief Congress on the use of collaborative planning platforms to ensure it is cost effectively procuring and implementing such platforms.\n\nAccelerates software procurement to remove bureaucracy that will support the speed and development of critical software programs.\n\nCodifies in statute the DOD review process for autonomous weapon systems and AI capabilities, specifying standards for human judgment, validation and testing requirements, prohibited uses, and a centralized incident reporting repository.\n\nRequires artificial intelligence training as part of the DoD\u2019s Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) process.\n\nDirects the Secretary of Defense to develop authoritative security standards and guidance for artificial intelligence agents across the DOD.\n\nDirects a briefing on the feasibility and advisability of piloting autonomous welding across the organic industrial base.\n\nProvides key authority for servicemembers to repair their own equipment under urgent conditions (right to repair).\n\nDirects an independent review of whether CYBERCOM is adequately organized and resourced to meet its expanding authorities and responsibilities.\n\nDirects a briefing on artificial intelligence enabled biological threat detection.\n\nRequires a comprehensive assessment of the effects of the adoption of artificial intelligence systems by personnel of the DOD on the maintenance and retention of essential warfighter skills.\n\nAuthorizes an increase of more than $1 billion for maritime unmanned systems.\n\nDirects a briefing on the Department\u2019s strategy to scale the production, procurement, and deployment of small, unmanned aircraft systems to tactical units.\n\nDirects the Secretary of the Army to report on its efforts related to autonomous surface vessel technology.\n\nDirects a briefing on the automation and efficiency of munitions production.\n\nDirects the Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing on increasing and diversifying munitions inventories.\n\nRequires a Department of the Air Force integrated air and space capabilities electronic warfare roadmap.\n\nDirects a briefing on the procurement of low-collateral, non-kinetic solutions for Counter-small Unmanned Aerial Systems swarms.\n\nRequires a streamlined process for developing, negotiating, and concluding international agreements relating to science and technology cooperation, including memoranda of understanding and project agreements.\n\nDirects a briefing on Department\u2019s plans to expand the use of advanced software and artificial intelligence technologies and its evaluation of real-time audit capabilities.\n\nPrioritize Sustainability and the Environment:\n\nSecures an additional $20 million in funding for DOD\u2019s REPI Program to avoid land use conflicts near military installations, address environmental restrictions that limit military activities, and increase military installation resilience.\n\nRequires DoD to review and take action within 180 days on proposals for alternative energy projects (like wind) that could impact national security. This provision responds directly to the current administration\u2019s hostility towards these types of projects.\n\nAmends the law to include combatant commands as eligible entities to recover and reinvest operational energy cost savings.\n\nRequires the DoD to establish a public-private partnership program on recycling strategic and critical minerals.\n\nEnsures that electrical systems within facilities of the DOD are capable of operating in islanded mode during grid outages, thereby enhancing energy resilience, security, and operational continuity.\n\nAligns major military installation master plans to the new definition for military installation resilience requested last year by the DOD and adopted in the FY26 NDAA.\n\nClarifies that the expansion of the footprint of existing facilities or infrastructure is not allowed outside of very limited criteria.\n\nRequires a report on Taiwan\u2019s Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) supply and storage and recommendations on resiliency.\n\nHold this Administration Accountable:\n\nCloses loophole that could allow defense contractors to avoid financial consequences for providing inaccurate pricing data, helping ensure the Pentagon gets a fair deal for taxpayers.\n\nShifts burden of proof to contractors to justify restrictions on technical data.\n\nLimits the DoD\u2019s Ability to reassign Military Uniformed JAG attorneys to the Department of Justice to serve as Immigration Law Judges.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense to conduct a review of the ownership structure and any conflicts of interest before obligating or disbursing any funds for an equity investment and adds stronger oversight of the Economic Defense Unit.\n\nProhibits the Secretary of Defense from entering into a contract for goods or services, unless the contractor agrees to not purchase equity security, pay dividends, or make any other capital distribution with respect to equity securities unless the contractor has a waiver from the Secretary of Defense.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense to report on the implementation of civilian harm and mitigation response directives and regulations.\n\nIncreases oversight of the use of counter-drone capabilities on the southern border.\n\nRequires the DOD and key stakeholders to brief Congress on the Maven Smart Systems (MSS) program of record transition, including lessons learned, responsibility structures, and oversight mechanisms following the program\u2019s transition.\n\nCreates accountability measures for implementing generational acquisition reform from the FY26 NDAA.\n\nProhibits the reduction in U.S. military force posture in Europe or relinquishment of U.S. command of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe position until the Secretary of Defense assesses the impact on U.S. and NATO interests and certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest. Further directs the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Commander of U.S. European Command to conduct an independent risk assessment of any such changes.\n\nProhibits the use of funds to remove the Army\u2019s Prepositioned Stocks in Europe.\n\nProhibits funds authorized in the NDAA from being obligated or expended to implement any activity that recognizes the sovereignty of Russia over the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.\n\nAuthorizes the Civil Military Coordination Center as a subsidiary of the Board of Peace to oversee the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire in pursuit of Hamas\u2019 complete and permanent disarmament.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-13T06:32:19Z", "2026-06-13T06:34:27Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4938", "Case Opposes Homeland Security Funding Measure That Weakens Key National Security Components And Ignores Immigration Enforcement Reform", "2026-06-11", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) reported that his House Appropriations Committee early this morning approved its proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Homeland Security Appropriations measure over his no vote.\n\nThe Homeland Security measure is the 11th of 12 measures taken up by Appropriations to collectively fund the federal government for FY 2027 (commencing October 1, 2026).\n\nThe measure proposes a total $99.5 billion for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes FEMA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Coast Guard, Secret Service and more.\n\nCase is in his 8th year on Appropriations and his 4th year on the Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee which develops this measure. He has focused on ensuring FEMA\u2019s continued support for Hawai\u2018i, investing in the Coast Guard\u2019s presence in the Pacific and enhancing the security of Hawai\u2018i through significant investments in physical, cyber and infrastructure security.\n\n\u201cDespite the strong support this bill provides for emergency management and our Coast Guard, I could not accept the overall result, which would make Americans less safe through deep cuts to key elements of homeland security including CISA and TSA,\u201d said Case. \u201cI also cannot support additional funding to ICE or CBP\u2019s Border Patrol without comprehensive, meaningful immigration enforcement reforms.\u201d\n\nHe cited the following examples from the measure, which significantly cut or eliminated key programs including:\n\nA roughly 10 percent cut to CISA\u2019s operations, leaving Americans more vulnerable to cybersecurity and infrastructure security threats at a time where there is a need for heightened security.\n\nThe elimination of funding for the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, whose primary responsibility is to investigate abuse, misconduct and rights violations in immigration detention facilities.\n\nA 12 percent cut to the DHS Office of Inspector General, which is responsible for conducting independent oversight of the DHS.\n\nAn overall $347 million cut to TSA.\n\nThe FY 2026 appropriations process for this Subcommittee was particularly consequential and difficult.\n\nEarlier this year, DHS experienced a record government shutdown following the tragic deaths of two Americans in encounters involving ICE and CBP agents in January 2026. Case has maintained throughout that any additional funding for immigration enforcement agencies must be paired with meaningful oversight, transparency measures and reforms to ensure accountability, protect civil liberties and restore public trust.\n\nCongress was unable to reach a deal on reforms and funding for ICE and CBP\u2019s Border Patrol in FY 2026, and instead it passed an annual appropriations bill funding the other non-controversial agencies in DHS. The President recently signed into law a separate reconciliation bill to fund those activities through 2029, which Congress approved solely on a partisan basis over Case\u2019s no vote.\n\nHowever, some common-sense reforms and positive additions advocated for by Case were included in the FY 2027 draft bill:\n\nBill language prohibiting the restriction of individuals from recording or documenting immigration enforcement actions.\n\nBill language reinstating CBP and ICE training requirements from January 2025.\n\nBill language requiring visible identification for officers carrying out immigration enforcement activities.\n\nBill language prohibiting the detention or deportation of U.S. citizens.\n\n$40 million for the body-worn camera program.\n\nAdditionally, through his assignment on the Committee, Case secured $1.6 million in Member-designated Community Project Funding projects that specifically focus on local needs in Hawai\u2018i:\n\n\u00b7 $581,533 for the Hawai\u2018i Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (HIEMA) Kapolei Warehouse Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Renovation. This project would fund the construction of a satellite EOC on the west side of O\u2018ahu in a multi-use Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) warehouse.\n\n$1,007,060 for HIEMA\u2019s DHHL Warehouse Retrofit Project. This project would fund critically needed improvements to the same multi-use DHHL warehouse by installing an emergency power backup generator, automatic transfer switch and housing, ultimately strengthening Hawaii\u2019s ability to pre-position emergency supplies and equipment on the west side of O\u2018ahu.\n\nThe House\u2019s Community Project Funding rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case\u2019s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm.\n\nCase also secured a number of key programs and provisions for Hawai\u2018i and the broader Pacific, including:\n\n346 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants, which support state and local emergency management agencies like HIEMA.\n\n$353 million for FEMA\u2019s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which is a major source of funding for county fire departments.\n\n$353 million for FEMA\u2019s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program.\n\n$117 million for increased Coast Guard operations and support funding in the Indo-Pacific, to include workforce support in housing, medical and childcare access for Coasties in Hawai\u2018i.\n\n$106 million for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, a $10 million increase over FY 2026, which funds University of Hawaii\u2019s National Disaster Preparedness Training Center.\n\n$50 million for FEMA\u2019s Next Generation Warning System.\n\nSupport for Homeland Security Investigations\u2019 Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative, an initiative based out of the Honolulu field office focused on deterring and disrupting transnational crime in the Indo-Pacific.\n\nSupport for increased Secret Service presence in the Indo-Pacific to strengthen its investigative efforts against growing financial crimes in the region, including fraud schemes and scams that target our Hawaii\u2019s k\u016bpuna.\n\nFunding for the survey and design of an additional C-130J hangar at Barbers Point and direction to the Coast Guard to consider conducting survey and design activities for land acquisition and construction for forward operating locations in the Pacific Islands region.\n\nThe measure also includes the following priorities requested by Case:\n\n$15.4 billion overall for the Coast Guard.\n\n$69 million for the National Computer Forensic Institute, through which 404 state and local law enforcement officers from agencies in Hawai\u2018i have received a host of forensic training courses\n\nLanguage encouraging CISA\u2019s to bolster the cybersecurity of partners in the Indo-Pacific region.\n\n$127 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.\n\n$599 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative under FEMA.\n\n$507 million for the State Homeland Security Grant Program, which provides funding to protect against terrorism and other threats.\n\n$100 million for the Transit Security Grant Program, which protects critical transportation infrastructure from acts of terrorism.\n\n$97 million for FEMA\u2019s Port Security Grant Program.\n\n$46 million for the TSA Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Program.\n\nA summary of the DHS Appropriations bill is available here. The bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-12T06:37:16Z", "2026-06-12T06:39:00Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-hirono-and-hawaii-chamber-of-commerce-host-10th-annual-hawaii-on-the-hill-in-washington-dc", "PHOTOS: Hirono and Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Host 10th Annual \u201cHawaii on the Hill\u201d in Washington, D.C.", "2026-06-11", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Mazie K. Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", "hirono", "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee welcomed more than 200 individuals from Hawaii, representing over 90 businesses and nonprofits from across the state, for the 10th annual \u201cHawaii on the Hill.\u201d Hawaii on the Hill, a partnership between Senator Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce (CoC) Hawaii, provides members of the Hawaii business community with the opportunity to showcase Hawaii businesses and products, meet directly with Congressional leaders, and share the aloha spirit with Members of Congress, their staff, and the D. C. community.\n\n\u201cAs Hawaii families continue to struggle under the Trump regime\u2019s cost of living crisis, it\u2019s critical we fight to boost our state\u2019s economy. For 10 years, that\u2019s what Hawaii on the Hill has been all about, bringing the best of Hawaii\u2014our small businesses, local entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors\u2014 to Washington D.C.,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cFrom our policy summit with Congressional leaders, to the flagship Taste of Hawaii I am proud to carry on this tradition of partnering with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii to support our small businesses and show the rest of the country what the aloha spirit is all about.\u201d\n\n\"Hawaii on the Hill has always been about bringing Hawaii's voice directly to Washington, and this year's 10th annual event was our most impactful yet,\" said Sherry Menor, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. \"Anchored by our 2030 Blueprint for Hawaii, our state's roadmap for a more diversified, resilient economy, this year's program was designed to advance Hawaii's future on the national stage. In honor of our 10th anniversary, we hosted 10 events, from record-breaking attendance at Taste of Hawaii on the Hill to our largest-ever Kama'aina Come Home gathering and our first-ever Appropriations 101 session led by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono's staff, we connected Hawaii's business community directly to the federal opportunities that matter most. We are deeply grateful to U.S. Senator Hirono and her team for their partnership, and we look forward to building on this momentum together.\"\n\nIn addition to Senator Hirono and CoC Hawaii, Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi served as an Honorary Co-Chair of Hawaii on the Hill.\n\nAt the beginning of the week, Senator Hirono participated in a talk story event moderated by Sherry Menor, CoC Hawaii President and CEO. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Senator Hirono about her work in the Senate to support Hawaii businesses and communities and also engaged with the Senator in a Q&A.\n\nThe following day, Senator Hirono hosted the Hawaii on the Hill Policy Summit, which featured remarks from; Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH); Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI); and Lauren Bealore, Board member of the Main Street Alliance.\n\nThe speakers discussed a variety of issues important to businesses in Hawaii and across the country, including the unique challenges local businesses in Hawaii face, programs that provide support for businesses and nonprofits in Hawaii, and building community resilience and partnerships. Specifically, the speakers shared updates on the states of agriculture, tourism, small businesses, and tariffs after almost 18 months of the Trump Administration.\n\nOn Wednesday, Senator Hirono and CoC Hawaii hosted the highly anticipated Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill. Over 1,600 people attended this year\u2019s event, which allowed Members of Congress and their staff to experience and learn more about Hawaii\u2019s unique culture through cuisine, music, and more. Attendees enjoyed live music performed by Hawaii artists as they visited different tables and sampled different products from across the islands. Some of this year\u2019s exhibitors included: Hawaii Farm Bureau; Aloun Farms; Kauai Kookie; Koloa Rum; Lappert\u2019s Ice Cream; The Orchid Lei Company; Hawaiian Chip Company; Maui Gold; and the University of Hawaii.\n\nPhotos of the Talk Story are available here.\n\nPhotos of the Policy Summit are available here.\n\nPhotos of the Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill are available here. Video is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-12T06:37:16Z", "2026-06-12T06:39:00Z"], ["https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/more-than-41000-hawaii-residents-join-schatzs-statewide-telephone-town-hall", "More Than 41,000 Hawai\u2018i Residents Join Schatz\u2019s Statewide Telephone Town Hall", "2026-06-11", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "Senate", "HI", "Brian Schatz", "S001194", "www.schatz.senate.gov", "schatz", "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 More than 41,000 Hawai\u2018i residents joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz\u2019s (D-Hawai\u2018i) statewide telephone town hall today. Senator Schatz heard from constituents about their priorities, provided updates on his work in the Senate, and took questions on rising costs, federal funding, housing, health care, among other topics.\n\n\u201cI always appreciate the chance to hear directly from people across Hawai\u2018i about their priorities and concerns,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cMahalo to everyone who joined us today for a productive conversation. We\u2019re going to continue working to make life more affordable and deliver federal resources to every part of the state.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-24T06:25:30Z", "2026-06-24T06:26:49Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 280, "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": "2026"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 280, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2026&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 187, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2026&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}, {"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 93, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2026&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "HI", "label": "HI", "count": 280, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2026", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "2026", "label": "2026", "count": 280, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=HI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2026-06-11,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eschatz~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fmore-than-41000-hawaii-residents-join-schatzs-statewide-telephone-town-hall", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=HI&year=2026&_next=2026-06-11%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eschatz~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fmore-than-41000-hawaii-residents-join-schatzs-statewide-telephone-town-hall&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 156.23995289206505, "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"}