Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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2,234 rows where chamber = "Senate", party = "Democrat" and state = "HI" sorted by date descending
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| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-quick-approval-of-emergency-declaration-request-ahead-of-tropical-storm-nolo | Hawai‘i 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 – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement of support after Governor Josh Green requested an emergency declaration from the president ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo. “An emergency declaration is critical to ensuring Hawai‘i 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. “We urge swift approval of Governor Green’s request for an emergency declaration and the additional federal assistance it will provide.” ### | 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 – Today, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) designating September 20-26 as “Telehealth Awareness Week.” 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.). “Telehealth 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,” said Senator Schatz, co-chair of the Senate Telehealth Working Group. “Telehealth has reduced barriers to health care across Mississippi, yet too many patients around the country are not fully aware of its benefits,” said Senator Wicker. “Our 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.” The 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 “Telehealth Awareness Week” unites the efforts of patients, caregivers, health care providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance the role of telehealth in health care. Schatz 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 l… | 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’s Remarks Available Here WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor about recent storms in Hawai‘i and the warming planet’s 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. “In recent weeks, Hawai‘i 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‘i lost power during Hurricane Lowell earlier this month – that’s how extensive the damage was – and crews are still working to restore power. People on Hawai‘i 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,” said Senator Schatz. “There is a reason these destructive disasters are piling up one after another, leaving communities exhausted and governments depleted. It’s the warming planet,” Senator Schatz added. “Disasters used to be an unfortunate reality you had to deal with from time to time. Now, we’re 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.” A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here. In recent weeks, Hawai‘i 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‘i lost power during Hurricane Lowell earlier this month – that’s how extensive the damage was – and crews are still working to restore power. People … | 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 Of 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 – Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) 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. The 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’ 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. “Every day, we’re seeing new reports of AI models going rogue and hacking systems without our knowledge or oversight. The risks of AI are not theoretical – they are happening in real-time,” said Sen. Schatz. “Our 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.” “The companies building the most powerful AI systems in the world are sounding the alarm: the step-change increase in AI models’ 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 ev… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| 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. –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) held a spotlight forum titled: “Raising the Alarm: How the National School Voucher Program Will Be Harmful to Students,” 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—which could otherwise be used for public education—to 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. “Donald Trump and his allies have long championed private school voucher programs under the pretense of ‘school choice,’ but we all know where the real choice lies: not with families, but with private school voucher organizations and private schools, said Senator Hirono. “By 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. The result will be a two-tiered system: exclusive private schools for the wealthy, and underfunded public schools for everyone else.” Last 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 “scholarship granting organizations” (SGOs) that distribute school vouchers—meaning 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… | 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 – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) 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’s 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 “collaborating” 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’s work reporting on the Iranian regime’s corruption and repression. In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the senators wrote, “As partners in the effort to secure Mr. Valizadeh’s release, we ask that his freedom and welfare be an urgent priority through all available diplomatic channels with Iranian officials.” The senators continued, “Mr. 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’s life is in danger. We are extremely concerned that Iranian authorities could take sudden, arbitrary actions to endanger his life.” In addition to Schatz and Blackburn, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.). The full text of the letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Secretary Rubio, We 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’s Persian language service Radio Farda, which is funded by Congress. In May 2025, y… | 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. — 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’s refusal to spend foreign assistance investments Congress made as intended as the end of the fiscal year quickly approaches on September 30. “Cracking down on fentanyl trafficking, countering Putin, protecting Americans from global health threats—these 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. “Far 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. “Congress 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.” When 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: Raid $2.5 billion provided in fis… | 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 — 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’s refusal to spend foreign assistance investments Congress made as intended as the end of the fiscal year quickly approaches on September 30. “Cracking down on fentanyl trafficking, countering Putin, protecting Americans from global health threats—these 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. “Far 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. “Congress 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.” When 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: Raid $2.5 billion provided in fiscal ye… | 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 – Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), 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. “Reports 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’s 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’s 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.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| 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 – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) 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. “Right now, our laws are allowing some of the worst employers to get away with exploiting kids for labor with nothing more than weak fines,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will strengthen our child labor laws, hold bad employers accountable, and protect kids from this illicit practice.” “Recent 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,” said Senator Young. “This bipartisan bill would strengthen our nation’s labor laws to do just that.” Federal 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… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) 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. “Solving the student loan debt crisis means focusing on the full cost of college – that includes books, room and board, and supplies,” said Senator Schatz. “Our 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.” “Every student in America deserves the opportunity to get a college education without student debt crushing them for years after graduation,” said Representative Pocan. “The Debt-Free College Act creates a federal-state partnership that would enable students to attend college debt-free within five years. Student debt isn’t just about tuition—it’s 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.” The 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. According 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 A… | 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’s Statement Here ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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 “VIP snorkel tour” 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’s mismanagement of the FBI and raised concerns about his ability to lead an agency tasked with enforcing the law and investigating public corruption. “You have been at the helm of the FBI for almost two years, and the list of your failings is long and frankly growing,” said Senator Hirono. Senator Hirono began her statement by highlighting Director Patel’s irresponsible use of taxpayer money and disrespect for the sailors honored and entombed at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial during his “VIP snorkeling trip,” raising concerns about Patel’s broader pattern of conducting personal travel events on American taxpayers’ 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—with the notable exception of Director Patel, who is neither a member of defense leadership, nor a member or veteran of the American military. “If this snorkel tour were a one-off incident, that would be one thing. But it’s part of a broader pattern of using your office to benefit yourself, showing your lack of judgment and character,” said Senator Hirono. “You 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.” Senator Hirono raised alarms about the mass firings at the FBI under Patel’s leadership, … | 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 – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), 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 – and more detained – and none have received accountability or justice from either the Israeli or United States Governments. The Senators’ 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. They were joined in introducing the resolution by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (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.). “Settlers 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,” said Senator Schatz. “This Administration has said ensuring the safety and security of American citizens abroad is one of its highest priorities. And yet, as we… | 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‘i 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 – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) today urged for the approval of Governor Josh Green’s requests for Presidential Major Disaster Declarations for communities across the state impacted by Hurricanes Lowell and Lala. President Donald Trump’s 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. In their letter to the president, the delegation wrote, “We request that you act quickly to grant Hawai‘i 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.” “Swift 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,” the delegation continued. The full text of the delegation’s letter can be found below and is available here. Dear President Trump: We request that you act quickly to grant Hawai‘i 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. Specifically, we write in support of: Governor Josh … | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| 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’s Efforts To Press Museums, Institutions Has Resulted In Over 400% Increase In Notices Of Intent To Repatriate Items HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), 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’s implementation in Hawai‘i. “We’ve 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,” said Vice Chair Schatz. “But 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.” Joining Schatz in the roundtable discussion were Kaiali‘i 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. Since 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. ### | 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‘i 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 – Following an agreement between U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) 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‘i 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‘i 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‘i families. “This is good news for Hawai‘i. This money helps thousands of young kids develop learning skills and gives Native Hawaiian families more affordable child care options,” said Senator Schatz, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “I’m grateful to Secretary McMahon for working with us to protect this funding and will continue fighting every day to make sure Hawai‘i gets its fair share of federal dollars.” | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), 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. “Hawai‘i’s housing crisis affects everyone, including Native Hawaiians,” said Vice Chair Schatz. “We 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.” Schatz was joined in the discussion by Hawai‘i 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‘i’s Future; and Damien Waikoloa, Chapter Lead of Hawai‘i YIMBY. Earlier 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. ### | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| 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. – 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’s 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. “As we continue assessing the damages from Hurricane Lala and begin our recovery efforts, I’m committed to ensuring that Hawaii’s farmers, ranchers, and livestock producers receive the resources they need,” said Senator Hirono. “The federal assistance from USDA’s emergency loans and land restoration programs will help our state’s 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.” USDA announced that Hawaii’s farmers, ranchers and livestock producers could be eligible for the following programs aimed at supporting recovery efforts from Hurricane Lala: Livestock 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. Emergency 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 elig… | 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s approval of an emergency declaration that will bring significant relief to communities impacted by Hurricane Lala. Last week, Schatz and the Hawai‘i congressional delegation urged the president to quickly approve Governor Green’s emergency declaration request. “This 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. “We will continue working with Governor Green, county leaders, and the administration to make sure Hawai‘i gets the support it needs to recover.” ### | 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‘i 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 – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement of support after Governor Josh Green requested an emergency declaration from the president following Hurricane Lala. “An 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. “With another storm approaching, it is especially important that these recovery efforts continue without delay. We urge swift approval of Governor Green’s request for an emergency declaration and the additional federal assistance it will provide.” ### | 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 – 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 “quick release” 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. “This will help Hawai?i move quickly from emergency response to recovery and get our communities back on their feet,” said Senator Schatz. “Lala 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.” The $6 million in “quick release” 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‘i are expected in the coming weeks and months. ### | 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‘i’s 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy today about providing federal support as Hawai‘i 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. “I had a constructive conversation with Secretary Duffy, and he offered to help with Hawai‘i’s recovery from Tropical Storm Lala,” said Senator Schatz. “Clearing and restoring roads is a top priority, and we’re working closely with state and federal agencies to deliver the resources needed to do it as quickly as possible.” ### | 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) 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. “I 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,” said Senator Schatz. “We’re going to continue working to make life more affordable and deliver federal resources to every part of Maui Nui.” Schatz 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. Senator Schatz addresses federal and local issues with the Maui Police Department Leadership Cohort. Senator Schatz discusses disaster recovery with small business owners affected by the Maui fires and Kona low storms. Senator Schatz with youth leaders from Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island. ### | 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. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) issued the following statement commemorating the third anniversary of the Maui wildfires. “August 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. As 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—direct assistance to displaced families, SBA disaster loans for homeowners and small businesses, and more than $740 million in FEMA grants to restore Lahaina’s core infrastructure. The 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.” ### | 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. – 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’s nomination to serve as the next U.S. Attorney General: “The Attorney General of the United States must be independent from the president and committed to upholding the rule of law. Todd Blanche’s unyielding loyalty to Donald Trump makes clear that he cares about neither independence nor the rule of law. From 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’s rampant illegalities, which is why I voted against his confirmation.” ### | 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement congratulating Pearl City Little League on winning the 2026 Senior League World Series. “Congratulations 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!” ### | 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 | “I write to express my deep and continuing concern regarding the state of the United States military’s critical munitions inventory.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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’s 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’s overall readiness, demanding an accurate update on the impacts of these shortages. “A 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 – 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 “NOT TRUE”, your recent $87 billion-dollar supplemental funding request to Congress includes $21 billion alone for “munitions procurement”, highlighting the urgency of this issue,” wrote Senator Hirono. In 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’s 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. “This leaves the United States unacceptably vulnerable to aggression from near-peer adversaries like China,” she co… | 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’s So-Called “Public Charge” 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. – 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’s finalized “public charge” 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. “By removing any guidance for what qualifies as ‘public charge’ the Trump Regime’s rule creates fear and prevents immigrants and their families from accessing services they need—even 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,” said Senator Hirono. “The 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. “Donald Trump is once again weaponizing our immigration system against families who are simply trying to build better lives in America,” said Representative Chu. “His revived ‘Public Charge’ 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’s 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 communi… | 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. – 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’s 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. “Since 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,” wrote the senators. “Instead, official responses rely on broad assurances- stating only that the agency is assessing ‘operating costs, amount of space, utilization rate, number of employees’ and proximate facilities – without revealing the actual methodology or criteria driving these determinations.” Since 1905, Forest Service R&D has used forests as “living laboratories” 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 o… | 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) 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.). “At a time of war, transparency and independent, accurate reporting matter more than ever,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will reverse the Pentagon's effort to shut out the free press and make sure the public gets the information it deserves.” Since taking office, Secretary Hegseth imposed a series of unreasonable and retaliatory restrictions on credentialed journalists’ access to the Pentagon and their ability to report. These measures go well beyond reasonable rules of conduct and reverse the Pentagon’s longstanding approach to the press, which has been maintained by officials from both parties. The Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act would: Restore press access to areas of the Pentagon that were accessible prior to the 2025 restrictions, including the “Correspondents’ Corridor”; Restore unescorted press access to areas of the Pentagon that were accessible without an escort prior to the 2025 restrictions; Require 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 Prohibit any changes to press access at the Pentagon, including the designation of press workspaces, access areas, and press credentials, without prior congre… | 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. – 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,” highlighting the dangerous consequences of the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for our nation’s 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’s 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. “These agreements are not just harmless administrative shifts,” said Senator Hirono. “What 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.” In 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)— which helps guarantee that every child with a disability can receive a free and appropriate public education that responds to their needs— since the law was passed five decades ago. Senator 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—the agency responsible for investigating potential violations of students’ rights— to DOJ would exacerbate an already severe backlog of over 23,000 cases. At the forum, Senator Hirono was a… | 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor today about how President Donald Trump and Republicans are raising prices for Americans on purpose. “The price of everything is up and that's on purpose,” said Senator Schatz. “The 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.” Senator Schatz continued, “It 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.” A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here. The 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 – 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. Now, 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 p… | 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’s Statement Here ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, voted against advancing Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as the United States Attorney General. In a Judiciary Committee executive business meeting, Senator Hirono raised concerns about Mr. Blanche’s ability to lead an independent U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) committed to enforcing the rule of law. “Mr. 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’s lawyer, catering to his whims,” said Senator Hirono. “At a time when DOJ has lost thousands of career attorneys with millennia of combined experience, and when DOJ’s 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—even of a department as compromised as this Department of Justice, which is basically the Department of Retribution and Revenge.” Since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, Senator Hirono has been fighting back against the Trump Administration’s flagrant attacks on the rule of law. Last month, during Mr. Blanche’s nomination hearing, Senator Hirono pressed Blanche on his role in weaponizing the DOJ against President Trump’s perceived enemies, his failure to rescind the anti-weaponization slush fund, and his commitment to assisting the state of New Mexico’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s 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 rai… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| 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’s 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. – 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’s decision to order a study examining “the effectiveness of women in combat jobs,” 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. “From blocking the promotions of qualified servicewomen to ordering an unnecessary study re-examining what a decade of service has already proven, it’s 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,” said Senator Hirono. “This 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.” “Our nation would never be ready for battle without our brave women in uniform who have earned their place in our military,” said Senator Duckworth. “For 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 cu… | 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‘i Congressional Delegation Urges President To Approve Hawai‘i’s 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 – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) urged President Donald Trump to act swiftly on Governor Josh Green’s request for a presidential disaster declaration for areas impacted by a recent 6.0 earthquake on Hawai‘i Island. The declaration will help ensure that the affected communities can access important federal funding and resources to recover. “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‘i Island on May 22, 2026, particularly the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program,” the delegation wrote in their letter to the president. “It 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.” Full text of the letter follows and is available here. Dear President Trump: We write in support of Governor Josh Green’s July 20, 2026, request that you issue a Major Disaster Declaration for Hawai‘i. 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‘i Island on May 22, 2026, particularly the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program. We appreciate your continued efforts to support Hawai‘i as we recover from multiple natural disasters. A powerful 6.0 earthquake struck the western side of Hawai‘i 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 earthq… | 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) 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.). “Right now, our laws are forcing federal workers to make the impossible choice between caring for their families and keeping their jobs,” said Senator Schatz. “Our 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.” Currently, 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’s Federal Employee Paid Leave Act in 2019, family and medical leave continues to be unpaid. Studies 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. The 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: In order to care for the spouse, child, or parent of the employee, if such spouse, child, or parent has a serious health condition; Because of a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the f… | 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), 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 – including for Ebola, cholera, and mpox – remain available. “Gavi 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. “While I’m 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.” ### | 1 | 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z | 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z |
| 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. – 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’s 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. “The 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,” wrote the Senators. While DOD has reported that the Pentagon’s Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) is accurate and “regularly updated,” 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’s 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 … | 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. – 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’s grant review process. In a letter to Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Lilly, Senator Hirono highlighted Lilly’s failure to provide clarifying follow-up on the grant review process, following his inability to answer Hirono’s questions on the matter at an ENR hearing held in June. “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’s being applied,” wrote Senator Hirono. “Not only should these grants be awarded consistent with the Administration’s priorities, but also consistent with the law which is written by Congress.” During 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’s response said: “As 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’s priorities.” Senator Hirono highlighted the impact of Lilly’s incomplete follow-up and delayed grant review on the agency Lilly is responsible for running. “For decades the Department of the Interior has cultivated relationships with trusted partners to carry out projects that contribute to the Department’s mission—maintenance of trails, protection of wildlife, etc. Politic… | 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’s 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), 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. “It shouldn't be this difficult to get the State Department to follow the law,” said Senator Schatz. “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 – 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.” Senator Schatz continued, “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.” A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here. It 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 – 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. Let's take funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. For months, the administration has been withholding $600 million, which are m… | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| 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’s 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 – During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on a supplemental budget request, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the Trump administration’s failure to meet the goals it set out at the beginning of the war in Iran, including regime change and destroying Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “I 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,” said Senator Schatz. “About 190,000 people in the state of Hawai‘i, 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,” said Senator Schatz. “People were pretty thrilled about the idea that America First, in their mind, meant that we were going to not do this kind of adventurism.” Video of Senator Schatz’s exchange with Secretary Hegseth is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| 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. – 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: “I 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’s 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.” ### | 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement on the death of First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, of ‘Ewa Beach, who was killed in action on July 18, 2026 at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. “We 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.” ### | 1 | 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z | 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z |
| 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‘i, 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 – Following legislation and efforts led by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), 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‘i 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‘i is set to receive an estimated $17 million in additional Medicare funding every year. “This is a big win for Hawai‘i. With millions more in Medicare funding for Hawai‘i hospitals every year, seniors across the state will continue to have access to the health care services they need,” said Senator Schatz. Historically, 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‘i face and would increase reimbursements for hospitals in Hawai‘i to ensure that they can continue to serve seniors. ### | 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’s Questions Here ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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’s perceived enemies during Mr. Blanche’s 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’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch. “Mr. 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,” said Senator Hirono. “You 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.” Earlier in the hearing, following a question by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), Mr. Blanche asserted that he is “the President’s lawyer.” Senator Hirono raised alarms about Blanche’s role in enabling DOJ to serve as President Trump’s 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’s 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. “The answer is no,” said Senator Hirono. “These 14 federal judges, some of them were Trump appointees, disagreed with DOJ’s position.” Senator Hirono asked Blanche about public statements he previously made declaring “war” on federal judges who were ruling against the administration. Blanche clarified that he did not believe federal judges should be impeached for ruling… | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| 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 – 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‘i), 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). “Right 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,” said Senator Schatz. The provision will accelerate assistance to disaster-impacted communities by: Creating a disaster recovery fund to allow HUD to predictably assist communities; Authorizing HUD to issue regulations to codify program requirements and reduce unnecessary red tape, delays, and unpredictability that stems from the current process; Supporting resilience as a part of – rather than separate from – disaster recovery; Authorizing “quick release” funds to support grantee capacity right after an event; Improving federal coordination by establishing an office at HUD devoted to disaster recovery and resilience; and Reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and interagency requirement conflicts. The full text of the provision is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z | 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z |
| 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‘i To Replace Bridges On Hāna 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the Hawai‘i 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. “This funding will help modernize our aging infrastructure and help people in East Maui get to where they need to go,” said Senator Schatz. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz has worked to ensure Hawai‘i receives its fair share of federal funding to improve infrastructure statewide. ### | 1 | 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z | 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z |
| 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. – 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. “The federal judiciary is a key pillar of our constitutional system of government,” said Senator Hirono. “Americans 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’s policymaking and administrative arm to be open to the public by default, this commonsense bill will help increase transparency and support that confidence.” Currently, the policies that govern much of the administration of the federal judicial system are discussed and implemented during semiannual Judicial Conference meetings—all 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. The 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. Led by Representative Hank Johnson, companion leg… | 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) 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. “This 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.” ### | 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. – 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. “Nothing 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,” said Senator Hirono. “By 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.” The Right to Vote Act would protect American citizens’ fundamental right to vote by establishing a first-ever statutory right to vote in federal elections — 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. Senator 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 “National Voting Rights Month.” Additionally, Senator Hirono has previously cosponsore… | 1 | 2026-06-27T06:16:17Z | 2026-06-27T06:17:30Z |
| 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. – 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: “Hawaii 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’s gun violence crisis, I remain committed to working towards the common-sense gun safety policies our country desperately needs.” | 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, yesterday spoke on the Senate floor about the disastrous consequences of President Donald Trump’s war in Iran. “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,” said Senator Schatz. “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.” A transcript of Senator Schatz's remarks is below. Video is available here. For 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? Well, 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 Co… | 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 – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), 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. “People deserve to know whether the videos, photos, and content they see and read online are real or not,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill is simple – if any digital content is made by AI, it should be labeled so that people are aware and aren’t fooled or scammed.” “As AI-generated content becomes more refined and realistic, people deserve to know whether what they’re seeing is created by a human or generated by artificial intelligence,” said Senator Curtis. “Our 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.” The AI Labeling Act will: Require both visible and machine-readable disclosures identifying AI-generated digital content, including image, video, or audio content; Require AI developers and all major social media platforms to collaborate to ensure users can identify the authenticity of shared content; and Establish a working group to create technical standards so users and social media platforms can identify AI-generated content and support content provenance. “Jurisdictions around the globe are moving to adopt common-sense rules around labeling AI-generated content – it’s 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,” said Senator Warner. In 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 ty… | 1 | 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z | 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z |
| 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. – 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—including transgender women and girls—this 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. “More 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,” said Senator Hirono. “This resolution celebrates the true legacy of Title IX. I remain committed to standing up for students and helping them reach their fullest potentials.” “For 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,” said Senator Murray. “Instead, we are seeing the Trump administration utterly fail to protect women and girls—they 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 … | 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. – 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. “Bobby” 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. “For 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,” said Senator Hirono. “By 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.” “While Trump is driving up the cost of just about everything, including college—Democrats are instead putting forward reasonable proposals to make sure everyone who is willing to work hard can pursue a higher education,” said Senator Patty Murray. “There 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—this 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.” “For decades, Pell grants have been the cornerstone of our federal fina… | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-schatzs-bipartisan-bill-to-deliver-faster-relief-to-disaster-survivors | Senate Passes Schatz’s 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 – 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‘i), 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). “Right 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,” said Senator Schatz. The provision will accelerate assistance to disaster-impacted communities by: Creating a disaster recovery fund to allow HUD to predictably assist communities; Authorizing HUD to issue regulations to codify program requirements and reduce unnecessary red tape, delays, and unpredictability that stems from the current process; Supporting resilience as a part of – rather than separate from – disaster recovery; Authorizing “quick release” funds to support grantee capacity right after an event; Improving federal coordination by establishing an office at HUD devoted to disaster recovery and resilience; and Reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and interagency requirement conflicts. The full text of the provision is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-celebrates-two-hawaii-chefs-on-national-competition-show-wins | Schatz Celebrates Two Hawai‘i 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today celebrated a pair of wins for two Hawai‘i chefs who recently competed and won major national cooking competition shows. Chef Rhoda Magbitang, a Hawai‘i Island resident and executive chef at CanoeHouse, was crowned the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef this month, while Lee Anne Wong, a Maui resident, owner of Koko Head Cafe on O‘ahu, and a former Top Chef finalist, won Season 3 of the Food Network’s 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing. In remarks on the Senate floor celebrating their wins, Schatz said, “Both chefs displayed incredible skill and perseverance in their respective competitions and showcased what makes Hawai‘i’s food scene so special, with our unique blend of cultures and cuisines. We’re lucky to have Chefs Magbitang and Wong and so many outstanding chefs who make Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i. Congratulations on your wins, you’ve made Hawai‘i proud.” Video of the Senator’s remarks is available here. ### | 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’s 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke today on the Senate floor about President Donald Trump’s preoccupation with building monuments and hosting sporting events while Americans across the country struggle to make ends meet amid rising prices. “$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,” said Senator Schatz. Senator Schatz continued, “People 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’s 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.” Senator Schatz’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below. Video is available here. $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‘i. Grocery prices keep going up. Electricity bills are through the roof. Millions of Americans don’t have health insurance this year. And rents and mortgages are impossible to keep up with. This 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 … | 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‘i 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 — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) 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‘i. “These health centers are essential for keeping local families healthy,” said Senator Schatz, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This 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.” The funding includes: $3,088,269 for Hui No Ke Ola Pono on Maui $2,530,712 for Na Pu?uwai on Molokai $3,246,769 for Ho?ola Lahui Hawai?i on Kaua‘i $3,001,484 for Hui Malama Ola Na ?Oiwi on Hawai‘i Island $2,924,208 for Ke Ola Mamo on O‘ahu $10,000,000 for Papa Ola Lokahi ### | 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. – 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: “The 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. “Congresswoman Steel has a disturbing history of using racially-based attacks and tropes. She has targeted AANHPI leaders – including Americans who have served our country in uniform – to divide and push us further apart. “The 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. “This 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.” ### | 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) 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‘i and nationwide, most recently evidenced during the Kona low storms earlier this year. “Extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more severe in Hawai‘i and across the country, and it’s 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,” said Senator Schatz. The 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. The text of the bill is available here. ### | 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), 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. "It shouldn’t 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,” said Senator Schatz. The 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’s initial responses. The letters Schatz sent to the institutions are available here. ### | 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 – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his government’s 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. “The 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’s time to pass the Kids Off Social Media Act.” ### | 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 – Today, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced the Pacific POWER Act, bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) to promote geothermal exploration and production in the Indo-Pacific by leveraging the United States’ 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.). “With 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,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Our 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.” Geothermal 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. The Pacific POWER Act will: Establish a new geothermal program at the U.S. Department of State, tasked with working bilaterally and multilaterally to develop goals for geothermal deployment; Direct 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… | 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 – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) 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). “No one should fall victim to unwanted flashing, whether in real-life or online,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “By providing a federal private right of action and imposing penalties, this bill will help prevent sexual harassment and hold perpetrators accountable.” “AI has opened the door for bad actors to produce explicit images quickly and cheaply to abuse or harass more victims, especially targeting young women,” said Senator Blackburn. “The 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.” Cyberflashing 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. The CONSENT Act would… | 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. – 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: “I’m proud to have secured numerous provisions in the Senate’s 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. “Our nation’s 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’s 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’m 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.” Despite her opposition to the bill, Senator Hirono secured and supported several key provisions in the FY 2027 NDAA. Specifically, the bill includes provisions introduced … | 1 | 2026-06-13T06:32:19Z | 2026-06-13T06:34:27Z |
| 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 “Hawaii on the Hill” 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. – 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 “Hawaii on the Hill.” 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. “As Hawaii families continue to struggle under the Trump regime’s cost of living crisis, it’s critical we fight to boost our state’s economy. For 10 years, that’s what Hawaii on the Hill has been all about, bringing the best of Hawaii—our small businesses, local entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors— to Washington D.C.,” said Senator Hirono. “From 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.” "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 gratef… | 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‘i Residents Join Schatz’s 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 – More than 41,000 Hawai‘i residents joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz’s (D-Hawai‘i) 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. “I always appreciate the chance to hear directly from people across Hawai‘i about their priorities and concerns,” said Senator Schatz. “Mahalo to everyone who joined us today for a productive conversation. We’re going to continue working to make life more affordable and deliver federal resources to every part of the state.” ### | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-reports-of-tribal-citizens-being-questioned-and-detained-schatz-durbin-demand-answers-from-trump-administration-on-immigration-enforcement-targeting-of-native-people | Following Reports Of Tribal Citizens Being Questioned And Detained, Schatz, Durbin Demand Answers From Trump Administration On Immigration Enforcement, Targeting Of Native People | 2026-06-08 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today demanded answers from the Trump administration on concerning reports that some immigration enforcement personnel have refused to recognize Tribal IDs and unnecessarily questioned and detained Tribal citizens. “It is well-established law that Tribal citizens born within the United States are U.S. citizens, yet many Tribal citizens have met resistance from DHS personnel when attempting to establish their citizenship using their Tribal IDs,” the senators wrote in their letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “We urge DHS promptly to adopt formal guidance that recognizes Tribal IDs as acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, ensure immigration personnel are trained on such guidance, and share such guidance externally with Tribes.” “Tribes have a trust and treaty relationship with the United States rooted in the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and court decisions. Federal agencies are obligated to establish clear policies and engage in meaningful government-to-government consultation whenever federal decision-making affects Tribes. Despite this obligation, DHS has not engaged in meaningful consultation with Tribes on the use of Tribal IDs as proof of citizenship, nor, as DHS carries out expanded immigration enforcement efforts, how the agency will work with Tribes to respect Tribal inherent sovereignty over their lands and communities. We urge DHS to consult with Tribes on the use of Tribal IDs and expanded immigration enforcement activities, and to integrate Tribal feedback into agency guidance, training, and policies affecting Tribes,” the senators continued. The full text of the letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Secretary Mullin and Secretary Burgum: We write to advise you of our deep c… | 1 | 2026-06-09T06:27:37Z | 2026-06-09T06:30:10Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-schatz-mcmahon-agreement-education-department-officially-begins-process-to-extend-federal-funding-for-native-hawaiian-education-program-46-million-set-to-continue-flowing-for-hawaii-kids | Following Schatz-McMahon Agreement, Education Department Officially Begins Process To Extend Federal Funding For Native Hawaiian Education Program, $46 Million Set To Continue Flowing For Hawai‘i Kids | 2026-06-04 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Following an agreement between U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon last month on the senator’s request to avoid cuts to the Native Hawaiian Education Program, the department today officially began the process to extend the $46 million in federal funding for another year. “This is good news for Hawai‘i. This money helps thousands of young kids develop learning skills and gives local families more affordable child care options,” said Senator Schatz, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I’m grateful to Secretary McMahon for working with us to protect this funding and will continue working every day to make sure Hawai‘i gets its fair share of federal dollars.” The extension will keep the Native Hawaiian Education Program fully funded for current grant recipients for at least another year, which guarantees $46 million in federal funding secured by Schatz in Congress will continue to flow to the more than 60 early childhood education sites across Hawai‘i and sustain 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‘i families. The Education Department’s proposed funding extension is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-presses-secretary-rubio-on-president-trumps-china-trip-impact-of-iran-war-on-indo-pacific | Schatz Presses Secretary Rubio On President Trump’s China Trip, Impact Of Iran War On Indo-Pacific | 2026-06-03 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on sales of advanced technologies to China and concessions on Taiwan made during President Donald Trump’s recent trip to China. Schatz also questioned Rubio about the impact of the Iran war on key Indo-Pacific allies and partners. “It's pretty plain that the president violated one of the Six Assurances,” said Senator Schatz. “He says, we discussed arms sales in great detail; it depends on China; it's a very good negotiating chip for us. It seems to me that if the main objective is to touch gloves and initiate conversations, then why give away any of the things that they're already seeking in exchange for essentially nothing? I just don't understand why we would want to sell them our second best chips and why we would start to at least complicate the question of our assurances regarding Taiwan?” Senator Schatz added, “The Marshall Islands, the Philippines, and Tuvalu have declared a national emergency on their energy situation. South Korea says its energy crisis is a war-like situation. It is always the case that something in the Middle East undermines our ability to project power in the Asia-Pacific region. But it's not just a question of opportunity cost and attentional challenges. Now we're talking about our allies in the Asia-Pacific region really taking it on the chin with energy costs because of the Strait of Hormuz. What do we say to them: just hang in there?” Video of Senator Schatz’s exchange with Secretary Rubio is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-06-04T06:38:12Z | 2026-06-04T06:39:44Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-urges-secretary-rubio-to-release-billions-in-funding-for-gavi-vaccine-alliance-global-fund-to-fight-diseases-save-lives | Schatz Urges Secretary Rubio To Release Billions In Funding For Gavi Vaccine Alliance, Global Fund To Fight Diseases, Save Lives | 2026-06-03 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – During a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the State Department’s budget request for FY27, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to quickly release billions of dollars in funding that Congress has appropriated for GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance; the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; and other global health programs. In his opening remarks, Senator Schatz, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, said, “You have been granted extraordinary authority, not just as secretary of state, but national security advisor, and one of the closest members of the cabinet to the president. I want you to assert your authority and implement the law we have passed because that is the only way we will be able to pass the new bill. It is hard for me to have swallowed a 13 percent cut and then argue for another bill if the bill we already passed is not being followed.” On funding for GAVI, Senator Schatz asked Secretary Rubio, “The statute is not unclear about whose authority it is and what you are obliged to do. Can we get a timeframe for moving this money?” Secretary Rubio responded, “I want to get this solved. I'll be engaged in getting it solved. I don't know of the time, but I mean shortly.” Without U.S. support, GAVI estimates that 75 million children will not receive routine vaccinations over the next five years, with more than 1.2 million children dying as a result. GAVI has already reduced vaccinations because of funding being withheld. Pressed by Senator Schatz about $661 million matched by other donors in funding that has not been made available to the Global Fund, Secretary Rubio said, “I think that will move shortly – very quickly.” Senator Schatz further pressed Secretary Rubio about another $3 billion being withheld for specific global health and other programs, noting Secretary Rubio is “perfectly capable of getting money released” when he wishes, and that malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS are… | 1 | 2026-06-04T06:38:12Z | 2026-06-04T06:39:44Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-jayapal-introduce-legislation-to-ensure-aanhpi-students-are-accounted-for-in-schools | Hirono, Jayapal Introduce Legislation to Ensure AANHPI Students are Accounted for in Schools | 2026-05-21 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced the All Students Count Act, legislation that would require more comprehensive and equitable disaggregation of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) student data in K-12 schools. Disaggregating student data would help ensure AANHPI student groups are better accounted for by states and school districts and supported by schools across the country. “In Hawaii, we celebrate our diverse communities and recognize the differences in their backgrounds, experiences, and challenges faced. By disaggregating AANHPI student data, this legislation helps schools better understand and address students’ individual needs,” said Senator Hirono. “As this regime continues its attacks on diversity, I will continue fighting to ensure all students feel recognized and supported in the classroom.” “As someone who came to this country alone at 16 with nothing in my pockets, I deeply understand the unique challenges in the US education system that immigrant communities face. Our students deserve visibility at all levels. By ensuring that student data collections capture the diverse experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander children, we can work to close the education gap in our communities,” said Representative Jayapal. Around the country, states and school districts have made significant progress in disaggregating data on K-12 student achievement for major racial and ethnic groups, including for “Asian American” and “Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander” students. However, these two categories condense dozens of distinct racial and ethnic subgroups, each with unique histories and varying access to social and economic opportunities, making it difficult to identify and address disparities between these subgroups. “Protecting Southeast Asian American and other AANHPI students’ right to be seen is more important than ever, especially during AANHPI Heritage Month when we a… | 1 | 2026-05-22T06:27:39Z | 2026-05-22T06:29:18Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-mccormick-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-promote-geothermal-in-indo-pacific | Schatz, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Promote Geothermal In Indo-Pacific | 2026-05-21 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) introduced the Pacific Promotion of Workable Energy Resources (POWER) Act, bipartisan legislation to promote geothermal exploration and production in the Indo-Pacific by leveraging the United States’ expertise as the world leader in geothermal electricity generation capacity. “With 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,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Our 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.” “America has an opportunity to lead the world in the next generation of energy, and geothermal energy can play a major role in that future,” said Senator McCormick. “The Pacific POWER Act will help expand American energy technology and expertise in the Indo-Pacific, strengthen our partnerships abroad, and support more secure energy supply chains. At a time when China is working to expand its influence in the region, this bill helps ensure America remains at the forefront.” The Pacific POWER Act will: Establish a new geothermal program at the U.S. Department of State, tasked with working bilaterally and multilaterally to develop goals for geothermal deployment; Direct relevant agencies 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 Require 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. In addition to Schatz and McCormick, the Pacific P… | 1 | 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z | 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-schatz-tokuda-case-king-hinds-introduce-bicameral-resolution-to-commemorate-70-years-of-ipif | Hirono, Schatz, Tokuda, Case, King-Hinds Introduce Bicameral Resolution to Commemorate 70 Years of IPIF | 2026-05-20 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI), U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Ed Case (D-HI), and U.S. Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-MP) introduced a resolution recognizing the 70th anniversary of the United States Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF) in Hilo, HI. IPIF has been serving the Pacific region–which not only covers Hawaii, but an area equivalent to the continental United States–since 1956. As the only research facility of its kind in the region, IPIF is uniquely equipped to study and monitor forests in real time, which promotes conservation, helps to lower costs, and prepares communities for natural disasters. “The State of Hawaii and the U.S. islands across the Pacific Ocean are home to forests with hundreds of native species found nowhere else in our country. For 70 years, The Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry has conducted research and developed solutions to address some of our native forests’ most pressing threats, such as Rapid Ohia Death,” said Senator Hirono. “As this regime continues to attack scientific research at every turn, I will continue fighting for facilities including IPIF that work every single day to ensure that our native forests have a future.” “There’s no substitute for the research and expertise that Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry has cultivated over 70 years, working to tackle some of the trickiest challenges in Hawaii’s environment, including Rapid Ohia Death. As a warming planet threatens our forests and ecosystems, now is the time to deepen our investments in IPIF, not retreat from it,” said Senator Schatz. "The Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry is more than a research hub; it is where scientific innovation meets our deep-rooted commitment to stewardship of our aina," said Representative Tokuda. "For seven decades, the IPIF team has worked to protect the native species that make our islands unique, ensuring our forests and watersheds remain resilient for future generations. Havin… | 1 | 2026-05-21T06:28:16Z | 2026-05-21T06:29:43Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-condemns-trumps-1-billion-ballroom-funding-request-as-americans-struggle-with-rising-costs | Schatz Condemns Trump’s $1 Billion Ballroom Funding Request As Americans Struggle With Rising Costs | 2026-05-20 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Ahead of a vote to consider Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) condemned the inclusion of $1 billion in funding for President Donald Trump’s ballroom. “A billion dollars goes a long way, especially in a state like Hawai‘i,” said Senator Schatz. “With a billion dollars, we could cover the out-of-pocket cost of insulin for every person in the state who relies on it for almost 20 years. We could help provide healthy meals to women, infants, and children in need for almost 40 years. We could cover the cost of child care for nearly every child under 3 in Hawai‘i for an entire year. Or we could cover tuition for every in-state undergraduate student at the University of Hawai‘i for close to a decade. But instead of doing any of that, this week, Republicans are voting to give Donald Trump a billion dollars for – of all things – a ballroom. Senator Schatz continued, “This is a priority for one person and one person only. Why are we spending $1 billion on a ballroom when gas is $4.53 nationally and $5.64 in Hawai‘i? What possible justification is there for, on the one hand, ending subsidies that help 22 million Americans afford health care and then turning around and bankrolling a new building just so Donald Trump can throw fancy parties for his rich friends?” A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here. $1 billion goes a long way, especially in a state like Hawai‘i. With $1 billion, we could cover the out-of-pocket cost of insulin for every person in the state who relies on it for almost 20 years. We could help provide healthy meals to women, infants, and children in need for almost 40 years. We could cover the cost of child care for nearly every child under 3 in Hawai‘i for an entire year. Or we could cover tuition for every in-state undergraduate student at the University of Hawai‘i for close to a decade. But instead of doing any of that, this week, Republicans plan to give Donald Trump a billion dollars for – of all things – a n… | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-highlights-harms-of-micro-prop-bets-in-sports-need-to-address-offshore-sports-books | Schatz Highlights Harms Of Micro Prop Bets In Sports, Need To Address Offshore Sports Books | 2026-05-20 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – During a Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing on sports betting, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) discussed with gaming experts vulnerabilities created by micro prop bets in sports and the need to address illegal, offshore sports books that harm sports integrity. Schatz is set to introduce legislation to outlaw micro prop bets in games and provide the Federal Trade Commission with authority to go after companies that knowingly facilitate illegal, offshore gambling. “Micro prop [bets are] insidious in that [they] can be manipulated by a player or anyone else,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee. “The more micro you get, the more insidious it is, from an integrity standpoint. But it also taps into the addictive, manic, algorithmically-driven problem that we’re dealing with. I think this particular problem is especially acute and needs to be dealt with immediately.” On addressing offshore sports books, Senator Schatz said, “We think we, legislatively, have a pathway here. It doesn’t solve every problem, and it certainly doesn’t solve every problem as it relates to the challenges that individuals and society [are] facing with gambling. But if you empower the FTC to go after the payment processors, then they would have a perfect right to go and say, ‘You may not work with these offshore shops if they are not complying with federal law having to do with micro prop bets.’” Video of Senator Schatz’s exchange with the witnesses is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-05-21T06:28:16Z | 2026-05-21T06:29:43Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-urges-us-forest-service-to-provide-hawaii-national-forest-report-ipif-analysis | Hirono Urges U.S. Forest Service to Provide Hawaii National Forest Report, IPIF Analysis | 2026-05-19 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | “You told me during the hearing that you fight for the Forest Service every day. Your actions tell a very different story” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), pressed U.S Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz on the Administration’s refusal to provide Congress with the Hawaii National Forest Study Report, as required by law. Last week, during a full ENR committee hearing, Senator Hirono asked Chief Schultz to provide her with the study report and details informing the Administration’s decision to close the Institute of Pacific Island Forestry (IPIF) headquarters in Hilo, Hawaii. After not receiving the Forest Study report, Senator Hirono sent a letter Chief Schultz demanding the Administration immediately provide her with the information as well as clarification on factors influencing the IPIF decision. “When I questioned you about the report before the Committee, you said that you had the report ready and you were willing to provide it on the spot. Yet I have been told by your staff that they are unable to transmit the report. … This is profoundly unacceptable and is a disturbing example of this administration’s disrespect for Congress and the law,” wrote Senator Hirono. In December 2022, Congress passed legislation requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study determining the feasibility and suitability of establishing a National Forest System in Hawaii. Instead of the results of this three-year study, on May 8—five days before the ENR Forest Budget hearing—Members of Congress received a letter from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins with the recommendation stating: “the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not recommend establishing a unit of the National Forest System in the study area. The Trump Administration recognizes that those closest to lands and the people who use them - State and local governments that understand and respect the needs and desires of their communities - are in the best position… | 1 | 2026-05-20T06:27:31Z | 2026-05-20T06:28:54Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-senate-passes-schatz-hirono-resolution-honoring-uh-mens-volleyball-team-for-ncaa-national-championship-win | Senate Passes Schatz-Hirono Resolution Honoring UH Men’s Volleyball Team For NCAA National Championship Win | 2026-05-14 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today unanimously passed a resolution authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) congratulating the University of Hawai‘i (UH) men’s volleyball team on their NCAA National Championship win. Schatz and Hirono also paid tribute to the team’s victory in speeches on the Senate floor. “Congratulations to the ‘Bows on their well-deserved victory,” said Senator Schatz. “This win wasn’t just for the incredible athletes on the court. This win was for the coaches, staff, family, friends, and fans who supported them all along the way. And it was a win for our entire state. This victory belongs to Hawai‘i.” “As a proud UH alumna, I join people across our state and beyond in congratulating our Men’s Volleyball players, coaches, and fans. Part of what makes this team so special, and successful, is that they don't just tolerate difference — they build around it,” said Senator Hirono. “Hawaii has always understood that diversity is something to celebrate, not fear. At a time when diversity is under attack, this team just showed the entire country that diversity is a competitive advantage.” A companion resolution has been introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i). Video of the senators’ remarks are available here. The full text of the resolution is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-05-19T06:31:01Z | 2026-05-19T06:32:40Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-protect-integrity-of-public-science | Schatz, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Protect Integrity Of Public Science | 2026-05-14 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a group of 20 senators in introducing legislation to protect public scientific research and reports from the influence of political and special interests. In addition to Schatz, the Scientific Integrity Act was co-sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.). “Science should be nonpartisan, regardless of administration,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will protect government science from political interference by codifying clear scientific integrity principles and holding public scientists to the highest standards.” “At a time when Trump champions misinformation and distorts the truth to advance his own agenda, Congress must affirm the importance of independent science and research,” said Leader Schumer. “The fact-driven science our county has been known for is a foundation of American prosperity and leadership. Trump’s assault on science threatens all of that. Scientists should never have to live in fear of retaliation or interference. Their work is crucial to protecting Americans’ health, advancing domestic industry, and responding to climate threats. Our legislation is a necessary safeguard against an administration that has proven it will not hesitate to attack any perceived enemies, especially the experts who might be critical of their disastrous political agenda.” The Scientific Integrity Act will: Formalize and reinforce policies that requ… | 1 | 2026-05-20T06:27:31Z | 2026-05-20T06:28:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-hirono-smithsonian-asian-pacific-american-center-honor-legacy-of-filipino-migration-to-hawaii | PHOTOS: Hirono, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Honor Legacy of Filipino Migration to Hawaii | 2026-05-13 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Senator Hirono with Ethan P. Johanson (left) and APAC Acting Director Yao-Fen You (right) ~ More Photos can be found here ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC), presented “Stories from the Field: Filipino Migrant Workers in Hawaii,” a two-week poster exhibition exploring the migration of Filipinos to Hawaii in the early 20th century. This year marks the third consecutive collaboration between Senator Hirono and APAC to highlight the contributions AANHPI communities have made to the United States. The exhibition is open to the public for view in the rotunda of the Russell Senate Office building from Monday, May 11–Friday, May 15, and Monday, May 18–Friday, May 22. “I am proud to host this exhibition in collaboration with APAC and help share this history of the Filipino and Filipino American communities in Hawaii,” Senator Hirono said. “Throughout May, as we celebrate our communities’ historic contributions, we also reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all. This exhibition is also meaningful because 2026 marks both our nation’s 250th and the 80th anniversary of the Luce-Celler Act of 1946, which granted Filipino and Indian immigrants the right to naturalize as American citizens. I will continue working to ensure that members of the AANHPI community and all people have the opportunity to live freely, and be treated with dignity and respect.” “We are deeply grateful for our ongoing partnership with Senator Hirono,” said Yao-Fen You, APAC’s acting director. “We appreciate the opportunity to share Smithsonian resources that document and celebrate the rich history and culture of AANHPI individuals and communities.” In the early 1900s, U.S. immigration policies curtailed the entry of Chinese and Japanese laborers into Hawaii, prompting sugar plantation owners to recruit workers from… | 1 | 2026-05-14T06:11:37Z | 2026-05-14T06:12:56Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-introduce-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-national-aanhpi-mental-health-day | Hirono, Chu Introduce Bicameral Resolution Recognizing National AANHPI Mental Health Day | 2026-05-12 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) introduced a resolution marking May 10, 2026 as National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day. The resolution recognizes the importance of mental health to the well-being of AANHPI families and communities and acknowledges the importance of raising awareness around mental healthcare. “With suicide rates among Native Hawaiians in Hawaii being close to double the national average and mental health treatment utilization among Asian Americans remaining alarmingly low, it’s clear our AANHPI communities need more mental health support,” said Senator Hirono. “Everyone deserves access to mental health care that is culturally informed and linguistically appropriate, and I’m proud to lead this resolution that calls on us all to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and raise awareness about resources available for AANHPI communities.” “For far too long, our AANHPI community has suffered in silence while facing some of the lowest rates of mental health service utilization of any racial or ethnic group in the country. Language barriers, cultural stigma, a lack of culturally competent care, and insufficient disaggregated data have all contributed to this crisis and left far too many people without the support they need,” said Representative Chu. “As the only psychologist in Congress, I am proud to once again lead this resolution recognizing May 10th as National AANHPI Mental Health Day to reaffirm our commitment to breaking down barriers to care for AANHPI communities. As the Trump Administration continues to slash staff and funding at the Office of Minority Health (OMH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), we must recommit ourselves to expanding access to mental health care and supporting the well-being of our communities.” Between 2018 and 2024, AANHPI youth ages 15 to 24 in the United States were the only racial or ethnic group in this age … | 1 | 2026-05-13T06:12:22Z | 2026-05-13T06:13:52Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-secretary-driscoll-on-continued-commitment-to-good-faith-land-lease-negotiations | Hirono Presses Secretary Driscoll on Continued Commitment to Good Faith Land Lease Negotiations | 2026-05-12 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Watch Senator Hirono’s Question Line Here ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), pressed U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll on the Army’s continued commitment to good faith negotiations regarding land leases in Hawaii that are set to expire. During the full committee hearing, Senator Hirono reiterated the importance of transparency and community engagement as the Army continues its negotiations with the state of Hawaii and pressed Secretary Driscoll on the need for the Army to submit updated Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) to address deficiencies identified by the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) last summer, which led to their rejection. “We are now at a point where the leases are almost up, and final negotiations need to occur with meaningful community engagement and input, especially from the Native Hawaiian community,” said Senator Hirono. “Secretary Driscoll, you previously committed to negotiating in good faith. Do you still stand by that commitment?” The U.S. Army’s current leases for training lands on the islands of Hawaii and Oahu are set to expire in 2029. During her question line, Senator Hirono emphasized that while these leases are vital to military training and readiness, this land—such as Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) on Hawaii Island—is culturally significant to the Native Hawaiian community and therefore requires, in addition to good faith, fair negotiations with the state of Hawaii, and transparency and engagement with the community. In response to Senator Hirono, Secretary Driscoll confirmed his commitment to continuing to negotiate in good faith. Senator Hirono also made clear her opposition to any attempt by the Army to unilaterally condemn the land. For years, Senator Hirono has pushed for good faith negotiations between the U.S. military and the State of Hawaii regarding land leases, with robust community engagement. In April, she highlighted the importance of cont… | 1 | 2026-05-13T06:12:22Z | 2026-05-13T06:13:52Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-presses-hegseth-on-administrations-iran-war-planning-amid-scramble-to-relocate-weapons-systems-evacuate-personnel-after-war-started | Schatz Presses Hegseth On Administration’s Iran War Planning Amid Scramble To Relocate Weapons Systems, Evacuate Personnel After War Started | 2026-05-12 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – During a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the Trump administration’s preparedness for the Iran war given the scramble to move weapons systems from the Indo-Pacific and evacuate American personnel in the region after the war started. President Trump previously said the administration was “shocked” by Iran’s response. Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, asked Secretary Hegseth, “There are data points that seem to indicate that we did not see all of this coming. Parts of the THAAD and Patriot systems in South Korea were moved to the Middle East – this is after the [start of the] war. There was a rush to evacuate United States personnel. And Iran struck more than 200 structures and equipment at 16 U.S. sites. So Secretary, can you just reassure us that this was all foreseen and part of the plan? Or can you tell us whether there were any surprises here?” Secretary Hegseth responded, “I can reassure you that it was all accounted for.” “I’m wondering why the president of the United States – our commander-in-chief – said that he was shocked that Iran would retaliate by striking other countries in the region. This was not just foreseeable, it was foreseen,” said Senator Schatz. “I’m just trying to figure out – for those of us on the left and the right – who are wary of regime change war, who are wary of happy talk, who have learned through terrible experience the cost of this kind of adventurism – why is this any different?” Video of Senator Schatz’s exchange with Secretary Hegseth is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-05-13T06:12:22Z | 2026-05-13T06:13:52Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-congratulates-uh-mens-volleyball-team-on-ncaa-national-championship-win | Schatz Congratulates UH Men’s Volleyball Team On NCAA National Championship Win | 2026-05-11 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement congratulating the University of Hawai‘i’s men’s volleyball team on winning the 2026 NCAA National Championship. “Congratulations to the UH men’s volleyball team on an incredible championship win! Our team battled all season long, played with heart, and showed what Hawai?i volleyball is all about. We’re all proud of you. Go ‘Bows!” ### | 1 | 2026-05-13T06:12:22Z | 2026-05-13T06:13:52Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-disturbing-incident-in-lhain-schatz-calls-on-noaa-to-strengthen-public-education-efforts-to-protect-hawaiian-monk-seals | Following Disturbing Incident In Lāhainā, Schatz Calls On NOAA To Strengthen Public Education Efforts To Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals | 2026-05-08 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | HONOLULU – Following a disturbing incident involving an attack on a Hawaiian monk seal in Lahaina, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries, called on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to step up efforts to better educate the public on the need to protect Hawaiian monk seals, one of the most endangered seal species in the world. “This alarming incident shows that we need to do more to educate the 10 million visitors who we welcome to Hawai?i each year – including continuing to ensure NOAA Fisheries, its Office of Law Enforcement, and the agency as a whole have the capacity and resources necessary to recover endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal, conserve their habitats, and enforce their federal protections,” Senator Schatz wrote in his letter to NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs. The full text of Schatz’s letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Under Secretary Jacobs: Hawai?i is home to a number of endangered species, including the Hawaiian monk seal that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has played a critical role in the recovery of the population of monk seals, from conservation of their habitat to significant outreach, education, and volunteer coordination to minimize human disturbance. Residents of Hawai‘i respect monk seals and the waters and beaches we share, but following an attack on a monk seal on a Maui beach this week, I am concerned that visitors also need to be properly educated. On Wednesday, May 6, state and Maui County law enforcement officers responded after someone was caught on video throwing a large rock at a monk seal. There was immediate and strong public outcry. Law enforcement officers quickly detained the alleged suspect and are gathering evidence in preparation for turning the matter over to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement. I applaud Maui residents and local law enforcement for their swift actio… | 1 | 2026-05-09T06:00:32Z | 2026-05-09T06:02:31Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-following-request-from-schatz-education-secretary-agrees-to-avoid-cuts-to-native-hawaiian-education-program-keep-millions-in-federal-funding-flowing-for-hawaii-kids | Following Request From Schatz, Education Secretary Agrees To Avoid Cuts To Native Hawaiian Education Program, Keep Millions In Federal Funding Flowing For Hawai‘i Kids | 2026-05-07 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today spoke with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon and reiterated his request that the department avoid cuts to the Native Hawaiian Education Program. In response, McMahon agreed to keep the program fully funded for current grant recipients for at least another year, which guarantees $46 million in federal funding secured by Schatz in Congress will continue to flow to the more than 60 early childhood education sites across Hawai‘i and sustain 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‘i families. “This is good news for Hawai‘i. This money helps thousands of young kids develop learning skills and gives Native Hawaiian families more affordable child care options,” said Senator Schatz, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “I’m grateful to Secretary McMahon for working with us to protect this funding and will continue fighting every day to make sure Hawai‘i gets its fair share of federal dollars.” The agreement follows threats of cuts to Native Hawaiian programs across the federal government. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz has been leading efforts to protect funding for Hawai‘i. ### | 1 | 2026-05-09T06:00:32Z | 2026-05-09T06:02:31Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-visits-site-of-future-hlau-of-iwi-art-on-maui | Schatz Visits Site Of Future Hālau Of ‘Ōiwi Art On Maui | 2026-05-07 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WAILUKU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, visited the site of Halau of ‘Oiwi Art in Wailuku to view the ongoing construction. The center will be dedicated to the study, practice, celebration and perpetuation of hula and associated arts and will also be used as a resilience hub for shelter and recovery in the event of a disaster. In 2022, Senator Schatz delivered $11 million in federal earmark funding for the project, which broke ground in 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2027. “This will be a special place for people to come together, a first-of-its-kind home for hula halau across Maui to practice and share their craft and Native Hawaiian culture,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “It’s exciting to see a project like this begin to take shape. It took a lot of work from every level of government and from the Maui community to secure resources and begin construction. While there is still more work to do, we can’t wait to celebrate its opening.” ### | 1 | 2026-05-08T05:46:43Z | 2026-05-08T05:48:09Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-congratulates-maui-families-awarded-with-federal-funding-to-buy-first-home | Schatz Congratulates Maui Families Awarded With Federal Funding To Buy First Home | 2026-05-06 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | LAHAINA – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today joined a signing ceremony to meet with and congratulate Maui families impacted by the 2023 fires who are set to receive a federal award of up to $600,000 to help buy a new home. The awards, part of the county’s First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program, is funded by the $1.6 billion in federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) money Schatz secured for Maui in 2024. “We fought for this money in Washington because we knew that for Maui to recover fully, it needed its people. And what people need above all else is the security of a stable home,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “There’s still so much to do to make sure West Maui is back on its feet, but days like today should give us all hope that better days are ahead and we’re going to get there together.” ### | 1 | 2026-05-07T13:38:59Z | 2026-05-07T13:40:28Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-9-senators-in-introducing-resolution-commemorating-world-press-freedom-day | Schatz Leads Group of 9 Senators In Introducing Resolution Commemorating World Press Freedom Day | 2026-05-03 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a group of nine senators in introducing a resolution recognizing growing threats to freedom of the press around the world and reaffirming the vital role of independent journalism in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance. “A free press is a cornerstone of any healthy democracy – and it’s vital that we protect and defend it, at home and abroad,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “The growing attacks on independent journalism are alarming, particularly given the many crises and conflicts happening globally. People rely on journalists to understand what’s happening in their own communities and make sense of the world. In turn, journalists go to extraordinary lengths, often at great personal risk, to report the truth. Unfortunately, we continue to see journalists lose their lives, be thrown in jail, or be threatened with lawsuits just for doing their jobs. Suppressing press freedom and targeting journalists is the oldest trick in the authoritarian playbook. Anyone who believes in democracy and freedom ought to be unreserved and unequivocal in our support for the free press.” Schatz’s resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.). The resolution is supported by PEN America. “Being a journalist is more dangerous today than at any time in history. World Press Freedom Day is not only a celebration of the world’s intrepid journalists, but a reminder that journalists—and the free press at large—are under attack,” said Senator Welch. “We’re calling on Congress to remember the lives of journalists killed while reporting, and recommit to defending press freedom in our own country and around the world.” “On World Press Freedom Day, we honor the journalists who go to extraordinary lengths to bring the truth to light,” said Senator Kaine, … | 1 | 2026-05-05T05:58:12Z | 2026-05-05T05:59:44Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-meng-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-may-as-asian-american-native-hawaiian-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month | Hirono, Meng Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month | 2026-05-01 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Grace Meng (D-NY), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), led their colleagues in introducing a resolution marking May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This resolution celebrates the many contributions AANHPI communities have made to the nation. As the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans continue to cut initiatives designed to support minorities in the name of “combatting discrimination,” this resolution emphasizes the importance of celebrating diversity. “Every May, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander communities come together to remember the challenges we have overcome and our many contributions that have shaped our country. Despite the Trump regime’s relentless attacks on the AANHPI community, they cannot erase the truth. Our communities have been part of our country’s story since its founding, fighting for the same fundamental promises of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said Senator Hirono. “This resolution celebrates the persevering spirit of our communities and reminds us all to continue fighting for a more inclusive future.” “May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to honor our communities’ immeasurable contributions to our nation’s history, culture, and prosperity,” said Representative Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “Whether your family passed through Ellis Island, immigrated to work on the sugarcane plantations of Hawai?i or fled war-torn areas as refugees, our stories are part of the American story and deserve to be told for generations to come. I am proud to co-lead this resolution with Senator Hirono to ensure our communities’ achievements are formally recognized in the halls of Congress, especially as we mark the 250th anniversary of the United States this year.” The resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth … | 1 | 2026-05-02T05:53:08Z | 2026-05-02T05:54:44Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-hegseth-on-illegal-war-in-iran-women-in-combat | Hirono Presses Hegseth on Illegal War in Iran, Women in Combat | 2026-04-30 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~Watch Senator Hirono’s Questions Here~ WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, raised concerns about the true costs of Trump’s illegal war in Iran and pressed U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth on the implications of a Pentagon review Hegseth ordered examining “the effectiveness of women in combat jobs.” “Since the start of the war, 13 brave U.S. Service members have been killed, more than 400 have been wounded. We burned through over $25 billion in taxpayer money. […] The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which somehow caught the president by surprise, even though he had to have been warned, is directly contributing to the unaffordable prices that Americans are facing,” said Senator Hirono. “This illegal war is driving up costs, undermining readiness, and alienating our allies with neither a clear rationale for starting this war, nor an exit strategy. Senator Hirono has consistently expressed concerns about how the ongoing war in Iran could affect overall readiness. Earlier this month, she questioned Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Jr., Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) on how munitions expenditures in the Iran War are impacting readiness in the Indo-Pacific. In March, Senator Hirono also pressed the vice chiefs of all five military services on the impact of the ongoing war in Iran on each of their respective forces’ readiness. Senator Hirono also confronted Secretary Hegseth on his changing position towards women serving in combat roles, citing a Pentagon study he recently directed to review the “effectiveness of women in combat jobs." “I am concerned you are laying the groundwork to reverse the policy allowing women to serve in these units,” said Senator Hirono. “Did you order the review to support a potential decision to overturn the policy of having women in combat roles?” At the hearing, Secretary Heg… | 1 | 2026-05-01T06:06:26Z | 2026-05-01T06:08:22Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-passage-of-department-of-homeland-security-funding-bill | Schatz Statement On Passage Of Department Of Homeland Security Funding Bill | 2026-04-30 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement on House passage of the fiscal year 2026 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill that passed the Senate unanimously on March 27 and then again on April 2. “Today’s bipartisan vote in the House will mean DHS can finally reopen. For Hawai‘i, this will ensure FEMA disaster recovery support and other federal resources for communities impacted by the recent storms will continue without interruption. It’s also a reminder that when both parties choose to work together, Congress can keep critical services funded and functioning.” ### | 1 | 2026-05-01T06:06:26Z | 2026-05-01T06:08:22Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-burgum-on-efforts-to-erase-us-history-staffing-cuts-demands-accountability | Hirono Presses Burgum on Efforts to Erase U.S. History, Staffing Cuts, Demands Accountability | 2026-04-29 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Watch Senator Hirono’s Questions Here~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), questioned U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum on the Department’s efforts to remove mentions of key aspects of U.S. History, including slavery, in national parks across the country. In the full Committee hearing, Hirono also raised alarms about staff vacancies across DOI and the Secretary’s failure to account for how many jobs have been cut following multiple rounds of firings and early retirements. “Mr. Secretary, is slavery a partisan ideology?” asked Senator Hirono. Earlier this year, Senator Hirono joined her Democratic colleagues in the Senate in sending a letter to Secretary Burgum demanding answers from the National Park Service (NPS) following reports that NPS staff across the country are removing signage from national parks about slavery, Tribal history, and climate change. Secretary Burgum failed to address the questions posed, instead stating that “NPS […] must ensure park interpreted materials accurately reflect American history and not partisan ideology.” At the hearing, Secretary Burgum refused to answer Senator Hirono’s straightforward question. According to reports, Trump Administration officials have ordered national parks to remove dozens of signs and displays related to slavery, climate change, environmental protection, and settlers’ mistreatment of Native Americans in a renewed push to implement President Donald Trump’s executive order on “restoring truth and sanity to American history.” Senator Hirono also pressed Secretary Burgum on staffing cuts across DOI after his failure to account for how many employees had been fired or forced into early retirement. “Where are we in terms of how many employees you have?” asked Senator Hirono. DOI is made up of 11 bureaus including the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Affairs—all of whic… | 1 | 2026-05-01T06:06:26Z | 2026-05-01T06:08:22Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-supreme-court-further-gutting-voting-rights-act | Hirono Statement on Supreme Court Further Gutting Voting Rights Act | 2026-04-29 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, released the following statement after the Supreme Court effectively gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in its Louisiana v. Callais decision: “In functionally overturning the last enforceable section of the Voting Rights Act, the Supreme Court has once again put the interests of Republicans and their billionaire buddies before the voting rights of millions of Americans. This is a Supreme Court majority with an ideological agenda. From an unlawful war to illegal tariffs and a cost-of-living crisis, Donald Trump and Republicans know their agenda is deeply unpopular with the American people, so their allies on the Court are making it easier for Republicans to dilute the voting power of minorities to tip the scales in their favor, not just in this year’s election, but for years to come. The passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a major turning point in our country that finally gave many previously excluded people of color real access to the polls. With Republicans and their allies on the Court hell bent on rolling back that progress, it is more urgent than ever that Congress pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.” ### | 1 | 2026-04-30T06:05:15Z | 2026-04-30T06:07:09Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-details-impact-from-kona-low-storms-urges-long-term-support-for-recovery | Schatz Details Impact From Kona Low Storms, Urges Long-Term Support For Recovery | 2026-04-29 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor today about last month’s Kona low storms which produced continuous flooding and resulted in widespread damage across Hawai‘i. Schatz underscored the heroism of neighbors and first responders who jumped in to help those affected by flooding and damage and stressed the need for continued support from the federal government as residents recover. “Hawai‘i experienced its worst flooding in more than 20 years last month. But amid the devastation wrought by the relentless rain, Hawai‘i’s aloha spirit prevailed,” said Senator Schatz. “We saw it in the heroic emergency responders who rescued hundreds of people who were stuck in danger, with no way to get out. We saw it in all the people rushing to check in on their neighbors, sharing information on social media in real time, and helping clean up the debris and mud once the rain passed. Farmers who lost their own fields instead went to help their neighbors rebuild. Businesses sprang into action to hand out supplies and hot meals despite losing sales and incurring damages of their own. That’s Hawai‘i: no one is a stranger, especially in a time of need. And everyone pitches in to help.” Senator Schatz continued, “Recovering from a disaster of this magnitude will take months and years. The state and county governments are doing everything they can to help people recover fully and quickly, but they can’t do it alone. They need help. The federal government has a responsibility to share the burden of rebuilding. And while the approval of the disaster declaration is a good first step, it is just that – a first step. In the months and years ahead, we will need to be there to provide support and resources in any way we can until the affected people and communities are made whole once again.” A copy of Senator Schatz’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, is below. Video is available here. Hawai‘i experienced its worst flooding in more than 20 years last month. Two storms, less than two weeks apart, whipp… | 1 | 2026-05-01T06:06:26Z | 2026-05-01T06:08:22Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-jayapal-introduce-resolution-to-support-libraries-recognize-national-library-week | Hirono, Jayapal Introduce Resolution to Support Libraries, Recognize National Library Week | 2026-04-28 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced a resolution celebrating “National Library Week” and honoring library workers. After a federal judge ruled President Trump’s attacks on libraries to be unconstitutional, this resolution emphasizes the importance of libraries in communities across the country. “America’s libraries stand for everything the Trump regime is trying to dismantle—freedom of expression, unfettered access to information, celebration of identities, and support for communities. From access to books, to safe spaces for people to work, play, and learn, libraries offer indispensable services and resources to our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “As we celebrate National Library Week and the work of library staff across our country, it’s critical that we stand up, support our libraries, and fight for the values libraries across the country are striving to defend.” “Libraries and library staff facilitate our access to information, provide lifesaving social resources, and host critical educational programming — making communities more thriving in every community across this country,” said Representative Jayapal. “Since returning to office, Trump has sought to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, slashed funding for crucial educational programs, and threatened the jobs and livelihoods of library staff across the country. Today, I am proud to reaffirm my support for these dedicated workers and thank them for the critical work they do in every community across this country.” Specifically, this resolution: Expresses support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the services these libraries provide; Recognizes the need for funding to support libraries; Preserves the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities; Supports a strong union voice for library workers; and Defends the civil rights of library… | 1 | 2026-04-29T06:03:53Z | 2026-04-29T06:05:09Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-cruz-introduce-new-bill-to-protect-kids-on-ai-chatbot-platforms | Schatz, Cruz Introduce New Bill To Protect Kids On AI Chatbot Platforms | 2026-04-28 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today introduced the CHATBOT Act, legislation that would put parents, not Big Tech, in charge of how children interact with AI chatbots and require higher safety safeguards for young users. While AI chatbots can support a child’s learning, research, and creativity, they also pose real risks to minors, including exposure to inappropriate content, language, and addictive features. Some AI companies have even deployed rewards, notifications, and targeted advertising to drive prolonged engagement by adolescent users. The Children’s Health, Advancement, Trust, Boundaries, and Oversight in Technology Act, or CHATBOT Act, would require AI companies to establish “family accounts” for parents to manage access and usage of AI chatbots by their children. Safety features provided under family accounts would, by default, be set to the most protective settings. Family accounts would be required for users under 13 and optional for teen users. For teen users that are not connected to a family account, safeguards would be fixed to the most protective settings. AI chatbots platforms would limit manipulative design features; require parental consent for chatbot usage; and prohibit targeted advertising to children. In addition, the bill would direct further study on potential chatbot-related harms to children and best practices for parents. Upon introduction, Chairman Cruz said: “The rapid development of sophisticated chatbots has left many parents in the dark as powerful AI systems enter children’s lives. Congress has an opportunity to put parents back in control. With the right safeguards, AI systems can benefit a child’s education without putting their well-being at risk. The CHATBOT Act ensures America leads in deploying AI safely and responsibly.” Senator Schatz said: “AI is an incredibly powerful tool – it’s everywhere, and it poses real risks for kids. We’ve seen reports of AI chatbots encouraging kids to hurt them… | 1 | 2026-04-30T06:05:15Z | 2026-04-30T06:07:09Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-urges-appropriators-to-fund-critical-forest-research-program | Hirono Urges Appropriators to Fund Critical Forest Research Program | 2026-04-24 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led 8 of her Democratic colleagues in urging Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies leadership to include funding for the U.S. Forest Service and Rangeland Research and Development Programs (Forest Service R&D) in the upcoming fiscal year (FY2027) funding bill. Earlier this year, the Trump Administration announced a plan to close the majority of the U.S. Forest Service research facilities including the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF) headquarters in Hilo, Hawaii and the quarantine facility in Volcano, Hawaii. In a letter to Subcommittee Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the senators stressed the importance of Forest Service R&D, requesting no less than $273.5 million to cover the Forest Service R&D program and staffing costs, equal to the FY26 funding level enacted by Congress, and stop the proposed closures. “Forest Service R&D advances […] are critical for addressing the escalating challenges facing America’s forests, rangelands and communities,” wrote the senators. “Forest Service Scientists conduct research that land managers, states, Tribes, private landowners, and local governments rely on to make informed decisions about wildfire risk reduction, invasive species management, climate resilience, watershed protection, and sustainable forest products.” Since 1905, Forest Service R&D has used forests as “living laboratories” to help researchers, governments, and communities alike better understand their surrounding natural environment. IPIF is the only research facility of its kind in the region, which not only covers the State of Hawaii, but also the U.S. territories of Guam and American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and through the Compact of Free Association, the nation-states of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. Data collected by Forest Service R&D enables researchers, lo… | 1 | 2026-04-25T05:38:36Z | 2026-04-25T05:40:21Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-17-senators-in-demanding-trump-administration-comply-with-law-use-foreign-assistance-funding-to-support-global-health-food-aid-help-save-lives-as-congress-directed | Schatz Leads Group Of 17 Senators In Demanding Trump Administration Comply With Law, Use Foreign Assistance Funding To Support Global Health, Food Aid, Help Save Lives As Congress Directed | 2026-04-24 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, today led a group of 17 senators in demanding that the Trump administration reverse course on withholding $19 billion in taxpayer money, comply with the law, and spend down the funding as Congress directed. In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, and OMB Deputy Director Eric Ueland, the senators wrote, “The plan includes spending up to $3.2 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 development and global health funding on close-out costs, instead of lifesaving and other congressionally-directed programs, which constitutes an unnecessary and illegal impoundment of funds.” “All of these funds were appropriated to advance U.S. interests in stabilizing overseas markets, advancing energy security, supporting Ukraine, combatting infectious diseases, and strengthening food security, among other purposes. In addition to abandoning our partners, ceding global leadership, and potentially wasting billions of taxpayer dollars, terminating these programs as part of the Administration’s illegal and reckless decimation of USAID has resulted in significant costs as legal fees pile up and overdue payments are owed to U.S. implementing partners. These implementers need to be made whole, and sufficient prior year funds exist to cover related expenses,” the senators continued. “We therefore demand that the Administration obligate the full $3.2 billion in expiring FY25 assistance, including the $2 billion global health funding, consistent with the law. The Administration also must satisfy its remaining payments owed to implementers and release the remainder of prior year funds.” Schatz’s letter was also signed by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and U.S. Senators Jack Ree… | 1 | 2026-04-26T05:53:47Z | 2026-04-26T05:55:08Z |
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