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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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text
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has_text
1 if body text was successfully extracted
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bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

274 rows where chamber = "Senate", party = "Democrat" and year = 2021 sorted by date descending

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state 9

  • HI 178
  • NJ 67
  • NY 20
  • CA 2
  • DC 2
  • IL 2
  • MD 1
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  • VA 1

year 1

  • 2021 · 274 ✖

party 1

  • Democrat · 274 ✖

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  • Senate · 274 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-major-25-million-fed-investment-in-south-brooklyn-marine-terminal-for-development-of-wind-turbine-assembly-center-35th-st-pier-improvements-bring-nyc-one-step-closer-to-being-offshore-wind-supply-chain-hub-and-are-win-for-community-local-jobs-environment_nys-manufacturing SCHUMER ANNOUNCES MAJOR $25 MILLION FED INVESTMENT IN SOUTH BROOKLYN MARINE TERMINAL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF WIND TURBINE ASSEMBLY CENTER; 35TH ST. PIER IMPROVEMENTS BRING NYC ONE STEP CLOSER TO BEING... 2021-12-23 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Schumer, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams & Enviro Justice Orgs Previously Pushed Investment In New Hub At South Brooklyn Marine Terminal Community Protection Act (CLCPA), Which Schumer Backed, Requires 70% of NY’s Electricity Come From Renewable Resources By 2030, Driving Demand For Offshore Wind Schumer: The Dawn Of Robust Renewable Energy Production In NYC Will Happen At Sunset Park Terminal In A Frontline Community U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that – following his direct advocacy multiple times to USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg – South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) 35th Street Pier Expansion Project was awarded nearly $25 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Grant program. Schumer previously stood with Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and environmental justice leaders in Sunset Park, Brooklyn to push for a multi-million dollar investment to upgrade SBMT’s port infrastructure and to include SBMT as a key port for New York’s strategy to support offshore wind development. Schumer also made direct calls to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to urge approval of this federal funding for the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Schumer said infrastructure improvements to the 35th Street Pier are needed to make South Brooklyn Marine Terminal a regional hub in offshore wind construction. Upgrades to the port will result in 344 jobs and the offshore wind activity is estimated to create 3,274 full-time jobs. “I am proud we secured this massive $25 million federal investment to help the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal reach new heights, boost the local economy, and blow a gust of new life into our fight against climate change,” said Senator Schumer. “This project is a true win-win-win that will create hundreds of good-paying union jobs, including for residents of this frontline Brooklyn community, boost New York’s clean-energy manufacturing sector, all while combatting climate change in big, bold … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-75-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-watertowns-samaritan-medical-center-and-loretto-health-in-syracuse-covid-response SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $7.5 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT WATERTOWN’S SAMARITAN MEDICAL CENTER & LORETTO HEALTH IN SYRACUSE COVID RESPONSE 2021-12-23 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Hospitals, Long-Term Care Facilities & Health Centers Heroically Responded To COVID Outbreak, Ripping Holes In Their Budgets To Obtain PPE, Cleaning/Disinfecting Facilities, Testing, Tracing, And More Senators Say FEMA Funding – At A 100% Federal Cost Share – Will Reimburse Samaritan Medical Center & Loretto For Costs Related to Pandemic Response Schumer, Gillibrand: Federal Funding Will Help Keep Up The Fight Against COVID-19 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $4,512,600 for the Loretto Health & Rehabilitation and $3,035,960 for the Samaritan Medical Center from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cover costs associated with emergency protective measures taken for their COVID responses. The funds reimburse each for expenses related to providing COVID-19 laboratory testing and testing supplies, used to test their employees ensuring that individuals did not spread the virus to staff, patients, or the local community as they provided direct care and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is provided at a 100% federal cost share, which Schumer fought hard to include for NY since the pandemic began. “Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, Loretto in Syracuse, and so many other entities throughout New York heroically stepped up by increasing spending, while experiencing significant revenue loss, and working ceaselessly to help New York beat back the virus. I am proud to deliver this vital federal support to help these essential medical facilities recover and continue to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Schumer. “Upstate New York and its hospitals have been amongst the hardest hit in the nation, and with this funding, the continuing frontline fight being waged by our health care system and its incredible workforce will receive the dollars they need, and so very much deserve, to keep saving lives.” “Health care providers have lost billions of dollars during the pandemic due to spikin… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-with-holiday-travel-in-full-swing-and-covid-19-cases-surging-in-upstate-ny-senator-calls-fema-top-brass-directly-to-urge-them-to-immediately-deploy-200-new-mobile-covid-testing-sites-in-new-york-to-stop-the-spread-and-keep-our-communities-safe SCHUMER: WITH HOLIDAY TRAVEL IN FULL SWING AND COVID-19 CASES SURGING IN UPSTATE NY, SENATOR CALLS FEMA TOP BRASS DIRECTLY TO URGE THEM TO IMMEDIATELY DEPLOY 200 NEW MOBILE COVID TESTING SITES IN NEW... 2021-12-23 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper With Omicron Now On-The-Move Across Upstate, Schumer Says Expanding Access To Testing ASAP Is Critical Key To Keeping Variant Under Control Senator Wants FEMA Mobile Testing Sites To Launch In Struggling Upstate Communities That Can’t Keep Up With Rising Cases Schumer: Winter + Variants = Perfect Storm For Surging Cases; Feds Must Get Upstate NY The Support It Needs On The Frontlines Of Latest COVID Wave With COVID’s Omicron variant spreading and Upstate New York overwhelmed by the latest surge, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer launched a major push to get the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expand testing capacity and support for Upstate communities. Schumer made a personal call to FEMA Assistant Administrator Keith Turi and Acting FEMA Region 2 Administrator Chad Gorman to urge them to deploy 200 mobile testing sites in New York, 100 across New York State and an additional 100 in New York City. Schumer said that expanding access to testing is key to stopping the spread of COVID-19, especially as we enter the peak of holiday travel and the heart of the harsh winter months. “Upstate New York is seeing record high COVID cases, and with variants like Omicron already here, we must stop the spread in its tracks and that means testing testing testing. That is why I am calling on FEMA to immediately deploy mobile testing sites across Upstate New York, to give struggling communities the support they need to keep their residents safe,” said Senator Schumer. “Especially as people travel over the winter holidays, easy access to testing is critical to ensure the safety of themselves and loved ones. FEMA must provide Upstate communities the support they need to protect public health and to stay ahead of this variant into the winter.” New York State yesterday saw a record over 28,000 new coronavirus infections over a 24-hour period, signifying a significant increase in case counts from just a week ago. Schumer’s request comes on the heels of his successful push for the federal government to p… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-and-barragn-urge-epa-to-strengthen-standards-for-freight-pollution-sources Booker and Barragán Urge EPA to Strengthen Standards for Freight Pollution Sources 2021-12-21 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Cory Booker and Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán led 48 of their colleagues in encouraging the Environmental Protection Agency to update technology standards for freight-related sources of pollution to address the high levels of air pollution in communities surrounding our nation’s freight shipping facilities and freight transportation corridors. In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, Booker, Barragán and their colleagues also requested information regarding EPA’s regulatory schedule for updating freight-related emissions standards, technology assessments for mobile and non-mobile freight sources, and opportunities available to streamline rulemaking to update several emissions standards by 2025. “We appreciate the EPA’s demonstrated commitment to combatting environmental racism and advancing equal access to clean air, land and water. We specifically applaud the steps the EPA has taken to set criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. We encourage you to expand these efforts to include other freight sources, including locomotives, ocean-going vessels, and aircraft,” the members of Congress wrote. In the 10-20 years since the EPA has updated emissions standards for mobile and non-mobile freight-related emissions sources, new control technologies have become available, including zero-emissions and electric options. There are significant opportunities for reducing toxic air pollution in environmental justice communities while addressing the climate crisis. Senator Booker and Congresswoman Barragán were joined on the letter by Senators Richard Durbin (Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), Edward J. Markey (Mass.), Christopher Murphy (Conn.), Alex Padilla (Calif.), Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.), Dianne Feinstein (Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) and Bernard Sanders (Vt.), and Congressmembers Alan Lowenthal (Calif.), Adriano Espaillat (N.Y.), Emmanuel Cleaver (Mo.), Yvette Clarke (N.Y.), Bobby Rush (Ill.), Suzanne Bonamici (Ore… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-colleagues-in-calling-on-us-department-of-education-to-suspend-wage-garnishment-of-student-loan-borrowers Booker Leads Colleagues in Calling on U.S. Department of Education to Suspend Wage Garnishment of Student Loan Borrowers 2021-12-21 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper Washington, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) to suspend administrative wage garnishment of student loan borrowers. The letter comes nearly a month before student loan and interest payments are set to resume on January 31, 2022. “Currently, over 9 million borrowers are in default on more than $180 billion in federal student loan debt,” wrote the lawmakers to USDOE Secretary Miguel Cardona. “A disproportionate number of these borrowers are people of color, first-generation college students, veterans, parents, people with disabilities, and students who will not complete college. Even before the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, these borrowers in default were subject to aggressive collection measures, some of which only the federal government can utilize to collect on student loans. In addition to having to pay exorbitant fees, borrowers in default could expect to see their wages, tax refunds, and even Social Security checks confiscated. Low-income families that had their Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refund checks seized by the federal government were often left in worse situations with limited access to jobs and housing, and fewer resources to cover basic necessities.” The lawmakers continued by highlighting that the USDOE’s “current intention to resume these collection efforts in a couple of months, as cash-strapped borrowers struggle to recover from a still-ongoing pandemic, will likely result in significant financial harm.” As such, they asked the Department “to automatically remove eligible borrowers from default status” and “to suspend administrative wage garnishment and other forced collections until of the end of the COVID-19 national public health emergency.” Furthermore, the lawmakers urged the USDOE “to conduct an analysis of the disparate effects of these practices on Black, Latino and Indigenous people with student debt as part of any comprehensive review of the student loan debt collection syst… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-call-on-vaccine-manufacturers-to-immediately-step-up-vaccination-efforts-in-other-countries-fight-global-covid-19-pandemic Senators Call On Vaccine Manufacturers To Immediately Step Up Vaccination Efforts In Other Countries, Fight Global COVID-19 Pandemic 2021-12-21 2021 2021-12 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 Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and nine other senators called on Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Moderna to increase COVID-19 vaccines to low- and middle-income countries to help tackle the global disparities in accessing the vaccine. This follows a bipartisan letter that Schatz and Brown led in October calling on President Biden to provide more U.S. leadership and step up efforts to increase global vaccine access to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. “Vaccines represent the world’s best hope at containing the COVID-19 pandemic, but our goals for effectively responding to the pandemic will remain out of reach unless we successfully ramp up our global vaccination effort and get more shots in arms as quickly as possible,” the senators wrote. U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also joined the letter. The full text of the letters is available here: Letter to Johnson & Johnson | Letter to Pfizer | Letter to Moderna A copy of the letter to Pfizer can be found below: Dear Dr. Bourla, We write with grave concerns about Pfizer’s commitment to providing vaccines for low-income and middle-income countries. We commend the company on its ground-breaking work in developing and manufacturing one of the most effective mRNA vaccines currently on the market, and we urge you to take immediate action to work with the Biden Administration, our international allies, and global public health experts to make the Pfizer vaccine immediately more widely available to communities around the globe and to tackle the ongoing significant disparities in global COVID-19 vaccine supply and access. Without a stronger commitment from you and your company, millions of preventable deaths will occur. Vaccines represent the world’s best hope at containing the COVID-19 pandemic, but our goals for effectively respondi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-schumers-visit-and-direct-advocacy-wyoming-county-community-hospital-awarded-over-18-million-to-combat-recent-surge-of-covid-19-cover-rising-costs-and-keep-the-western-ny-community-safe- FOLLOWING SCHUMER’S VISIT AND DIRECT ADVOCACY, WYOMING COUNTY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AWARDED OVER $1.8 MILLION TO COMBAT RECENT SURGE OF COVID-19, COVER RISING COSTS, AND KEEP THE WESTERN NY COMMUNITY... 2021-12-21 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Schumer Visited Wyoming County To Call On Feds To Reevaluate WNY Growing COVID Crisis & Get $$ Out Quickly To Where It’s Most Needed Now, After Schumer’s Push, Wyoming County Community Hospital Has Received Over $1.8M In Pandemic Relief To Help Just In Time For The Harsh Winter Months Schumer To Wyoming County: Help Is On The Way! Following his visit to push for struggling Western New York hospitals to get the help they need, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced the federal government has heeded his call and that Wyoming County Community Hospital has received $1,836,381 from the next round of the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) created by the CARES Act. Earlier this month Wyoming County declared a state of emergency in an effort to fight back against a rise in COVID-19 cases and variants like Omicron. Schumer said that this new funding will help Wyoming County Community Hospital combat the spread of COVID-19, cover rising costs, and ensure they have the resources to keep the community safe. “Western New York hospitals are on the frontlines battling the many variants of COVID, I saw firsthand the tremendous need for assistance in my visit to Wyoming County last week and promised I would fight to get this money out quickly. Now, I am proud to deliver over $1.8 million in federal assistance for the Wyoming County Community Hospital to help them continue their essential work to keep our community safe,” said Senator Schumer. “As majority leader, I am proud to have championed multiple COVID-19 relief bills including the American Rescue Plan which provided these pandemic relief funds and I will continue to fight to ensure our hospitals and communities have all the help they need to stop the spread and meet the rising demand as we enter the winter months.” Joseph McTernan, CEO of the Wyoming County Community Health System said, “We are extremely grateful to Senator Schumer for his advocacy in helping secure this funding for WCCH. With COVID infection rates again spiking in our community, we nee… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-to-receive-nearly-5-million-for-school-meal-programs-to-help-feed-children-keep-kids-healthy Hawai‘i To Receive Nearly $5 Million For School Meal Programs To Help Feed Children, Keep Kids Healthy 2021-12-20 2021 2021-12 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 announced that Hawai‘i will receive $4,933,437 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fund school food programs. This new federal funding will provide meals for children, assisting families facing food insecurity and helping to address food shortages due to supply chain issues. “Kids throughout Hawai‘i get a nutritious meal at school every day,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “While we work to address supply chain issues, this new federal funding will support Hawai‘i families by making sure their children continue getting these high-quality meals.” This new funding is part of $1.5 billion in USDA grants for states and school districts to address supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and make sure increased food costs don’t harm school meal programs. It includes grants from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service program for school districts to improve the quality and consistency of school meals; from USDA Foods to purchase food products and offset supply chain disruptions; and from USDA’s Local Food for Schools program to purchase domestic foods and strengthen local food systems. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-congratulates-newly-named-commissioners-on-presidents-advisory-commission-on-asian-americans-native-hawaiians-and-pacific-islanders Schatz Congratulates Newly Named Commissioners On President’s Advisory Commission On Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, And Pacific Islanders 2021-12-20 2021 2021-12 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 newly named commissioners to President Biden’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI). Commissioners with Hawai‘i ties include Amy Agbayani, Kimberly Chang, Kerry Doi, Michelle Kauhane, and Daniel Dae Kim. “Amy, Kimberly, Michelle, Daniel, and Kerry are all well respected community leaders and will make excellent commissioners. They will bring strong, diverse voices to the commission and continue the important work of advocating for the AANHPI communities in Hawai‘i and across the country. I congratulate them and look forward to working with commission to support Hawai‘i’s AANHPI communities,” said Senator Schatz. According to the White House, the commission will advise the president on ways to advance equity and opportunity for AANHPI communities. The commission will also advise the president on policies to address anti-Asian xenophobia, ways to build capacity in AANHPI communities through federal funding and policies to address the intersectional barriers that AANHPI women, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities face. The full list of commissioners follows: Amy Agbayani Dr. Amefil (Amy) Agbayani is an Emeritus Assistant Vice Chancellor for student diversity and equity, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Agbayani was born in the Philippines and received her education from the University of the Philippines, East West Center and the University of Hawai‘i. She is a former chair of the Hawai‘i Civil Rights Commission, conducts research on AANHPI in higher education, member of the Patsy T. Mink PAC and The Legal Clinic for immigrant justice Hawai‘i. Teresita Batayola Teresita Batayola is the President and Chief Executive Officer of International Community Health Services, Washington state’s largest Asian and Pacific Islander non-profit health center providing comprehensive health care to all those who need affordable care, especially immigrants and refugees. Bat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-to-hawaii-k-12-schools-adopt-cdc-testing-guidance-keep-students-safely-in-school-stop-interruptions-in-learning Schatz To Hawai‘i K-12 Schools: Adopt CDC Testing Guidance, Keep Students Safely In School, Stop Interruptions In Learning 2021-12-20 2021 2021-12 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) called on the Hawai‘i Department of Education and the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) to adopt, as feasible, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “test-to-stay” (TTS) guidance which allows students to stay in school if they are exposed to COVID-19, reducing time away from school and stopping learning loss. “With this new protocol, we can recoup thousands of days of learning. We have to be as aggressive as possible in preventing learning loss and giving every student an opportunity to learn as much as they can,” said Senator Schatz. “TTS policies will allow students to stay in school even if they are exposed to COVID-19 thereby minimizing the number of days students would otherwise miss and helping to reduce the learning loss that can occur during traditional quarantine at home,” Schatz wrote in his letters to Hawai‘i Interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi and HAIS Executive Director Philip Bossert. “Initial data from case studies show that schools with TTS policies have similar transmission rates as non-TTS schools.” The full text of the letters can be found below and is available here. Dear Interim Superintendent Hayashi/Dr. Bossert: I write to make you aware of new “test-to-stay” (TTS) guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for K-12 schools. I encourage the Hawai‘i Department of Education/ Hawaii Association of Independent Schools to adopt TTS policies as appropriate and feasible, and to work with the Hawai‘i Department of Health in providing TTS guidance to complex areas and schools. TTS policies will allow students to stay in school even if they are exposed to COVID-19, thereby minimizing the number of days students would otherwise miss and helping to reduce the learning loss that can occur during traditional quarantine at home. As the CDC notes, specific TTS policies may vary, but they follow the same principles: a combination of vaccination of eligible students and staff, frequent testing, c… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-16-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-economic-growth-in-low-income-and-distressed-communities-across-new-york SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $16 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC GROWTH IN LOW-INCOME & DISTRESSED COMMUNITIES ACROSS NEW YORK 2021-12-20 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Senators Say Awards Build Capacity of CDFIs, Helping Meet the Unique Needs Of Economically Underserved Communities And Disadvantaged Small Businesses Schumer, Gillibrand: Investment Into Vulnerable Communities Is Critical To Recovery Of Entire NY Economy U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $16,006,830 in federal funding for 28 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) across New York. The funding was allocated by the Department of the Treasury through the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) and includes both financial assistance and technical assistance awards to support the services offered by CDFIs. The senators said the funding will be used to invest in the capacity and capital programs offered by CDFIs, empowering them to grow, achieve organizational sustainability, and support low-income and distressed communities by contributing to their revitalization and expanding access to capital and other critical assistance for disadvantaged small businesses. “The CDFI Fund is a vital stream of federal investment that supports financial services to New York’s most vulnerable communities and expands access to capital and support for disadvantaged small businesses,” said Senator Schumer. “I have made it a high priority to fund the CDFI program and deliver this critical assistance to New York to help to uplift our most vulnerable neighborhoods, businesses, and families who are still struggling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and boost recovery efforts across the state. I will continue to fight to protect critical investments like these for our communities and make sure New York gets the federal investment it needs to fully recover and come back stronger.” “This critical CDFI funding will support New York’s underserved communities, low-income neighborhoods, and small businesses,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This significant federal investment is great news for New York State and will put over $16 million back into th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-secures-historic-295-million-to-make-the-port-of-albany-one-of-the-nations-first-large-scale-offshore-wind-tower-manufacturing-facilities-after-direct-advocacy-to-the-transportation-secretary-schumer-delivers-29m-to-create-550-permanent-new-jobs-bolstering-the-us-domestic-clean-energy-supply-chain-and-capital-region-economy-and-strengthening-the-fight-against-climate-change SCHUMER SECURES HISTORIC $29.5 MILLION TO MAKE THE PORT OF ALBANY ONE OF THE NATION’S FIRST LARGE-SCALE, OFFSHORE WIND TOWER MANUFACTURING FACILITIES; AFTER DIRECT ADVOCACY TO THE TRANSPORTATION... 2021-12-20 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Schumer, A Long-Time Advocate For The Port of Albany, Called Transportation Secretary Buttigieg Directly To Advocate For The Funding Multiple Times Senator Says Port of Albany Project Will Be One Of The Most Significant Job-Creating And Green-Energy Economic Development Projects in Capital Region’s History Schumer: $29.5M Will Be The Wind In The Port Of Albany’s Sails & Blow New Life Into Albany Economy & Our Fight Against Climate Change U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that – following his direct advocacy to the USDOT – the Port of Albany Offshore Wind Tower Manufacturing Project was awarded $29.5 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Grant program. Schumer a longtime advocate for the Port of Albany’s revitalization, made direct calls to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg multiple times to urge approval of this transformative funding for the Capital Region. Schumer said the project will be one of the first large-scale offshore wind tower manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and is expected to create an estimated 500 construction jobs and 550 direct and full-time new manufacturing and support jobs. “The Port of Albany Offshore Wind Manufacturing Project will be one of the most significant job-creating, renewable-energy economic development projects in the Capital Region’s history. I made it clear to Secretary Buttigieg that Albany has all of the right ingredients to be one of the nation’s first large-scale offshore wind tower manufacturing facility. I am proud to have secured this massive $29.5 million federal investment to help the Port of Albany reach new heights, boost the region’s local economy, and blow a gust of new life into our fight against climate change,” said Senator Schumer. “This project is a true win-win-win that will create hundreds of good-paying union jobs, boost New York’s clean-energy manufacturing sector, all while combatting climate change in big, bold ways. Albany has… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-build-back-better-act Schatz Statement On Build Back Better Act 2021-12-19 2021 2021-12 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 the Build Back Better Act. “The planet doesn’t have the flexibility for anyone to give up. The planet is heating up, and reacting in real time to increases in greenhouse gases by giving us more frequent and severe storms, drought, hurricanes in December, and 100 degree weather in the Arctic. The planet is not going to pause its warming process while we sort our politics out. We owe it to future generations to figure out what can pass, and pass it. And to keep doing that, every year, at every level of government, for the foreseeable future. Despair is not an option. Righteous indignation turned into action absolutely is. We keep fighting.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-to-noaa-proposed-bay-closures-on-hawaii-island-and-maui-will-needlessly-restrict-locals-from-ocean-recreation Schatz To NOAA: Proposed Bay Closures On Hawai‘i Island And Maui Will Needlessly Restrict Locals From Ocean Recreation 2021-12-18 2021 2021-12 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 called on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to hold off on a new proposed rule for "time-area closures" that would close several bays on Hawai‘i Island and Maui from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every day, and restrict local ocean access to residents during those hours. “The proposed rule will foreseeably deny Hawai‘i residents and visitors access to the ocean, to protect dolphins that are already strongly protected under another, separate rule that went into effect on October 28, 2021. I believe NOAA owes it to the people of Hawai‘i to halt further action on time-area closures, and focus instead on how to implement its October 28th rule,” Senator Schatz wrote in his letter to NOAA Administrator and Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere Rick Spinrad. The full letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Undersecretary Spinrad: I am concerned that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has proposed a new rule to impose time-area closures for five well-used bays on the islands of Hawai‘i and Maui (Kealakekua Bay, Hōnaunau Bay, Kauhakō Bay, and Makako Bay) to everyone between 6am and 3pm every day. This heavy-handed proposal will limit local access to the ocean, and I question whether it is necessary. The time-area closures have been justified as protection for spinner dolphins, but the dolphins that use these bays are already protected by a recent NOAA rule that clearly and unambiguously prohibits swimming with, approaching, or remaining within 50 yards of a spinner dolphin within 2 nautical miles of the Hawaiian Islands. With this strong protection for the dolphins already in place, it is easy to understand criticism that the time-area closures needlessly duplicate existing rules. Worse, the indiscriminate scope of the closures apply to residents and visitors alike, regardless of whether their actions will impact the dolphins or not. This means that a range of activities that do not harm sp… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/senators-booker-and-scott-introduce-comprehensive-legislation-addressing-sickle-cell-disease Senators Booker and Scott Introduce Comprehensive Legislation Addressing Sickle Cell Disease 2021-12-17 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Tim Scott(R-SC) introduced the Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act. This legislation would direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to create a Medicaid demonstration program to improve access to comprehensive, high-quality, outpatient care - including clinical and support services - for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL 07) and Congressman Michael C. Burgess (R-TX 26) introduced the Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act in the House last week. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that disproportionately impacts people of African descent. Among the most notable symptoms of SCD is severe, debilitating pain, but people with SCD also experience complications like stroke, acute chest syndrome, and organ damage. Sadly, individuals with SCD have a significantly lower life expectancy than the overall population. While some advancements in the field have been made recently, many with SCD are not receiving the level of care needed to adequately manage the disease. A Medicaid demonstration program, such as the one outlined in the Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act, could significantly improve the quality of care SCD patients receive. Additionally, any improvements made as a result of this demonstration program would have the potential to meaningfully improve care for all SCD patients as approximately half of SCD patients in the U.S. are enrolled in Medicaid according to CMS data. Further, this demonstration program shows a lot of promise in saving money, as it aims to reduce patients’ reliance on costly emergency room care. “People with sickle cell disease have for too long suffered from an underinvestment in federal funding and attention,” said Senator Booker. “The Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act would improve access to high-quality, comprehensive care for SCD patients and would be the greatest investment in SCD patients and care since our Sickle Cell Disease… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/new-law-brings-more-than-224-million-in-new-funding-to-strengthen-hawaiis-roads-and-bridges-improve-safety-for-hawaii-families New Law Brings More Than $224 Million In New Funding To Strengthen Hawai‘i’s Roads And Bridges, Improve Safety For Hawai‘i Families 2021-12-17 2021 2021-12 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 announced that Hawai‘i will receive $224,069,212 in federal funding to improve the state’s roads, bridges, and highways and implement strategies to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries. The federal funding from the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will also fund programs to cut traffic congestion, in turn reducing emissions and improving air quality. “These crucial investments will rebuild our roads, bridges, and highways to make them safer and more resilient for everyone,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. “The bipartisan infrastructure bill is already helping our state, and I’m proud to have supported it.” This new funding is part of $52.5 billion in funding for Federal-aid Highway Program apportionments, an increase of more than 20 percent from last year. Federal-aid Highway Program funds are authorized by Congress to assist states in construction, reconstruction, and improvement of highways and bridges on eligible Federal-aid routes and for other special purpose programs and projects. This annual funding is based on a statutory formula contained in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was signed into law in November. Hawai‘i is expected to receive at least $2.8 billion in funding from the new law. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-newly-passed-infrastructure-dollars-will-be-used-to-clean-up-superfund-sites-in-elmira-town-of-vestal-and-niagara-county SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEWLY-PASSED INFRASTRUCTURE DOLLARS WILL BE USED TO CLEAN UP SUPERFUND SITES IN ELMIRA, TOWN OF VESTAL, AND NIAGARA COUNTY 2021-12-17 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Of the 49 Backlogged Sites on the National Priorities List Receiving Funding, 3 New York Locations Prioritized For Hazardous Waste Cleanup Projects in Elmira, Town of Vestal, and Niagara County Funded Following Schumer, Gillibrand Securing Record-Breaking Funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that due to funding secured through the bipartisan infrastructure and jobs package, the Environmental Protection Agency will accelerate hazardous waste cleanup in Elmira, the Town of Vestal, and Niagara County. Some of these projects have been listed on the EPA National Priorities List (NPL) for decades waiting for federal funding. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand fought to bring this critical funding back to New York to finalize hazardous waste cleanup at these sites. Because of this funding, the EPA will now facilitate the long-term cleanup of hazardous waste at the Vestal Water Supply Well 1-1 in Vestal, Facet Enterprises, Inc. in Elmira, and Eighteen Mile Creek in Niagara County. “The recently-passed Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law includes a surge of new funding for the federal Superfund program that we fought hard to deliver, and those dollars are now being put to use to jumpstart long-delayed clean-ups at toxic sites in Elmira, the town of Vestal, and Niagara County,” said Senator Schumer. “Cleaning up these toxic sites in Elmira, Vestal, and Niagara County is critical to protect the public health, clean up our environment and pave the way for economic regeneration at these locations. I applaud the EPA and President Biden for focusing on improving the Superfund program and moving quickly to put these infrastructure dollars to use to benefit the public and create new jobs.” “I’m thrilled to announce that key Superfund sites located in Elmira, the town of Vestal, and Niagara County are receiving the funds needed to clean up hazardous waste in these communities. This critical funding is a direct resu… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-calls-on-congressional-leaders-for-immediate-and-ongoing-federal-funding-to-respond-to-red-hill-water-contamination-crisis Hawai‘i Delegation Calls On Congressional Leaders For Immediate And Ongoing Federal Funding To Respond To Red Hill Water Contamination Crisis 2021-12-16 2021 2021-12 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 Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i) today called on congressional leaders for their immediate assistance in securing federal funding to respond to the water contamination crisis at the Red Hill bulk fuel storage facility (RHBFSF). “We must bring the full power of Congress to bear on the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure that it is spending every dollar it has available to address this emergency right now,” the delegation wrote in their letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate and House Appropriations Committee Chairs. “We respectfully request your commitment to work with us to ensure that DoD senior leaders understand the gravity of the situation and commit whatever resources are required to identify, isolate, and remediate the source of the contamination; make impacted military and civilian families whole; and put in place water treatment and filtration to ensure the drinking water is safe for the public.” The delegation made clear that resolving the water contamination crisis will take significant resources and federal funding must be robust and ongoing, writing, “We know that there are long-term questions that we must resolve around the future of RHBFSF. Whatever the final analysis on RHBFSF’s future, the immediate funding that Congress provides in the next available must-pass spending bill will ensure that we can deal with the future of the facility and its pipeline infrastructure in a responsible and safe manner, without any additional risks to public health or the environment.” The full text of the delegation letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, and Chairs Leahy, DeLauro, Tester, McCollum, Heinrich and Wasserman Schultz: We write to inform you of an ongoing emergency on the island of Oahu and request your immediate assistance to secure the federal funding necessary to prevent perman… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/key-committee-advances-schatz-hirono-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-coral-reefs Key Committee Advances Schatz, Hirono Bipartisan Legislation To Protect Coral Reefs 2021-12-16 2021 2021-12 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), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) applauded the Senate Committee on Commerce’s unanimous passage of their Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021 (S. 46). First introduced in August 2019, the bill would reauthorize and modernize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, strengthen NOAA’s Coral Reef program, and give new and innovative tools and resources to the non-federal partners who are closest to the crisis in American coral reefs: states, territories, and local communities. The bill unanimously passed the Senate in December 2020, but stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives at the end of the 116th Congress. The senators reintroduced the bill in January of this year. “Our coral reefs have been pushed to the brink of extinction, and we need to act now to save them,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill would put federal funding in the hands of states and territories to manage and restore the coral reefs that our communities, oceans, and coasts depend on.” “So much of Hawai‘i’s economy and culture rely on healthy coral ecosystems. With coral health declining due to outside pressures like pollution and climate change, our partners on the ground urgently need the tools provided by this bill to conserve and restore these important resources,” said Senator Hirono. “Now that the bill has passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee, I look forward to working with Senators Rubio, Schatz, and Scott to get this bill signed into law.” The Coral Reef Conservation Act, which expired more than 15 years ago, was designed to promote the conservation of our nation’s reefs. In recent years, the decline in the nation’s coral reefs has only become more severe. The Restoring Resilient Reefs Act directs federal funding and technical assistance to states for the restoration and management of coral reef ecosystems, while incentivizing increased state and local investment in coral reef management capacity. The bill encourages innovative public-… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-visiting-rochesters-hickey-freeman-earlier-this-year-schumer-calls-agriculture-secretary-vilsack-directly-to-urge-the-usda-to-release-desperately-needed-pandemic-relief-payments-to-wool-trust-fund-recipients_would-provide-much-needed-boost-to-domestic-textile-manufacturers-like-hickey-freeman-and-support-recently-announced-100-job-expansion AFTER VISITING ROCHESTER’S HICKEY FREEMAN EARLIER THIS YEAR, SCHUMER CALLS AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK DIRECTLY TO URGE THE USDA TO RELEASE DESPERATELY NEEDED PANDEMIC RELIEF PAYMENTS TO WOOL TRUST... 2021-12-16 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper American Textile Factories, Like Hickey Freeman, Stepped Up During The Pandemic To Manufacture Critical PPE For Their Community While Facing Tremendous Economic Losses Schumer In Personal Call With Secretary Of Agriculture Says Pandemic Relief Payments To Wool Trust Fund Recipients, Like Hickey Freeman, Should Be Released ASAP To Get These Companies On The Road To Recovery Schumer: USDA Must Help Patch Up The Significant Losses Faced By Textile Industry, Give Hickey Freeman The Support They Need To Continue To Grow And Support 100 New Jobs Following his visit earlier this year to announce 100 new jobs after fighting for years to keep the Hickey Freeman factory in business, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer made a personal call to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary, Tom Vilsack, to urge the USDA to provide pandemic relief payments to domestic textile manufacturers like Hickey Freeman, which have sustained tremendous pandemic-induced losses. On the call, Schumer said Congress has already allocated funds under the CARES Act so the USDA would have the necessary resources to offer support to an array of business impacted by the pandemic and that the USDA can use this funding to aid the domestic textile industry, including companies like Hickey Freeman, as it recovers from the pandemic. “Companies like Hickey Freeman stepped up to help their communities in the pandemic while facing tremendous economic losses. That’s why I called Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to urge him to use the funding in the CARES Act to provide desperately needed relief to domestic textile manufacturers like Hickey Freeman,” said Senator Schumer. “This funding, in tandem with recent wins like my Make PPE In America Act in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, would provide critical support for the continued growth of this 122-year-old Rochester icon. I will continue to fight tooth and nail so that Hickey Freeman can fully recover and maintain their robust presence in Rochester.” Stephen Granovsky, CEO … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-130-million-in-federal-funding-for-new-york-airports- SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $130 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NEW YORK AIRPORTS 2021-12-16 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $136,977,897 in federal funding for 59 airports across New York State. The FY22 funding was allocated through the recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and can be used for improvements related to runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects. “Air travel was severely impacted during the pandemic, and this tremendous investment from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, which I championed in the Senate, will help New York’s airports and local economies take off,” said Senator Schumer. “Upstate Airports connect businesses and residents and allow economic opportunities to cruise in. As majority leader, I am proud to land this significant funding for New York’s airports and will continue to fight for the resources needed to fully recover and reach new heights.” “New York’s airports connect our state with the world, creating economic opportunity, facilitating tourism, and providing a safe and efficient travel experience,” said Senator Gillibrand. “That’s why I’m proud to have voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to deliver this historic investment to over 50 airports across New York State. These funds will allow our airports to recover from the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic and meet the ever-increasing demand for air travel. I’ll keep fighting for federal resources to bolster and modernize New York’s infrastructure.” A full list of recipients is below: 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-airports-set-to-receive-nearly-50-million-to-improve-infrastructure-safety Hawai‘i Airports Set To Receive Nearly $50 Million To Improve Infrastructure, Safety 2021-12-15 2021 2021-12 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 announced that Hawai‘i airports will receive $49.3 million in new federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The new funding will help support airport infrastructure projects that improve safety and operations efficiency, cut congestion, and reduce the airport’s impact on the environment and neighboring communities. “Hawai‘i’s airports will soon be getting millions to help make it safer and easier for passengers to fly,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. “The historic infrastructure law we passed last month is already delivering funding to support our airports, roads, and transit systems, and we expect even more in the coming months and years.” The nearly $50 million in funding for Hawai‘i airports includes: $5.9 million for airports on Kauai $21.2 million for airports on Oahu $1.2 million for airports on Molokai $1 million for Lanai Airport $9.5 million for airports on Maui $10.4 million for airports on Hawai‘i Island ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-ftc-announcement-of-rulemaking-consideration-on-algorithmic-decision-making Schatz Statement On FTC Announcement Of Rulemaking Consideration On Algorithmic Decision-Making 2021-12-15 2021 2021-12 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 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it was considering initiating a rulemaking under Section 18 of the FTC Act to ensure algorithmic decision-making does not result in unlawful discrimination. The announcement follows calls from Schatz to take action on this decision-making. “Algorithms are used everywhere, and their malicious use causes real harm to Americans every day. I’m glad to see Chair Khan and the agency take this step to crack down on companies using discriminatory algorithms. It’s crucial that we address this. I encourage the FTC not only to pursue its Section 18 authority to ensure accountability for the use of these algorithms, but to consider additional enforcement under other statutes including the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.” Last week, Senator Schatz led calls in the Senate Commerce Committee encouraging the FTC to use its authority to more closely scrutinize these algorithms. Earlier this year he reintroduced the Data Care Act, legislation which would require websites, apps, and other online providers to take responsible steps to safeguard personal information and stop the misuse of users’ data, and the Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency (PACT) Act, which would empower the FTC to make platforms’ manual and automated content moderation practices more transparent and prevent companies from using Section 230 as a defense against government, including the FTC and Department of Justice, civil actions to protect consumers. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-1-million-in-federal-funding-to-expand-access-to-broadband-in-the-southern-tier-and-finger-lakes SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO EXPAND ACCESS TO BROADBAND IN THE SOUTHERN TIER AND FINGER LAKES 2021-12-15 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $1,094,614 in federal funding for the towns of Dryden and Caton to expand access to broadband internet. The funding was allocated through the Appalachian Regional Commission and will be used to install fiber optic cables and establish telecommunications towers to provide broadband services to over 4,000 households and roughly 300 businesses in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes that currently lack reliable internet access. “Long before COVID-19, rural and urban communities throughout the Southern Tier and Upstate New York have struggled to close the digital divide. Reliable, fast internet access isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity required to create good-paying jobs, to communicate, to access health care, to shop, and to learn,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to deliver this investment which will help the Town of Dryden and the Town of Caton close the digital divide. I’ll continue fighting tooth and nail to bring the Southern Tier’s broadband infrastructure into the 21st century.” “Since the beginning of the pandemic, millions of New Yorkers have relied on the internet to work, learn, receive health care, and see their loved ones,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Yet in too many of our rural communities, internet access is unreliable or nonexistent, meaning that the more than 1 million households in New York State that lack broadband are cut off from critical services and economic opportunity. This funding is an important step to help close the digital divide and spur economic growth in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes. I’ll keep fighting to ensure that every New Yorker, regardless of zip code, has access to fast, reliable internet.” "We are happy ARC is supporting Dryden Fiber, which will provide residents, educators, and businesses in Dryden with fast, reliable and affordable municipal broadband internet service,” said Dryden town supervisor, Jason Leifer. “Dryden Fiber will begin construction and serve customers in 20… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-cardin-sanders-introduce-legislation-to-create-special-envoy-to-monitor-and-address-islamophobia Booker, Cardin, Sanders Introduce Legislation to Create Special Envoy to Monitor and Address Islamophobia 2021-12-14 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C - Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Ben Cardin (D-MD), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced the Combating International Islamophobia Act, legislation that would require the Department of State to establish a Special Envoy for tracking and combatting Islamophobia globally. The creation of the Special Envoy will also help lawmakers and other government officials better understand anti-Muslim hatred and violence, allowing for the development of a comprehensive strategy that will establish U.S. leadership in addressing Islamophobia worldwide. The legislation is the Senate companion to a House bill introduced by Representatives Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-9). The House is expected to consider Omar and Schakowsky’s bill for passage as early as today. In a recent survey conducted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), 69% of American Muslims responded that they have personally experienced anti-Muslim bigotry or discrimination since 9/11. In March, the United Nations Human Rights Council cited discrimination and hatred toward Muslims had risen to “epidemic proportions.” “We’ve witnessed in recent years an alarming rise in Islamophobia both in the United States and globally that has threatened the religious freedom, well-being, and lives of Muslims,” said Sen. Booker. “Establishing a Special Envoy at the State Department is an important step that we should take to develop a comprehensive plan to reverse this trend and position the U.S. as a global leader in combating hate.” “For over a decade, we have seen a rise in Islamophobia around the country and around the world. The United States should be a global leader in fighting such intolerance. So I am proud today to be joining my Senate colleagues in introducing the Combating International Islamophobia Act. This bill would elevate our commitment to freedom of religion and further protect the rights of Muslims everywhere, ” said Senator Cardin, who serves as the … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-norcross-celebrate-expansion-of-the-enterprise-center-into-new-jersey Booker, Norcross Celebrate Expansion of The Enterprise Center Into New Jersey 2021-12-14 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper Newark, NJ - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-01) celebrated the New Jersey launch of The Enterprise Center, a nonprofit organization that has secured contracts to create two distinct entities: the New Jersey Minority Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center and the Camden Cares Business Center. Through these contracts, The Enterprise Center will help minority-owned businesses in New Jersey access capital, business development opportunities, and contracts to grow their operations as well as provide technical assistance, training services, and funding application support to COVID-impacted businesses in Camden. Citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on minority small business and historical racial inequities within the financial system, Booker urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to establish a Minority Business Center in New Jersey earlier this year. Over the past years, he has also worked to ensure that the MBDA is permanently authorized, an effort that was recently signed into law as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. “The devastating economic effects of this pandemic have disproportionately impacted minority small businesses across America, with nearly half of Black and one-third of Latino small businesses being forced to shut down - some permanently,” said Sen. Booker. “However, we know that minority businesses and entrepreneurs were struggling even before the pandemic, and historic inequities and barriers were merely exacerbated by this crisis. That is why I’ve fought to make the MBDA permanent and fought to open the first Minority Business Center here in New Jersey so that our residents don’t have to travel out of state to access these services. As it launches today, I know that The Enterprise Center will offer critical resources and assistance to our state’s underserved small businesses for years to come.” “We know that our financial institutions can and need to be better if we’re going to expand equal opportunity to everyone in our community,” … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/senate-passes-booker-scott-resolution-raising-awareness-of-sickle-cell-disease Senate Passes Booker, Scott Resolution Raising Awareness of Sickle Cell Disease 2021-12-14 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Tim Scott’s (R-S.C.) resolution designating September as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Awareness Month. “Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in our country, and yet research, treatment, and awareness efforts for the disease still lag far behind other chronic illnesses,” said Senator Booker. “More work and research remains to be done, and we must continue to raise awareness of sickle cell disease and ensure that communities that are largely affected by this condition have equitable access to care and treatments that help improve their health. I am proud to lead the Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month resolution with Senator Scott and I will continue to champion federal initiatives to raise awareness, improve access to care, and help find a cure for this disease.” “Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S., affecting one in every 365 Black Americans,” said Senator Scott. “Yet despite the prevalence of SCD, research and treatments remain far too limited. With this resolution, we commit to raising awareness and seeking out legislation that will help our medical community fight—and one day, cure—this painful disease.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-hawaii-sees-rise-in-cyberattacks-schatz-legislation-to-help-fight-cybercrime-passes-senate As Hawai‘i Sees Rise In Cyberattacks, Schatz Legislation To Help Fight Cybercrime Passes Senate 2021-12-14 2021 2021-12 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 last week passed the Better Cybercrime Metrics Act, legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that would help fight cybercrime and help keep people safe from online scams. The bipartisan bill will improve data collection on cybercrimes, giving law enforcement and policy makers more tools to understand the size and scope of cybercrime in the United States. “To protect people and fight online crimes, including scams and hacks like those we’ve seen recently in Honolulu against our public transit and water systems, we need to understand how often, when, and where they’re happening. With our bipartisan bill now one step closer to becoming law, we’ll soon be equipped with the data we need to go after criminals and provide more support to victims of cybercrime,” said Senator Schatz. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are targets of cybercrime incidents that cost billions of dollars. Whether done through online scams and fraud, corporate data breaches, or ransomware attacks, the cost of cybercrime has been increasing annually, from $3.5 billion in 2019 to $4.2 billion in 2020, and impacts an estimated 300,000 to 700,000 victims each year. This month, cyberattacks against Honolulu’s TheBus and Handi-Van’s public transit systems and the Board of Water Supply have left passengers without rides and employees with their personal data exposed. Unfortunately, these numbers are likely low, as there are no comprehensive metrics on the scale and impact of cybercrime in the United States, or on law enforcement efforts against them. Only 10 to 12 percent of all estimated cybercrime victims report cybercrime incidents in the United States, while other estimates have put that number much higher. The Better Cybercrime Metrics Act will give law enforcement a clearer picture of online crimes in the United States by requiring the FBI to integrate cybercrime incidents into its current reporting streams to better understand all the types of crime that Americans face. As cybercr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-391-hawaii-health-care-providers-to-receive-nearly-37-million-in-federal-covid-19-relief-funding-to-respond-to-pandemic-help-families-get-health-care Schatz: 391 Hawai‘i Health Care Providers To Receive Nearly $37 Million In Federal COVID-19 Relief Funding To Respond To Pandemic, Help Families Get Health Care 2021-12-14 2021 2021-12 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 announced that 391 health care providers in Hawai‘i will receive $36,994,939 in federal funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and continue providing health care for families across the state. The payments will support health care providers who have experienced revenue losses and expenses related to the pandemic. This funding, from the Department of Health and Human Services, focuses in particular on smaller providers and providers serving the most vulnerable communities. “As we continue battling the pandemic, it’s incredibly important that our health care providers have the resources they need to provide high-quality care to families across Hawai‘i,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This new federal funding will help these providers keep their doors open and keep people safe and healthy.” This new funding is part of the $178 billion Provider Relief Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. The grants will allow health care providers to recruit and retain staff, purchase masks and other supplies, modernize facilities, or undertake other projects in response to COVID-19. Today’s announcement follows last month’s announcement of $43 million in federal funding under the American Rescue Plan for 240 rural health care providers to provide care for families across the state. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-schumers-push-danone-extends-upstate-ny-contracts-to-2023-danone-originally-planned-to-terminate-almost-100-northeast-dairy-farms-but-schumer-intervened-and-secured-contract-extension_-assistance-to-impacted-farms-and-resources-to-help-farmers-stay-in-operation-- FOLLOWING SCHUMER’S PUSH, DANONE EXTENDS UPSTATE NY CONTRACTS TO 2023; DANONE ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO TERMINATE ALMOST 100 NORTHEAST DAIRY FARMS, BUT SCHUMER INTERVENED AND SECURED CONTRACT EXTENSION, ... 2021-12-14 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper When Danone North America Announced Plans To Leave Organic Dairy Farms In Upstate, Schumer Immediately Began Working To Ensure These Struggling Farmers Would Have All Resources Made Available To Help Them Survive After Schumer’s Direct Advocacy, Danone Will Now Extend Dairy Contracts Till 2023, Make Transition Payments To Farmers, & Provide Access To Farm Financial Consultants To Affected Farms Following news that Horizon Organic, a subsidiary of multinational food conglomerate Danone, planned to terminate contracts with organic dairy farmers across the northeast, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced Danone has heeded his call to provide financial support and resources to Upstate New York dairy farms impacted by their decision and importantly also to extend the contracts until 2023, which were previously set to expire in August 2022, to ease the impact on farmers and give them time to transition. Schumer wrote a letter to Danone in October calling for the continued support of affected farms and said the commitment he secured from Danone will help ensure farmers have the resources and time they desperately needed to transition and remain in operation. “New York’s dairy farmers are the lifeblood of the Upstate economy and produce some of the best dairy the nation has to offer. I’m pleased that Danone heeded my call, stepped up, and provided the impacted farmers contract extensions and the needed resources to ensure their long-term economic viability,” said Senator Schumer. “This is a wonderful early Christmas present for the dairy farmers and will allot them critical additional time and the financial payments they deserve as they move forward. I am thankful that Danone responded to my request, and I will continue to closely monitor the situation and fight to make sure these dairy farmers have all the support needed in this difficult period.” Specifically, after Schumer’s direct advocacy, Danone has now said that they will: Provide affected producers the option to extend their current … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-island-selected-as-finalist-for-up-to-100-million-grant-to-support-local-farmers-help-grow-agricultural-economy Schatz: Hawai‘i Island Selected As Finalist For Up To $100 Million Grant To Support Local Farmers, Help Grow Agricultural Economy 2021-12-13 2021 2021-12 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 announced that the Hawai‘i Island Coalition was named a finalist for the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge and will receive $500,000 to further develop a proposal for between $25 and $100 million in potential future grant funding. If successful, the coalition would use the funds to create jobs, train workers, and expand the market reach of Hawai‘i Island’s farmers. “This announcement is great news for the Big Island and the state,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Investing in agriculture will create jobs, support families, and grow our local economy. I’ll do everything I can to get this application over the finish line and make sure Hawai‘i secures this federal funding.” The Hawai‘i Island Coalition, led by Hawai‘i County, seeks to create a robust agricultural economy that corrects past systemic barriers to growth that are unique to islands, while also helping respond to economic downturns due to the pandemic and natural disasters. The coalition aims to divert 20 percent of Hawai‘i’s food import market to local producers, creating thousands of new jobs and stimulating the specialty export market. If successful in securing the larger grant, the coalition would build an industrial park, train workers, and increase food processing and production capacity. The Economic Development Administration launched the Build Back Better Regional Challenge with funds provided by the American Rescue Plan, which Congress passed – and Senator Schatz supported – earlier this year. The challenge leverages $1 billion to boost economic recovery from the pandemic and rebuild American communities, with 30 winners receiving grants worth between $25-100 million to develop local initiatives. The Hawai‘i Island Coalition is one of 60 finalists selected from 529 applications. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-his-direct-advocacy-schumer-announces-binghamtons-new-energy-ny-project-selected-as-one-of-nations-first-awardees-for-phase-1-of-build-back-better-challenge-bringing-500k-and-a-national-spotlight-on-the-southern-tier-as-an-emerging-battery-manufacturing-hub-and-putting-the-project-in-the-running-for-up-to-100-million-federal-investment FOLLOWING HIS DIRECT ADVOCACY, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES BINGHAMTON’S NEW ENERGY NY PROJECT SELECTED AS ONE OF NATION’S FIRST AWARDEES FOR PHASE 1 OF BUILD BACK BETTER CHALLENGE, BRINGING $500K AND A NATIONAL... 2021-12-13 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper BBB Regional Challenge Phase 1 Grant Will Provide $500,000 In Technical Assistance Funding To Develop Proposal To Supercharge Southern Tier Battery Manufacturing And Allow Project To Compete In Exclusive Phase 2 For Up to $100 Million Award To Transform The Southern Tier Economy Senator Says Project Brings Together Major Regional Stakeholders: Binghamton University, SUNY Broome, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY-BEST, And More To Turn Upstate New York Into A Battery Manufacturing Powerhouse Schumer: Southern Tier’s New Energy NY Project Being Selected As A BBB Challenge Finalist Is A Game Changer That Will Put Broome County On The Map For Battery Manufacturing U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced that following his direct advocacy the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has selected the Binghamton University-led New Energy New York battery manufacturing project as a Phase 1 awardee and finalist for investment through the American Rescue Plan’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Schumer said that as a Phase 1 awardee the project will receive $500,000 in technical assistance funds to develop its proposal to expand research, development, testing, and workforce assets to meet the demand of the emerging battery manufacturing industry in the Southern Tier and Upstate NY. If fully funded, the project estimates that over a 10 year period as many as 8,000 jobs new direct jobs would be created as a result of this effort, with the potential to support or sustain thousands of additional indirect jobs. Schumer explained that as a finalist, the project will have the exclusive opportunity to compete for up to a $100 million federal award to the region through the EDA to implement the proposed projects. “This is BIG news for Binghamton. The Southern Tier has long been a home to innovation, as the birthplace of IBM, flight simulation and virtual reality, and it continues to do groundbreaking research through world-renowned institutions like Binghamton University. Now, … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-his-direct-advocacy-schumer-announces-centerstates-smart-systems-cluster-selected-as-one-of-nations-first-awardees-for-phase-1-of-build-back-better-challenge-bringing-500k_and-a-national-spotlight-to-central-ny-and-the-mohawk-valley-as-a-rising-global-semiconductor-uas--quantum-computing-tech-hub-proposal-aims-to-create-5000-jobs-prime-white-pine-for-chips-investment--train-the-regions-workforce-for-emerging-tech-fields- FOLLOWING HIS DIRECT ADVOCACY, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES CENTERSTATE’S “SMART SYSTEMS CLUSTER” SELECTED AS ONE OF NATION’S FIRST AWARDEES FOR PHASE 1 OF BUILD BACK BETTER CHALLENGE, BRINGING $500K AND A... 2021-12-13 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper BBB Regional Challenge Phase 1 Grant Will Provide $500,000 In Technical Assistance Funding To Develop Proposal To Bolster CNY Tech Economy And Allow Cluster To Compete In Exclusive Phase 2 For Up to $100 Million Grant To Transform Regional Economy CenterState CEO’s Smart Systems Proposal Aims To Grow Central NY And Mohawk Valley Semiconductor And UAS Industries, Quantum Computing, STEAM Education And Training, And Boost Upstate Tech Ecosystem Schumer: BBB Challenge Grant Is A Game Changer For CNY; Fed Award Will Be The Green Light CNY Needs To Attract Major Employers To Shovel Ready Sites & Become A Cutting Edge Global Tech Hub U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced that following his direct advocacy, the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has selected CenterState’s Smart Systems Cluster project as a finalist and Phase 1 awardee for investment through the American Rescue Plan’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Schumer said this means the project will receive $500,000 in technical assistance funds to develop its proposal to expand the region’s semiconductor manufacturing industry, grow existing UAS and quantum computing industries, create over 5,000 new jobs, train workers to enter in-demand fields, and make critical infrastructure updates to White Pine and Marcy Nanocenter to attract major employers and their supply chains. Schumer explained that as a finalist the project will have the exclusive opportunity to compete for up to a $100 million federal award to the region through the EDA to implement the proposed projects. “This is BIG news for Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. Now, many more will see what I’ve long-known: Central New York has all the right ingredients to be a major national tech and semiconductor hub! This award will provide $500,000 the region to compete for the exclusive next phase of this major national competition, making CenterState Smart Systems Cluster eligible for an up to $100 million federal grant to put the region on the m… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-his-direct-advocacy-schumer-announces-western-new-york-advanced-manufacturing-cluster-selected-as-one-of-nations-first-awardees-for-phase-one-of-build-back-better-challenge-bringing-500k-and-a-national-spotlight-to-buffalo-and-wny-as-a-manufacturing-hub-putting-the-project-in-the-running-for-up-to-100-million-federal-investment- FOLLOWING HIS DIRECT ADVOCACY, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES WESTERN NEW YORK ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CLUSTER SELECTED AS ONE OF NATION’S FIRST AWARDEES FOR PHASE ONE OF BUILD BACK BETTER CHALLENGE, BRINGING $500K... 2021-12-13 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper BBB Regional Challenge Phase 1 Grant Will Provide $500,000 In Technical Assistance Funding To Develop Proposal To Bolster WNY Advanced Manufacturing Sector And Allow Cluster To Compete In Exclusive Phase 2 For Up to $100 Million Grant To Transform The Western NY Economy Western New York Advanced Manufacturing Cluster Would Scale Up Innovation, Advance Inclusive Workforce Development, And Develop Infrastructure To Rapidly Expand The Growing Advanced Manufacturing Sector In WNY Schumer: WNY’s Selection As One Of Nation’s First BBB Challenge Finalists Is A Game Changer—One Step Closer To Making WNY A Global Tech Hub! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced that following his direct advocacy the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has selected the Western New York Advanced Manufacturing Cluster as a finalist and Phase 1 awardee for investment through the American Rescue Plan’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Schumer said this means the project will receive $500,000 in technical assistance funds to develop its proposal to scale up Western NY’s advanced manufacturing infrastructure, spark innovation, and enhance workforce development programs. Schumer explained that as a finalist the project will have the exclusive opportunity to compete for up to a $100 million federal award to the region through the EDA to implement the proposed projects. “This is BIG news for Buffalo and the entire WNY region. Now, many more will see what I’ve long known: Western New York has all the right ingredients to be the nation’s next tech hub! This award will provide $500,000 to the region to compete for the exclusive next phase of this major national competition, making the Western NY Advanced Manufacturing Cluster proposal eligible for an up to $100 million federal grant to revolutionize the region’s manufacturing sector, revitalize Buffalo’s East Side, and train the next generation for good paying jobs,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to have fought to ensure the WNY Advanced Ma… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-transit-supercharge-for-critical-nyc/bronx/long-island-projects-penn-access-creating-one-seat-ride-to-penn-and-4-new-bx-stations-will-be-fast-tracked_lirr-east-river-tunnels--will-get-rehabed-for-safe-commute-under-schumer-deal-amtrak-will-also-commit-additional-500-million-to-penn-access-in-exchange-for-mtas-432-million-for-east-river-tunnels SCHUMER ANNOUNCES TRANSIT SUPERCHARGE FOR CRITICAL NYC/BRONX/LONG ISLAND PROJECTS; PENN ACCESS, CREATING ONE-SEAT RIDE TO PENN & 4 NEW BX STATIONS, WILL BE FAST-TRACKED & LIRR EAST RIVER TUNNELS ,... 2021-12-13 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Schumer Led Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Package Through Senate To Create A Record $30B Account NY Transit Projects Will Now Tap; Will Allow Fast-Track and Resources for Penn Access & East River Tunnels (ERT); Previous ‘Clash’ Over $432 Million For ERT Now Solved As Badly-Damaged Sandy Tunnels Poised For Work Meanwhile, Penn Access Supercharging Will Create One-Seat Train Ride For East, South Bronx & Westchester to Penn, 4 NEW Bronx Stations; Reduced Travel Time, Access To Major Job Market & Overall Convenience Will Help Drive Transportation Relief For Countless NY Commuters Schumer: A Transit Supercharge Is Coming To NYC, The Bronx, Westchester & LI – And It Means Billions In Investment Along With Jobs Announcing a ‘transit supercharge’ for two critical New York City, Bronx, Westchester and Long Island transportation projects --Penn Access and the East River Tunnels— U.S. Senator Charles Schumer detailed the deal he just brokered between the MTA and Amtrak to make substantial breakthroughs and progress on both projects. Schumer said that because the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Bill passed the Senate, he was able to leverage new funding for Penn Access and the LIRR’s East River Tunnels (ERT). Schumer negotiated the deal between Amtrak and the MTA to advance both Penn Access, and its new rail line for transit-needy South and East Bronx, and the East River Tunnel rehab work, which is so vital to the hundreds of thousands of LIRR commuters. “Critical New York City, Bronx and Long Island transit projects are getting supercharged today,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “Today’s agreement with Amtrak and the MTA will fast-track Penn Access, bringing a new mass transit line to the transit-starved Bronx, totaling four new stations. In addition, the agreement will break the logjam stalling the urgent need to repair and upgrade the Sandy-damaged East River Tunnels, which are vital to LIRR riders. Under the deal I brokered, which was made possible by the historic rail finding we delivered in the Bipartisa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/for-the-first-time-as-us-senate-majority-leader-and-in-the-midst-of-a-global-pandemic-schumer-completes-tour-of-all-62-new-york-counties-senator-calls-this-tour-the-most-meaningful-and-consequential-of-his-career-after-delivering-over-130-billion-for-ny-this-year-schumer-finishes-tour-of-all-62-counties-this-weekend-with-almost-100-visits-to-upstate-ny_long-island- FOR THE FIRST TIME AS U.S. SENATE MAJORITY LEADER & IN THE MIDST OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC —SCHUMER COMPLETES TOUR OF ALL 62 NEW YORK COUNTIES; SENATOR CALLS THIS TOUR THE MOST MEANINGFUL AND CONSEQUENTIAL... 2021-12-12 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper For 23rd Consecutive Year, Schumer Visits Every Single New York County—Yet At The Close Of 23 Years, This Year, As Majority Leader In The Midst Of A Global Pandemic, Schumer Calls This One The Most Consequential Schumer Has Always Staunchly Believed That Visiting Every Single NY County Is Imperative To His Daily Work In The U.S. Capitol, This Year – As He Worked To Pass Historic Legislation Bringing Billions To NY–Was More Important Than Ever To See Firsthand What NY Needs To Build Back From COVID Schumer: New Title, But My Favorite Is Still ‘New Yorker’ Even as Majority Leader, in the midst of a global pandemic, and while leading some of the biggest & boldest legislation in our country’s history, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today completed his 23rd consecutive tour of all 62 New York State counties. Schumer was the first New York State public official to visit every single county in New York, an accomplishment he holds proudly, and a tradition he has continued each year he has been in office. Over the course of the year, Schumer made 93 county visits to Upstate New York and Long Island. He visited counties in the Capital Region 14 times; Western New York 7 times; Central New York 10 times; the Rochester-Finger Lakes 14 times; the Southern Tier 10 times; the Hudson Valley 14 times; the North Country 9 times; and Long Island 15 times. In addition, due to COVID travel restrictions, which greatly reduced the number and frequency of visits this year, Senator Schumer also conducted countless virtual meetings with groups and residents across New York. “Twenty-three years ago when I made the promise to visit every county every year, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine doing it as Majority Leader, let alone in the midst of a global health and economic pandemic. Although I’ve gained a new title as Majority Leader this year, my favorite two remain: New York senator, and more importantly, New Yorker,” said Majority Leader Schumer. “Now, as New York’s first Senate Majority Leader, this mission has become even more v… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/standing-at-proctors-theatre-in-schenectady-with-the-cast-of-summer-the-donna-summer-musical-schumer-announces-10-million-for-schenectady-staple_proctors-theatreand-lays-out-massive-covid-relief-to-boost-capital-regions-economic-recovery-completes-his-first-62-county-tour-around-ny-as-majority-leader-- STANDING AT PROCTORS THEATRE IN SCHENECTADY WITH THE CAST OF SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION FOR SCHENECTADY STAPLE – PROCTORS THEATRE—AND LAYS OUT MASSIVE COVID RELIEF... 2021-12-12 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Senator Says Proctors Theatre Is Lifeblood & Economic Anchor Of Downtown Schenectady But Thanks To Schumer-Secured $10M, Proctors Is Finally Ready To Open Once Again Schumer Secured Dedicated Fed COVID Relief That Provided Capital Region Venues And Theaters Over $39 Million To Keep Stages Lit And Ensure The Show Would Go On Schumer To Capital Region: $10M Because I Love to Love Cap Region, Baby! Standing at the iconic Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer detailed the impact of the over $39 million he secured for the Capital Region’s independent live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions thanks to the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), otherwise known as the ‘Save Our Stages’ program which Schumer led to passage into law. Schumer stood at Albany’s historic Palace Theatre last year to advocate for this funding for the Capital Region. Schumer said that Proctors Theatre is the beating heart of downtown Schenectady and a driving force in the local economy, and the COVID package that he negotiated, provided Proctors Theatre with $10 million in COVID relief to ensure the lights remained on in their darkest days of the pandemic and that Broadway could come back to Schenectady! “Last year, I stood at another Capital Region staple, the Palace Theatre, promising that I’d deliver for our independent venues – the beating heart of Upstate New York’s cultural life and a driving force in the economy. I’m here to say promises made promises kept, to the tune of $10 million going right here to Proctors Theatre,” said Senator Schumer. “Proctors is an economic anchor in downtown Schenectady, which is why I fought so hard to ensure they’d get their fair share to keep the lights on during their darkest days of the pandemic and recover. Nearly a year after I stood, with Philip Morris and other key venue operators at the Palace Theater in Albany calling for this desperately needed funding; today, I’m here to celebrate over $39 million to venues across the Capital Region to brin… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-the-new-omicron-variant-on-the-rise-and-covid-cases-overwhelming-western-ny-hospitals-schumer-stands-at-the-wyoming-county-community-hospital-to-launch-two-pronged-plan-to-help-struggling-upstate-hospitals-get-the-fed-funding-boost-they-need-now WITH THE NEW OMICRON VARIANT ON THE RISE AND COVID CASES OVERWHELMING WESTERN NY HOSPITALS, SCHUMER STANDS AT THE WYOMING COUNTY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL TO LAUNCH TWO-PRONGED PLAN TO HELP STRUGGLING... 2021-12-12 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper With Wyoming’s State Of Emergency In Full Effect, Schumer Calls On Feds To Reevaluate WNY Growing COVID Crisis BEFORE Sending Next Tranche Out – Ensuring WNY Gets A Fair Shot & $$$ Gets Where It’s Most Needed Although Schumer Secured +$200B In Hospital Pandemic Relief, Feds Currently Using Old Data When Deciding Where To Send New $$ Tranche, Potentially Overlooking WNY’s Growing Need As Hospitals Fill And Health Care Providers As A Part Of The American Rescue Plan; But With Variants Like Omicron and Delta On The Rise Upstate NY Hospitals Are Struggling To Keep Up Schumer To Feds: Get Money Where It’s Needed Most – Like WNY—NOW With Western New York hospitals overwhelmed by surging COVID cases and counties facing new States of Emergencies, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today stood at the Wyoming County Community Hospital to launch a new a two-pronged push to get hospitals the help they need as they enter the heart of the harsh winter months. Last week a state of emergency was declared in Wyoming County in an effort to fight back against a rise in COVID-19 cases, which mirrors similar rises happening throughout Upstate New York. Schumer said that this recent surge requires immediate action to slow the spread and keep our communities safe. Specifically, Schumer is calling for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to start to take into account the recent surges and new serious developments in COVID which have greatly impacted Upstate communities like Wyoming County when determining the next round of the American Rescue Plan’s (ARP) pandemic Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payment calculations. Schumer explained that HHS has not yet released the formula for how the next round (Phase 4) of Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payments will be calculated, but that currently it is marked as “General Distribution” meaning they won’t be taking into account COVID prevalence, but rather only weeks old data financial information that captures revenues lost and additional expenses due to COVID-19 from pr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-oahu-health-center-to-receive-more-than-470000-to-help-train-more-local-doctors-expand-access-to-health-care Schatz: Oahu Health Center To Receive More Than $470,000 To Help Train More Local Doctors, Expand Access To Health Care 2021-12-10 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center will receive $472,834 in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan to establish a teaching health center primary care medical residency program on Oahu. “This new residency program will train more local doctors and help Hawai‘i families get the health care they need,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Where someone lives shouldn’t be a barrier to seeing a doctor. That’s why programs like these are so critical for families living in rural areas.” The new federal funding is part of the Health Resources and Service Administration’s Teaching Health Center Planning and Development Program (THCPD), and will support the establishment of a teaching health center primary care residency program at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. The new residency program will help train residents at community-based sites and help to address physician workforce shortages in rural and underserved communities. The Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center has clinics in Waianae, Nanakuli, Kapolei, Waipahu, and Ewa. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-call-on-federal-transit-administration-to-fund-the-rochester-genesee-regional-transportation-authority- SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND CALL ON FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION TO FUND THE ROCHESTER-GENESEE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY 2021-12-10 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand wrote to the Federal Transit Administration in support of the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority’s (RGRTA) application for funding from the Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program. The requested funding would be used to build a facility to house administrative operations and operational staff facilities for the RGRTA, which provides transportation to tens of thousands of residents in the greater Rochester metro area and operates a paratransit service for disabled individuals. RGRTA’s current facilities are over four decades old and beyond their usable lifespan. “Transportation is what connects our communities and keeps the wheels of the local economy rolling, but in Rochester the aging RGRTA facility is putting the brakes on continued development. That’s why I am urging the Federal Transit Administration to greenlight funding for the construction of a new bus garage for the RGRTA’s paratransit bus service,” said Senator Schumer. “This new facility would allow RGRTA to increase accessibility to paratransit customers and ensure RGRTA continues to operate reliably as an economic engine for the region.” “RGRTA provides an invaluable service to the Rochester community,” said Senator Gillibrand. “However, its current facilities are in dire need of an upgrade. I urge the Federal Transit Administration to give RGRTA’s application for federal funding the full attention it deserves so that it can continue to provide reliable transit service to those who depend on it.” Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand recently fought to include over $5.5 billion in funding for the FTA’s Bus and Bus Facilities program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to fund local transit systems. Read the full text of the letter here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-epa-must-take-lead-in-testing-analysis-public-communication-of-red-hill-water-contamination-crisis Schatz: EPA Must Take Lead In Testing, Analysis, Public Communication Of Red Hill Water Contamination Crisis 2021-12-09 2021 2021-12 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 the Navy disputed the Hawai‘i Department of Health’s analysis of water contamination at the Aiea Halawa well. “The EPA must be the lead agency in the collection, testing, analysis, and public communication for water quality of the Navy’s water system. EPA must take a more active role in addressing this crisis. We can’t afford another day of the Navy and state and county agencies disagreeing on the basic question of whether the drinking water is safe. We need a trusted independent agency with deep expertise and a mission of environmental protection to take over.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-urges-secretary-of-commerce-raimondo-to-select-the-southern-tiers-new-energy-ny-project-as-one-of-nations-first-build-back-better-regional-challenge-awardees-project-would-accelerate-budding-battery-manufacturing-ecosystem-in-southern-tier-create-thousands-of-good-paying-jobs-combat-climate-change-and-expand-critical-emerging-industry-in-us-domestic-supply-chain SCHUMER URGES SECRETARY OF COMMERCE RAIMONDO TO SELECT THE SOUTHERN TIER’S NEW ENERGY NY PROJECT AS ONE OF NATION’S FIRST BUILD BACK BETTER REGIONAL CHALLENGE AWARDEES; PROJECT WOULD ACCELERATE... 2021-12-09 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NY Charles E. Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov schumer https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper New BBB Regional Challenge Funding Would Open Up Southern Tier Opportunity For Revitalizing the Region’s Economy By Promoting Emerging Industries, Innovation, & Workforce Development Project Brings Together Major Regional Stakeholders: Binghamton University, SUNY Broome, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY-BEST, And More To Turn Upstate New York Into A Battery Manufacturing Powerhouse Schumer to EDA: Southern Tier’s New Energy New York Project Is A Win-Win-Win To Supercharge Battery Manufacturing, Create Thousands Of Jobs, And Boost R&D To Combat Climate Change A longtime advocate of innovation and promoting tech manufacturing in Upstate New York, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer is urging the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to select the Southern Tier’s New Energy New York battery manufacturing project for investment through the American Rescue Plan’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Schumer explained that the project expands on existing research, development, testing, and workforce assets to meet the demand of the emerging battery manufacturing industry. If fully funded, the project estimates that in 10 years as many as 8,000 jobs would be created or supported as a result of this program. “The Southern Tier has long been a home to innovation, as the birthplace of IBM, flight simulation and virtual reality, and it continues to do groundbreaking research through world-renowned institutions like Binghamton University. That is why I am fighting for the New Energy New York project, to help make the Southern Tier and Upstate New York a major hub of battery manufacturing that is central to our transition to a clean economy,” said Senator Schumer. “Federal investment through the Build Back Better Challenge would help establish the Greater Binghamton area as a national center for battery manufacturing, create thousands of jobs, fuel the innovation necessary to combat climate change, and importantly strengthen a critical area of the U.S. domestic manufacturing s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-krishnamoorthi-lead-colleagues-in-calling-on-us-department-of-education-to-facilitate-student-civic-engagement-in-institutions-of-higher-education Booker, Krishnamoorthi Lead Colleagues in Calling on U.S. Department of Education to Facilitate Student Civic Engagement in Institutions of Higher Education 2021-12-07 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8th) led a bicameral group of over two dozen colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) to address student voter registration and participation as it formulates rulemaking for higher education accountability. The letter comes as states across the country pass legislation designed to curb the voting rights of Black, Brown, and young people. “Across the country, voting rights are under attack, and new laws restricting access to voting have been transparently intended to discourage students and people of color from participating in our elections,” wrote the lawmakers to USDOE Secretary Miguel Cardona. “The Department can and should play a significant role in supporting democracy by creating additional nonpartisan opportunities for students to register to vote, keep their voter registration up to date, and participate in state and federal elections.” The lawmakers continued by highlighting that “Section 487(a)(23) of theHigher Education Act requires each institution of higher education that receives federal financial aid funds to make a “good faith effort” to distribute voter registration materials and to make such materials “widely available” to students. A college’s good faith effort to distribute voter registration information widely should reflect the most common methods by which individuals register to vote—including, increasingly, online registration—and the deadlines they must meet.” Given that the USDOE will only complete rulemaking for higher education institutions in early 2022, the lawmakers called on the department to“swiftly issue sub-regulatory guidance that clarifies institutions’ responsibilities under current regulations. This guidance should remind colleges of their existing requirement to distribute voter registration information to students well in advance of state deadlines to register to vote. And, such guidance should strongly encourage institutions to adopt best practices … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-governor-ige-to-request-emergency-declaration-epa-intervention-in-water-contamination-crisis Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Urges Governor Ige To Request Emergency Declaration, EPA Intervention In Water Contamination Crisis 2021-12-07 2021 2021-12 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 Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i) called on Governor David Ige to request that President Biden declare an emergency and direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to step in and assist with the water contamination crisis on Oahu. “The EPA’s direct intervention in your request is essential,” the delegation wrote in their letter to Ige. “While the source of the contamination affecting the drinking water is still unknown, it is important that the public have confidence in the process that the Navy and Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) are using to draw samples from the Navy’s water system to ensure the results show the true extent of the problem that threatens the health and safety of the people of Hawai‘i. The EPA has the expertise to validate the techniques and procedures that the Navy and DOH are using to draw their samples, and it can direct them to take corrective actions where appropriate. It can also draw its own samples to compare against as we work to identify, isolate, and fix the source of the contamination affecting the drinking water.” The full text of the letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Governor Ige: We write regarding the contamination of drinking water impacting the communities of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Aliamanu Military Reservation, and Red Hill and urge you to immediately request that President Biden declare an emergency and to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and all other appropriate federal agencies to respond to this crisis. Including the EPA’s direct intervention in your request is essential. While the source of the contamination affecting the drinking water is still unknown, it is important that the public have confidence in the process that the Navy and Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) are using to draw samples from the Navy’s water system to ensure the results show the true extent of the problem that threa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hirono-vote-to-confirm-clare-connors-to-serve-as-us-attorney-for-hawaii Schatz, Hirono Vote to Confirm Clare Connors to Serve as U.S. Attorney for Hawai‘i 2021-12-07 2021 2021-12 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 and Mazie K. Hirono, member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today voted to confirm Hawai‘i Attorney General Clare Connors to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawai‘i. The Senate voted unanimously to confirm her nomination. “Clare Connors is an excellent choice to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawai‘i, and her unanimous confirmation by the Senate is proof of that. With her strong background in public service and her proven commitment to justice, we were proud to support her nomination, and are confident she will serve the people of Hawai‘i well.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-governor-call-for-immediate-suspension-of-operations-at-red-hill Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation, Governor Call For Immediate Suspension of Operations At Red Hill 2021-12-05 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige and Hawaii’s congressional delegation, 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 Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i), released the following statement calling for the Secretary of the Navy to immediately suspend operations at Red Hill following the contamination of drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam: “Test results confirming contamination of drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam show that the Navy is not effectively operating the World War II-era facility and protecting the health and safety of the people of Hawai‘i. We are calling for the Navy to immediately suspend operations at Red Hill while they confront and remedy this crisis.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-discussion-with-white-house-chief-of-staff-biden-homeland-security-advisor-on-water-contamination-crisis Schatz Statement On Discussion With White House Chief Of Staff, Biden Homeland Security Advisor On Water Contamination Crisis 2021-12-04 2021 2021-12 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 his call with White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain and the President’s Homeland Security Advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall to discuss the water contamination crisis at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. “Today, I spoke with White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain and Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall to brief them on the water contamination crisis on Oahu and request the Biden Administration’s support for all federal resources available to the state and to affected residents, including mobilizing EPA and all relevant federal agencies. The White House agreed to work closely with me and state and military leaders to ensure Hawai‘i has the federal support it needs to clean up the water at Red Hill and help families get through this crisis.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-navy-has-failed-to-safely-manage-fuel-operations-must-provide-affected-families-with-safe-water-access-to-lodging-laundry-other-necessities Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation: Navy Has Failed To Safely Manage Fuel Operations, Must Provide Affected Families With Safe Water, Access To Lodging, Laundry, Other Necessities 2021-12-03 2021 2021-12 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 Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after test results found petroleum contaminants in the Navy’s water system, which supplies water to thousands of Oahu families. “While the test results leave many questions, it is clear that the Navy has failed to manage its fuel operations, including Red Hill, to a standard that protects the health and safety of the people of Hawai‘i. The Navy must immediately identify, isolate, and fix the problems that have allowed the contamination of the drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. That includes a wholesale change in an organizational culture that has allowed too many accidents to occur without any accountability. We expect the Navy to also provide all affected residents with safe drinking water, and access to temporary lodging, laundry services, and other necessities that will help them get through this crisis. The Navy must also work with state regulators to identify and isolate other potential fuel leaks that risk further contamination of drinking water resources on Oahu. Finally, we urge the governor to request that the president declare an emergency as soon as possible so that the state has access to every resource available to make families whole and protect the people of Hawai‘i from future leaks. We will remain personally involved in applying the full resources of our offices and Congress to ensuring that the Navy fully resolves this crisis.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-applaud-senate-judiciary-committee-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-privacy-safety-of-federal-judges-and-their-families Booker, Menendez Applaud Senate Judiciary Committee Passage of Bipartisan Bill To Protect Privacy, Safety of Federal Judges and Their Families 2021-12-02 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and co-author of the bill, and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), lead and co-author of the bill, applauded the passage of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2021 by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation comes after the fatal, targeted attack last year on U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas’s New Jersey home. The bill, named for Judge Salas’s son who was murdered during the violent home invasion last year, would safeguard the personally identifiable information of federal judges and their immediate families that could leave them vulnerable to potential threats. The bill passed through the Judiciary Committee today without opposition and with broad bipartisan support. WATCH MEDIA AVAILABILITY HERE “I am grateful that Senators of both parties came together today to support the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act— urgently needed legislation that will help protect the privacy and safety of federal judges and their families,” said Senator Booker, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “No person who takes on the responsibility of serving as a federal judge should ever have to live in fear that they or their family could be targeted by someone who is able to access their personal information easily online. As we continue to grieve and stand with the Salas family in honoring the memory of their son Daniel, we must never forget that tragic day, and we must ensure that this legislation is passed by the full Senate.” “I made a personal commitment to Judge Salas that I would push for legislation to better protect those who serve on our federal judiciary. Today, we are one step closer to fulfilling that promise with this important legislation passing the Senate Judiciary Committee,” said Sen. Menendez, who recommended Judge Salas to President Barack Obama for appointment to the federal bench. “Over the past several years, we have witnessed increased threats against th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-sullivan-introduce-world-aids-day-resolution Booker, Sullivan Introduce World AIDS Day Resolution 2021-12-01 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced a resolution commemorating and supporting the goals of World AIDS Day, including the goal to achieve zero new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. The resolution recognizes current efforts made by the United States and international organizations in combatting HIV/AIDS while also encouraging greater coordination between the global community to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. A companion resolution was introduced in the House by Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Jenniffer González-Colón. “Each year, thousands of Americans are newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, with Black and Brown communities being disproportionately affected by the disease,” said Sen. Booker. “As we commemorate World AIDS Day, this is also the time for us to recommit to finally eradicating HIV/AIDS in the United States and worldwide by scaling up support for prevention, treatment and research programs and improving access to life-saving medications, especially for vulnerable populations.” “As we continue to battle COVID-19, World AIDS Day is an important reminder of the millions of people living with another virus—HIV,” said Senator Sullivan. “Since coming to the Senate, I’ve been an ardent supporter of robust funding for PEPFAR, a federal program started by President Bush that has treated nearly 15 million people around the world. I’m glad to join Senator Booker and our House colleagues in introducing a resolution to recognize World AIDS Day and the critical work being done to prevent infections and save lives.” “On World AIDS Day, we remember those who have lost their struggle against this disease, their families and loved ones, and the millions more who continue to live with and fight against it,” said Rep. Lee. “This is the moment that we must all enact the political and moral will to bring equitable care and services for the LGBTQI+ community, sex workers, racial and ethnic minorities, and women and girls. We will only end AIDS if we address the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-and-durbin-introduce-legislation-aimed-at-increasing-membership-within-us-sentencing-commission Booker and Durbin Introduce Legislation Aimed at Increasing Membership within U.S. Sentencing Commission 2021-11-30 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced the Sentencing Commission Improvements Act, legislation that would for the first time add an ex officio member with a public defender background to the U.S. Sentencing Commission. The U.S. Sentencing Commission, an independent agency within the federal judiciary, was created to establish policies and practices to help reduce sentencing disparities. It specifically collects and analyzes information on federal sentencing practices to help develop fairer and more effective criminal justice policies. Currently, the Commission consists of seven members from both political parties appointed by the President and two ex officio, nonvoting members, the Attorney General or a designee and the U.S. Parole Commission chair. However, unlike the majority of state sentencing commissions, the federal Commission lacks a representative from a public defender background who would provide an essential perspective on the criminal justice system. “The federal Sentencing Commission was created to be fair, impartial, and capable of providing evidence-driven improvements to our sentencing system, which is fraught with disparities,” said Senator Booker. “Adding a statutory member to the Commission with a public defender background will ensure that the Commission’s ranks include this distinct and essential perspective on our criminal justice system and, thus, bring us one step closer to a more balanced and just system.” “The U.S. Sentencing Commission is tasked with establishing practices and policies to promote transparency and reduce sentencing disparities, but the Commission is missing a crucial perspective from the federal public defender system. If we hope to improve sentencing policies in America, we must balance the Commission’s membership by adding a nonvoting federal defender,” said Senator Durbin. “The Sentencing Commission Improvements Act will remedy the Commission’s blind spot and move us toward a fairer sentencing process.” “We wel… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-to-navy-secretary-navy-must-act-immediately-to-test-protect-water-provide-hawaii-residents-with-access-to-safe-water Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation To Navy Secretary: Navy Must Act Immediately To Test, Protect Water, Provide Hawai‘i Residents With Access To Safe Water 2021-11-30 2021 2021-11 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 Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after meeting with Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro to discuss fuel operations in Hawai‘i. “Today, we met with Secretary Del Toro to discuss our concerns with Red Hill and the Navy’s fuel operations in Hawai‘i. The Navy owes the community straightforward communications on all events that occur at Red Hill and a commitment to address concerns with the Red Hill infrastructure no matter the cost. Given the resources and engineering expertise available to the Navy, we made it clear that there is zero tolerance for endangering the health and safety of the public or the environment. Most recently, reports of fuel potentially contaminating the water supply at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam followed by a slow, inadequate response are especially troubling. The Navy must act immediately and do everything it can to expedite the testing being done on the mainland to determine any risks to the drinking water. It also needs to ensure that residents in all affected areas have access to safe drinking water until the Navy and state regulators can assure the public it is safe. We also expect clear and consistent communication with the public about all matters, but particularly those that impact health and safety.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-passing-of-former-honolulu-mayor-eileen-anderson Schatz Statement On Passing Of Former Honolulu Mayor Eileen Anderson 2021-11-30 2021 2021-11 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 on the passing of former Honolulu Mayor Eileen Anderson. “Mayor Anderson was a remarkable, trailblazing leader who helped inspire generations of women in Hawai‘i. While she will be greatly missed, her legacy of public service and work to move Honolulu forward will endure. My condolences and aloha go to Mayor Anderson’s ohana.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-to-receive-15-million-to-improve-waianuenue-avenue-bridge-in-hilo-protect-it-from-flooding-natural-disasters Hawai‘i To Receive $1.5 Million To Improve Waianuenue Avenue Bridge In Hilo, Protect It From Flooding, Natural Disasters 2021-11-29 2021 2021-11 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 announced that the State of Hawai‘i will receive $1.5 million in new federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to modernize the Waianuenue Avenue Bridge and protect it from flooding and earthquakes. “This new federal funding will modernize the Waianuenue Avenue Bridge, making it safer for local families to use and get where they need to go,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. “In addition to this funding, Hawai‘i is set to receive at least $2.8 billion from the new bipartisan infrastructure law to strengthen roads and bridges across the state.” The modernized bridge will be designed to withstand earthquake forces and erosive forces of flood waters as established by current national standards. The $1.5 million grant is being funded through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments so they can rebuild in a way that reduces, or mitigates, future disaster losses in their communities. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-to-receive-47-million-to-help-keep-families-in-their-homes-avoid-evictions Schatz: Hawai‘i To Receive $4.7 Million To Help Keep Families In Their Homes, Avoid Evictions 2021-11-29 2021 2021-11 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 announced that the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority will receive $4.7 million from the American Rescue Plan to keep Hawai‘i families using housing vouchers from being evicted due to increased costs. “No one should lose their home during a pandemic,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Housing and Urban Development. “This new federal funding will help make sure families who are struggling to stay in their homes aren’t evicted and can continue to have safe and stable housing.” The grants will support Housing Choice Vouchers and Mainstream Vouchers for non-elderly persons with disabilities that otherwise would have their rental assistance terminated as a result of insufficient funding. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-nomination-of-nani-coloretti-as-deputy-omb-director Schatz Statement On Nomination Of Nani Coloretti As Deputy OMB Director 2021-11-24 2021 2021-11 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 released the following statement on the nomination of Nani Coloretti as Deputy Director at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). When confirmed, Coloretti will become the highest ranking Filipino American in the Biden Administration. Coloretti hails from Kapahulu and graduated from Iolani School in 1987. “The Office of Management and Budget will gain an outstanding, well-qualified Deputy Director in Nani Coloretti,” Senator Schatz said. “This is a proud moment for Hawai‘i and the Filipino American community. As a native of Kapahulu and the highest ranking Filipino American in the Biden Administration, Nani will bring strong leadership experience, as well as the ability to inspire the next generation of Filipino American leaders in Hawai‘i and across the country. I am proud to call Nani a friend, and I look forward to voting for her confirmation in the Senate.” Nani Coloretti is currently Senior Vice President at the Urban Institute. She previously served as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development during the Obama Administration. Before that she served as Assistant Secretary for Management and Acting CFO of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and Acting COO of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Coloretti worked in the San Francisco Mayor’s office from 2005 until 2009, most recently serving as Budget Director. Previously, Coloretti served as the Director of Policy, Planning, and Budget for the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families from 1999 to 2005. The Office of Management and Budget is the largest office within the Office of the President, overseeing the implementation of the president’s vision across the Executive Branch. Specifically, OMB’s mission is to assist the president in meeting his policy, budget, management and regulatory objectives and to fulfill the agency’s statutory responsibilities. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/as-thanksgiving-approaches-booker-khanna-announce-legislation-to-protect-meatpacking-workers As Thanksgiving Approaches, Booker, Khanna Announce Legislation to Protect Meatpacking Workers 2021-11-23 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) announced the Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act which would provide stronger workplace protections for meat and poultry processing workers. Our nation’s food system has long been broken, but the COVID-19 pandemic has shined a light on just how broken the system truly is for workers, farmers and ranchers, animals, and consumers. Unfortunately, the workers responsible for getting food from the farm to our table are often overlooked and underappreciated. It is clear that our food system is not safe for most farm and food chain workers including meatpacking workers that, due to the power and influence of large multinational corporations, have been forced to risk their lives, crowded into meatpacking plants that became hotbeds for COVID-19 outbreaks. In fact, recent reports indicate that over 59,000 meatpacking workers employed by JBS, Tyson, Smithfield, Cargill, and National Beef contracted COVID-19, and at least 269 died. The Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act would provide much needed protections for meatpacking workers along with systemic reforms such as creating a fair market that allows independent farmers, ranchers and robust local food systems to thrive and ensuring that consumers can actually identify where their food comes from so that food giants cannot simply shift the burden of their unfair system to others in the supply chain or import more unsustainable meat from other parts of the world. “As we sit down with family and friends this Thanksgiving, let it also be a day of gratitude for the workers who have worked tirelessly to ensure we have food on our tables,” said Senator Booker. “Unfortunately, meatpacking workers, including those processing the turkeys on the plates of many Americans this week, often face exploitative and dangerous work conditions. We must end this era of abusive practices and begin to ensure that all workers, farmers, and ranchers have a safe and fair opportunity to earn … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-announces-legislation-aimed-at-banning-dangerous-pesticides-from-our-agriculture-system Booker Announces Legislation Aimed at Banning Dangerous Pesticides from our Agriculture System 2021-11-23 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act of 2021 (PACTPA) that would remove dangerous pesticides within our farm system. Specifically, this legislation would update the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act of 1972 (FIFRA) by banning the most damaging pesticides that have been scientifically proven to harm the safety of people and our environment. Each year, the United States uses over a billion pounds of pesticides — nearly a fifth of worldwide use. Once they’re approved, pesticides often remain on the market for decades, even when scientific evidence overwhelmingly shows a pesticide is causing harm to people or the environment. In 2017 and 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency registered more than 100 pesticides containing ingredients widely considered to be dangerous. Approximately one-third of annual U.S. pesticide use — over 300 million pounds from 85 different pesticides — comes from pesticides that are banned in the European Union. The pesticide regulation statute, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act of 1972 (FIFRA), contains many loopholes that put the interests of the pesticide industry above the health and safety of people and our environment. “As we sit down with family and friends for Thanksgiving, let this day also be one of gratitude for the workers who have worked tirelessly to ensure we have food on our tables,” said Senator Booker. “Farmworkers are often exposed to dangerous and toxic pesticides, risking their health as they work to provide our food. It is imperative that we address this issue directly by updating our laws in order to protect farmworkers, frontline communities, and our environment.” “Pesticide hazards haunt farm workers, especially those that are parents. No parent should worry that hugging their children after a long day of work could expose them to brain-harming chemicals. No pregnant worker should have to wonder what the effects will be on a developing b… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-rural-health-care-providers-to-receive-more-than-43-million-in-federal-relief-funding-to-cover-costs-help-families-get-health-care Schatz: Hawai‘i Rural Health Care Providers To Receive More Than $43 Million In Federal Relief Funding To Cover Costs, Help Families Get Health Care 2021-11-23 2021 2021-11 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 member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that rural health care providers in Hawai‘i will receive more than $43 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan to provide health care for families across the state. The grants will support 240 Hawai‘i health care providers who serve rural Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program, and Medicare beneficiaries. “This new federal funding will provide a lifeline for rural health care providers and help families across Hawai‘i get the health care they need as we continue to fight this pandemic,” said Senator Schatz. “Helping these providers keep their doors open will keep people in Hawai‘i healthy, create jobs, and improve our quality of life.” The grants will support health care providers who suffered during the pandemic, and can be used to pay salaries or recruit workers, purchase supplies or equipment such as N95 or surgical masks or ventilators, make capital investments, or cover other expenses related to preventing or responding to COVID-19. A full list of funding recipients can be found here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-secures-extension-of-493-million-honolulu-rail-funding-grant-in-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal Schatz Secures Extension Of $493 Million Honolulu Rail Funding Grant In Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal 2021-11-23 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Last week, President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan infrastructure deal into law, which includes a provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that will extend the deadline for $493 million in grant funding for the Honolulu Rail Transit project. The federal funds, a portion of the $1.55 billion federal grant for the project, were set to expire at the end of the year if left unspent. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz worked with congressional leaders to include the deadline extension and protect the project’s federal funding for another two years. “My objective was to prevent the loss of these federal dollars. While this extension buys them more time, HART and the City still need to update their financial plan and come back with something that can actually work. They now have an opportunity to focus on what is most important – developing a clear-eyed plan for the people of Honolulu,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development. The new spending deadline for these funds is December 31, 2023. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-set-to-receive-more-than-2-million-to-protect-coastal-communities-across-the-state Hawai‘i Set To Receive More Than $2 Million To Protect Coastal Communities Across The State 2021-11-19 2021 2021-11 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), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that Hawai‘i will receive more than $2 million to fund coastal resilience projects and protect communities from flooding across the state. “These projects will restore or expand wetlands, beaches, and forests and will help keep homes and businesses safe from flooding and coastal erosion,” said Senator Schatz. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will administer the funding in partnership with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and will leverage additional funding from the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Defense, Shell Oil, TransRe, Occidental, and AT&T. Hawai‘i projects receiving federal grant funding include: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Project: Developing Community Resilience for Molokai Coastal Homesteads Grant amount: $203,940 Funding will be used to develop a resilience plan for homestead communities on the island of Molokai through scientific analyses and modeling of projected sea-level rise, flooding, groundwater upwelling and other increasing coastal hazards. Malama Maunalua Project: Utilizing a Traditional Framework to Minimize Floods in Maunalua Bay Watersheds Grant amount: $262,312 Project will address the serious flooding issues confronting residential, commercial, and environmental resources surrounding Maunalua Bay by reducing the volume of the stormwater runoff in priority areas through increased filtration with revegetation in natural areas and by slowing down or capturing the water from urban areas. Maui Nui Marine Resource Council Project: Conducting Site Assessments and Planning to Address Recurring Coastal Flooding Grant amount: $210,000 Project will create a workplan for site design, with the goal of preventing property and infrastructure damage due to stormwater flooding and protecting wetland bird habitat, native plant species, nearshore coral reef ecosystems and marine wildlife. Department of Land and Natural … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-congratulates-suzanne-vares-lum-on-being-named-president-of-east-west-center Schatz Congratulates Suzanne Vares-Lum On Being Named President of East-West Center 2021-11-19 2021 2021-11 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, released the following statement today congratulating Suzanne Vares-Lum on her appointment to be the next president of the East-West Center. “I congratulate Suzanne Vares-Lum on this well-deserved appointment to be the next president of the East-West Center,” said Senator Schatz. “As a Native Hawaiian woman, a former major general in the Army, and a community leader here at home, her unique experience and important perspective will serve her well in this new role. I look forward to working with her as the East-West Center continues to play an increasingly important role in strengthening our national security and improving cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-papahanaumokuakea-deserves-sanctuary-protections Schatz: Papahanaumokuakea Deserves Sanctuary Protections 2021-11-19 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Following an appropriations provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) to designate Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument as a National Marine Sanctuary, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today officially began the process for designation. Following this initiation, NOAA will begin public meetings and the formal legal process to complete the requirements to finalize an official designation. “Papahanaumokuakea is a special place that deserves the strongest protections we can give it,” said Senator Schatz. “Designating the area as a sanctuary will allows its managers, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, to better protect its cultural and environmental value while planning for the long term, so future generations of Native Hawaiians and Hawai‘i residents will be able to see Papahanaumokuakea the way we do today.” Papahanaumokuakea was first established as a marine national monument in 2006. It was expanded by President Obama in 2016 following a formal proposal from Senator Schatz. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-murray-menendez-maloney-kelly-and-porter-lead-over-100-democrats-in-introducing-the-access-to-birth-control-act Booker, Murray, Menendez, Maloney, Kelly, and Porter Lead Over 100 Democrats in Introducing the Access to Birth Control Act 2021-11-18 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper Washington, D.C.—Today, Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) led the reintroduction of the Access to Birth Control Act in the Senate. Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Robin Kelly (D-IL), and Katie Porter (D-CA) reintroduced the bill in the House. Over 100 Democrats are cosponsors of the bill. The legislation—which has been endorsed by 50 national and local advocacy organizations—would guarantee patients’ timely access to birth control at the pharmacy—including by addressing pharmacies’ refusals of contraception that prevent patients from obtaining their preferred form of birth control medication. “Birth control is a vital part of reproductive health care and basic family planning,” said Senator Booker. “At a time when reproductive rights are under increasing attack throughout the country, protecting Americans' access to contraception is more important than ever. The Access to Birth Control Act would ensure that all people not only have autonomy over their health but also have affordable and timely access to birth control.” “Birth control is essential health care—full stop. And it’s health care that helps ensure everyone can control their own bodies, lives and futures,” said Senator Murray. “With reproductive rights under attack from every angle, we’ve got to stand up and make clear that no one should be able to come between a patient and the birth control they need—including being turned away at the pharmacy.” “I am proud to lead my colleagues in reintroducing the Access to Birth Control Act to ensure patients seeking birth control can access their health care without unnecessary barriers or delay,” said Chairwoman Maloney. “During the Trump Administration, some health care providers—including pharmacists—denied patients care simply based on their personal views. Health care providers must do their jobs based on science—n… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-braun-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-build-more-affordable-housing-address-americas-growing-housing-crisis Schatz, Braun Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Build More Affordable Housing, Address America’s Growing Housing Crisis 2021-11-18 2021 2021-11 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 Mike Braun (R-Ind.) today introduced the Build More Housing Near Transit Act. The bipartisan legislation continues Senator Schatz’s efforts to address America’s housing shortage by offering federal benefits and encouraging local governments to build more high-density housing near transit-oriented urban spaces, where options are especially lacking. “We have a national housing shortage crisis, and one thing is clear: we need to build more housing,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. “Our bipartisan bill will make sure that when cities expand or redevelop their public transit systems, they are also building more affordable housing with it. This will help put more families in homes, grow local economies, and cut carbon pollution.” “For too long, transit and housing issues have run in parallel. This bill finally marries the two by giving local governments the tools they need to encourage high density and mixed use development to help relieve the affordable housing crisis. This bill gives local communities the resources they need to build more housing near transit systems and encourages them to enable their economies to grow through more housing options for families,” said Senator Braun. Specifically, the legislation directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide a scoring boost to the competitive grant application of public transit projects that include housing planning and development near new stations. Currently, 47% of renter households are cost-burdened, and lack of housing options in transit-friendly areas is a major contributor to this. Moreover, transportation costs are often a household’s second-largest expenditure behind housing, meaning more housing in transit areas would have a two-fold benefit. By offering easier access to transit centers, the Build More Housing Near Transit Act will connect more employees with jobs and boost economic output, as well as red… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-to-receive-22-million-to-improve-honoapiilani-highway-on-maui-protect-it-from-sea-level-rise Schatz: Hawai‘i To Receive $22 Million To Improve Honoapiilani Highway On Maui, Protect It From Sea Level Rise 2021-11-16 2021 2021-11 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 announced that the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) will receive $22 million in new federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to support a realignment of the Honoapiilani Highway in West Maui and protect it from sea level rise. “This new federal funding will keep Honoapiilani Highway safe and functional by responding to coastal erosion caused by climate change and help local families get where they need to go in West Maui,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. “In addition to this funding, Hawai‘i is set to receive at least $2.8 billion from the new bipartisan infrastructure law to strengthen road and bridges and make them more resilient to climate change.” Schatz’s office worked closely with HDOT throughout the grant application process to ensure the state submitted a strong, competitive application. The DOT funding, which comes from a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant, will be used to realign 4.5 miles of Honoapiilani Highway from Ukumehame to Launiupoko. This realignment will connect to the previously constructed Lahaina Bypass, addressing the second priority location on the statewide report for coastal highway protection. HDOT will work closely with Maui County and the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, which owns most of the land that the realignment will be constructed on. The project will also receive federal funding from the new bipartisan infrastructure law. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-signs-infrastructure-bill-into-law-at-least-28-billion-in-new-federal-funding-heading-to-hawaii-even-more-expected President Signs Infrastructure Bill Into Law, At Least $2.8 Billion In New Federal Funding Heading To Hawai‘i, Even More Expected 2021-11-15 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, President Joe Biden signed the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill into law. The sweeping law, which U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) voted to pass in the Senate in August, includes at least $2.8 billion for Hawai‘i to repair roads and bridges and make them more resilient to climate change, improve public transportation options for residents, and strengthen high-speed internet access in Native Hawaiian communities and across Hawai‘i. “Billions of federal dollars are now on their way to Hawai‘i to help us improve our buses and public transit systems, fix up our roads and bridges, and create thousands of new jobs across the state,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. “This massive investment will make it safer and easier for Hawai‘i families to get around and benefit our local economy for many, many years to come.” In addition to the billions of dollars in federal funding for Hawai‘i, the new law also includes a provision authored by Senator Schatz to improve road safety standards and make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The Vulnerable Road Users Safety Act, which Schatz worked to include in the deal, will help utilize technology, infrastructure, and design expertise to vastly reduce pedestrian and cyclist road deaths in Hawai‘i and across the United States. Key provisions in the infrastructure bill for Hawai‘i include: Roads, bridges, and major projects – at least $1.5 billion for Hawai‘i At least $1.2 billion in estimated funding for Hawai‘i will be used to repair and rebuild roads with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, and safety for all road users At least $339 million for Hawai‘i from the Bridge Program to repair and replace deficient or outdated bridges Hawai‘i has access to nearly $16 billion in nationwide funding for major projects Access to $7.5 billion for competitive RAISE grants which support surface transportation projects of local and/or regional significance Public t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-releases-resource-handbook-for-new-jersey-veterans Booker Releases Resource Handbook for New Jersey Veterans 2021-11-11 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper Newark, NJ - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) released a comprehensive resource guide for New Jersey veterans and their families. The handbook, accessible on Booker’s website here, includes added information on COVID-19 resources and VA benefits for conditions related to toxic exposure as well as information on health benefits, crisis support services, federal and state education programs, and employment resources. “As a nation, we must make sure that our veterans are given the resources, care, and support they need to succeed as they return to civilian life,” said Sen. Booker. “Ahead of Veterans Day, I am proud to release this handbook that provides the 400,000 veterans who call New Jersey home and their loved ones information on accessing critical services - from healthcare benefits, employment programs, to COVID-19 assistance.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/on-eve-of-veterans-day-booker-klobuchar-announce-legislation-to-improve-access-to-mental-health-services-for-veterans On Eve of Veterans Day, Booker, Klobuchar Announce Legislation to Improve Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans 2021-11-10 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced the Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act, legislation that would expand access to mental health services for veterans and their families. The bicameral bill would allow 10 additional states, including New Jersey and Minnesota, to be eligible for at least one additional Vet Center which would provide mental health counseling to veterans, survivors of military sexual assault, and Gold Star families. Companion legislation was earlier introduced in the House by Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Anthony Gonzalez (OH-16), Dean Phillips (MN-03), and Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Northern Mariana Islands-At-Large). This legislation has been endorsed by The American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Service Women’s Action Network, and New Jersey SOS Veteran Stakeholder Group. “Vet Centers play a critical role in ensuring that our veterans and their families receive access to affordable and potentially lifesaving care, including vital mental health resources and gender specific services,” said Sen. Booker.“Unfortunately, as data shows, such centers are not always available in communities with high veteran populations. This bicameral legislation will help expand Vet Center services in several states, allowing more of our nation’s veterans to receive the VA care they have earned and deserve.” “Our veterans have sacrificed for our country, and we need to repay this service by providing access to care that meets their unique needs, whether that be mental health needs or readjustment counseling,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “The VA estimates that about 11 to 20 out of every 100 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have been diagnosed with potential symptoms of PTSD, making it all the more crucial that we ensure every veteran has access to Vet Center services, regardless of where they live. I am proud to partner with Senator Booker on this legislation to prioritize th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-brown-senators-to-cfpb-fix-the-broken-credit-reporting-system-hold-credit-reporting-agencies-accountable Schatz, Brown, Senators To CFPB: Fix The Broken Credit Reporting System, Hold Credit Reporting Agencies Accountable 2021-11-10 2021 2021-11 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), Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), urged the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to take concrete steps to reform the credit reporting industry. Specifically, the senators urged Director Rohit Chopra to use the CFPB’s existing supervisory, rulemaking, and enforcement authority over the largest nationwide consumer reporting agencies, in order to improve the accuracy of credit reports, streamline the dispute resolution process, and hold consumer reporting agencies accountable for addressing persistent errors. “In an industry that affects all Americans so directly, even a small error rate means tens of millions of people can be denied jobs or housing through no fault of their own. As a result of simple mistakes, consumers may pay more for credit or be denied loans altogether; they might face obstacles applying for a job, getting a mortgage, or renting an apartment,” the senators wrote in their letter to Director Chopra. “These impacts can persist for years, putting innocent people in positions that are nearly impossible to resolve. … Accordingly, we request you take immediate action to protect consumers and introduce much-needed accountability into the credit reporting system.” The full text of the letter is available here and can be found below: Dear Director Chopra: Congratulations on your confirmation to serve as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). We write to urge you to take strong action to reform an industry that plays an integral role in deciding individuals’ access to credit, and whose errors can ruin lives. A 2012 FTC study found that one in five consumers had an error in at least one of their credit reports, and five percent of consumers had errors that were economically damaging. A 2015 follow-up study by the FTC found th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-rounds-portman-coons-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-education-benefits-for-veterans Schatz, Rounds, Portman, Coons Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Protect Education Benefits For Veterans 2021-11-10 2021 2021-11 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 Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced the Student Veterans Transparency and Protection Act. The bipartisan legislation would improve veterans’ access to information about higher education and allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to restore benefits that veterans use at schools subject to civil enforcement. “The G.I. Bill benefit has helped open the doors to higher education for many veterans who otherwise would not be able to access it. But bad actors in the education community have taken advantage of those who have served, robbing them of the full value of their education benefits,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will ensure that veterans who have been deceived are able to recoup their benefits. It will also help veterans learn more about different schools and their benefits so that they have the information they need to find the right program.” Along with providing VA the ability to reinstate benefits used at schools subject to civil enforcement, the bill requires VA to provide veterans up-to-date student outcome and financial information for all eligible institutions through its G.I. Bill Comparison Tool, and it requires all VA education counselors to be trained in using this tool to help beneficiaries so that veterans can make the best choices about where to use their education benefits. “Our veterans, service members, and their families deserve full access to the educational benefits they’ve been promised,” said Senator Rounds. “Our bill will improve the GI Bill Comparison Tool to better inform eligible individuals in South Dakota, and nationwide, about their educational benefits and opportunities. Through timely data publication, this tool will help veterans and service members steer clear of predatory institutions and select the best programs available.” “Veterans and servicemembers in O… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-releases-open-enrollment-resource-guide-for-new-jerseyans Booker Releases Open Enrollment Resource Guide for New Jerseyans 2021-11-09 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper Newark, NJ - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) released a Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Resource Guide for New Jerseyans. The guide, accessible here, includes information on health insurance plans available through the marketplace, financial assistance options, and the enrollment process. New Jersey uses a state-based exchange, Get Covered New Jersey, to provide health insurance to residents. Also, as a result of the American Rescue Plan Act, which President Biden signed into law in March 2021, more New Jerseyans will have access to subsidies that will make their health coverage even more affordable in 2022. New Jerseyans can enroll in a health insurance plan for themselves and their loved ones during the Open Enrollment Period that runs from November 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-set-to-receive-at-least-28-billion-to-improve-roads-bridges-expand-high-speed-internet-access-create-new-jobs-across-the-state Schatz: Hawai‘i Set To Receive At Least $2.8 Billion To Improve Roads, Bridges, Expand High-Speed Internet Access, Create New Jobs Across The State 2021-11-06 2021 2021-11 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. House of Representatives voted to pass a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal that includes at least $2.8 billion in estimated funding for Hawai‘i. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) voted to pass in the Senate in August, includes funding to repair roads and bridges and make them more resilient to climate change, improve public transportation options for residents, and strengthen high-speed internet access in Native Hawaiian communities and across Hawai‘i. “Billions of federal dollars are heading to Hawai‘i to help us fix up our roads and bridges, and create thousands of new jobs across the state,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. “This massive investment will make it safer and easier for Hawai‘i families to get around, while helping grow our local economy.” In addition to the billions of dollars in federal funding for Hawai‘i, the bill also includes legislation authored by Senator Schatz to improve road safety standards and make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The Vulnerable Road Users Safety Act, which Schatz worked to include in the deal, will help utilize technology, infrastructure, and design expertise to vastly reduce pedestrian and cyclist road deaths in Hawai‘i and across the United States. The bill now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. Key provisions in the infrastructure bill for Hawai‘i include: Roads, bridges, and major projects – at least $1.5 billion for Hawai‘i At least $1.2 billion in estimated funding for Hawai‘i will be used to repair and rebuild roads with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, and safety for all road users At least $339 million for Hawai‘i from the Bridge Program to repair and replace deficient or outdated bridges Hawai‘i has access to nearly $16 billion in nationwide funding for major projects Access to $7.5 billion for competitive RAISE grants which support s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-celebrates-four-months-of-child-tax-credit-payments-to-nj-families Booker Celebrates Four Months of Child Tax Credit Payments to NJ Families 2021-11-04 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) highlighted the transformative impact that four months of Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments have had on New Jersey families. Since monthly payments were first issued in July, nationally, the CTC has provided historic economic relief for nearly 39 million households, covering almost 90 percent of children in the country, and setting the U.S. on course to cut child poverty by half. Statistics from the Treasury Department and IRS show that $1,552,834,000 in CTC payments was awarded to New Jersey families from July to October, with more than 1.6 million New Jersey children being covered in October alone. “Four months ago, families across the United States received their first child tax credit payments, a historic investment in the lives of working people that has helped struggling parents put food on the table, cover child care costs, and buy school supplies,” said Sen. Booker. “In New Jersey specifically, this transformative policy has been a lifeline for the 14% of children who lived in poverty prior to the pandemic, helping change life trajectories and positioning our state for stronger economic growth. I am especially encouraged to see President Biden’s Build Back Better framework include an extension of these payments.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-calls-on-navy-to-improve-accountability-to-public-on-hawaii-fuel-operations-plans-to-ensure-health-and-safety-of-oahu-residents Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Calls On Navy To Improve Accountability To Public On Hawai‘i Fuel Operations, Plans To Ensure Health And Safety Of Oahu Residents 2021-11-02 2021 2021-11 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 Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i) today called on the Navy to provide more information on the March 2020 fuel leak near Hotel Pier at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. In a letter to Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, the delegation also requested more details on the Navy’s response to discovering the leak, including its compliance with reporting requirements and any potential information that may have been withheld from the public as part of an oversight effort to improve the Navy’s accountability to the public on its broader fuel operations in Hawai‘i. “We are particularly troubled about reports of a fuel leak near Hotel Pier at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) that occurred in March 2020 and allegations that the Navy was not appropriately forthcoming about the source and scale of the fuel leak with state regulators, federal officials, and the public—including our offices,” the delegation wrote. “These recent incidents, including the manner in which the Navy has responded to them and its lack of transparency with the public, raise questions about the seriousness with which the Navy takes its responsibility to communicate clearly with the public about matters concerning health and safety. The people of Hawai‘i deserve better from the Navy.” The full text of the letter is available here and can be found below. Dear Secretary Del Toro, We write with increasing concerns about the safety of the Navy’s fuel operations in Hawai‘i. We are particularly troubled about reports of a fuel leak near Hotel Pier at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) that occurred in March 2020 and allegations that the Navy was not appropriately forthcoming about the source and scale of the fuel leak with state regulators, federal officials, and the public—including our offices. The Navy made a commitment to engage the people of Hawai‘i through town halls and neighborhood boards, to brief state regulators and off… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-colleagues-urge-dot-to-implement-regulations-to-detect-and-reduce-methane-leaks Booker, Colleagues Urge DOT to Implement Regulations to Detect and Reduce Methane Leaks 2021-10-29 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led a letter with 11 colleagues urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to issue strong regulations to help reduce methane leaks within our natural gas pipeline system. Specifically, the Senators urged DOT and PHMSA to require advanced methane leak detection technologies that effectively detect and address harmful greenhouse gas emissions, an important step in implementing the PIPES Act of 2020 which Congress passed last year. “Leaks in natural gas gathering, transmission, storage, processing and distribution threaten public health and our environment and cost industry substantial amounts in escaped methane,” the Senators wrote to DOTSecretary Pete Buttigieg. “Methane is more than 80 times as potent as carbon dioxide and drives near-term greenhouse gas emission trends. A 2018 study published in Science found that the volume of natural gas leaking from across the natural gas supply chain would be enough to fuel 10 million homes and isworth an estimated $2 billion per year – and these estimates do not include the significant air quality and climate benefits associated with abating these methane emissions.” The Senators continued, “The first step to fixing methane leaks is finding them. Fortunately, effective technologies now exist to detect, locate, and quantify natural gas leaks quickly and accurately. Enabling swift, broad deployment of this technology will keep our communities safer, our air cleaner, and our greenhouse gas emissions lower. That is why in December 2020, Congress reauthorized the PIPES Act and required PHMSA to create minimum performance standards for leak detection and repair that reflect the capabilities of commercially-available advanced leak detection technologies.” “We are urging the Department of Transportation and PHMSA to take quick action to complete this rulemaking process and issue strong regulations that will enhance pipeline safety and reduce h… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-9-senators-calling-for-reversal-of-previous-administrations-harmful-transgender-prison-policy Schatz Leads Group Of 9 Senators Calling For Reversal Of Previous Administration’s Harmful Transgender Prison Policy 2021-10-29 2021 2021-10 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), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today called on Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director Michael Carvajal to reverse the previous administration’s harmful BOP policy which increased transgender prisoners’ risk of sexual victimization. The letter follows a 2018 letter Schatz led urging for a reversal after the policy’s implementation. “In 2018, BOP made substantive revisions to the Transgender Offender Manual (the Manual) that placed incarcerated transgender people at serious risk of sexual victimization by making it more difficult, if not impossible, to house incarcerated transgender people in facilities in accordance with their gender identity,” the senators wrote. “We strongly urge the BOP to reverse the previous administration’s policy and to consult with incarcerated transgender people and the legal, policy, and advocacy organizations who represent their interests before issuing a final revision of the Manual to develop a policy that is consistent with existing law and responsive to the needs of incarcerated transgender people.” According to a survey by the National Center on Transgender Equality, transgender people are ten-times more likely to be sexual assaulted in prison, and five-times more likely to be sexually assaulted by prison staff. The full text of the letter is available here and can be found below: Dear Director Carvajal: We write to urge you to reverse the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) harmful policy toward transgender people made by the previous administration. In 2018, BOP made substantive revisions to the Transgender Offender Manual (the Manual) that placed incarcerated transgender people at serious risk of sexual victimization by making it more difficult, if not impossible, to house incarcerated transgender people in facilities in accordance with their gender ide… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-peters-lead-21-senators-to-urge-interior-department-to-place-emergency-protections-on-gray-wolves Booker, Peters Lead 21 Senators to Urge Interior Department to Place Emergency Protections on Gray Wolves 2021-10-28 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Gary Peters (D-MI) led 21 of their colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Interior to issue an emergency listing to restore temporary federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections to the gray wolf in the western United States. The letter comes on the heels of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service initiation of a comprehensive status review of the gray wolf in the western United States as well as the recent enactment of dangerous wolf eradication policies in several states including Idaho and Montana. “If continued unabated for this hunting season, these extreme wolf eradication policies will result in the death of hundreds of gray wolves and will further harm federally protected ecosystems like Yellowstone,” the Senators wrote to Secretary of Department of Interior Deb Haaland. “The Department of the Interior can prevent these senseless killings, and we urge you to immediately establish emergency interim protections while the Service completes its status review. The Senators continued, “As you know, wolves are an integral component of North American ecosystems. More than 600 scientists have written to request emergency relisting of the Northern Rockies wolf population, precisely because wolves’ role in maintaining healthy ecosystems is being jeopardized by the policies now being implemented by Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. As the scientists note, ‘Without the presence of key species in numbers, we are merely conserving scenery and not functioning ecosystems.’ “Given the above, we urge you to immediately issue an emergency listing to establish temporary federal protections for gray wolves. An emergency listing, which extends for 240 days, will prevent more wolves from being killed before the Service makes a determination about whether relisting is warranted. Furthermore, as part of its status review, we respectfully request that the Service both engage in meaningful tribal consultation and consider the impacts of state-level policies like those in… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/senators-booker-braun-announce-subcommittee-hearing-on-the-state-of-nutrition-in-america-in-2021 Senators Booker, Braun Announce Subcommittee Hearing on the State of Nutrition in America in 2021 2021-10-27 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, and Mike Braun (R-IN), Ranking Member, today announced that the subcommittee will hold a hearing entitled “The State of Nutrition in America 2021.” WHEN: Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. ET WHERE: 216 Hart Senate Office Building WHO: Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, Dean, Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA Dr. Angela Odoms-Young, Associate Professor, Director, Food and Nutrition Education in Communities Program and NYS Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY Dr. Donald Warne, Associate Dean, Director, Indians into Medicine (INMED) & Public Health Programs, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND Dr. Patrick Stover, Dean and Vice Chancellor for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX Ms. Angela Rachidi, Senior Fellow and Rowe Scholar, American Enterprise Institute (AEI), Washington, D.C. ***The Committee will follow guidelines developed in consultation with the Office of the Attending Physician, the Senate Sergeant at Arms, and the Senate Rules Committee to protect the health of members, staff, and the public. This includes maintaining six-foot social distance spacing in the hearing room as well as wearing a mask or face covering. Pursuant to this guidance, Senate office buildings are not open to the public other than official business visitors and credentialed press at this time. Accordingly, the general public will not be allowed to attend the hearing. MEDIA GUIDANCE: Congressionally-credentialed members of the media wishing to attend the hearing should RSVP to their respective gallery by 5:00 p.m. on November 1, 2021. Editorial presence will be limited due to social distancing requirements. Questions about coverage should be directed to… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-braun-mcgovern-and-walorski-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-that-would-convene-a-white-house-conference-on-food-nutrition-hunger-and-health Booker, Braun, McGovern, and Walorski Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill That Would Convene a White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger and Health 2021-10-26 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and U.S. Representatives James P. McGovern (D-MA) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would convene a second national White House conference on food, nutrition, hunger, and health. The first such conference occurred just over 50 years ago, culminating in the creation and expansion of programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program. The proposed second conference would take a whole-of-government approach to ending hunger and combatting nutrition insecurity in America, featuring diverse voices and those with lived experience. The conference would also explore weaknesses within the current food system, highlighting the fragility created by hyper-consolidation that has led to fewer choices for consumers and economic insecurity for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, many of which are now considered food deserts. “Fifty years ago, our nation convened a conference to address the widespread hunger crisis in America, leading to the creation and expansion of programs such as WIC and the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program,” said Sen. Booker. “Despite the progress made, America is grappling with a hunger crisis and now faces a second crisis—one of nutrition insecurity—that is plaguing our nation and hindering the success of our nation’s youth as a result of decades-long policy failures in our food system. This bicameral, bipartisan legislation will, in the spirit of 50 years ago, convene a second conference of advocates, healthcare professionals, and farmers and ranchers to address the failures and inequities of our broken food system that is poisoning our communities and preventing us from achieving true justice.” “The time has come to address our nation’s food insecurity with a bipartisan, commonsense approach. There is no reason that mi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-applaud-confirmation-of-karen-m-williams-to-us-district-court-for-new-jersey Booker, Menendez Applaud Confirmation of Karen M. Williams to U.S. District Court for New Jersey 2021-10-26 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) applauded the Senate’s confirmation of Karen M. Williams to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. “Judge Williams has had a long and distinguished legal career defending the rights of workers and has a deep understanding of the issues facing the people of New Jersey,” said Senator Booker. “Judge Williams is eminently qualified to serve on the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and I know that she will bring fairness, impartiality, and a commitment to applying justice equally to the federal bench. This is a historic confirmation—she is the first African-American federal judge confirmed by the Senate to sit in the federal courthouse in Camden, New Jersey. I am proud of her confirmation today.” “Judge Karen M. Williams is a thoughtful and intelligent legal mind and her unique experience as a human resources professional, trial attorney, and magistrate judge make her eminently qualified to serve on the U.S. District Court of New Jersey,” said Senator Menendez. “I’m incredibly proud that she is the first Senate-confirmed African American and person of color to sit in the U.S. District courthouse in Camden, N.J. I am confident that she will not only administer equal justice under the law, but serve the people of New Jersey with distinction. I thank President Biden for selecting a stellar nominee who reflects the values and diversity of the great state of New Jersey.” Karen M. Williams has served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court in the District of New Jersey since 2009. Judge Williams also currently serves as an adjunct professor at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. Prior to her appointment, Judge Williams spent 17 years in private practice at Jasinski & Williams, P.C. in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Judge Williams’s work focused on employment law, including litigation in state and federal courts and be… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-reintroduces-legislation-to-expand-social-security Schatz Reintroduces Legislation To Expand Social Security 2021-10-26 2021 2021-10 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) reintroduced the Safeguarding American Families and Expanding Social Security (SAFE Social Security) Act, legislation to expand Social Security for seniors and families in Hawai‘i and across the country. The bill would increase benefits on average by more than $115 per month, ensure the cost of living adjustments adequately reflect the living expenses of retirees, extend the life of the trust fund, remove the wage cap to make sure all Americans contribute equally, and provide additional benefits to older seniors, caregivers, and low-income Americans. “In Hawai‘i, more than 280,000 people depend on Social Security, the most successful safety net program in American history,” said Senator Schatz. “My bill will expand Social Security and put more money in the hands of seniors who rely on it, strengthen the program for the next generation of retirees, and make sure everyone pays into the system equally. After a lifetime of hard work, seniors deserve to retire with the dignity and benefits they have earned.” In Hawai‘i, more than 280,000 people, or over 1 in 6 residents, rely on Social Security benefits. In 2040, the number of Hawai‘i seniors is expected to grow and make up more than 20 percent of the population, making the need to expand the program even more critical. Specifically, the Safeguarding American Families and Expanding Social Security Act would: Phase out the payroll tax cap so that payroll taxes apply fairly to every dollar of wages earned; Adjust current benefits calculations to increase average monthly benefits by over $100; Provide an additional 5% increase in benefits for older seniors to ensure they can make ends meet as their retirement savings are exhausted; Guarantee a new minimum benefit so that lower income seniors receive enough to survive; Provide a credit for caregivers that would be added to an individual’s earnings to calculate their future Social Security benefits; Ensure that any increase in benefits under this legislatio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-reintroduces-legislation-to-promote-educational-opportunities-for-incarcerated-americans Schatz Reintroduces Legislation To Promote Educational Opportunities For Incarcerated Americans 2021-10-26 2021 2021-10 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) reintroduced legislation to expand access to education for Americans in federal prisons. The Promoting Reentry through Education in Prisons (PREP) Act would create an office within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) focused on correctional education and fund a new program to address the lack of educational opportunities currently offered. “Research shows that one of the best ways to break the cycle of recidivism is through education,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill would make it easier for people in the federal prison system to pursue a better life through learning, in turn improving our public safety and saving taxpayers’ money.” Education programs in prison can dramatically help formerly incarcerated individuals by providing the tools to rebuild their lives, while at the same time lowering correctional spending. These programs also have a clear public safety benefit, reducing recidivism rates by over 43 percent. People in federal prisons, however, do not have access to consistent or adequate education opportunities, and the BOP lacks resources needed to administer such programs. The PREP Act would address this by establishing both an Office of Prison Education within the BOP to standardize educational programs across all federal prisons and a new program focused on partnerships between federal prisons and local education providers. It would also provide training and resources for state and local prisons to use in their own education programs. Additionally, it would create a centralized hub for research, policies, and best practices on correctional education. Finally, the bill would ensure that eligible veterans in prison are notified of their ability to access their education benefits and are connected with available education programs in their federal or state correctional facility. “It’s in everyone’s interest that when people re-enter society, they do so with the skills they need to build decent futures for themselves and their families,” Repres… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-underwood-adams-kelly-and-beatty-urge-president-biden-speaker-pelosi-and-leader-schumer-to-include-critical-investments-to-advance-maternal-health-equity-in-final-build-back-better-package Booker, Underwood, Adams, Kelly, and Beatty Urge President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader Schumer to Include Critical Investments to Advance Maternal Health Equity in Final Build Back Better Package 2021-10-22 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, DC – In a letter to President Joe Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Alma Adams (NC-12), Robin Kelly (IL-02), and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty (OH-03) pushed to ensure that investments from the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act are included in full in the final Build Back Better package. The group also urged the leaders to build on the critical progress made through the American Rescue Plan Act by investing in the permanent expansion of yearlong postpartum Medicaid coverage in every state. “Permanently expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage and advancing comprehensive investments in the Momnibus will uphold a principle that is fundamental to the Build Back Better Plan: that in America, every family has a right to thrive—a principle that begins with a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth. We must include these critical maternal health equity investments in the final Build Back Better reconciliation package,” they wrote. If passed, the Momnibus and postpartum Medicaid provisions in the Build Back Better package would be historic investments to save moms’ lives, end racial and ethnic maternal health disparities, and advance birth equity across the United States. The letter echoes previous outreach to Leadership by more than 160 Members of the House and Senate advocating for the inclusion of the Momnibus and yearlong postpartum Medicaid coverage in a reconciliation package. The United States has the highest rate of pregnancy-related mortality among high-income countries, and the only rate that is rising. Maternal mortality rates for Black and Native Americans are 2-4 times higher than rates for white Americans, and Hispanic and AAPI people also experience disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act includes 12 bills to build on postpartum Medicaid coverage expansion and comprehensively address the drivers of th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-wicker-introduce-legislation-to-better-measure-future-precipitation-amounts Booker, Wicker Introduce Legislation to Better Measure Future Precipitation Amounts 2021-10-22 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) today introduced the Providing Research and Estimates of Changes in Precipitation Act, or PRECIP Act, legislation that would update out-of-date precipitation data in the U.S. by providing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with funding and guidance to conduct future research. The PRECIP Act would also direct NOAA to studythe ongoing changes in precipitation that will help communities better prepare for extreme weather and flooding events and to work with the National Academies to complete a consensus study on the best practices for estimating precipitation. Companion legislation was introduced in the House earlier this year by Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11). “We must take every step possible to protect our communities from the increasing frequency of disasters like the historic flooding and rainfall New Jersey experienced this summer from the remnants of Hurricane Ida,” said Sen. Booker. “This bipartisan bill would provide NOAA with vital funding to consult with partner organizations and conduct studies to modernize and improve our nation’s precipitation data, which is needed now more than ever as communities in New Jersey and across the country face the realities of climate change and extreme weather. The new data will be especially useful as we invest in climate-resilient infrastructure to strengthen and safeguard our communities.” “Flooding regularly puts American lives and property at risk, resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses each year,” said Sen. Wicker. “One threat from flooding is dam failure, and in Mississippi there are hundreds of state-regulated dams with a high hazard potential. Forty-two of these dams have failed and nine others have been drained. We need better data to help flood control managers improve dam safety and to update methods used to estimate the risk of failure.” Specifically, the PRECIP Act requires NOAA to: Update precipitation frequency estimates for the United States… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-new-legislation-to-keep-workers-safe-hold-companies-accountable-for-workplace-violations Schatz Introduces New Legislation To Keep Workers Safe, Hold Companies Accountable For Workplace Violations 2021-10-22 2021 2021-10 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) and U.S. Representative Andy Levin (D-Mich.) introduced new legislation to keep workers safe by requiring the publication of workplace violations. The Keeping Workers Safe Act directs the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to announce major violations by companies and distribute them to local media and related labor and trade organizations, a practice which has been shown to boost workplace safety. “We need to do all that we can to protect American workers on the job,” said Senator Schatz. “Publicizing workplace violations holds companies accountable and leads to a safer work environment for everyone. Our bill will help standardize this practice, keep workers safe and healthy, and strengthen our economy.” A recent Duke University study found that one OSHA press release on a major violation resulted in the equivalent compliance measures of 210 inspections. Based on the number of serious violations found each year, the effectiveness of OSHA inspections could be doubled by mandating these notices. The study, which appeared in the American Economic Review, examined OHSA releases sent to local newspapers, finding a direct association between their being issued and improved workplace compliance. It has been estimated that workplace injuries cost $2.5 billion annually. “As our country continues to tackle this once in a lifetime public health crisis, the Keeping Workers Safe Act will ensure workers aren’t forced to risk their lives for paychecks and hold employers accountable for dangerous working conditions,” said Representative Levin. “After years as a union organizer and a workforce policy administrator, I know how important it is to empower OSHA and workers across the country, and this commonsense bill does exactly that.” The Keeping Workers Safe Act would amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to require the OSHA Administrator to publicly disclose civil penalties greater than $60,000 or multiple serious or repeated violatio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-bipartisan-group-of-14-senators-in-calling-on-president-biden-to-strengthen-us-leadership-on-global-vaccinations-efforts-to-fight-covid-19-pandemic Schatz Leads Bipartisan Group Of 14 Senators In Calling On President Biden To Strengthen U.S. Leadership On Global Vaccinations, Efforts To Fight COVID-19 Pandemic 2021-10-22 2021 2021-10 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 Thune (R-S.D.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today called on President Joe Biden to provide more U.S. leadership and step up efforts to increase global vaccine access to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. “We urge you in the strongest possible terms to do more to lead global efforts to end this pandemic and increase global vaccine access. We also encourage you to place a stronger focus on development of and access to COVID-19 diagnostics and treatments and strengthening health systems worldwide,” the bipartisan group of senators wrote. “We were encouraged by the recent steps that the United States has taken to increase global vaccine access, including the recent convening of the Global COVID-19 Summit and the commitment to achieving 70 percent global vaccination by September next year. However, more significant U.S. leadership, urgency, and accountability is essential for a more effective global response to the pandemic.” The full text of the bipartisan letter is available here and can be found below: Dear President Biden: The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for the United States and for the world, with over 242 million cases and 4.9 million deaths worldwide. The COVID-19 vaccines currently approved and authorized are remarkably effective and are a crucial tool to ending the pandemic. Thanks to the important work done by Operation Warp Speed, and now continued by the White House COVID-19 Response Team, important progress has been made to make vaccines more widely available. However, we are deeply concerned about the inequitable access to these vaccines and other essential supplies across the world and what that means for more avoidable infections, deaths, disruption to the global economy, and the risk of new… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-nadler-reintroduce-legislation-to-eliminate-excessive-court-fines-and-fees-that-target-low-income-communities Schatz, Nadler Reintroduce Legislation To Eliminate Excessive Court Fines And Fees That Target Low Income Communities 2021-10-21 2021 2021-10 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) reintroduced the State Justice Improvement Act, legislation that will make lasting changes to America’s criminal justice system. Across the country, courts often impose fines and fees without considering an individual’s ability to pay – disproportionately impacting low income communities and communities of color. This legislation provides state and local courts with new and expanded federal funding opportunities to reform these monetary punishment policies. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. “All Americans deserve equal treatment under the law, no matter how much money is in their bank accounts,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will help to end the cycle of poverty and incarceration, creating a justice system that treats people fairly and keeps our communities safe.” “All Americans, regardless of their socioeconomic status, deserve equal access to our nation’s criminal justice system,” said Chairman Nadler. “Sadly, numerous courts across the nation impose excessive fees and fines which have failed to improve public safety, and instead have placed an undue burden on low-income communities and communities of color. Our legislation will help address these injustices so that we take a step toward bringing an end to the poverty to prison pipeline, and restore public trust in our criminal justice system.” According to available state data, the national court-related debt total is at least $26.7 billion. Excessive court fines and fees disproportionately burden low income communities and communities of color. Individuals who are unable to pay face serious consequences, including more fees, license suspensions, extended probation, and incarceration – trapping people in the criminal justice system. As a result, they can lose their jobs, their homes, and even their children. In the 50 cities with the highest proportion of revenues from fines, the median size of the Africa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-brown-senators-to-zuckerberg-facebook-cannot-be-trusted-to-manage-cryptocurrency-stop-launch-of-diem-novi-immediately Schatz, Brown, Senators To Zuckerberg: Facebook Cannot Be Trusted To Manage Cryptocurrency, Stop Launch Of Diem, Novi Immediately 2021-10-19 2021 2021-10 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), Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) voiced their opposition to Facebook’s revived effort to launch a cryptocurrency (“Diem”) and digital wallet (“Novi”). In light of yet another scandal involving Facebook’s failure to protect its users, the senators urged Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to immediately discontinue the company’s pilot of Novi, announced this morning, and to commit not to bring Diem to market. “Facebook is once again pursuing digital currency plans on an aggressive timeline and has already launched a pilot for a payments infrastructure network, even though these plans are incompatible with the actual financial regulatory landscape—not only for Diem specifically, but also for stablecoins in general,” the senators wrote in their letter to Zuckerberg. “Unfortunately, Facebook’s decision to pursue a digital currency and payments network is just one more example of the company ‘moving fast and breaking things’ (and in too many cases, misleading Congress in order to do so). Facebook cannot be trusted to manage a payment system or digital currency when its existing ability to manage risks and keep consumers safe has proven wholly insufficient.” In October 2019, Senators Schatz and Brown wrote to members of the Diem Association’s predecessor, the Libra Association, and expressed deep concerns about the risks the project posed to consumers and the financial system. Facebook subsequently shelved Libra amid regulatory scrutiny, but the company has now revived its efforts under new branding. The full text of the letter is available here and can be found below: Dear Mr. Zuckerberg: Policymakers are once again facing a scandal involving reports about Facebook’s relentless pursuit of profits at the expense of its users. The most recent allegations detail Facebook’s knowing use of algorithms that harm adole… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-secures-600000-in-new-federal-funding-to-empower-native-hawaiian-community-support-native-hawaiian-cultural-education-for-visitors Schatz Secures $600,000 In New Federal Funding To Empower Native Hawaiian Community, Support Native Hawaiian Cultural Education For Visitors 2021-10-19 2021 2021-10 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 Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Department of the Interior has awarded $600,000 in new grant funding to support local organizations that are working to preserve and share Native Hawaiian culture and traditions with visitors. The funding was made possible by the NATIVE Act, a law authored by Senator Schatz to integrate native tourism, empower native communities, and expand unique cultural tourism opportunities across the country. “This new funding will give local organizations more resources to preserve and share Native Hawaiian culture,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “Native Hawaiian culture and traditions are foundational to who we are as a place and a people, and every visitor should understand that.” The new funding from the NATIVE Act will go towards improving visitor experiences at a National Park through the development of interpretive materials regarding Native Hawaiian place names, and traditional land forms and divisions; and to support other partner organizations in applying historic preservation skills and knowledge so that their traditional cultural places and stories are documented, preserved, and shared. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-cardin-portman-and-young-urge-more-countries-to-engage-with-israel-following-historic-face-to-face-meetings-with-uae Booker, Cardin, Portman, and Young Urge More Countries to Engage with Israel Following Historic Face-to-Face Meetings with UAE 2021-10-13 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON – Cory Booker (D-N.J.), U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Todd Young (R-Ind.), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on Wednesday’s meeting between the foreign ministers of Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the U.S. Department of State. The senators are the lead sponsors of S. 1061, the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021, which has 69 sponsors/cosponsors. “Today, we witnessed an historic milestone as Secretary Blinken hosted Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss progress made since the signing of the Abraham Accords last year, future opportunities for collaboration, and bilateral issues including regional security and stability. This joint meeting with the UAE and Israel would have been impossible prior to the signing of the Abraham Accords,” the senators said. “As the lead authors of the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021, we hope to continue to build on the success of the Abraham Accords and expand normalization agreements. The countries that signed the Abraham Accords have demonstrated global leadership and embraced a new path for the future of their nations. Progress on economic, political and security cooperation can only be made through meaningful and face-to-face engagements, and we hope to see many more of these meetings in the future. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-warren-call-on-doj-to-decriminalize-cannabis Booker, Warren Call on DOJ to Decriminalize Cannabis 2021-10-08 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper Washington, DC - United States Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to decriminalize cannabis by removing the drug from the Federal controlled substances list. Under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA), the Attorney General can remove a substance from the CSA’s list, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), based on the finding that it does not have the potential for abuse. Decriminalizing cannabis at the federal level via this descheduling process would allow states to regulate cannabis as they see fit, begin to remedy the harm caused by decades of racial disparities in enforcement of cannabis laws, and facilitate valuable medical research. “While Congress works to pass comprehensive cannabis reform, you can act now to decriminalize cannabis,” wrote Senators Booker and Warren. The vast majority of the country supports decriminalization of cannabis: approximately 91% of adults in the United States believe that cannabis should be legal for medical and recreational use, or for medical use only. To date, thirty-six states, four territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for medicinal purposes, and eighteen states, two territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for adult recreational use. These state-level legalizations have not caused spikes in traffic accidents or violent crime, or use by teenagers, paving the way for much-needed action at the federal level. Decriminalizing cannabis at the federal level is a critical first step in addressing the racial inequities in cannabis law enforcement. Federal cannabis policy has disproportionately affected the ability of people of color in the United States to vote, to pursue educational and career opportunities, and to build intergenerational wealth. Moreover, decriminalizing cannabis is a vital step so that Americans seeking cannabis treatment options for conditions such as chro… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-paul-introduce-bipartisan-fda-modernization-act-to-end-animal-testing-mandates Booker, Paul Introduce Bipartisan FDA Modernization Act to End Animal Testing Mandates 2021-10-07 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the FDA Modernization Act to end animal testing mandates. This legislation would end an outdated FDA mandate that experimental drugs must be tested on animals before they are used on humans in clinical trials. The bill would not ban animal testing outright, but would allow the option for drug sponsors to use alternative methods where they are suitable. This legislation is currently co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM). “Thanks to modern scientific innovation, the use of animal toxicity testing for experimental drugs has become increasingly obsolete,” said Sen. Booker. “This legislation will eliminate unnecessary suffering for countless animals when scientifically reliable alternative testing methods are available.” “The FDA Modernization Act would accelerate innovation and get safer, more effective drugs to market more quickly by cutting red tape that is not supported by current science. It would also prevent the needless suffering and death of animal test subjects—which is something I think both Republican and Democrats can agree needs to end,” said Dr. Paul. “Over the years, research has demonstrated that animal testing can often be inefficient in predicting drug effects and efficacy in humans. I’m proud to join Sen. Paul in introducing legislation that will cut FDA red tape, allowing drug manufacturers and sponsors to innovate clinical trial designs and utilize modern alternatives to demonstrate safety and efficacy,” said Sen. Braun. “Testing new drugs on animals is often risky for both animals and people. The FDA Modernization Act would allow drug producers to improve safety by using more modern, humane and effective testing. I want Louisianians to get the best medicines as quickly and safely as possible, and I’m thankful to work with Sen. Paul to protect our furry friends at the same time,” said Sen. Kennedy. Background: In 1938, Congress passed the U.S. … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-new-legislation-to-prevent-youth-suicide Schatz Introduces New Legislation To Prevent Youth Suicide 2021-10-07 2021 2021-10 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) introduced legislation to prevent youth suicide, the second leading cause of death for people aged 10-24. The Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act would fund suicide prevention initiatives, ensure health care providers receive training to prevent intentional harm, and create a centralized hub to provide safety information to at-risk youth and their support networks. “Youth suicide is a crisis in Hawai‘i and across America, and we need to take every step we can to address it,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill provides important training and resources to medical professionals who will be able to help. I encourage my colleagues to take action on it immediately.” “Pediatricians do everything we can to keep children healthy and safe, which includes protecting children from the dangers posed by firearms and counseling parents to remove guns from the home or store them safely to prevent child injury and fatality, including from suicide. The Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act would take critical steps toward keeping children safe and help health care professionals support young people who might be at risk for self-harm, especially in supporting the effective combination of physician counseling and provision of safe storage devices for families with firearms in their home. The American Academy of Pediatrics thanks Senator Brian Schatz for his leadership on this important bill and is calling for Congress to swiftly advance the legislation,” said Lee Savio Beers, MD, FAAP, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “AFSP is proud to endorse the Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act to help prevent youth suicide. Voluntary action to make the environment safe from lethal means, including firearms, is an essential component of any effective suicide prevention strategy. This legislation will advance public education and build a comprehensive information center to help health care providers and families identify str… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-mcgovern-urge-usda-to-work-with-local-farmers-and-ranchers-to-help-provide-nutritious-meals-to-school-districts Booker, McGovern Urge USDA to Work with Local Farmers and Ranchers to Help Provide Nutritious Meals to School Districts 2021-10-06 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA), along with 19 other Senators and Representatives, urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to work with independent family farmers and ranchers to help address the food shortages currently impacting schools, and consequently, school meals, across the country. Due to supply chain disruptions within large multinational food corporations, many schools throughout the nation are currently facing food shortages and are struggling to provide healthy and nutritious meals to their students. The USDA recently announced that they are providing $1.5 billion to help school districts offer meals to address this issue. However, without clear direction, that money will likely end up in the pocket of large food corporations, such as Tyson Foods, who continue to be the source of ongoing supply chain disruptions instead of local and independent family farmers and ranchers that have continued to provide healthy, nutritious food to their communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “Creating opportunities for schools to work with local, resilient, small scale producers would also allow school districts the ability to feed children in a way that aligns with their values,” wrote Senator Booker and Representative McGovern to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Many school foodservice professionals are frustrated by the idea of serving food from companies that have committed human rights abuses, environmental harms, and violation of federal laws. As one school dietitian in Washington State put it, “I am pulling my hair out every day having to feed these Big Ag products to children.” “A growing number of school districts have committed to the Good Food Purchasing Program, which includes a commitment not to source from companies with labor violations,” the lawmakers continued. “However, when school districts place their commodity purchasing orders with the USDA, they are not given a choice in which company will fill that order. The USDA Fo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-meets-with-new-jerseys-haitian-community Booker Meets with New Jersey’s Haitian Community 2021-10-06 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today met with leaders of the New Jersey Haitian community and Haitian elected officials to discuss issues affecting the Haitian diaspora in the state and the treatment of Haitian immigrants at the Southern Border. The meeting occurred a week after images showed Border Patrol agents on horseback violently interdictingmigrants attempting to cross the Rio Grande River, and as nearly 2,000 Haitian immigrants, including more than 170 children, were deported back to Haiti. “I was proud to join leaders of our state’s Haitian community for this important discussion and look forward to working together to ensure that our country’s immigration policies reflect our nation’s best values,” said Sen. Booker. “I unequivocally condemn the unconscionable violence and inhumane treatment Haitian migrants have experienced while seeking entry into the United States. As the political situation in Haiti deteriorates and the country endures the aftermath of another devastating earthquake, our nation must stop the cruel deportations of Haitians and live up to its highest ideals as a beacon of hope to people cast out of their native lands by violence, terror, persecution, oppression, and humanitarian disaster.” “With the third most Haitian American elected officials in the U.S., the state of New Jersey and its leaders have a moral obligation to act in the Haitian migrants’ best interest by allowing them to stay in the U.S. with due process capabilities and legal representation,” wrote members of National Haitian American Elected Officials Network. “We firmly believe [Senator Booker’s] office can assist us in the execution of our strategic plans.” “Thank you to Senator Booker for bringing light to and addressing this unthinkable crisis,” said Stanley Neron, Commissioner of the Elizabeth Board of Education. “Helping Haiti and our Haitian brothers and sisters is a humanitarian issue and we must work together to establish solutions that will save lives and provide a bright future.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-blumenauer-unveil-new-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-stop-illegal-deforestation-around-the-world-fight-climate-change Schatz, Blumenauer Unveil New Bipartisan Legislation To Help Stop Illegal Deforestation Around The World, Fight Climate Change 2021-10-06 2021 2021-10 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. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.) today unveiled the Fostering Overseas Rule of Law and Environmentally Sound Trade (FOREST) Act, new bipartisan legislation that creates a framework for the federal government to deter commodity-driven illegal deforestation around the world. The FOREST Act restricts access to U.S. markets for commodities originating from illegally deforested land, reducing the incentive to sacrifice forests for agriculture use and using this market leverage to improve laws, monitoring, and enforcement in countries experiencing illegal deforestation. “Products of illegal deforestation are everywhere. Half of the products in American grocery stores contain palm oil and most of that is coming from illegally deforested land around the world,” said Senator Schatz. “Illegal deforestation is threatening local communities and wildlife and is a major driver of climate change. American consumers are unknowingly and unintentionally driving this destruction, and our bill will help put an end to that.” “Americans shouldn’t have to worry about whether they are contributing to illegal deforestation every time they browse the shelves at their local home improvement or grocery store,” said Representative Blumenauer. “It’s time to crack down on this dangerous practice—which is polluting our planet, threatening forests and wildlife, and hurting communities large and small.” Deforestation accounts for 10 to 15 percent of the world’s annual greenhouse gas emissions, with nearly 40 percent of all tropical deforestation the result of illegal clearing. Driven primarily by the cultivation of cattle, soy, palm oil, and wood products, illegal deforestation is often associated with corruption, organized crime, and human rights abuses. The FOREST Act builds on the success of the Lacey Act, which prohibits the trade of wildlife and timber from illegal sources, to protect biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in the face of a c… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-duckworth-ossoff-schatz-padilla-and-feinstein-lead-25-senators-to-promote-access-to-solar-energy-for-low_and-moderate-income-households Booker, Duckworth, Ossoff, Schatz, Padilla, and Feinstein Lead 25 Senators to Promote Access to Solar Energy for Low- and Moderate-Income Households 2021-10-01 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) today led a group of 25 Senators to urge the inclusion of a direct pay option for residential renewable energy property tax credits in Section 25D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (25D). In a letter, the Senators detailed how a direct pay option would help low- and moderate-income (LMI) households install solar energy systems and help meet President Biden’s goal of curbing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from 2005 levels by 2030. “[The] essential tax credit is designed to help residential customers install renewable energy systems such as solar, wind and geothermal, but without a direct pay option, the low- and moderate-income (LMI) households who would benefit most from distributed generation are effectively blocked from accessing this tax credit,” wrote the Senators. “We believe that a direct pay option will not only help us meet President Biden’s goal of a 50% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions over 2005 levels by 2030, but it will also help address long-standing impacts of climate injustice.” “Renewable energy and environmental justice advocates estimate that roughly half of American households – approximately 60 million households – do not owe enough taxes to fully capitalize on the 25D tax credit in a single year under current law,” continued the Senators. “However, because these LMI households spend more of their income on energy bills, they will benefit disproportionately from installing distributed generation like solar on their properties. We have an obligation to ensure that all Americans have equal access to benefit from the renewable energy transition, and securing 25D direct pay is critical to this goal.” Taking into account the number of LMI households who own their homes, the current tax code prevents an estimated 26 million households from fully benefiting from the residential solar tax credit in the same year that the syste… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-applauds-house-judiciary-committees-passage-of-crown-act Booker Applauds House Judiciary Committee’s Passage of CROWN Act 2021-09-30 2021 2021-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, applauded the passage of the CROWN Act out of the House Judiciary Committee. “No one should be harassed, punished, or fired for the beautiful hairstyles that are true to themselves and their cultural heritage, yet Black people – especially Black women – face unjust harassment because of their natural and protective hairstyles, including denial of employment opportunities and exclusion from school activities,” said Sen. Booker. “To combat biases against natural hair and to protect the civil rights of people of color, the CROWN Act will ensure that discrimination based on hairstyles is prohibited. I applaud the House Judiciary Committee for their vote today and now urge all members of the House and Senate to support this legislation that will allow individuals to wear their hair proudly without fear or prejudice.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schatz-kilmer-reintroduce-legislation-to-protect-federal-workers-contractors-their-families-from-losing-their-homes-falling-behind-on-bills-during-shutdown Schatz, Kilmer Reintroduce Legislation To Protect Federal Workers, Contractors, Their Families From Losing Their Homes, Falling Behind On Bills During Shutdown 2021-09-30 2021 2021-09 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-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) reintroduced legislation to protect federal workers and their families from foreclosures, evictions, and loan defaults during a government shutdown. The Federal Employee Civil Relief Act would enable government employees and contractors to postpone payment obligations during a shutdown and for 30 days afterward. “Federal workers are dedicated public servants who inspect our food and water, maintain our parks, and care for our veterans. The last choice they should have to make is between feeding their families and keeping the lights on,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill will protect them from any harm that might come while Republicans attempt to score political points.” “No family should be left struggling to pay their bills and provide for their families because of the federal government’s failure to do its job,” said Representative Kilmer. “Federal workers aren’t Democrats or Republicans when they show up for work. They are public servants that protect our sailors through their work at the shipyard, that prepare timber sales in the federal forests, that welcome visitors to national parks, that care for our veterans, that ensure citizens can get the services they need, and that keep us safe. We should have their backs. That’s why I’m leading legislation with Senator Schatz to ensure that if federal workers in our region have to deal with another government shutdown, their finances – and their families – are protected.” During the December 2018 government shutdown, many federal workers received a pay stub with zero dollars on it. This bill addresses the real threat of federal workers and contractors losing their homes, falling behind on student loans and other bills, having their car repossessed, or losing their health insurance because they have been furloughed during a shutdown or required to work without pay. The Federal Employee Civil Relief Act would protect impacted workers from: Being evicted or forec… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z

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