Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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483 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "HI" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/over-the-past-year-schatz-worked-to-protect-federal-funding-for-hawaii-amid-national-cuts-secured-more-than-1-billion-to-support-mauis-recovery-improve-infrastructure-expand-high-speed-internet-across-the-state | Over The Past Year, Schatz Worked To Protect Federal Funding For Hawai‘i Amid National Cuts; Secured More Than $1 Billion To Support Maui’s Recovery, Improve Infrastructure, Expand High-Speed Internet Across The State | 2025-12-30 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | HONOLULU – In 2025, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) worked to protect Hawai‘i from significant cuts to federal funding by the Administration across the country and helped secure more than $1 billion for Hawai‘i to support Maui’s ongoing recovery, expand high-speed internet, and improve airports and infrastructure, among other things. “This year, we delivered more than $1 billion to Hawai‘i, including funding to support Maui’s ongoing recovery, help upgrade airports and health centers, and expand high-speed internet. My top priority always is making sure Hawai‘i gets its fair share of federal dollars, and together with the delegation and state and local leaders, we’re going to continue working to lower costs and support families and communities across the state,” said Senator Schatz. Funding highlights include: Nearly $31 million to expand high-speed internet statewide. The federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 will be used to build out and improve broadband infrastructure statewide. Nearly $9.8 million to support the ongoing recovery effort on Maui following the devastating fires. The funding, which Schatz helped secure, will help the community of Lahaina rebuild the Waiola Church, Hale Aloha Museum, the Old Lahaina Courthouse Building, and the Master’s Reading Room. More than $70 million for Kona International Airport. The federal funding for Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, the largest airport on Hawai‘i Island and the state’s second international entry point, will be used to help complete KOA’s ongoing runway rehabilitation project. $1 million for the Lana?i Community Health Center. The funding will support the Lana?i Community Health Center, a nonprofit and federally qualified health center serving the island of Lana?i, to purchase equipment. More than $140 million for the Red Hill Water Treatment Plant. The funding will help build a water treatment facility provides a drinking water treatment facility at the Red Hill water supply shaft and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-markey-press-sba-administrator-on-audit-targeting-underserved-businesses | Hirono, Markey Press SBA Administrator on Audit Targeting Underserved Businesses | 2025-12-23 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Lawmakers: “Rather than using this audit as a pretense to unfairly attack a program with which you have an ideological disagreement, it is our hope that you will refocus on the goals of the 8(a) Program to make sure it continues to support socially and economically disadvantaged businesses—as intended.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ed Markey (D-MA), Ranking Member for the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, sent a letter to U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler, expressing their deep concerns regarding the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) December 5th announcement of a sweeping, program-wide audit of the 8(a) Business Development Program. SBA’s announcement has left many businesses scrambling to meet the agency’s extensive document request under a short deadline with unclear guidance, while raising concerns about how businesses’ information will be used and secured. The 8(a) Business Development Program was created by Congress to provide training, assistance, and federal contracting opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in the U.S. and plays an important role in helping to ensure these businesses have the opportunity to work with federal agencies. Recently, however, the 8(a) program has come under attack as Republicans have unfairly targeted many of these small, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, which often rely on government contracts to stay in business and keep their staff employed. “While we wholeheartedly support meaningful oversight of all programs that fall under the jurisdiction of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, we disagree with your characterization of the program,” the senators wrote. “We also emphasize that formal audits should be conducted by the appropriate authorities, such as Inspectors General, who are a part of a comprehensive system that has decades of proven success in preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse.” The ambigu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-condemns-trump-administration-attack-on-native-hawaiian_and-other-minority-serving-institutions | Hawaii Delegation Condemns Trump Administration Attack on Native Hawaiian- and other Minority-Serving Institutions | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) released the following statement on the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel’s recently-released opinion questioning the constitutionality of Native Hawaiian- and other Minority-Serving Institution programs: “Earlier today, the Trump DOJ released a legal opinion that attacked a wide range of programs of higher learning for minority communities. These programs expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and help students who have too often been left behind succeed in higher education. Targeting them does nothing to improve educational outcomes and instead threatens to undermine institutions that are vital to the people they serve. “We also note just how wrong they were with respect to programs impacting the Native Hawaiian community. Let us be clear. The United States has a long-standing trust relationship with the Native Hawaiian community, and we will continue fighting to ensure the U.S. lives up to its end.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-blast-trump-administration-for-making-it-harder-for-taxpayers-to-receive-full-refund | Hirono, Colleagues Blast Trump Administration for Making it Harder for Taxpayers to Receive Full Refund | 2025-12-18 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Lawmakers: “TAS ensures the American people have a voice within the IRS. […] We are concerned that the recent personnel cuts at TAS and the ongoing hiring freeze will greatly hinder these advocates' ability to provide quality, timely service to taxpayers who need help.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and 22 colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to help Americans get their full refund by restoring staff and resources at the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), which is an office within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that helps taxpayers resolve any issues within the IRS. At its current staffing level, TAS may face significant challenges handling its current caseload and helping taxpayers in Hawaii and across the country. The senators are urging Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent to stop hiring freezes, reduction-in-force efforts, and properly staff TAS. “TAS ensures the American people have a voice within the IRS […] We are concerned that the recent personnel cuts at TAS and the ongoing hiring freeze will greatly hinder these advocates' ability to provide quality, timely service to taxpayers who need help,” wrote the lawmakers. “Since January, the Trump Administration's deferred resignation programs and efforts to reduce the federal workforce have resulted in nearly one in four TAS advocates departing the IRS […] According to the National Taxpayer Advocates FY2026 Report to Congress, these losses of IRS customer service personnel have created "vulnerabilities in service delivery…and taxpayer assistance." We are concerned that the rapid decrease in staff will increase remaining advocate’s case load and taxpayers’ wait times for service,” the senators continued. TAS is an independent organization within the IRS and is considered the voice of the taxpayer at the IRS. TAS helps taxpayers with financial issues with tax refunds, filings, and other problems. “According to the January 20, 2025… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-national-defense-authorization-act-containing-key-hirono-led-provisions-for-hawaii-and-indo-pacific | Senate Passes National Defense Authorization Act Containing Key Hirono-led Provisions for Hawaii and Indo-Pacific | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Within the FY26 NDAA, Hirono secured over $1.1 billion for infrastructure in Hawaii and $10 billion for projects, capabilities, and exercises to support the Indo-Pacific region ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, voted to pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the U.S. Senate, securing several key provisions for Hawaii and the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. military servicemembers, and the maintenance and modernization of Department of Defense (DOD) infrastructure. Senator Hirono’s provisions include over $1.1 billion for infrastructure projects in Hawaii, $10 billion to support our allies and strengthen deterrence throughout the Indo-Pacific region, and authorizes funding to support a 3.8% pay raise for military servicemembers and DOD civilian employees. The NDAA also secures an additional $25 million for DOD’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program to avoid land use conflicts near military installations, address environmental restrictions that would limit military activities, and increase resilience of military installations. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 77-20 and now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. “Investments in DOD infrastructure, military readiness, and support for our servicemembers are all crucial to bolstering our national security,” said Senator Hirono. “This year’s NDAA makes those critical investments, including funding to facilitate the permanent closure of Red Hill, as well as over $1.1 billion to support infrastructure projects in Hawaii. Additionally, I am proud of the fact that this bill does not provide DOD with any additional authority to condemn state land, despite a last-minute push by the Army. Instead, it includes language encouraging the Army to fully develop and communicate its plans for the leased training lands to all stakeholders a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-presses-fcc-chairman-brendan-carr-on-jimmy-kimmel-suspension-free-speech-trump-administration-overreach | Schatz Presses FCC Chairman Brendan Carr On Jimmy Kimmel Suspension, Free Speech, Trump Administration Overreach | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr on his comments that led to the temporary suspension of comedian Jimmy Kimmel earlier this year and whether he believes the commission has the authority to revoke broadcast licenses over political satire it disagrees with. Senator Schatz asked, “So you think you have jurisdiction over political satire under the public interest standard and the news distortion standard?” Chairman Carr responded, “We have jurisdiction with respect to the broadcast airwaves uniquely to ensure that their operations are in the public interest.” Video of the full exchange is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-and-video-hirono-holds-spotlight-forum-on-trumps-illegal-efforts-to-dismantle-the-education-department | PHOTOS & VIDEO: Hirono Holds Spotlight Forum on Trump’s Illegal Efforts to Dismantle the Education Department | 2025-12-16 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Video of the full forum can be found here and photos can be found here ~ ~ Video of Senator Hirono’s opening remarks can be found here ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) held a spotlight forum titled, “Dismantling Education: What the Trump Administration’s Illegal Attacks on Federal Programs Mean for Students, Families, and Educators,” highlighting the dangerous consequences of the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for our nation’s students, families, educators, and schools—among others. During the forum, a panel of witnesses comprised of K-12 education leaders and civil rights experts spoke about how abolishing ED and moving these programs to other federal agencies would harm students across the country, especially those who come from low-income, rural, Native, migrant, and federally-impacted communities. “From Day One, President Trump and his regime have been illegally attacking and undermining the Department of Education, in an attempt to abolish the Department altogether,” said Senator Hirono. “Trump has sown and continues to sow chaos for students across the country: directing the closure of the Department of Education; firing nearly half the Department workforce; slashing, withholding and rescinding funding for federal education programs; and creating a national school voucher program—to name a few things. In the process, he has jeopardized our children’s futures. Today’s forum provided an important opportunity to inform individuals and communities about the destructive actions he has taken so far. Every child in our country deserves access to a quality education, and I will continue working with my colleagues to make sure that is the case.” Specifically, the forum focused on this administration’s recent proposal to illegally move nearly all federal K-12 programs and many higher education programs to other federal agencies that have limited capacity to run these programs and have no experience with dealing with them. ED annou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-legislation-to-protect-expand-social-security | Schatz Introduces Legislation To Protect, Expand Social Security | 2025-12-16 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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) introduced 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 will increase benefits on average by more than $150 per month, ensure the cost of living adjustments adequately reflect the living expenses of retirees, extend the life of the trust fund, and remove the wage cap to make sure all Americans contribute to the trust fund. “Social Security is the most successful safety net program in American history,” said Senator Schatz. “My bill will expand Social Security, 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.” 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 SAFE Social Security Act will: 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 $150; and Update the annual cost of living adjustment to better reflect the real costs that seniors face through the use of the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly. "Social Security is the cornerstone of a secure retirement for working families. The SAFE Social Security Act, which lifts the tax cap for high earners, is the fairest and most equitable way to extend the solvency of the program while also improving benefits for everyone who has spent years contributing to the economy. This is critical legislation that safeguards the future of a crucial program while also addressing the economic concerns of everyday voters,” said Jody Calemine, Director of Government Affairs for AFL-CIO. “We applaud… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/jewish-senate-democrats-statement-on-deadly-attack-on-sydneys-jewish-community-on-first-night-of-hanukkah | Jewish Senate Democrats Statement on Deadly Attack on Sydney’s Jewish Community on First Night of Hanukkah | 2025-12-15 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Jewish members of the Senate Democratic Caucus released the following statement in reaction to the murder of 15 people in Sydney at a menorah lighting on the first night of Hanukkah. The statement is signed by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). “The Festival of Lights commemorates and celebrates the resilience of the Jewish people, our identity and heritage. As we moved into the first night of Hanukkah, that tenacity was tested once again as we mourn those murdered in Sydney during a menorah lighting. Our prayers go out to the Jewish community in Australia, whom we embrace in their terrible hour of suffering. “We are horrified by the brutality of this attack, which comes at a time when Australia has seen a terrible rise in antisemitism. The disturbing wave of antisemitism around the globe has struck anxiety and fear into the hearts of every Jewish community. Some have faced harassment, vandalism, and discrimination. Others, violence as brutal as what we saw yesterday in Sydney. “This attack is the latest reminder of the work that remains to end the scourge of hatred towards Jews. To combat this disease of antisemitism, we must summon the strength to take action against this ancient hatred, and the courage to press on in the face of such violence against Jewish people at home and abroad. “We must speak out against all discrimination, from heinous acts like today to the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric, and the attempts to blur the line between political disagreement and antisemitic hate. And we give thanks to the bravery of people like Ahmed al Ahmed, a fruit shop owner, who risked his own life on Bondi Beach to stop others from losing theirs. “May the memory of those we lost be a blessing, and may courage flow through the hearts of every Jewish family that lit their first can… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-tran-introduce-resolution-to-commemorate-50-years-of-southeast-asian-diaspora-in-us | Hirono, Tran Introduce Resolution to Commemorate 50 Years of Southeast Asian Diaspora in U.S. | 2025-12-12 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Derek Tran (D-CA) led their colleagues in introducing a bicameral resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States. The resolution recognizes these communities’ immense contributions to our nation’s fabric and advocates for policies that would provide Southeast Asian Americans (SEAA) and refugee communities with greater opportunities to thrive. “Since 1975, over one million Southeast Asian refugees have resettled in the U.S., and for 50 years now these communities have contributed greatly to our country’s economy, military, and culture,” said Senator Hirono. “From serving in our Armed Forces to enriching our economy, this resolution honors the sacrifices many of these refugees have made and reaffirms our commitment to ensuring these communities have access to education, health care, and other resources they need to thrive.” In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Secret Wars in Laos, and the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia, over a million Southeast Asians fled their homes to escape war, genocide, ethnic and political persecution, and famine. 2025 marks 50 years since the first Southeast Asian refugee arrived in the U.S. Today, over 3 million Southeast Asian American refugees and their families reside in the U.S. and have made innumerable contributions to our military, economy, and social culture. The resolution acknowledges the atrocities and widespread violence that forced millions to flee Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam 50 years ago, and recognizes the profound impact these communities have had on American culture and society since then. It also honors the sacrifices made by SEAAs to defend the United States, and pledges support for comprehensive policies to expand educational, economic, and political opportunities for Southeast Asian citizens, immigrants, and refugees. In addition to Senator Hirono and Representative Tran, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-britt-colleagues-press-ai-companies-to-commit-to-timely-consistent-safety-disclosures-on-models | Schatz, Britt, Colleagues Press AI Companies To Commit To Timely, Consistent Safety Disclosures On Models | 2025-12-12 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) called on leading artificial intelligence (AI) companies to improve transparency around the capabilities of their models and the risks they pose to users. In letters to OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, Meta, Luka, Character.AI, and xAI, the senators highlighted reports of AI chatbots encouraging dangerous behavior among children, including suicidal ideation and self-harm, and requested commitments to timely, consistent disclosures around model releases as well as long-term research into chatbots’ impacts on the emotional and psychological wellbeing of users. In addition to Schatz and Britt, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.). “If AI companies struggle to predict and mitigate relatively well-understood risks, it raises concerns about their ability to manage more complex risks,” the senators wrote. “While we have been encouraged by the arrival of overdue safety measures for certain chatbots, these must be accompanied by improved public self-reporting so that consumers, families, educators, and policymakers can make informed decisions around appropriate use.” The full text of the letter is below and available here. Dear Mr. Altman, We write to request additional information about your company’s public reporting practices regarding its artificial intelligence (AI) models. As a market leader for consumer AI chatbots, the steps that you take to increase transparency around your capabilities and risk evaluations have direct impacts on the wellbeing of Americans who use your products. We are already seeing how increasingly powerful models have become integrated into many aspects of personal life for users. As demonstrated harms to users’ psychological well-being have emerged, it is critical that, in addition to improving safety design for users, your company takes necessary steps to foster public transp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-trump-order-banning-states-from-regulating-ai | Schatz Statement On Trump Order Banning States From Regulating AI | 2025-12-12 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting the ability of states to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) and preventing the enforcement of existing state laws. “Embracing the amazing possibilities of AI can’t come at the cost of leaving Americans vulnerable to its profound risks, which is exactly what this executive order does. Preventing states from enacting common-sense regulation that protects people from the very real harms of AI is absurd and dangerous. Congress has a responsibility to get this technology right – and quickly – but states must be allowed to act in the public interest in the meantime. I’ll be working with my colleagues to introduce a full repeal of this order in the coming days.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-duckworth-reintroduce-bill-to-reunite-and-protect-immigrant-families | Hirono, Duckworth Reintroduce Bill to Reunite and Protect Immigrant Families | 2025-12-11 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ The Reuniting Families Act would reduce visa backlogs, boost efficiency across the immigration process, and ensure a fairer, more humane process for immigrant families ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) reintroduced the Reuniting Families Act of 2025, legislation to strengthen protections for immigrant families and address long-standing problems in a family immigration system that hasn’t seen meaningful reform in more than three decades. U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “Immigrant families currently experience unnecessary obstacles and delays due to our country’s broken immigration system, keeping families separated for potentially long periods of time,” said Senator Hirono. “By reducing family-based immigration backlogs and making common sense updates to how we treat families, the Reuniting Families Act will help take the first step in the right direction to keeping families together as they navigate our immigration system.” “As Donald Trump’s inhumane mass deportation campaign rips apart families and communities across the country, it’s paramount we address the unnecessary barriers in our immigration system that have created backlogs and kept families apart for years,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our legislation would implement commonsense reforms to help end family-based backlogs, which keep too many with approved green card applications stuck in bureaucratic limbo, and help get more families where they belong—together.” "Family-based immigration makes our country stronger. But our broken immigration system is preventing individuals from reuniting with their loved ones and contributing to our communities and economies. With over four million individuals with approved visa applications stuck in limbo through no fault of their own, families are needlessly suffering,” said Representative Chu. “That’s why I am proud to reintroduce the commonsense Reuniting Families Act of 2025 with Senator Hiro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/more-than-16000-hawaii-residents-join-schatzs-statewide-telephone-town-hall | More Than 16,000 Hawai‘i Residents Join Schatz’s Statewide Telephone Town Hall | 2025-12-11 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – More than 16,000 Hawai‘i residents joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz’s (D-Hawai‘i) statewide telephone town hall today. Senator Schatz heard from constituents about their priorities, provided updates on his work in the Senate, and took questions on rising costs, federal funding, health care, education, immigration enforcement, among many others. “I always appreciate the chance to hear directly from people across Hawai‘i about their priorities and concerns,” said Senator Schatz. “Mahalo to everyone who joined us today for a really productive conversation. We’re going to continue working to make life more affordable and deliver federal resources to every part of the state.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-votes-to-protect-peoples-health-care-prevent-premiums-from-more-than-doubling-next-month | Schatz Votes To Protect People’s Health Care, Prevent Premiums From More Than Doubling Next Month | 2025-12-11 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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) voted today to protect people’s health care and prevent monthly premiums from more than doubling for tens of millions of Americans starting next month. Senate Republicans rejected the measure which sought to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits through 2028. “Republicans are choosing to rip away health care from millions of Americans on purpose,” said Senator Schatz. “At a time when the cost of everything is going up because of Donald Trump, people are now going to be forced to pay hundreds of dollars every month just to keep their plan or give up coverage entirely. This didn’t have to happen. We’ve been trying for months to prevent exactly this outcome, and people are now going to needlessly lose their coverage, get sick, or worse.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-demand-accountability-from-army-for-sexual-misconduct-failures | Hirono, Colleagues Demand Accountability from Army for Sexual Misconduct Failures | 2025-12-10 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Lori Trahan (D-MA), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), and Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) led 58 members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, House Democrats, and Democratic Senators in a letter to the Department of Defense (DOD) Acting Inspector General demanding accountability for the Army’s failure to stop widespread sexual misconduct. Recently, over 80 women joined a lawsuit alleging that Dr. Major Blaine McGraw made sexual advances, directed lewd comments towards them, and secretly recorded patients during exams while working at Ford Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center. This included at least 10 patients McGraw saw in Hawaii when he served as a resident at Tripler Army Medical Center from 2019-2023. Dr. McGraw was not suspended from his position until October 2025. “No woman should feel unsafe receiving medical care, especially during sensitive and private health services. Yet, far too many survivors have come forward with their experiences of alleged exploitation and abuse by a doctor who reportedly violated not just the basic principles of medical care and human decency, but also the expected conduct of a U.S. Army officer and physician,” said Senator Hirono. “The Department of Defense and U.S. Army must take accountability for their failure to rapidly respond to servicemembers and patient complaints. While nothing can reverse the harm reported by patients, a comprehensive investigation into this alleged misconduct, resulting in stronger protections for patients, is necessary to ensure that no one experiences abuse by our military health system again.” In their letter, the lawmakers expressed their outrage over Army leadership’s inaction despite numerous complaints from servicemembers and their families that Dr. McGraw had sexually exploited patients in his care for years. They also explained some of the unconscionable abuses women experienced, including details from the story … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-new-law-in-australia-banning-kids-from-harmful-addictive-social-media-platforms-schatz-calls-for-passage-of-kids-off-social-media-act | Following New Law In Australia Banning Kids From Harmful, Addictive Social Media Platforms, Schatz Calls For Passage Of Kids Off Social Media Act | 2025-12-10 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Following the implementation of Australia’s social media ban for children, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today called on Congress to pass the Kids Off Social Media Act. The bipartisan bill, led by Schatz and U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.), would keep young children under the age of 13 off social media and protect teenagers from the harmful impacts of algorithmic targeting. In addition to Australia’s move this week, a number of countries and at least ten U.S. states are considering similar proposals. “Australia is stepping up to protect kids from the addictive and harmful content being constantly fed to them on social media. It’s now time for Congress to do the same and pass the Kids Off Social Media Act,” said Senator Schatz. Senator Schatz continued, “There is no good reason for an 8 or 9-year-old to be on Instagram or TikTok. And until companies are mandated by law to enforce some basic rules and stop profiting off of children, they will continue padding their bottom lines.” Last week, Schatz took to the Senate floor to call for passage of his bill and outlined the strong relationship between social media use and poor mental health, especially among children. Video of Schatz’s remarks is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-trump-is-making-people-poorer-on-purpose | Schatz: Trump Is Making People Poorer On Purpose | 2025-12-10 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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) spoke on the Senate floor today about the various ways President Donald Trump is raising prices for Americans, including on food, health care, electricity, home insurance, and Christmas gifts. Schatz highlighted how Trump’s policies, including tariffs and regulatory rollbacks, have sharply driven up prices across Americans’ daily lives. Schatz’s comments come ahead of a Senate vote this week to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and prevent people’s health care premiums from more than doubling starting next month. “The president of the United States is very focused. He is focused on building a $300 million ballroom in the White House, while the price of everything has gone up: food, housing, health care, electricity, clothes. Costs are up, jobs are down, and wages are flat. And the president is doing worse than nothing. He's going out of his way to raise prices,” said Senator Schatz. “Donald Trump is making people poorer, and he's doing it on purpose.” x A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here. The president of the United States is very focused. He is focused on building a $300 million ballroom in the White House, while the price of everything has gone up: food, housing, health care, electricity, clothes, you name it. Costs are up, jobs are down, and wages are flat. And the president is doing worse than nothing. And I mean that: worse than nothing. Because it would be one thing to not be focused enough on the question of prices. It is another thing to actively raise the price of everything through federal policy. It's not even that easy to find mechanisms to make prices go up. But he is doing that. He's going out of his way to raise prices. That is not a partisan accusation. That's actually what's happening. And so today I want to go over the five ways that Trump is screwing the average consumer with higher costs, on purpose. Number one: food. Anyone who's been to a grocery store recently knows how expensive cer… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-expedite-recovery-of-missing-servicemembers | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expedite Recovery of Missing Servicemembers | 2025-12-09 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and 6 colleagues in introducing the Bring Our Heroes Home Act, legislation that would eliminate obstacles preventing families and caseworkers from accessing records needed for recovery of America’s prisoners of war (POWs) and missing in action (MIA). “Families of servicemembers who never returned home deserve to know that the government is doing everything it can to determine the fates of their loved ones as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Senator Hirono. “This legislation will help to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and streamline processes to identify and recover our lost servicemembers so we can properly honor their lives and legacies.” According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, approximately 80,930 Americans remain unaccounted for—including more than 150 individuals from Hawaii—from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars and other conflicts. The Bring Our Heroes Home Act would: Create a collection of missing Armed Forces and civilian personnel records at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for families and caseworkers to easily access; Require executive agencies to identify, locate and transmit any missing Armed Forces personnel records to the National Archives for placement in the collection; and Establish an independent Missing Armed Forces and Civilian Personnel Records Review Board to identify missing personnel records, facilitate the transmission and disclosure of these records, and review any decisions by federal agencies to postpone declassification for purposes of protecting sensitive classified material. In addition to Senators Hirono, Shaheen, and Crapo, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV). The full text of the legislation is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-coons-shaheen-reed-warren-kim-bennet-slotkin-statement-on-president-trumps-decision-to-allow-the-export-of-advanced-nvidia-h200-ai-chips-to-china | Schatz, Coons, Shaheen, Reed, Warren, Kim, Bennet, Slotkin statement on President Trump’s decision to allow the export of advanced NVIDIA H200 AI chips to China | 2025-12-09 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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-Hawaii), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance, Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), member of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s decision to allow NVIDIA to sell its H200 AI chips to China: “The Trump administration’s announcement that it will allow the export of advanced H200 AI chips to China is a colossal economic and national security failure. The H200s are vastly more capable than anything China can make and gifting them to Beijing would squander America’s primary advantage in the AI race. “Access to these chips would give China’s military transformational technology to make its weapons more lethal, carry out more effective cyberattacks against American businesses and critical infrastructure, and strengthen their economic and manufacturing sector. Chinese AI giant DeepSeek said as recently as last week that the lack of access to advanced American-designed AI chips is the single biggest impediment to its ability to compete with U.S. AI companies. With this decision, President Trump is poised to remove that barrier. “Senate Democrats and Republicans both know that the 21st century will be defined by whether the leading AI systems are built on values of free societies and free markets or the repressive, authoritarian values of the Chinese Communist Party. The Trump administration clearly doesn’t grasp … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-blunt-rochester-schiff-introduce-bill-to-protect-and-prepare-workers-as-ais-economic-impact-grows | Hirono, Blunt Rochester, Schiff Introduce Bill to Protect and Prepare Workers as AI’s Economic Impact Grows | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced the Workforce of the Future Act. As artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly deploying across many industries, this bill requires a detailed study to grow our understanding of AI, its impact on the economy and workforce, and determine the skills necessary for workers to succeed. “As advanced and emerging technologies—including AI—become rapidly integrated within society, it is imperative that we prepare our workforce for these changes,” said Senator Hirono. “Specifically, we must ensure advances enabled by AI are used to strengthen, not weaken, the workforce. I am proud to introduce the Workforce of the Future Act to better prepare and equip workers with the skills necessary to adapt to AI and a rapidly-changing work environment.” Without proper guardrails, the impact AI could have on our economy is wide-ranging. According to studies from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), AI could replace nearly 12 percent of the workforce. Currently, many recent college grads report being unable to find work. This legislation addresses the most pressing concerns behind AI’s rapid advancement in our workforce while also providing resources to prepare individuals to succeed in advanced technology sectors. The Workforce of the Future Act will: Require the Secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and Education to jointly and efficiently prepare a report analyzing AI’s impact on the economy and workforce that must identify critical information, including what industries and jobs will be most impacted, how job quality will be impacted, necessary skills for workers, and recommendations for preparing the 21st century workforce; Authorize the Department of Education to award $160 million in grants to support expanding access to emerging and advanced technology education. Grants will help support foundational and innovative STEAM learning for students who need this knowledge to participate in the 21st century w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-bipartisan-legislation-to-promote-native-arts-and-culture-unlock-federal-funds-for-native-hawaiian-organizations | Schatz Leads Bipartisan Legislation To Promote Native Arts & Culture, Unlock Federal Funds For Native Hawaiian Organizations | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today introduced legislation to promote Native arts and culture and unlock federal funding for Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs). The bipartisan Native Arts & Culture Promotion Act provides a technical fix to the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts grant program to ensure NHOs can access funding from the program. “Our bill provides a common-sense fix so that Native Hawaiian Organizations can access millions of dollars in federal funding to deliver vital cultural and educational programs to communities across Hawai‘i,” said Senator Schatz, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Established in 1994, the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts program awards grants for scholarly study and instruction in Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native contemporary culture and arts. However, outdated and restrictive language in the statute has limited the ability of NHOs to qualify for grant awards. The bill clarifies that NHOs with a governing board that includes Native Hawaiians or individuals widely recognized in the field of Native Hawaiian arts and culture are eligible for funding. “Allowing the National Park Service to award more grants to a greater variety of Native Hawaiian organizations provides a more easily accessible and streamlined process for Native Hawaiian Organizations who are often understaffed and under-resourced to readily submit proposals for their unique initiatives which perpetuate the storytelling and expression of Native Hawaiian arts and cultural practices,” said Janet Bullard, Acting Director of Government Relations for Bishop Museum. Schatz’s bill is supported by the University of Hawai‘i, Bishop Museum, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities, Hawai‘i Community Foundation, and Hawaiian Council. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) and Ed Ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-hirono-duckworth-daines-cruz-bill-to-better-protect-parents-traveling-with-breast-milk-signed-into-law | Bipartisan Hirono-Duckworth-Daines-Cruz Bill to Better Protect Parents Traveling with Breast Milk Signed Into Law | 2025-12-03 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – After unanimously passing the Senate in May and passing the House in November, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies has been signed into law. The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula and other related nutrition products, including ice packs, in consultation with leading maternal health groups. “Parents and families deserve to be able to travel with peace of mind that they will not be harassed, humiliated, or put in danger, simply for traveling with milk and supplies to feed their babies,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to see the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act signed into law, as it will help to ensure that these families can travel safely, while keeping their children healthy.” The bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act helps keep breastfeeding parents and their kids safe and healthy while traveling by air. Mishandled breast milk can become contaminated, which puts children at risk. Moreover, parents who lactate typically need to breastfeed or pump once every few hours. Failure to do so can result in a clogged milk duct or a painful infection called mastitis. The legislation better protects families by requiring TSA to: Issue guidance promoting the hygienic handling of any breast milk, baby formula and other infant nutrition products, as well as accessories required to preserve these products; Consult with nationally recognized maternal health organizations in establishing and communicating this guidance; and Update guidance every five years to respond to emerging needs of parents and to account for developments in technology. This legislation also directs an independent government w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-prevent-inexperienced-temporary-immigration-judge-appointments-close-loopholes-exploited-by-trump-administration | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prevent Inexperienced Temporary Immigration Judge Appointments, Close Loopholes Exploited by Trump Administration | 2025-12-03 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and 15 colleagues in introducing the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act, legislation to prevent inexperienced temporary immigration judge appointments in light of the Trump administration’s abuse of loopholes in current regulations. U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. “The Trump Administration’s decision to lower eligibility requirements for immigration judges and reassign 600 military lawyers, including JAGs, threatens the readiness of our military forces and is an injustice to the millions of noncitizens who deserve to have their cases heard by a qualified immigration judge,” said Senator Hirono. “Not only will this legislation help to ensure that temporary immigration judges meet specific experience and training requirements, but it will also help to protect the readiness and function of our military justice system.” Following the Trump administration’s mass firing of immigration judges, the bill aims to close the loopholes the administration has been utilizing to authorize up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges. The bill would: Cap temporary immigration judge appointments at four consecutive six-month terms: 2-year maximum service limit with at least a 3-year break in between services; Prevent military attorneys and Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) from being appointed as temporary immigration judges; Authorize appointments of attorneys at the Department of Justice (DOJ) who meet the eligibility requirements; Establish basic training requirements. The bill is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), American Immigration Council (AIC), American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Brennan Center for Justice, and the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ). In addition to Senators Hirono and Schiff, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-reverse-harmful-provisions-in-republican-tax-law-and-protect-unaccompanied-immigrant-children | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Reverse Harmful Provisions in Republican Tax Law and Protect Unaccompanied Immigrant Children | 2025-12-03 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), U.S. Representatives Dan Goldman (D-NY), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), and 18 colleagues in the Senate in introducing the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act. This legislation would reverse provisions in the Republican tax law (the “Big Ugly Bill”) that harm unaccompanied children who are seeking safety from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation in their home countries. Passed in July, Republicans’ “Big Ugly Bill” imposed a new $5,000 Border Apprehension Fee on those who arrives to the United States between ports of entry. This law also requires individuals to pay a mandatory asylum application fee, as well as new annual asylum maintenance fees for every year their case remains pending in the government’s yearslong backlog. For children fleeing human trafficking and extreme violence, these fees are often impossible to pay. Additionally, their tax bill provides funding for intrusive body examinations of minors who are often the victims of abuse and trafficking. It also provides funding for deporting unaccompanied children who have not been screened for signs of trafficking or allowed a full review of their case before an immigration judge. To reverse these provisions in the Republican tax law and protect unaccompanied children, the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act would: Exempt unaccompanied children from all H.R. 1 fees tied to humanitarian protection, including asylum fees, annual maintenance fees, immigration court fees, and the $5,000 Border Apprehension Fee. Eliminate H.R. 1’s fee on abandoned, abused, or neglected children applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Repeal the H.R. 1 provision funding deportations of “specified unaccompanied children” without robust trafficking screenings or full review before an immigration judge. Repeal H.R. 1 provisions funding intrusive body examinations of children in federal custody. Prohibit the use of Office of Refugee Resettleme… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-secretary-bessent-to-reject-proposed-dollar-coin-designs-featuring-donald-trump | Hirono, Colleagues Urge Secretary Bessent to Reject Proposed Dollar Coin Designs Featuring Donald Trump | 2025-12-03 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and 6 colleagues in sending a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, calling on him to reject the proposed designs for the Semiquincentennial dollar coin featuring the likeness of President Donald Trump. “American lawmakers throughout history have reaffirmed the time-honored tradition of not circulating U.S. currency with images of currently elected officials,” wrote the Senators. “For centuries, minting sitting presidents on U.S. currency has been avoided to prevent the appearance that the U.S. is a monarchy or subject to a cult of personality. While the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have featured images of former Queen Elizabeth II for decades, and now also feature King Charles III on their banknotes, the United States has never, and we should not now, mint circulating currency with images of currently elected officials.” On November 18, the U.S. Mint published draft designs for the Semiquincentennial $1 Coin, which include three different portrait options placing President Trump on the front of the coin. The Senators continue: “A portrait of President Trump is the only CCAC proposed design option for the semiquincentennial $1 coin, all but confirming the U.S. Mint intends to mint a circulating coin with a portrait of President Trump while he is in office. Putting an image of President Trump on a circulating coin is not only inconsistent with congressional intent to honor 250 years of United States’ history, but also un-American. We should not depict a living, current president on U.S. currency.” In addition to Senators Hirono, Merkley, and Cortez Masto, the letter was signed by Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Jack Reed (D-RI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Secretary Bessent: American lawmakers throughout history have reaffirmed the time-honored tradition… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-calls-for-full-investigation-of-former-tripler-doctor-accused-of-secretly-recording-patients | Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Calls For Full Investigation Of Former Tripler Doctor Accused Of Secretly Recording Patients | 2025-12-03 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINTON – Following reports that a former Tripler Army Medical Center obstetrician-gynecologist secretly recorded patients during examinations, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) called on the Department of Defense to thoroughly investigate every allegation against Major Blaine D. McGraw and the Army’s own failures in allowing his misconduct to persist. “The damage done by Major McGraw’s alleged actions is irreversible. Major McGraw was entrusted with caring for active-duty servicemembers and military spouses. The Department owes these victims accountability for its failure to stop this misconduct, including a comprehensive investigation and, where supported by the evidence, prosecution of Major McGraw under the Uniform Code of Military Justice to the fullest extent allowed,” the delegation wrote in a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbin, and Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll. The lawmakers continued, “The trust of servicemembers and the community they serve must be continually earned. Therefore, we urge the Department of Defense to move swiftly and thoroughly in the investigation to address these allegations.” The full text of their letter can be found below and is available here. Secretary Hegseth, Secretary Driscoll, and Acting Inspector General Stebbins, We write with grave concern regarding the recent allegations of Army obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) Major Blaine D. McGraw. As you know, Major McGraw is alleged to have assaulted and exploited potentially thousands of former patients, including in Hawai‘i – violating the basic principles of medical practice. Major McGraw’s alleged actions run completely counter to the expected conduct of an U.S. Army officer and physician. Given the extent of these allegations, the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s (CID) investigation into Major McGraw’s conduct must be extremely thorough. Major McGraw… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-schatz-opening-remarks-at-appropriations-subcommittee-hearing-on-abduction-of-ukrainian-children-by-russia | Ranking Member Schatz Opening Remarks At Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing On Abduction Of Ukrainian Children By Russia | 2025-12-03 | 2025 | 2025-12 | 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), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, delivered the following remarks at the subcommittee’s hearing on the abduction of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation. “The systematic abduction of Ukrainian children by the Russian government is a horrific tragedy for the thousands of families victimized by Putin. But it’s also an issue of global concern. Here in the Senate, colleagues on both sides of the aisle have been working to support efforts to track and return children and hold perpetrators accountable,” said Senator Schatz. Schatz continued, “But I want to be perfectly clear: any peace plan that lets Putin walk away from this war – having illegally seized Ukrainian territory, kidnapped thousands of Ukrainian children, and caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people on both sides – with no consequences is unacceptable.” A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks can be found below. Video is available here. Thank you, Chairman Graham, for convening this hearing and for your continued leadership on this important issue. The systematic abduction of Ukrainian children by the Russian government is a horrific tragedy for the thousands of families victimized by Putin. But it’s also an issue of global concern. Here in the Senate, colleagues on both sides of the aisle have been working to support efforts to track and return children and hold perpetrators accountable. That vital work continues, and I hope today’s discussion will add to those efforts. But I want to be perfectly clear: any peace plan that lets Putin walk away from this war – having illegally seized Ukrainian territory, kidnapped thousands of Ukrainian children, and caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people on both sides – with no consequences is unacceptable. It would set a very dangerous precedent for the world, not to mention, undermine future peace in the region. I’m disappointed that the State Department declined to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-individuals-with-disabilities-education-act | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act | 2025-12-02 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), John James (R-MI), and more than 45 colleagues in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the historic step this legislation took by mandating that every child with a disability in America be given equal access to a free, appropriate public education. The resolution is endorsed by The School Superintendents Association (AASA), Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Council for Exceptional Children, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, and National PTA. In addition to Senators Hirono, Van Hollen, and Cassidy, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). In addition to Representatives Huffman, Thompson, Scholten, and James, the resolution is cosponsored in the House by 20 Representatives. The full text of the resolution is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-hawaii-congressional-delegation-calls-for-full-investigation-of-former-tripler-doctor-accused-of-secretly-recording-patients | Hirono, Hawaii Congressional Delegation Calls for Full Investigation of Former Tripler Doctor Accused of Secretly Recording Patients | 2025-12-02 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Delegation also demands assessment of Army failures to avoid future misconduct ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following reports that a former Tripler Army Medical Center obstetrician-gynecologist secretly recorded patients during examinations, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI), and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) called on the Department of Defense to thoroughly investigate every complaint against Major Blaine D. McGraw and the Army’s own failures in allowing his alleged misconduct to persist. “The damage done by Major McGraw’s alleged actions is irreversible. Major McGraw was entrusted with caring for active-duty servicemembers and military spouses. The Department owes these victims accountability for its failure to stop this misconduct, including a comprehensive investigation and, where supported by the evidence, prosecution of Major McGraw under the Uniform Code of Military Justice to the fullest extent allowed,” the delegation wrote in a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbin, and Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll. The lawmakers continued, “The trust of servicemembers and the community they serve must be continually earned. Therefore, we urge the Department of Defense to move swiftly and thoroughly in the investigation to address these allegations.” The full text of the letter is available here and below. Secretary Hegseth, Secretary Driscoll, and Acting Inspector General Stebbins, We write with grave concern regarding the recent allegations of Army obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) Major Blaine D. McGraw. As you know, Major McGraw is alleged to have assaulted and exploited potentially thousands of former patients, including in Hawai‘i – violating the basic principles of medical practice. Major McGraw’s alleged actions run completely counter to the expected conduct of an U.S. Army officer and physician. Given the extent of these allegations, the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s (CID) investigation into… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-launch-inquiry-into-dhs-obstruction-of-congressional-oversight | Hirono, Colleagues Launch Inquiry into DHS’ Obstruction of Congressional Oversight | 2025-12-01 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following credible reports of human rights violations at ICE detention facilities, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and 11 colleagues in pressing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to stop obstructing Congressional oversight. Since the beginning of 2025, there have been numerous, publicly reported examples of members of Congress and their staff facing obstructed access to ICE facilities nationwide, including to ICE field offices where people are being detained. “Obstructing Congressional access to immigration detention facilities violates Federal law and undermines Congress’s inherent authority to conduct oversight that ensures detained individuals’ human rights and protects Americans from agency waste, fraud, and abuse,” the senators wrote. “Members of Congress and their staff must be allowed, pursuant to Congress’s inherent oversight authority and as required by Federal law, to access any facility where individuals are held in federal custody to monitor and prevent these abuses and ensure accountability and compliance with standards for detention,” the lawmakers continued. In addition to Senators Hirono and Ossoff, the letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Secretary Noem: We write with alarm regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) arbitrary and illegal obstruction of Congressional access to detention facilities. Obstructing Congressional access to immigration detention facilities violates Federal law and undermines Congress’s inherent authority to conduct oversight that ensures detained individuals’ human rights and protects Americans from agency waste, fraud, and abuse. The Further Consolidated Appropriations Ac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-adopt-act-to-protect-adoptive-families-from-exploitation | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan ADOPT Act to Protect Adoptive Families from Exploitation | 2025-11-26 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and four colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency (ADOPT) Act to protect adoptive families, children, and expectant mothers from exploitation by unlicensed adoption intermediaries. This legislation would ensure that adoption providers and attorneys operate only in states where they are licensed to do so. The ADOPT Act would protect adoptive families, children, and expectant mothers from exploitation by: Prohibiting adoption advertising and the provision of private adoption services for compensation by any entity not licensed as a child-placing agency or attorney; and Restricting payments to expectant mothers unless made through a provider licensed in the state where the expectant mother resides. The ADOPT Act is endorsed by leading adoption organizations, including the National Council For Adoption (NCFA), Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA), Ethical Family Building, Adoptees United, and Families Rising. In addition to Senators Hirono, Klobuchar, and Blackburn, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Jon Husted (R-OH). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Laurel Lee (R-FL), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA). The full text of the legislation is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-senate-democratic-caucus-introduce-legislation-to-reverse-snap-cuts-and-restore-food-security-for-millions-of-americans | Hirono, Senate Democratic Caucus Introduce Legislation to Reverse SNAP Cuts and Restore Food Security for Millions of Americans | 2025-11-26 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and the rest of the Senate Democratic Caucus in introducing the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025. The legislation would repeal all the devastating Republican cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) made in Republicans’ “Big Ugly Bill.” U.S. Representatives Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Additionally, last week, nearly 1,500 national, state, and community-based organizations joined a letter voicing support for this effort. SNAP is a lifeline for over 42 million Americans, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans. In Hawaii, there are over 163,000 SNAP participants across the state. Congress has typically upheld a 50-year bipartisan commitment that Americans should not go hungry, but the Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill breaks that promise with the largest SNAP cuts in history. “Over 160,000 people in Hawaii and 40 million Americans across the country rely on SNAP to support their families and put food on the table. Yet, Trump and Republicans gutted SNAP funding in their ‘Big Ugly Bill’ and refused to fully fund these benefits during the recent shutdown, making it abundantly clear that they do not care if millions of Americans starve,” said Senator Hirono. “As Trump continues to give millions in tax breaks to his billionaire buddies, this Democrat-led legislation would help to reverse these harmful funding cuts. Working families across the country are struggling to afford to eat, and millions more will suffer because of these cuts. Democrats will not stop working until every American has access to the resources to keep their families fed and healthy.” To fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy, Congressional Republicans approved cuts… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-slams-trump-administration-attacks-on-department-of-education-highlights-importance-of-idea | VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Slams Trump Administration Attacks on Department of Education, Highlights Importance of IDEA | 2025-11-25 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) took to the Senate floor to slam the Trump Administration’s attacks on the Department of Education (ED) and highlight the importance of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ahead of its upcoming 50th anniversary on November 29. From withholding billions in federal funding to firing nearly half of the Department’s staff, since the beginning of his second term, Trump has conducted countless illegal actions against ED, an agency that supports over 50 million students across the country. “It’s clear Trump doesn’t give a rip about our government or the millions of Americans who rely on the services it provides,” said Senator Hirono during her remarks. “Instead of trying to strengthen the Department of Education’s support for our nation’s public schools, Trump and his allies are trying to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education completely.” For decades, ED has worked to protect students against discrimination and ensure equal opportunities in public schools, especially for students with disabilities. Signed into law in 1975, IDEA protects the rights of more than seven million students with disabilities across the country, helping to ensure these students receive free and appropriate education that meets their needs by providing funding and federal oversight of critical services. However, the Trump Administration has taken several steps to undermine the IDEA, even as it announced last week that it would accelerate plans to reorganize ED by moving dozens of other programs to different agencies. “Before IDEA was enacted, we did not have these kinds of federal protections for students with disabilities. As a result, there was no way to ensure that students with disabilities were not denied access to education or neglected in our schools,” said Senator Hirono. “Despite the success of IDEA and programs like this, this regime is accelerating plans to dismantle the Department of Education and roll back the progress it has enabled by moving important… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-demand-declassification-and-public-release-of-legal-memo-on-lethal-caribbean-and-east-pacific-airstrikes | Hirono, Colleagues Demand Declassification and Public Release of Legal Memo on Lethal Caribbean and East Pacific Airstrikes | 2025-11-24 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), and the rest of the Democratic SASC members in writing Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth requesting the declassification and public release of the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) written opinion on the Trump Administration’s lethal airstrikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. Members of the committee were finally allowed to review the Trump Administration’s classified OLC opinion in a closed setting last week. To date, the Trump Administration has carried out 21 unauthorized military strikes – primarily off the coast of Venezuela – that have killed 83 people. “Few decisions are more consequential for a democracy than the use of lethal force. We therefore believe that the declassification and public release of this important document would enhance transparency in the use of deadly force by our Nation’s military and is necessary to ensure Congress and the American people are fully informed of the legal justification supporting these strikes,” the Senators wrote. In addition to Senators Hirono, Blumenthal, and Reed, today’s letter was signed by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). The full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Attorney General Bondi and Secretary Hegseth: We are writing to request expeditious declassification and public release of the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel’s written opinion, dated September 5, 2025, concerning the domestic and international legal basis for recent military strikes of certain vessels near South America and the Caribbean, with appropriate redactions necessary to protect military personnel and sensitive intellig… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-schatz-legislation-to-expand-va-services-to-us-veterans-in-freely-associated-states | Senate Passes Schatz Legislation To Expand VA Services To U.S. Veterans In Freely Associated States | 2025-11-22 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 passed legislation authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) that will expand Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits to U.S. veterans who reside in the Freely Associated States (FAS) of Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands. The Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act requires the VA to provide telehealth services, mail-order pharmacy benefits, and beneficiary travel reimbursements to U.S. veterans in the FAS. “U.S. veterans in the FAS deserve the same care as all other servicemembers, without having to navigate complex, costly barriers or travel long distances just to see a doctor or get medication,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill ensures servicemembers can finally access the care they deserve.” Citizens of the FAS enlist in the U.S. military at some of the highest enlistment rates per capita. In exchange for exclusive military basing rights, the U.S. provides the military defense of these countries as part of a decades-long compact agreement. In 2024, the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act gave the VA the authority to provide medical services and beneficiary travel benefits to U.S. veterans in the FAS. To date, the VA has not exercised this authority. In addition to Schatz and Moran, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), James Risch (R-Idaho), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). “I strongly support this bipartisan legislation to extend VA health care to veterans in the Freely Associated States,” said Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Marshall Islands. “This is not a political issue, it is personal and rooted in shared sacrifice. As a retired U.S. Army veteran, I recruited nearly 200 Marshallese men and women who served under the U.S. flag and earned these benefits. Allowing veterans to receive care at home strengthens… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-repeal-provision-allowing-a-handful-of-republican-senators-to-receive-taxpayer-funded-payouts | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Repeal Provision Allowing a Handful of Republican Senators to Receive Taxpayer-Funded Payouts | 2025-11-21 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ The Anti-Cash Grab Act repeals last-minute provision allowing Republican senators to collect $500,000 per lawfully subpoenaed phone record ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and 24 colleagues in introducing the Anti-Cash Grab Act, legislation that will repeal a provision—quietly added into the government funding bill by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) at the last minute—that allows senators to collect $500,000 for every phone record lawfully obtained. “While Democrats were fighting for affordable health care during the government shutdown, not only did Senate Republicans refuse to budge on health care subsidies, they also snuck in a taxpayer funded payout for themselves in the government funding bill,” said Senator Hirono. “Americans deserve honest lawmakers who are going to fight for them, not lawmakers who would attempt to sue the government for hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money for themselves while simultaneously enabling the suffering of working families. I am proud to introduce this legislation to repeal this filthy provision.” Senate Republicans’ provisions will specifically benefit eight Republican Senators, each of whom stands to collect at least $1 million in taxpayer money through this provision. In addition to Senators Hirono, Heinrich, and Kelly, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT),… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-set-to-receive-nearly-31-million-in-new-federal-funding-to-expand-high-speed-internet-statewide | Schatz: Hawai‘i Set To Receive Nearly $31 Million In New Federal Funding To Expand High-Speed Internet Statewide | 2025-11-21 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – The National Telecommunications and Information Administration this week approved a proposal that will unlock $30.6 million in new federal funding to expand high-speed internet access across Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i is among the first states in the country to receive approval for new funding from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program which will be used to build out and improve broadband infrastructure statewide. “Everyone in Hawai‘i should have access to high-speed internet,” said Senator Schatz. “This new funding puts us one step closer to achieving that goal by helping expand broadband infrastructure across the state. We’re going to continue doing everything we can to deliver federal funding to make affordable, dependable high-speed internet a reality for all.” The BEAD program was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/11/20/2025/hirono-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-resolution-commemorating-transgender-day-of-remembrance | Hirono Leads Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Commemorating Transgender Day of Remembrance | 2025-11-20 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led 16 of her Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution commemorating November 20, 2025 as Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). The House companion bill was introduced by U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), and Mark Takano (D-CA). “As anti-transgender hate continues to rise across the country, it is crucial that we do everything in our power to protect and support transgender and gender-nonconforming communities,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to educate people about the discrimination and dangers that transgender communities face, as well as to honor the lives of transgender and gender-nonconforming people who were lost to violence. Transgender rights are human rights, and I’ll continue fighting so no one has to live in fear for simply existing as who they are.” Following the still-unsolved murder of Rita Hester, a transgender woman of color, Gwendolyn Ann Smith founded TDOR to honor Hester and other transgender people whose lives were lost to violence. Senator Hirono leads the TDOR resolution each year to memorialize the lives of transgender people lost due to violence in the United States and around the world. The resolution this year also commemorates Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a Black genderqueer transgender rights advocate who passed away last month. Miss Major was a trailblazer of the transgender rights movement and one of this country’s most celebrated transgender rights activists, spending over 50 years fighting at the forefront of the movement and providing a sanctuary for transgender and gender-nonconforming people in her home state of Arkansas. “On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the Americans we have lost to violence and those who continue to suffer discrimination and hate for simply being who they are,” said Bennet. “We must commit to protecting the rights and safety of the transgender community and ensure everyone can live with dignity a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-block-donald-trump-from-getting-230-million-taxpayer-payout-from-justice-department | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Block Donald Trump from Getting $230 Million Taxpayer Payout from Justice Department | 2025-11-19 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and six colleagues in introducing the No Torts for Trump Act, legislation to prohibit sitting presidents from seeking taxpayer-funded payouts under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This follows recent reporting that President Trump is pressing the Justice Department to pay him roughly $230 million as a settlement for proper investigations he faced under the Biden administration and during his first term in office. “Trump is turning the DOJ into his personal law firm, and now he’s trying to use it as his personal piggy bank too—demanding the Department pay him over $200 million as some form of a deceitful settlement,” said Senator Hirono. “While Trump tries to line his pockets with taxpayer dollars, this legislation will help to ensure neither he, nor any future president, will be able to carry out this kind of blatant corruption.” Last month, President Trump submitted complaints through an administrative claim process under the FTCA, which Congress enacted to authorize plaintiffs to obtain compensation from the United States for the torts of federal employees. In these claims, President Trump alleged his rights were violated during the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) investigation into his 2016 campaign’s ties to Russia and during the investigation and prosecution for allegedly mishandling hundreds of pages of classified documents. President Trump’s claims pose substantial and concerning ethical challenges due to the unprecedented nature of his demands. Any settlement claims to the DOJ for more than $4 million must be approved by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche or Associate Attorney General for the Civil Division Stanley Woodword – both of whom have personally represented President Trump. The No Torts for Trump Act would amend the FTCA to exclude the president from being eligible to seek relief under the law regardless of when the tort took place or claim was filed. The legislation is supported by Democra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-markey-lead-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-from-uscis-about-changes-to-the-naturalization-civics-test | Hirono, Markey Lead Colleagues in Demanding Answers from USCIS About Changes to the Naturalization Civics Test | 2025-11-19 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Senators: “Encouraging naturalization has long been a bipartisan goal, yet USCIS has taken actions that will harm those seeking to become citizens while serving no legitimate public policy interest.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ed Markey (D-MA) led a letter to Joseph Edlow, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) demanding answers from USCIS regarding the significant changes recently made to the naturalization civics test. The letter also urges the Trump Administration to rethink this policy in order to prevent long-term harm to the country’s naturalization process and immigration system. In addition to Senators Hirono and Markey, the letter is also signed by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Cory Booker (D-NJ). “With little public warning or opportunity for public input through the formal notice-and-comment procedure, USCIS made significant changes to the naturalization civics test, to the detriment of those who file their naturalization applications on or after October 20, 2025,” stated the senators. “Encouraging naturalization has long been a bipartisan goal, yet USCIS has taken actions that will harm those seeking to become citizens while serving no legitimate public policy interest.” The civics test is an oral exam that must be passed by immigrants seeking naturalization as U.S. citizens, with limited exception. The previous version of the test had required applicants to answer 6 questions correctly out of 10. Since the Trump Administration’s changes in October, the new threshold for passing requires applicants to answer twice as many questions correctly—12 out of 20. In addition to increasing the question threshold, USCIS also increased the difficulty of the questions, and expanded the list of potential questions from 100 to 128 options for agents to choose from. “This sudden and arbitrary overhaul of the civics test will disproportionately impact vulnerable appl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-balint-fernandez-lead-colleagues-in-urging-scotus-to-protect-transgender-rights | Hirono, Balint, Fernández Lead Colleagues in Urging SCOTUS to Protect Transgender Rights | 2025-11-18 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Representative Becca Balint (D-VT), and Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) led 130 members of Congress in filing an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in the cases of West Virgina v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, where the Court will be considering whether categorical bans on transgender students participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity violate Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause. The brief, which argues that categorical bans on transgender students participating in school sports violate Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause, was joined by eight of Senator Hirono’s colleagues in the Senate, and over 120 Representatives. “All students deserve equal access to opportunity in schools—whether in the classroom, on the playing field, or in other settings. No student should be discriminated against based on who they are,” said Senator Hirono. “A categorical ban on transgender students participating in sports not only harms these students, but also subjects women and girls to harassment and discrimination, and leads to the policing of children’s bodies. This contradicts the very purpose of Title IX: ending discrimination in federally-funded education programs. These bans are blatant discrimination, and the Court should say so.” In their brief, the Members argue that categorical bans on transgender students participating in school sports violate Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause. The brief highlights: How categorical bans harm all girls and women—including cisgender girls and women—through harassment and policing of children’s “reproductive biology;” How categorical bans both undermine the ability of transgender students to participate in their school community and are not substantially related to an important government interest; and The recent failures to amend Title IX to enact a categorical ban. The brief includes examples where a scho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-release-the-epstein-files | Schatz: Release The Epstein Files | 2025-11-18 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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) issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a measure to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. “Now that Congress has weighed in on a bipartisan basis, it is the job of the Department of Justice to actually release these files and not cook up a new set of excuses.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-swiftly-release-home-heating-funds | Hirono, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Swiftly Release Home Heating Funds | 2025-11-14 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and 27 colleagues in a bipartisan push for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Currently, the Trump Administration is sitting on $4 billion in federal LIHEAP dollars that have yet to be distributed this year. “As Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services, we urge you to immediately release the highest amount of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available under the Continuing Resolution,” the lawmakers wrote. The bipartisan group of Senators say the federal LIHEAP funding is a crucial lifeline that keeps vulnerable citizens safe and warm during winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills. The program also helps reduce energy costs through improved energy efficiency initiatives. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year. States and tribes typically receive their LIHEAP allocations from HHS by early November. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. While eligibility varies by state, most applicants must have a household income below 150 percent of the federal poverty guideline or 60 percent of the state median income. The Trump Administration has proposed eliminating LIHEAP, including zeroing out funds in its fiscal year 2026 (FY26) budget plan. The Senate’s Labor-HHS-Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for FY26 would provide a $20 million increase for LIHEAP to $4.045 billion, while the House Appropriations Committee recommended a $10 million increase. LIHEAP applications are now open for all income-eligible households. Senior citizens and thos… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-call-on-trump-administration-to-immediately-halt-plans-to-upend-key-homelessness-program | Hirono, Colleagues Call on Trump Administration to Immediately Halt Plans to Upend Key Homelessness Program | 2025-11-13 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), and 37 colleagues in urging the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner to immediately halt reported plans to make drastic changes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which could result in nearly 200,000 Americans being forced out of their housing and back into homelessness. In their letter, the senators called on Secretary Turner to use the authorities that Congress has given him to renew existing CoC grants for Fiscal Year 2025 to prevent massive disruption and uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Americans in the coming months. “We write to express our deep concerns regarding the instability the entire homeless support system could face if funding delays, uncertainty, and rushed policy changes continue,” wrote the lawmakers. “HUD must immediately reconsider these harmful and potentially illegal changes that could result in nearly 200,000 older adults, chronically homeless Americans with disabilities, veterans, and families being forced back onto the streets. As Secretary, you have the authority to avoid this worst-case scenario by carrying out the previously planned and Congressionally authorized two-year [Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)], and we strongly urge you to do so expeditiously.” The senators noted that the potentially illegal plans to upend the program, which is the largest source of federal grant funding to prevent homelessness, would cause sudden and significant shortfalls across the country. “The most troubling of these changes is a new, arbitrary cap on the amount of funds that may be used for permanent housing. Currently, 87 percent of CoC funds support permanent housing, but the new NOFO reportedly limits the amount of funding for permanent housing to only 30 percent. This appears to be in contravention of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, undermines local decision… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-stop-imminent-tax-bomb-for-student-loan-borrowers | Hirono, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Stop Imminent “Tax Bomb” for Student Loan Borrowers | 2025-11-10 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Borrowers who earn income-driven repayment cancellation after decades of payments could be hit with tax bills as high as $10,000 ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and seven colleagues in a letter urging Secretary of the Treasury & Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent to use the IRS’s existing legal authorities to stop the looming “tax bomb” facing borrowers who obtain income-driven repayment (IDR) discharges of their student loan debt. In 2021, Congress passed into law a provision excluding student debt cancellation from taxable income. As a result, borrowers who received student debt relief after years of repayment were not faced with high and unexpected tax bills. However, that provision is set to expire at the end of this year. Absent action from President Trump or Republicans in Congress, this expiration will mean that borrowers on IDR plans who have legally earned debt cancellation after 20 or 25 years of repayment will be hit with significant tax bills. “If neither the Trump Administration nor the Republican-controlled Congress act soon, families who earn student debt cancellation after paying their loans for decades will be hit with surprise tax hikes—as high as $10,000 in many cases—starting next tax year,” wrote the senators. “The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service should move immediately to avoid this financial disaster for working-class Americans.” New data from Protect Borrowers reveal that a typical family headed by a borrower receiving IDR cancellation (i.e., a married parent with two children earning $50,000 a year) could see their tax bill spike by $8,789. A similar family making $40,000 a year could shoulder a net tax increase of $10,295. Lower-income borrowers and borrowers with children would likely be forced to pay the most, as they stand to lose access to critical programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. In their letter, the senators laid out the legal cas… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-votes-no-on-proceeding-to-republican-cr | Hirono Votes NO on Proceeding to Republican CR | 2025-11-09 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | “Republicans can find the money to give permanent tax breaks to billionaires, but can’t be bothered to extend the tax credits millions of Americans rely on to afford their health care.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) released the following statement after voting against proceeding to consideration of Republicans’ Continuing Resolution (CR), which fails to address the looming health care crisis facing millions of Americans: “For months, Democrats have fought to prevent health care costs from skyrocketing for millions of Americans. Despite our repeated calls for Republicans to join us in this effort, they have refused to even discuss extending Affordable Care Act subsidies with us. Clearly, Republicans do not care that millions of people in our country will not have health care. “From gutting Medicaid, to allowing ACA premiums to skyrocket and fighting to prevent hungry families from accessing their SNAP benefits, Republicans’ actions make clear their disregard for the well-being of working Americans. Republicans can find the money to give permanent tax breaks to billionaires, but can’t be bothered to extend the tax credits millions of Americans rely on to afford their health care. This bill ends Republicans' painful shutdown, guarantees backpay for federal employees, and will restore SNAP and other programs. However, Republicans’ refusal to include even a one-year extension of ACA subsidies will be disastrous for people across our country, which is why I voted against their CR.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-government-funding-rising-health-care-costs | Schatz Statement On Government Funding, Rising Health Care Costs | 2025-11-09 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 released the following statement after voting against a government funding bill that did not address rising health care costs for millions of Americans. “I voted no because this bill does not extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies, but we are not done with this fight. We are going to keep fighting to try to salvage this situation for the tens of millions of Americans who are going to see their health care costs double.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-trump-administration-attempt-to-block-snap-benefits | Schatz Statement On Trump Administration Attempt To Block SNAP Benefits | 2025-11-09 | 2025 | 2025-11 | 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 released the following statement after the Trump administration directed states to undo any actions to provide full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to low-income families. “This is inhumane and illogical. The money is there, and we should use it to feed hungry Hawai‘i citizens. Tens of thousands of families rely upon this benefit to put food on the table, and multiple federal courts have determined that using the contingency fund is not just allowed but required. We need to put politics aside and make sure everybody can eat.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-bar-mass-layoffs-during-government-shutdown | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Bar Mass Layoffs During Government Shutdown | 2025-11-07 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) in leading their colleagues in introducing the Securing Assurance for Federal Employees (SAFE) Act. The legislation would explicitly prohibit the federal government from carrying out reductions in force (RIFs) during a lapse in appropriations. The bill would also reverse RIF actions taken during the current government shutdown. “Trump is using RIFs as a political tool to punish hardworking federal workers and their families during this Republican shutdown, sowing chaos for hundreds of thousands of people,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to combat this Administration’s lawlessness and protect the jobs and livelihoods of crucial federal employees.” The SAFE Act comes in response to recent efforts by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to initiate thousands of RIFs during the ongoing shutdown – an unprecedented step that a federal judge has already said appears “politically motivated,” illegal, and “arbitrary and capricious.” More than 4,000 federal employees have received RIF notices since early October. While the court has temporarily blocked these actions, the threat remains for many other federal employees serving the American public without pay during this shutdown. Current law does not permit agencies to conduct RIFs during a lapse in appropriations. This bill reaffirms and makes explicit Congress’s intent that no administration may use a shutdown as a pretext to initiate layoffs. The SAFE Act makes clear that such actions have no legal force and ensures federal workers cannot be targeted for job cuts during a funding lapse. The legislation is endorsed by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of State, County & M… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-reverse-course-on-nuclear-weapons-testing | Hirono, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Reverse Course on Nuclear Weapons Testing | 2025-11-05 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and 13 colleagues in demanding that the Trump Administration reverse course on resuming nuclear weapons testing and instead focus on continuing U.S. leadership in maintaining nuclear deterrence. Resuming U.S. nuclear testing risks prompting China, Russia, and other adversaries who have much more to gain from testing to restart their tests, undermining U.S. national security. “We write to you today to express grave reservation about any action to resume nuclear weapons testing,” wrote the senators. “While Secretary Wright recently sought to provide context to the directive you announced last week, we request that you personally provide clarification. The decision to resume nuclear weapons testing would be geopolitically dangerous, fiscally irresponsible, and simply unnecessary to ensure the ability of the United States to defend itself.” The United States tested nuclear weapons from 1945 to 1992, including in including in the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, and other locations in the Pacific Ocean. In their letter, the senators underscored that while these tests improved weapon designs, they also caused serious and lasting health effects for Americans and our partners in the Pacific, including air and groundwater contamination that remains today. The senators emphasized that the United States has spent billions of dollars over the last several decades to alleviate the harm caused by nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific, and that President Donald Trump is clearly aware of this, having signed extensions to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act into law earlier this year. “The National Nuclear Security Administration has built a comprehensive set of tools for guaranteeing the readiness of our weapons,” continued the senators. “These capabilities include the most sophisticated scientific equipment in the world, including experimental facilities such as the Z Machine at Sandia National Laboratories and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-slam-trump-administration-for-rising-health-care-costs-affordability-crisis-for-american-families | Hirono, Colleagues Slam Trump Administration for Rising Health Care Costs, Affordability Crisis for American Families | 2025-11-05 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Lawmakers: “We urge the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans to join us to lower Americans’ health care costs and reopen the government.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and 24 colleagues in slamming the Trump administration for its failure to address rising health care costs for American families. In a new letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the lawmakers highlighted the worsening affordability crisis, especially for health care — the crux of the fight surrounding Donald Trump and Republicans’ ongoing government shutdown. “Over 90 percent of American voters say it is important for Congress and the President to lower health care costs,” wrote the lawmakers. “We urge the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans to join us to lower Americans’ health care costs and reopen the government.” The senators explained that Donald Trump has raised health care costs for Americans in the following ways: An estimated 154 million Americans with employer-sponsored health insurance will face the biggest premium increase in over a decade because of Donald Trump’s policies; Over 24 million Americans who get their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will see their premiums skyrocket next year, and families receiving enhanced premium tax credits will face the largest price hike in history if the tax credits expire; 15 million Americans will get kicked off of their health insurance because of Trump and Congressional Republicans’ budget law, and millions more with Medicaid will face new, higher out-of-pocket costs; 15 million Americans with $49 billion in medical debt are being denied federal relief, while 15 million more are at higher risk of accruing medical debt; Millions of Americans will have to pay “hundreds of dollars more in out-of-pocket costs” for ACA coverage due to the Trump administration’s final Marketplace… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-trump-administration-has-enough-money-for-argentina-a-new-golden-toilet-in-the-white-house-but-nothing-to-feed-hungry-families | Schatz: Trump Administration Has Enough Money For Argentina, A New Golden Toilet In The White House, But Nothing To Feed Hungry Families | 2025-11-05 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Speaking at this afternoon’s Senate Democratic leadership press conference, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) called on President Trump to comply with court orders and fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that nearly 42 million Americans rely on, including more than 160,000 people in Hawai‘i. “There's enough money for a golden toilet. There's enough money for $40 billion for right-wing government in Argentina. There is enough money for a new aircraft for the Secretary of Homeland Security, which is totally unnecessary. There is enough money in the United States of America. What they have decided to do is to withhold it from regular people,” said Senator Schatz. A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks can be found below. Video is available here. Everything's more expensive – electricity, food, health care. And that is not a natural consequence of the economic cycle. Those are intentional policies by the Trump administration. And there is enough money. There's enough money for a golden toilet. There's enough money for $40 billion for right-wing government in Argentina. There is enough money for a new aircraft for the Secretary of Homeland Security, which is totally unnecessary. There is enough money in the United States of America. What they have decided to do is to withhold it from regular people. And as it relates to SNAP, in particular. Don't mistake what's happening. Don't allow these gilded walls to confuse you. This is exactly what it looks like. The Trump administration is going out of its way to make sure people don't have enough to eat, and they really are using hunger as a political weapon. It does sound crazy to say, but this is a new low. It is absolutely within the president's authority to make sure everybody gets fed. But what they are arguing is that even though they have the flexibility to provide $40 billion to a right-wing government in Argentina, even though they have the flexibility to purchase a new luxury aircraft, even though they have the fle… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-resolution-demanding-trump-senate-republicans-fully-fund-nutrition-assistance-program-for-millions | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Demanding Trump, Senate Republicans Fully Fund Nutrition Assistance Program for Millions | 2025-11-04 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and 44 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing a resolution calling on Senate Republicans to force President Trump to immediately use all congressionally approved funding to keep families from going hungry. The senators introduced the resolution after the Trump Administration paused benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for nearly 42 million Americans over the weekend due to the ongoing Republican-led government shutdown. Today, November 4th, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that USDA has sent SNAP guidance to states after they were ordered to provide funding by two federal judges, but claimed that this will be a “cumbersome process” that may delay SNAP benefits for weeks. Shortly after Secretary Rollins’ announcement, President Trump claimed that he would illegally withhold all SNAP benefits until the shutdown ends. However, a few hours later, the White House announced that the Trump Administration is complying with court orders requiring the Administration to use congressionally-appropriated contingency funds to continue providing SNAP benefits. This incoherent back-and-forth has left SNAP recipients in limbo, unsure whether they will receive the benefits they need to feed their families. USDA has the authority to release $6 billion in congressionally-appropriated SNAP contingency funds, and the Trump Administration is required by law to release these funds. USDA also has interchange authority, allowing it to transfer federal funds from other nutrition programs to support SNAP. However, the Trump Administration decided to withhold this available funding, causing SNAP benefits to lapse on November 1st. In addition to Senator Hirono, the resolution was cosponsored by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-call-out-trump-administrations-illegal-move-that-harms-students-with-disabilities | Hirono, Colleagues Call Out Trump Administration’s Illegal Move That Harms Students with Disabilities | 2025-11-03 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and 28 colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration to halt illegal efforts to shut down the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) programs that support students with disabilities through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). A recent report from the Washington Post revealed that the Administration is working to undermine the IDEA, which provides educational opportunities for students with disabilities and protects students with disabilities from discrimination, including by moving IDEA programs away from ED. “Your moves to illegally shut down the U.S. Department of Education’s efforts to administer and enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and potentially shift this work to another agency would reverse decades of progress in how we support students with disabilities and their families,” the senators wrote in a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “When Congress created the U.S. Department of Education, lawmakers intentionally placed enforcement of IDEA under this new Department rather than the Department of Health and Human Services. This was done because of our recognition as a society that students with disabilities should be treated as individuals seeking equal opportunity for learning and independence, rather than as patients and second-class citizens.” “Your latest reported effort to illegally move IDEA responsibilities, oversight, and programming to another federal agency would further erode the protections that countless mothers, fathers, educators, advocates, and students with disabilities have fought for years to build,” continued the lawmakers. In the letter, the senators questioned the legality of the move and emphasized the risk of harm it poses to students. They urged the Administration to instead focus on rebuilding the infrastructure that schools and districts rely on to ensure that students with disabilities receive the education they are entitled to under … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-press-for-transparency-on-secretive-ice-air-operations-raise-human-rights-concerns-over-reports-of-improper-treatment-of-detainees | Hirono, Colleagues Press for Transparency on Secretive ICE Air Operations, Raise Human Rights Concerns Over Reports of Improper Treatment of Detainees | 2025-10-30 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and 8 colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration for answers regarding its use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Air Operations (IAO) as part of its mass deportation agenda. In their letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, the senators raised concerns with the “near-total secrecy” under which IAO operates in light of a series of troubling immigration enforcement actions that this Administration has taken – pointing to examples and credible reports of violations of detainees’ rights and inhumane treatment while in ICE custody. They pressed Secretary Noem and acting Director Lyons for responses to a series of questions in the interest of providing much-needed transparency for Congress and the American public on these issues, including around the costs of operations, treatment of deportees, fleet and operations, carriers and contracting, flight data and destinations, and voluntary returns. “We write to express our concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Air Operations’ (IAO) severe lack of transparency. IAO has been at the center of troubling actions ICE has taken under this administration but provides no public data on its operations,” the senators began. “IAO has been centrally involved in facilitating several concerning immigration enforcement actions under the second Trump Administration,” the senators wrote, pointing to the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the relocation of university student Rumeysa Ozturk before a judge could rule on her case, and the attempted deportation of unaccompanied minors to Guatemala without due process. “These cases paint a troubling picture of IAO attempting to shortcut due process rights and avoid or defy judicial authority. “IAO operates in near-total secrecy. ICE does not provide any publicly accessible data on its flights, destinations, costs to ta… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-joins-coons-schumer-murray-reed-introduce-the-armed-forces-pay-act-and-call-for-unanimous-passage-to-ensure-pay-for-military-personnel-intel-community-continues-during-shutdown | Schatz Joins Coons, Schumer, Murray, Reed introduce The Armed Forces Pay Act and call for unanimous passage to ensure pay for military personnel, intel community continues during shutdown | 2025-10-30 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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 and Chris Coons (D-Del.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and 18 of their Democratic colleagues today introduced the Armed Forces Pay Act, legislation to ensure that military personnel continue to receive pay during the ongoing government shutdown. Shortly afterward, Senator Coons went to the floor of the Senate to call for unanimous consent to pass his legislation, where it was blocked by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Paychecks for servicemembers are scheduled to go out tomorrow. On October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government shut down due to a lapse in appropriations—meaning 1.3 million active-duty personnel and over 750,000 National Guard and Reserve personnel are still required to serve without pay. The Trump administration directed the Pentagon to move approximately $4.5 billion from military research and development accounts to cover payroll costs for military personnel, but the legality and sustainability of that measure is unclear. The administration has announced plans to resort to similar tactics for the next pay period. The Armed Forces Pay Act would provide mandatory funding for fiscal year 2026 during a lapse in appropriations, guaranteeing pay for all active-duty and reserve service members, as well as all civilian employees of the Department of Defense, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the majority of the Intelligence Community. The effort would apply retroactively to September 30, 2025, ensuring no interruption in pay for those affected. “Taking care of the men and women of our armed forces and ensuring they receive their paychecks is our most basic obligation, and I won’t stand by while this Republican shutdown endangers pay for servicemembers and civilians and debilitates troop morale,” said Senator Coons. “The Armed Forces Pay Act will ensure that active duty and reserve troops and their civilian supp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-pause-student-loans-for-federal-workers-contractors-and-military | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Pause Student Loans for Federal Workers, Contractors, and Military | 2025-10-29 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and 11 colleagues in introducing The Shutdown Student Loans for Feds Act, legislation that would require the Department of Education to pause student loan payments for federal workers – including federal contractors and military personnel – in the event of a federal government shutdown lasting longer than two weeks. If passed, this legislation would take immediate effect for the current Republican shutdown, which has lasted 29 days. The Shutdown Student Loans for Feds Act would require the Department of Education to pause student loan payments for federal workers in the event of a federal government shutdown lasting longer than two weeks – including the current lapse in appropriations. During this time, these loans would not accrue interest, and borrowers would continue to be in good standing for forgiveness programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP), or Retention through Educational Advancement Program (REAP). This legislation will also ensure that the pause for federal workers has no impact on credit reporting. The legislation also authorizes the Secretary to issue a refund for a covered individual for any loan payment already made (if they already paid this month), if requested (to give borrowers flexibility as some may want to voluntarily pay during a period where interest is frozen). This pause would apply to all federal employees (furloughed and excepted), members of the military, and federal contractors. The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), and the National Education Association (NEA) have endorsed The Shutdown Student Loans for Feds Act. In addition to Senators Hirono, Warner, and Kaine, this bill is also cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-slam-trump-administration-for-increasing-costs-of-air-travel | Hirono, Colleagues Slam Trump Administration for Increasing Costs of Air Travel | 2025-10-29 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and 13 colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to reverse its decision to roll back consumer protections for airline passengers in Hawaii and nationwide that built on the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and kept costs low. Specifically, Donald Trump’s DOT is rolling back protections implemented under the Biden administration that required airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays and cancellations, and provide consumers transparent information upfront about the costs of extra plane ticket fees. DOT’s actions to roll back these protections will result in American consumers facing higher travel costs, especially as we head into a busy holiday travel season. “Last year, Congress acted to protect the flying public from airline-caused disruptions and surprise costs. The law guaranteed the right to a hassle-free refund for passengers when flights are cancelled or significantly delayed regardless of cause. The law also required airlines to have policies in place to compensate passengers for significant flight disruptions within an airline’s control, and be transparent about fees — such as baggage fees or change fees — that they charge consumers. The regulations recently targeted by the Department build upon the consumer protection framework established under the law,” the senators wrote to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “This is a common-sense proposal: when an airline’s mistake imposes unanticipated costs on families, the airline should try to remedy the situation by providing accommodations to consumers and helping cover their costs. By cancelling this rulemaking, the Department is actively foregoing an easy solution to foster consumer confidence and address the problem of unaffordable travel for many families,” the senators continued. “We urge DOT to reconsider its decision to roll back these import… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-joins-democratic-caucus-in-introducing-bill-to-fund-vital-nutrition-assistance-programs-while-trump-administration-illegally-withholds-funding | Hirono Joins Democratic Caucus in Introducing Bill to Fund Vital Nutrition Assistance Programs While Trump Administration Illegally Withholds Funding | 2025-10-29 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and the rest of the Senate Democratic Caucus in introducing the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act, legislation to provide funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) while the Trump Administration illegally withholds available funds. “The Trump Administration has the authority and means to enable American families to continue receiving their SNAP benefits, yet they are choosing to withhold funding from this critical program, forcing millions into hunger,” said Senator Hirono. “Trump and Republicans already attacked the SNAP program with their Big Ugly Bill, and now they are doubling down—jeopardizing food assistance for millions of people in order to advance their political agenda. This legislation will help to ensure that families across the country can continue to feed their children, despite the Trump Administration’s cruelty and lawlessness.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has the authority to release SNAP contingency funds, and the Trump Administration is required by law to release these funds. However, despite having billions of dollars available to fund SNAP, the Trump Administration decided to withhold funding for SNAP benefits in November. The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 would ensure SNAP and WIC benefits are uninterrupted for the remainder of this fiscal year. The legislation also requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP and WIC benefits during a shutdown. SNAP is the nation’s largest food assistance program, serving 42 million Americans. In July of this year, Republicans voted to strip $186 billion from SNAP in the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill”, marking the largest cut to the program in history. In addition to Senators Hirono and Lujan, the legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-senate-judiciary-democrats-demand-answers-from-doj-on-trumps-military-actions-in-the-caribbean-sea-and-pacific-ocean | Hirono, Senate Judiciary Democrats Demand Answers from DOJ on Trump’s Military Actions in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean | 2025-10-29 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), and the rest of the Senate Judiciary Democrats in demanding answers from the Department of Justice (DOJ) about the legality of military actions ordered by President Trump that have already killed 57 individuals in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. In their letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Senators highlight how the President’s recent strikes may violate an Executive Order, various federal statutes, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Senators also slammed the Trump Administration for undermining bipartisan efforts to curb drug trafficking, which has had devastating impacts on American families and communities. “Summarily killing criminal suspects is prohibited under domestic and international law in both peacetime and wartime. These recent strikes raise numerous questions about whether the Department provided adequate legal guidance to those involved in ordering, planning, and carrying out the killings,” wrote the senators. “In accordance with the Committee’s constitutional oversight responsibilities, we ask that Committee members and staff be briefed on and afforded the opportunity to review any legal analysis produced by your Department.” The lawmakers slammed Trump’s DOJ for taking counterproductive steps to stem the drug epidemic, writing: “For example, you have diverted thousands of Drug Enforcement Administration and other federal law-enforcement agents from their critical missions to carry out the President’s immigration agenda. You inexplicably shut down the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force, which has dismantled thousands of criminal organizations. You have unilaterally terminated hundreds of grants that provide critical funding to state and local law enforcement. The Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget would slash the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program by more than a third, fr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-passing-of-maui-county-councilmember-tasha-kama | Schatz Statement On Passing Of Maui County Councilmember Tasha Kama | 2025-10-27 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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) released the following statement on the passing of Maui County Councilmember Natalie “Tasha” Kama. “Councilmember Tasha Kama was a dedicated public servant who spent years working to make life better for the people of Maui. She was kind and generous, but not afraid to take on some of the county’s most pressing challenges, including housing and Native Hawaiian health care. Maui, and especially central Maui, are better off today because of her tireless advocacy and hard work. I send my deepest sympathy and aloha to the Kama ‘ohana.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-pay-all-federal-employees-servicemembers-and-contractors-during-shutdown | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Pay All Federal Employees, Servicemembers, and Contractors During Shutdown | 2025-10-24 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Legislation would also prevent Administration’s mass firings while the government is shut down ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and 19 colleagues in introducing legislation to pay all federal employees–both those excepted and furloughed–as well as our servicemembers and federal contractors during the current Republican-led shutdown. The Senators’ legislation, the True Shutdown Fairness Act, would also prevent the Administration’s attempts at mass firings (Reductions in Force or RIFs) while the government is shut down. “Every day, federal workers help to keep the government functioning—protecting our communities and keeping our country safe and healthy,” said Senator Hirono. “Our federal employees should not be unjustly punished during a government shutdown that they had no part in. While Trump wants to pick and choose who gets paid during Republicans’ government shutdown, I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to ensure that ALL federal workers, contractors, and servicemembers are treated fairly and receive the pay they rightfully deserve.” The True Shutdown Fairness Act would immediately restart pay for all excepted and furloughed federal workers, servicemembers, and federal contractors during the current shutdown. The Senators’ legislation also includes a prohibition on Reductions In Force (RIFs) while the federal government is shut down. Federal employees are ensured retroactive pay after a shutdown ends due to the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act. The legislation is endorsed by American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Partnership for Public Service, and The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). In addition to Senators Hirono… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-press-trump-administration-to-reinstate-furloughed-federal-workers-at-agencies-unaffected-by-republican-shutdown-resume-their-pay | Hirono, Colleagues Press Trump Administration to Reinstate Furloughed Federal Workers at Agencies Unaffected by Republican Shutdown, Resume Their Pay | 2025-10-24 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and James Walkinshaw (D-VA), and over 60 colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to immediately reinstate and resume paying any furloughed federal employees whose positions are funded entirely by collected user fees. In their letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers pointed out that fee-funded positions at federal agencies are unaffected by the lapse in appropriations caused by this Republican-driven shutdown, and that they should continue to deliver services to the American people uninterrupted as they have during past shutdowns. The members stressed that OMB’s directive to temporarily lay off and withhold pay from federal workers whose agencies continue to bring in revenue is unjustified and unnecessarily punitive – and must be reversed. “We are deeply concerned by reports of federal employees whose jobs are fee-funded being furloughed or denied pay while working during the current government shutdown at the direction of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). These moves are unprecedented during a government shutdown and have no legal or financial justification. They are clearly designed simply to inflict pain on the federal workforce and to deprive the American people of the services these federal employees provide,” the lawmakers began. For example, they took issue with furloughs and withholding of paychecks of employees at the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, noting that the Bureau is funded through fees collected for visa and passport processing. “There is no legal or financial reason to deny compensation to these employees as the money necessary to pay them is still being collected for services that are still being rendered,” the lawmakers wrote. “Passport Services did not suffer any disruption to its operations or payroll during either of the government shutdowns during … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-call-out-trump-administrations-dismantling-of-education-offices-responsible-for-supporting-people-with-disabilities | Hirono, Colleagues Call Out Trump Administration’s Dismantling of Education Offices Responsible for Supporting People with Disabilities | 2025-10-23 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and 14 colleagues in calling out the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle U.S. special education with its decision to illegally fire the Department of Education workers who provide education services and resources for people with disabilities and their families. In a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers stressed that firing nearly all of the employees of the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) – in addition to their earlier moves to cancel dozens of special education grants – will leave the Administration unable to meet its legal obligation to ensure access to a quality education for people with disabilities. The Senators press Secretary McMahon and Director Vought to provide answers to critical outstanding questions around these issues. “We write today with outrage at your reported decision to fire nearly everyone at the Department of Education (the Department) dedicated to delivering services and resources to infants, toddlers, children, youth, and adults with disabilities. A federal judge has paused all of the illegal reductions-in-force issued during the government shutdown, noting that they appear to be ‘the epitome of hasty, arbitrary, and capricious decision-making.’ We call on you to immediately end your illegal effort to fire these workers and ensure the offices are restored so that the staff can effectively implement statutorily required responsibilities assigned to the Secretary of Education,” the senators began. Emphasizing the Administration’s legal obligation to carry out education programs for Americans with disabilities, they wrote, “Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), every student in America is legally entitled to a free, appropriate public education and yet you have decimated, without justification, the federal offices that help make… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-van-hollen-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-pay-all-federal-employees-servicemembers-and-contractors-during-shutdown | Schatz, Van Hollen, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Pay All Federal Employees, Servicemembers, & Contractors During Shutdown | 2025-10-23 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined over 20 Senators in introducing legislation to pay all federal employees – both those excepted and furloughed – as well as our servicemembers and federal contractors during the current Republican-led shutdown. The Senators’ legislation, the True Shutdown Fairness Act, would also prevent the Administration’s attempts at mass firings (Reductions in Force or RIFs) while the government is shut down. Senator Van Hollen will be calling for a vote on the legislation today. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). The Senators’ legislation is endorsed by American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Partnership for Public Service, and The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). “While House Republicans are on a paid, monthlong vacation in the middle of a shutdown, federal employees and contractors – who have bills to pay and families to take care of – are being forced to go weeks on end without a paycheck. Our bill ensures that federal workers and servicemembers are not punished because of the Republicans’ refusal to show up to work and negotiate an agreement that prevents health care costs from sk… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-schatz-they-have-money-for-argentina-white-house-ballroom-but-not-enough-money-for-you | Schatz: They Have Money For Argentina, White House Ballroom, But Not Enough Money For You | 2025-10-21 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Speaking at this afternoon’s Senate Democratic leadership press conference, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) called on Republicans to work with Democrats to stop health care costs from rising and reopen the government. “This is not about money. There is enough money to bail out Argentina with $20 billion. There is enough money to purchase a brand new aircraft for $173 million for the Homeland Security Secretary. There is enough money to renovate the White House ballroom. What there's not enough money for under this Republican government is you,” said Senator Schatz. “There is only one way out of this shutdown, and it starts with the House of Representatives reporting for duty.” A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks can be found below. Video is available here. This is not about money. There is enough money to bail out Argentina with $20 billion. There is enough money to purchase a brand new aircraft for $173 million for the Homeland Security Secretary. There is enough money to renovate the White House ballroom. What there's not enough money for under this Republican government is you. There's not enough money for you. And it is astonishing to me that the party in charge of the government literally won't show up to work during the second longest shutdown in American history. House Republicans have been gone for more than a month. More than a month. They've worked two weeks out of the last three months. Nice work, if you can get it. You were all here. We were here. Two weeks out of the last three months they've even been in the United States Capitol. And so there is only one way out of this shutdown, and it starts with the House of Representatives reporting for duty. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-major-utility-companies-against-imposing-penalties-service-shutoffs-on-federal-workers-amid-shutdown | Hirono, Colleagues Urge Major Utility Companies Against Imposing Penalties, Service Shutoffs on Federal Workers Amid Shutdown | 2025-10-14 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined eight of her Senate colleagues in sending letters to 22 major energy, water, and broadband utility companies urging them to avoid imposing service shutoffs and other penalties for late or missed payments on federal government employees who are not receiving pay during the government shutdown. “We write to urge you to suspend all utility shutoffs imposed on federal workers who are involuntarily furloughed without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown. Without their paycheck, federal workers are at risk of having their electricity, water, and broadband services terminated due to temporary inability to pay. The families you serve must have uninterrupted access to these essential public utilities,” the Senators began. While noting that many states have laws that protect residents facing economic challenges from utility disconnections, they called on the companies to extend these protections to federal employees nationwide—to prevent them from facing additional financial hardship or dangerous conditions in their homes amid a government shutdown caused through no fault of their own. “Suspending utility shutoffs for federal workers during a government shutdown is in line with statutory protections across the country,” the lawmakers wrote, going on to stress the importance of extending utility disconnection protections nationwide. “However, not all states or localities have such protections and federal workers impacted by the government shutdown live in every corner of our country, including in your service areas. As of July 1, 2025, there are over 2.2 million federal civilian workers, with at least 10,000 in 41 out of 50 states and at least 1,000 in each Congressional district. The senators, led by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), also point out that affected workers will receive back pay under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, thus allowing any suspended payments to ultimately be repaid. “Our patriotic, merit-based civil servants work on … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-release-of-living-israeli-hostages | Schatz Statement On Release Of Living Israeli Hostages | 2025-10-13 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released the following statement after the 20 surviving Israeli hostages were freed today as part of a ceasefire agreement. “Today, after more than two years of unspeakable suffering, the 20 surviving Israeli hostages are finally home, reunited with their families and communities. While nothing will ever fully mend the trauma from the horrors they endured nor their loved ones’ anguish awaiting answers, today marks a significant step towards closure and healing, both for all those directly affected by this horrific ordeal and the entire nation of Israel. As we celebrate today, we also mourn the hostages who died in Hamas’ captivity and hope for their swift return. May their memory be a blessing. “With hostages home and a ceasefire in Gaza, we sincerely hope that this first phase will lead to a lasting peace in the region - one that ensures safety and security for Israelis and Palestinians in the years to come.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-national-defense-authorization-act-containing-over-10-billion-in-hirono-led-provisions-to-strengthen-national-security | Senate Passes National Defense Authorization Act Containing Over $10 Billion in Hirono-Led Provisions to Strengthen National Security | 2025-10-10 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voted to pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the U.S. Senate, securing several key provisions for Hawaii and the Indo-Pacific region. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, the Senator has made modernizing Department of Defense (DOD) infrastructure in Hawaii and across the country a top priority. The Senate-passed NDAA includes numerous provisions secured by Senator Hirono focused on infrastructure; delivering for communities in Hawaii; supporting servicemembers and their families; and prioritizing sustainability within the DOD. The bill will now be conferenced with the NDAA passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year. “Investments in DOD infrastructure, military readiness, and support for our servicemembers are all crucial to bolstering our national security,” said Senator Hirono. “This year’s NDAA makes those critical investments, including funding to facilitate the permanent closure of Red Hill, as well as over $1.1 billion to support infrastructure projects in Hawaii. My provisions also prioritize the wellbeing of our servicemembers by securing raises for servicemembers and civilian employees, protecting workers from job cuts, and helping to reunite veterans with their family members. I’ll continue working to advance these key priorities, and strengthen our defenses in the Indo-Pacific, while holding this regime accountable for its decisions that may threaten our international partnerships or hinder our national security.” The FY 2026 NDAA includes several of Senator Hirono’s key priorities that will: Deliver for Hawaii: Continues the Hawaii delegation’s work to safely and expeditiously close the Red Hill Fuel Facility by adding $35 million to support additional environmental restoration and remediation efforts and $5 million to continue ongoing community engagement as the Navy works to close the facili… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-slams-republicans-for-refusing-to-address-health-care-crisis-end-government-shutdown | VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Slams Republicans for Refusing to Address Health Care Crisis, End Government Shutdown | 2025-10-10 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Sen. Hirono: “Frankly, Republicans can end the government shutdown today if they agree to restore health care to the American people.” ~ Without an extension of ACA tax credits, average out-of-pocket premium costs for a family of four in Hawaii are expected to increase by more than $500 a month ~ ~ Video of Senator Hirono’s floor speech can be found here ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) took to the Senate floor to slam Republicans for choosing to shut down the government, instead of addressing the health care crisis they created. As a result of their “Big Ugly Bill” they passed earlier this year, which makes drastic cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP benefits, over 24 million Americans who receive health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace will be put at risk of losing their health care coverage. “The truth is that Republicans are happy to make permanent, massive tax cuts for billionaires in their Big Ugly Bill, but refused—refused to make permanent tax credits hard-working families rely on to get their health care,” said Senator Hirono during her remarks. Senator Hirono’s speech comes as Republicans continue to keep the government shut down because of their refusal to extend critical tax credits that help working Americans afford health insurance through the ACA. Passed in 2010, the ACA has enabled millions of people and their families to qualify and afford quality health care, many of whom—prior to the ACA—did not have any coverage at all. Republicans have long-been opposed to the ACA and have repeatedly attempted to repeal this fundamental health care reform law, effectively kicking millions of Americans off of their health care. “Misplaced priorities are nothing new for Republicans,” said Senator Hirono. “It’s rich that the same Republicans who crusaded for years to get rid of the ACA now stand before the American people talking about how much they care about their health care.” With open enrollment under the ACA beginning next month, people who rec… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-blast-secretary-collins-for-politicizing-key-veteran-services-during-shutdown | Hirono, Colleagues Blast Secretary Collins for Politicizing Key Veteran Services During Shutdown | 2025-10-09 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Representative Mark Takano (D-CA), and 10 colleagues in calling out Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins for weaponizing the government shutdown and artificially ending communications with Congress—despite the fact these constituent services have already been funded by multi-year appropriation bills that are not affected by the current government shutdown. The group criticized Collins for spending taxpayer resources to politicize the government shutdown, while simultaneously refusing to assist veterans with their casework. “Congress has provided the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with multi-year funding, which ensures a government shutdown has minimal impact on veterans’ health care and benefits,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to VA Secretary Collins. “That is why we are deeply concerned that your Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA) refuses to initiate, dispatch, or respond to congressional inquiries on behalf of our veteran constituents. Every single day, veterans and their families come to our offices for help in getting their health care and benefits from VA. Often, they come to us as their last resort. We take those concerns or their specific cases directly to VA and advocate on their behalf. Thus, any delay in responding to this outreach or dispatching their cases will cause harm to the veterans we serve…The Department must revisit this prioritization scheme and dedicate sufficient staff and resources necessary to accomplish the task of responding in a timely manner to ALL constituent casework requests initiated by Congress.” The lawmakers pressed the Trump Administration for ending all Congressional communications during the shutdown, even though the office which handles these communications—VA’s Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA)—has available carryover funding, unrelated to the shutdown, it can use to continue operations: “…[W]e know th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-protect-federal-workers-and-their-families-from-losing-homes-falling-behind-on-paying-bills-during-shutdown | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Federal Workers and Their Families from Losing Homes, Falling Behind on Paying Bills During Shutdown | 2025-10-08 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and 17 colleagues in introducing the Federal Employee Civil Relief Act. The legislation would protect federal workers, federal contractor employees, and their families from foreclosures, evictions, and loan defaults during a government shutdown. “Federal workers provide essential services to our government and our country, and their livelihoods should not be used by Trump and Republicans as a bargaining chip in this shutdown,” said Senator Hirono. “These workers shouldn’t be punished for a shutdown that they had no control over, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Federal Employee Civil Relief Act. This legislation would help hundreds of thousands of federal employees, ensuring that they have a chance to keep up with their bills and continue to support themselves and their families.” The Federal Employee Civil Relief Act addresses the threat of federal workers and contractors losing their homes, falling behind on student loans and other bills, or having their car repossessed because they have been furloughed during a shutdown or required to work without pay. The legislation would protect impacted workers from: Being evicted or foreclosed; Having their car or other property repossessed; Falling behind on their student loan payments; Having negative effects on their credit history; Falling behind on paying their bills; or Losing their insurance because of missed premiums. The protection would last during and 30 days following a shutdown to give workers a chance to keep up with their bills. The government shutdown, now in its second week, impacts thousands of federal workers and federal contractor employees in all 50 states. The Federal Employee Civil Relief Act is supported by the National Treasury Employees Union, International Federal of Professional and Technical Engineers, National Federation of Federal Employees-IAM, American Federation of Government Employees, National Active and Retired Fede… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-18-senators-in-introducing-legislation-to-protect-federal-workers-and-their-families-from-losing-their-homes-falling-behind-on-paying-bills-during-shutdown | Schatz Leads Group Of 18 Senators In Introducing Legislation To Protect Federal Workers And Their Families From Losing Their Homes, Falling Behind On Paying Bills During Shutdown | 2025-10-08 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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) today led a group of 18 senators in introducing the Federal Employee Civil Relief Act. The legislation would protect federal workers, federal contractor employees, and their families from foreclosures, evictions, and loan defaults during a government shutdown. “While the President and congressional Republicans continue to refuse to work with Democrats to stop health care costs from skyrocketing and reopen the government, people are suffering,” said Senator Schatz. “Right now, hundreds of thousands of federal workers, federal contractor employees, and their families don’t know whether they’ll be able to pay rent and make ends meet. Our bill will protect these workers and make sure they aren’t harmed during this shutdown.” Cosponsors of Schatz’s bill in the Senate include Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.). Companion legislation in the House of Representatives is set to be introduced by U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.). “Republicans control the House, Senate, and Presidency – and they have led our country into a shutdown to avoid bipartisan negotiations or a discussion about the impending Republican-led healthcare crisis. Now, Republicans and the White House are even threatening to not provide legally mandated backpay to workers,” said Leader Schumer. “Unfortunately, there are real people – with real concerns about pay and livelihood – who are being used as political pawns in the Republicans’ attempt to cater to billionaires and special interests. Senate Democrats remain committed to protecting federal workers who are affe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-to-house-republicans-on-third-week-of-vacation-get-back-to-work | Schatz To House Republicans On Third Week Of Vacation: Get Back To Work | 2025-10-08 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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) today spoke on the Senate floor and called on Republicans to work with Democrats to reopen the government and stop health care costs from rising for millions of people. Schatz also called on House Republicans to return to work from their current weeks-long vacation after more than a month off in August. “Get back to work,” Senator Schatz said after detailing House Republicans’ lengthy vacation. “We are facing a health care crisis. For 22 million Americans the price of health care is about to go up 114 percent. Help us help you, Republicans. You created this mess. We're simply saying we can open the government tomorrow morning if Donald Trump and Republicans realize that they’re hurting their own people.” A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here. It is day eight of the government shutdown, but it is day 19 of the House being on vacation. How is it possible that the party in charge of the government is sitting at home while the government is shut down? Well, let's take a look. So this is the House schedule. These yellow blocks are work days. It's already a pretty nice schedule. Most people, if they are fortunate, get either seven days or ten days of vacation. Some people get less, some people get more, but nobody gets this amount of time off. Now we call that a district work period or a home work period. And that's true. We need to be home to interact with our constituents. But that's what August is for. So here's what happened. They left early on the 25th, specifically to avoid a vote on the Epstein files. And they had this week off, this week off, this week off this week off this week off… Get back to work. Get back to work. We are facing a health care crisis. And we didn't pull this out of some Democratic strategist lab. And the presiding officer knows this in his home state. Prices are about to spike disproportionately among people who voted for Donald Trump, disproportionately in rural communities, disproportionately am… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-trump-is-trying-to-jail-his-political-opponents-actually-going-through-with-authoritarian-actions | Schatz: Trump Is Trying To Jail His Political Opponents, Actually Going Through With Authoritarian Actions | 2025-10-08 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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) spoke on the Senate floor today about President Trump’s calls for the arrests of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, which came as National Guard troops prepare to deploy to Chicago at the president’s direction and over the objections of local leaders. “Trump is going through with these authoritarian actions. The last time he posted that one of his political enemies should be jailed, it was James Comey. And then James Comey was indicted this morning,” said Senator Schatz. “This morning, Donald Trump is in one of his moods, and he says Governor Pritzker should go to jail. Are we to assume he's kidding this time? I'm asking my Republican colleagues who swore an oath to the Constitution and love this country, just like I do, to say, publicly or privately: ‘Enough is enough.’” A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here. We all swore an oath to the Constitution. And I am honestly scared. I used to do this sort of shtick on Twitter, where I would say, ‘The thing about what Donald Trump said on Twitter is that he's…’ And then I would just say, ‘He's trying to take your health care away.’ And my point was, that's a distraction from the main issue, which was that he was going to try to take your health care away. That's not true anymore. He's going through with these authoritarian actions. The last time he posted that one of his political enemies should be jailed, it was James Comey. And then James Comey was indicted this morning. He pled not guilty. His trial is in January. And so this morning, Donald Trump, with the assistance of the Texas governor, who is endlessly servile to him, is mobilizing – over the objection of the Illinois governor – two- or three hundred troops to go into Chicago to do it. Nobody knows really what other than to terrorize people. They're belaying off a helicopter into an apartment building in urban Chicago. Give me a break. And lest you think this is theater. This morning, Do… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-urges-doi-secretary-to-reinstate-funding-for-crucial-environmental-research-and-conservation-program | Hirono Urges DOI Secretary to Reinstate Funding for Crucial Environmental Research and Conservation Program | 2025-10-07 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Sen. Hirono: “If this Administration is successful in eliminating the USGS EMA, the costs will far exceed any short-term savings—eroding our global leadership in climate research and our ability to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to environmental threats.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum urging him to reconsider the Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate funding for the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA), which supports critical research that helps our country in facilitating conservation management, as well as understanding and responding to environmental threats. The USGS EMA funds research facilities that employ and serve communities in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific, including Guam, the Northern Marianas, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and American Samoa. “By zeroing out funding for the EMA, the President’s fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget proposal poses a direct threat to that critical science and the communities that depend on it,” wrote Senator Hirono. “In Hawaii and throughout the Pacific Region, the USGS EMA funds a significant amount of research that advances our understanding of the natural environment, directly benefits our communities, and supports the next generation of scientists.” In her letter, the Senator stressed the importance of Secretary Burgum’s support for the EMA facilities, citing uncertainty and chaos surrounding government funding that has ensued since Trump took office in January. “We cannot rely on Congress alone to fix this problem,” continued Senator Hirono. “Even if Congress disagrees with the ‘savings’ that defunding EMA provides and appropriates funding, there is no guarantee that this Administration will follow the rule of law. Currently, this Administration is freezing funding for a variety of programs and agreements across the executive branch to align with the President… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-hirono-presses-attorney-general-bondi-on-rampant-corruption-at-trump-doj | VIDEO: Hirono Presses Attorney General Bondi on Rampant Corruption at Trump DOJ | 2025-10-07 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Sen. Hirono: “What was once the Department of Justice has become the Department of Revenge and Corruption. Rather than pursuing cases without fear or favor, this DOJ seeks to favor the President’s friends and instill fear in his alleged enemies.” ~ Video of Sen. Hirono’s question line can be found here ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, confronted Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi about corruption at the Department of Justice (DOJ), as President Trump abuses the DOJ to intimidate his perceived enemies and help his friends. During her line of questioning, Senator Hirono pressed Bondi on the DOJ’s decisions to indict James Comey, shut down the bribery investigation into Trump ‘Border Czar’ Tom Homan, and more. “It’s very clear to me that when the President posts something like that, that he considers the DOJ to be his law firm and you his lawyer, and in fact, very shortly after the post to you, Comey gets indicted,” said Senator Hirono in reference to a social media post from Trump directed at Bondi, pressuring the AG to punish several of the President’s perceived political enemies, including James Comey, Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Senator Hirono also questioned Bondi about whether the DOJ would support setting up a compensation fund for convicted January 6th rioters, which Bondi refused to answer. The Senator then pressed the AG about the DOJ’s decision to fire dozens of career prosecutors who worked on cases involving President Trump or January 6th rioters. When asked whether the DOJ was firing these prosecutors solely because of the cases they worked on, Bondi again refused to answer. “What was once the Department of Justice has become the Department of Revenge and Corruption,” said Senator Hirono in her closing remarks. “Rather than pursuing cases without fear or favor, this DOJ seeks to favor the President’s friends and instill fear in his alleged enemies.” “The double standard is c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/amid-government-shutdown-hirono-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-provide-back-pay-for-federal-contract-workers-including-food-service-and-custodial-staff | Amid Government Shutdown, Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Provide Back Pay for Federal Contract Workers, Including Food Service and Custodial Staff | 2025-10-03 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and 30 colleagues in the Senate in introducing the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act, legislation to secure back pay for the thousands of federal contract workers who face furloughs and missed paychecks when the federal government is shut down. Unlike federal employees, the thousands of federal contract workers—including janitorial, food, and security services workers—have no assurances that they will receive back pay to make up for their loss of hours and pay during a shutdown. “Federal contractors are essential to keeping the government running, providing critical services that many of us rely on,” said Senator Hirono. “Thousands of workers rely on the income from their federal employment and they should not have to suffer because of a government shutdown they had nothing to do with. I am proud to introduce this long overdue legislation to ensure that federal contractors will receive fair compensation after a shutdown, just the same as federal employees.” The Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act would ensure federal contract workers, including low-wage service workers providing security, food and janitorial services, are fairly compensated for the wages and benefits lost due to a lapse in appropriations, also known as a government shutdown. It is estimated that more than 327,000 federal contractors make under $15/per hour. The legislation would: Provide contract workers, including low-wage service workers, with back pay (and restored paid leave benefits, if used), after a government shutdown, Cover costs associated with back pay for workers in an amount equal to their weekly compensation up to $1,442, (250% of the federal poverty level for a family of four), and Require the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to submit a report on federal contractors accessing back pay. In addition to Senators Hirono and Smith, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-trump-has-billions-to-bail-out-argentina-but-nothing-for-people-whose-health-care-costs-are-about-to-spike | Schatz: Trump Has Billions To Bail Out Argentina, But Nothing For People Whose Health Care Costs Are About To Spike | 2025-10-03 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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) today spoke on the Senate floor and called on Republicans to work with Democrats to reopen the government and stop health care costs from rising for millions of people. “Trump has enough money for a $50 billion tariff bailout. There's enough money for Argentina, but there's not enough money for you. They don't have enough money to help a family of four that's going to have to pay $300 more per month to keep their health care plan. They have the money to cover for Trump's economic incompetence, but apparently they don't have the money to prevent a small business owner, or a taxi driver, or an early retiree from losing their health care,” said Senator Schatz. A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks can be found below. Video is available here. Donald Trump is sending $20 billion to America? No, not to Americans. To Argentina. Donald Trump is sending $20 billion to Argentina to bail out their economy, and he wants to spend $50 billion to clean up the mess that he made by starting a trade war that crushed American soybean producers. And let's be clear about what happened. It's not that that market is temporarily suspended. That market, in some cases, is gone. And during this period of time $20 billion for the country of Argentina and $50 billion for a tariff bailout. Americans are paying more for absolutely everything. Health care premiums for tens of millions of people are going to go up by a lot. Not 10 percent. Not 20 percent. Not 50 percent. 114 percent. 24 million Americans, 114 percent. Now, the bailout for Argentina is particularly absurd. Argentina is not a key security or economic partner. It is an economy that is in such dire shape that there's no guarantee that we will ever get our money back. It is a terrible investment any way you look at it, under any circumstances, but certainly in the context of Americans seeing their health care premiums increased by 114 percent right now. You then have a separate bailout for American soybean producers totaling… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-republicans-government-shut-down | Hirono Statement on Republicans’ Government Shut Down | 2025-10-01 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) released the following statement after Republicans shut down the federal government by refusing to negotiate a bipartisan funding bill. Republicans’ shut down comes as new analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that health care premiums will more than double for millions of Americans if Congress fails to act. “Republicans would rather shut down the government than address the healthcare crisis they’ve created. Without urgent action from Congress, healthcare premiums will double for millions of people across our country in just weeks. That’s why, for months, Democrats have urged Republicans to negotiate a path forward that keeps government funded and addresses the health care needs of the American people. “Instead of trying to find a bipartisan solution to keep government open, Donald Trump and his allies in Congress are sowing even more chaos by shutting down the government. Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House. They own this shutdown.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/10/01/2025/schatz-statement-on-government-shutdown | Schatz Statement On Government Shutdown | 2025-10-01 | 2025 | 2025-10 | 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) today released the following statement on the federal government shutdown. “Unfortunately, cooler heads did not prevail tonight, and the government has been forced to shut down. As a result, federal workers will be furloughed and programs that support people across Hawai‘i will be interrupted. We will continue working every day to reopen the government, and my office will remain open to help residents in any way we can during this difficult time.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-case-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-filipino-american-history-month | Hirono, Case Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing Filipino American History Month | 2025-09-30 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) led their colleagues in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing October as Filipino American History Month. This resolution honors and celebrates the history and culture of Filipino Americans, honoring the key role they have played in shaping our country. “As we continue working to uplift the voices of Filipino Americans in Hawaii and throughout the country, I am proud to introduce this resolution to recognize the contributions and honor the culture and history of the Filipino American community,” said Senator Hirono. “From the first laborers who arrived in Hawaii to seek a better life, to the many leaders in business, health care, and our Armed Forces, Filipino Americans have contributed significantly to our nation’s diversity and helped to shape our identity as a country.” The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Mark Warner (D-VA). In addition to Representative Case, the companion legislation introduced in the House was also led by Representatives James Moylan (R-GU) and David Scott (D-GA), and cosponsored by Representatives Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Susan DelBene (D-WA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Derek Tran (D-CA), and Juan Vargas (D-CA). The full text of the resolution is available here. Senator Hirono has long advocated on behalf of the Filipino American community in Hawaii and across the country. Senator Hirono has introduced similar resolutions to recognize Filipino American History Month and honor Filipino Americans’ contributions to the U.S. during multiple past Congresses. Since 2013, Senator Hirono has also led the introduction of the Filipino Veteran… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-reject-cash-rewards-for-january-6-rioters | Hirono, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Reject Cash Rewards for January 6 Rioters | 2025-09-30 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Lawmakers: “Using taxpayer funds to refund January 6 insurrectionists would be an illegal and corrupt abuse of the justice system.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and six colleagues in demanding that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) abandon any efforts to refund or financially reward convicted January 6 insurrectionists. The letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi comes amid reports that January 6 insurrectionists are now requesting compensation for the “harms” they suffered because they were prosecuted for their criminal actions. DOJ recently met with a lawyer for these insurrectionists who asked the Department to create a special panel, similar to that used to compensate September 11, 2001, victims, to issue cash rewards to insurrectionists for their alleged damages. The Senators slammed this proposal as an “illegal and corrupt abuse of the justice system.” Senator Hirono previously joined her colleagues in denouncing DOJ’s argument that the federal government owes insurrectionists a refund for the restitution payments they made for damage they caused to the Capitol building. Since then, restitution refund requests have almost all been denied, but last month, a judge ordered the government to refund the restitution a January 6 insurrectionist paid before they were pardoned and their case was vacated. “These criminals are apparently demanding taxpayer compensation, not only to refund court-ordered restitution to cover damages they caused to the Capitol building, but also to compensate them for having to face the legal consequences of their criminal acts,” wrote the lawmakers. “While President Trump may have the authority to grant a blanket pardon to these insurrectionists, that miscarriage of justice does not give the Department the unilateral authority to refund or reward these criminals.” “It is insulting for the Department to even entertain the idea of establishing a ‘victims’ fund for those who violen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-crapo-introduce-resolution-recognizing-importance-of-impact-aid-program-celebrating-programs-75th-anniversary | Hirono, Crapo Introduce Resolution Recognizing Importance of Impact Aid Program, Celebrating Program’s 75th Anniversary | 2025-09-30 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ In fiscal year 2025, the Impact Aid Program provided funding to support approx. 1,100 school districts serving 8 million students across the country ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on the 75th anniversary of the Impact Aid Program, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced a resolution recognizing the importance of the program and designating September 30, 2025 as “Impact Aid Recognition Day.” “For the past 75 years, the Impact Aid Program has helped millions of students across our nation access quality public education, regardless of where they reside,” said Senator Hirono. “This program serves a crucial role in providing all children, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, with the opportunity to receive the high-quality education they need and deserve. I’m glad to join my colleagues in recognizing the valuable contributions of the Impact Aid Program, and I’ll continue working to help ensure that students across the country have the support they need to learn and grow in our schools.” “Seventy-five years since its inception, Impact Aid continues to provide critical support for Idaho’s school districts. Across the nation, Impact Aid helps federally impacted school districts provide access to high-quality education and opportunities children need to unlock their full potential,” said Senator Crapo. Established in 1950 by President Harry Truman, the Impact Aid Program is the oldest K-12 Federal education program in the U.S. The program reimburses school districts across the country that lose local tax revenue due to the tax-exempt status of federal lands, including military installations; Indian Trust, Treaty and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Lands; and other Federal properties and facilities. In fiscal year (FY) 2025, the Impact Aid Program provided funding to support approximately 1,100 school districts serving 8 million students across the country. In FY 2024, Hawaii received $53.3 million in Impact Aid funding to support over 113,000 students. This resolut… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-duckworth-underwood-reignite-push-to-expand-access-to-contraceptive-care-for-veterans | Hirono, Duckworth, Underwood Reignite Push to Expand Access to Contraceptive Care for Veterans | 2025-09-30 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), both members of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, along with Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL) in reintroducing legislation that would improve Veterans’ access to contraception and increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness for contraceptive products at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Access to Contraception Expansion for Veterans (ACE Veterans) Act would allow Veterans to request a full-year supply of contraceptive products from the VA—the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States—and require VA providers to inform patients of their option to request a full year of contraception at the time of the prescription being issued. “As the Trump Administration and Republicans across the country work to limit or ban access to contraception, legislation like the ACE Veterans Act is more important than ever,” said Senator Hirono. “Our veterans shouldn’t have to face barriers to accessing contraception or experience gaps between prescription refills. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bill to help ensure the people who bravely served our country can access the critical preventive care they need.” Missing more than two consecutive contraceptive pills can increase a woman’s chance of contraceptive failure and the potential for unintended pregnancy, which has been linked to adverse health effects including maternal depression, intimate partner violence, low birth weight, preterm birth and infant mortality. In 2022, the VA expanded the amount of oral contraceptives patients can receive to a 12-month supply—this marked important progress, but the policy still allows for more restrictive dispensing limitations, depending on the type of contraceptive. The VA’s current policy also doesn’t require its providers to inform patients they have the option to receive a 12-month supply of certain contraceptives at the time the prescription is issued. By addressing these two weak… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-peoples-health-care-premiums-are-going-up-now-its-time-to-act | Schatz: People’s Health Care Premiums Are Going Up Now, It’s Time To Act | 2025-09-30 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Speaking at this afternoon’s Senate Democratic leadership press conference, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) called on Republicans to work with Democrats to stop health care costs from rising and keep the government open. “The reason that we are trying to take action now on health care is because people's premiums are going up. People are going to lose their health care,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This is not a joke. The idea that this is some Democratic priority or independent priority or Republican priority is nonsense. This is a very damaging issue for Republicans, and if we were terribly cynical, we would just let them stew in it. But we want to solve it because we care in our bones about the people we represent.” A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here. I'm struck by the extent to which sort of DC brain has infected us all, where we think that this is some sort of cooked up demand. The reason that we are trying to take action now on health care is because people's premiums are going up this coming week by letter. I got a text from a buddy of mine. He got a letter – 40 percent increase for his father's premiums. This is not a talking point. This is not an allegation. This is literally what's happening. And 40 percent, you should be to be lucky if it's a 40 percent increase – the average increase is going to be 114 percent. And so the time to solve this problem is now. Open enrollment is now. Letters are going out now. Now some insurance companies are sending out letters saying, ‘Your rates are increasing, but we're not sure by how much.’ And some insurance companies are being jawboned into not even sending letters at all. Now there is only one thing worse than your rates going up on January 1 – it is not being told until December that your rates are going up on January 1. People are going to lose their health care. This is not a joke. This is not a political talking point. This is what's going to happ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-state-department-to-resume-medical-and-humanitarian-visas-for-civilians-in-gaza | Hirono, Colleagues Urge State Department to Resume Medical and Humanitarian Visas for Civilians in Gaza | 2025-09-29 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and 40 Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern and demanding an explanation over the State Department’s decision last month to suspend the issuance of temporary medical and humanitarian visas for civilians in Gaza in need of urgent medical care, including children with life-threatening injuries or conditions. The letter also requests information on the Department’s recent decision to restrict nonimmigrant visas for people who hold Palestinian passports. “We write with grave concern regarding the State Department’s recent suspension of all visitor visas for eligible, vetted individuals from Gaza, including those in need of urgent medical care,” the senators wrote. “We are also concerned by the unprecedented decision to abruptly refuse nonimmigrant visas to people with Palestinian passports. It is critical that the Department immediately reinstate temporary medical and humanitarian visas for Palestinian civilians in Gaza in order to save lives, resume nonimmigrant visas for eligible Palestinian passport holders, and double down on the work needed to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region.” “During the Biden and current Trump administrations, individuals from Gaza who met specific criteria set by the State Department have been granted temporary medical and humanitarian visas, allowing them to access life-saving medical treatment in the United States. These civilians include severely wounded children who are especially vulnerable and, through no fault of their own, have been caught in the crossfire and forced to endure horrible impacts from the war in Gaza. These children and their accompanying caretakers leaving Gaza to receive medical treatment are subject to strong vetting processes, including by the Israeli government, which look specifically at any potential security threats and known associations,” the lawmakers continued. This blanket decision by the State D… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-duckworth-demand-answers-and-briefing-from-hegseth-ahead-of-unprecedented-wasteful-speech-with-top-military-leadership | Hirono, Duckworth Demand Answers and Briefing from Hegseth Ahead of Unprecedented, Wasteful Speech with Top Military Leadership | 2025-09-29 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Senators: “For an administration obsessed with rooting out waste, this abrupt, time and resource-intensive meeting of our military’s top commanders, all of whom have earned their positions through superior performance over decades of service, to reportedly hear you, the least qualified Secretary of Defense in living memory, lecture about military standards and warfighting is absurd.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s abrupt, needless, and wasteful speech to much of our nation’s top military leadership tomorrow, September 30, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), pressed the Secretary on the serious risks that such a gathering poses to security—on top of the monstrous cost to American taxpayers as Republicans march us toward a government shutdown. Emphasizing the impacts this meeting could have on security, the Senators wrote, “If reports are accurate, this gathering would represent an unprecedented concentration of senior military leadership in one location simply to hear you speak about standards and ethos at significant cost and with potentially serious security implications. This includes both the personal security of all individuals assembling—and creating a rich target for any malign actor—and national security, given that our adversaries will know that many of our most senior commanders from around the world are tied up together with some portion of the highest level of the civilian chain of command.” In their letter, the senators requested a briefing or detailed written answers to over a dozen questions, including what these additional flights, hotel rooms, and other expenses will cost taxpayers, as well as what impacts this meeting will have on operations around the globe in the absence of senior leadership, and more. The Senators continued: “For an administration obsessed with rooting out waste, this abrupt, time and resource-intensive meeting of our military’s top commanders, all of wh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-resolution-honoring-hawaiian-history | Schatz Leads Resolution Honoring Hawaiian History | 2025-09-29 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation in introducing a resolution designating September 2025 as “Hawaiian History Month.” The resolution recognizes the rich history and culture of Native Hawaiians and Hawaii. “Hawaiian cultural traditions and values are an essential part of what makes Hawai‘i special. Hawaiian History Month is an opportunity to honor the culture, history, and contributions of the Native Hawaiian community and recommit to protecting Native Hawaiian rights,” said Senator Schatz. The full text of the resolution is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-electricity-bills-soar-schatz-hails-cheap-clean-energy-at-climate-week-nyc | As Electricity Bills Soar, Schatz Hails Cheap, Clean Energy At Climate Week NYC | 2025-09-26 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) concluded his trip to Climate Week NYC. While in New York, Schatz addressed a convening of mayors from across the country and discussed the importance of providing relief at the local level to higher costs and extreme heat and weather. He also spoke about the future of clean energy during moderated conversations at the New York Times’ Climate Forward Live and with Heatmap News. Schatz later participated in a roundtable discussion about how federal policymaking can bolster carbon dioxide removal (CDR) research and development in the United States. He also met with climate leaders from Hawai‘i – including Hawai‘i Green Growth CEO Kalani Kaanaana – as well as foreign dignitaries, businesses and industry leaders, academics, and advocates. “Clean energy is cheap, in addition to being good for the planet and the only way to meet soaring demand in the coming years,” said Senator Schatz. “While President Trump and Republicans in Congress race to kill clean energy, I’m encouraged by the conversations I had this week with leaders from across the country and around the world who understand that lowering costs for people and saving the planet are not independent goals – they are one and the same.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-helps-kick-off-climate-week-nyc | Schatz Helps Kick Off Climate Week NYC | 2025-09-24 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | NEW YORK – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) will participate in Climate Week NYC. Today, September 24, Senator Schatz will deliver a keynote address at the Climate Mayors Leadership Forum on the future of clean energy and the importance of local climate action. He will also participate in moderated conversations at the New York Times’ Climate Forward Live, which will be livestreamed here, and with Heatmap News. Tomorrow, September 25, Senator Schatz will discuss how federal policy and private sector investment can bolster carbon dioxide removal (CDR) efforts at a roundtable convened by the Carbon Removal Alliance. Schatz has introduced the Carbon Dioxide Removal Research and Development Act and the Removing and Sequestering Carbon Unleashed in the Environment and Oceans (RESCUE Oceans) Act to advance CDR research and development in the United States. “As a direct consequence of President Trump and Republicans’ war on clean energy, millions of Americans are paying more for electricity every month,” said Senator Schatz. “The reality is: clean energy is cheap and protects the planet. I look forward to productive conversations at Climate Week NYC with leaders from across the country and around the world about how we can work together to save the planet.” While in New York, Senator Schatz will also meet with climate leaders from Hawai‘i, foreign dignitaries, businesses and industry leaders, academics, and advocates. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-tokuda-lead-hawaii-congressional-delegation-in-introducing-bill-to-protect-tropical-plants | Hirono, Tokuda Lead Hawaii Congressional Delegation in Introducing Bill to Protect Tropical Plants | 2025-09-23 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI) led the rest of the Hawaii Congressional Delegation including Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Representative Ed Case (D-HI), in introducing the Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act. This legislation would expand research and grant funding opportunities to help combat pests and diseases affecting tropical plants including coffee plants, macadamia trees, and other iconic Hawaii staples. “In Hawaii, and many other states across the country, we rely on growing and exporting tropical plants to boost our economies,” said Senator Hirono. “Conducting research to protect and maintain crops—such as coffee, macadamia nuts, mangos, and vanilla—is crucial in order to understand and mitigate any threats posed to these plants. I’m glad to join my colleagues in the Hawaii Congressional delegation in introducing this legislation to bolster our tropical agriculture and support our local farmers and producers.” “Tropical crops like kalo, ulu, coffee, bananas, and macadamia nuts are more than economic lifelines for Hawaii’s farmers and small businesses. They are the foods we share, the traditions we carry, and a vital part of who we are as communities,” said Representative Tokuda. “That’s why Senator Hirono and I introduced the Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act, to protect these crops from pests, climate change, and disease, and to safeguard our communities’ future." The bill would increase support for tropical plant research by prioritizing relevant applications for USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grants and creating dedicated funding. This would unlock targeted federal support for research and development, integrated pest management, and other initiatives to protect and improve the health of tropical floriculture and nursery crops—all critical to Hawaii’s agriculture and economy. The full text of the legislation is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-trumps-epa-to-reverse-rollback-of-vehicle-emissions-standards-stop-attacks-on-clean-air | Hirono, Colleagues Urge Trump’s EPA to Reverse Rollback of Vehicle Emissions Standards, Stop Attacks on Clean Air | 2025-09-22 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and nine colleagues in sending a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging the agency to reverse course on the elimination of federal standards for greenhouse gas emissions from passenger cars and medium and heavy-duty trucks. The EPA’s move is enabled by the Trump EPA’s proposal to get rid of the 2009 finding that greenhouse gas emissions threaten our health and welfare by contributing to climate change, which is the underlying basis for EPA’s regulatory ability to address tailpipe climate pollution. Senator Hirono also joined the rest of the Democratic Caucus in demanding the EPA withdraw its legally deficient and factually inaccurate proposed rollback of this finding. The Trump administration’s proposed clean vehicles rollback would decimate regulations that reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution from cars; the current standards on the books are projected to save drivers $6,000 over the next five years by cutting fuel costs and eventually prevent up to 2,500 premature deaths per year thanks to less pollution from vehicles. In the letter, the lawmakers write, “If the Trump administration persists with eliminating federal vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards, it will be responsible for damaging the environment, hurting public health, costing drivers money, cutting American jobs and competitiveness, and increasing our dependence on foreign oil.” The lawmakers conclude, “Americans should be able to drive and share the road with cleaner, more efficient vehicles that help clean up our air, save families money at the pump, and strengthen American competitiveness and energy independence. We urge you not to destroy these life- and cost-saving vehicle emission standards on the basis of faulty science and unlawful attacks on the clean air statutes passed by Congress.” In addition to Senators Hirono and Markey, the letter is also signed by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-collins-smith-bacon-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-close-loophole-that-impacts-adoptee-families | Hirono, Collins, Smith, Bacon Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Close Loophole that Impacts Adoptee Families | 2025-09-22 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA) and Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced the Protect Adoptees and American Families Act, legislation that would grant U.S. citizenship to international adoptees who were legally adopted in the U.S. as children but lack citizenship status due to a loophole in the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. “Thousands of American families and their internationally-adopted children have been living in fear and uncertainty due to an oversight in the Child Citizenship Act, which is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that would provide a long overdue solution to address this issue,” said Senator Hirono. “The Protect Adoptees and American Families Act will help keep families together, and ensure that international adoptees are afforded the rights they deserve as U.S. citizens.” Families who adopted children from abroad were previously required to complete a lengthy, expensive naturalization process for their adopted children, on top of the adoption process itself. In some cases, the paperwork was not completed in full, leaving adoptees unaware they were living in the U.S. without citizenship. The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA) streamlined this process by granting automatic citizenship to foreign-born children under 18 adopted by U.S. citizens. However, the law only applied to adoptees under age 18 at the time the CCA took effect in February 2001. Adoptees who had already reached adulthood were excluded, leaving tens of thousands of people without citizenship despite being raised in American families. The Protect Adoptees and American Families Act fixes this oversight by confirming U.S. citizenship for internationally adopted individuals, regardless of when they were adopted or their age. Specifically, the bill: Provides automatic citizenship to foreign-born children lawfully adopted by U.S. families who turned 18 before February 27, 2001; and Establishes a path to citizenship for ad… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-senate-colleagues-in-recognizing-asian-american-and-native-american-pacific-islander-serving-institutions-week | Hirono Leads Senate Colleagues in Recognizing Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions Week | 2025-09-22 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ While the Trump Administration cuts funding for Minority Serving Institutions, Members of Congress recognize the importance of AANAPISIs in expanding access to higher education for all ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led 13 of her Senate colleagues in reintroducing a resolution designating September 22-28, 2025 as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week. This week honors the vital role of AANAPISIs in expanding access to quality higher education for American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students. “During AANAPISI Week, we celebrate Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions nationwide and the important work they do for our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “As this administration actively works to strip hundreds of millions of dollars in grant funding from these important institutions, it is more critical than ever that we reaffirm our commitment to supporting them. I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this resolution to recognize the importance of AANAPISIs and the role they play in supporting students—expanding opportunities for our youth, while uplifting and connecting students from diverse backgrounds in Hawaii and across the country.” Since its authorization under the 2007 College Cost Reduction and Access Act, the AANAPISI program has provided grants to institutions serving AANHPI undergraduate students to help expand their capacity to serve all students. These institutions have played a crucial role in opening the door to higher education for minority students, especially those who are low-income or first-generation. Today, AANAPISIs enroll 46 percent of all AANHPI undergraduate students in the United States, and award over 50 percent of the associate degrees and nearly 45 percent of the bachelor’s degrees attained by all AANHPI college students across the country. This resolution comes in the wake of the Trump administration’s reckless decision to rescind $350 mill… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-recognize-americas-lgbtq-veterans-and-servicemembers | Hirono, Colleagues Recognize America’s LGBTQ+ Veterans and Servicemembers | 2025-09-19 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and 17 colleagues in introducing a resolution recognizing September 20, 2025, as “National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day.” This day serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage demonstrated by LGBTQ+ individuals who have served our nation. This resolution is especially salient as the Trump Administration continues to take actions that undermine our national security and dehumanize the thousands of transgender and nonbinary servicemembers who have honorably served in our armed forces. National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day is celebrated on September 20, as it marks the anniversary of the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in 2011. It is estimated that between World War II and 2011, more than 100,000 servicemembers were discharged from the Armed Forces on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The resolution calls for enhanced awareness of the current and historical injustices faced by LGBTQ+ servicemembers—the ban on serving in the military, restrictions on gender-affirming care, and the decades of exclusion prior to these policies—and urges the U.S. government to provide support for LGBTQ+ patriots. The ban on military service for transgender people and additional restrictions on gender-affirming care continue to be litigated in federal court, yet the Supreme Court has allowed the implementation of the ban, threatening the careers of thousands of servicemembers who serve in critical national security roles. Former Pentagon officials have testified that allowing transgender servicemembers to openly serve “fosters openness and trust among team members, thereby enhancing unit cohesion.” In addition to Senators Hirono and Merkley, this resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tammy?Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard?Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy?Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/09/19/2025/senate-passes-schatz-wicker-resolution-designating-telehealth-awareness-week | Senate Passes Schatz-Wicker Resolution Designating Telehealth Awareness Week | 2025-09-19 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) designating September 14-20 as “Telehealth Awareness Week.” The resolution recognizes that telehealth has helped millions of Americans across the country access quality health care and has become a critical component of health care delivery. The resolution is cosponsored by members of the bipartisan Senate Telehealth Working Group, U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). “Telehealth helps people access quality health care when and where they need it, and our resolution highlights the broad, bipartisan support for raising awareness of and expanding access to telehealth,” said Senator Schatz, co-chair of the Senate Telehealth Working Group. “Telehealth is a cost-effective way for people in rural and underserved areas to access quality health care. Increasing the services available to patients remains one of my top priorities in Congress,” Senator Wicker said. “For rural communities across Virginia, telehealth can make all the difference between getting adequate care in a matter of hours or having to wait weeks to see a specialist. Telehealth can also be a great resource for busy families, young adults, or literally anyone who stands to benefit from timely and hassle-free access to medical care and advice. I’m proud to introduce this legislation today to continue raising awareness about the benefits of 21st century health care,” said Senator Warner. “Telehealth has become a lifeline, especially in our rural communities where access to care is often limited. These services are vital for patients across America, which is why we’re working to protect and promote access to telehealth. Losing coverage would disrupt care for those who need it most. Families deserve reliable, flexible telehealth access to get the care they need, when and where they need it,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “Over the past few yea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-demand-va-tighten-opioid-prescribing-abide-by-jasons-law-to-protect-veterans | Hirono, Colleagues Demand VA Tighten Opioid Prescribing, Abide by Jason’s Law to Protect Veterans | 2025-09-18 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Lawmakers’ call follows report funding VA is failing to comply with Jason’s Law since 2019 ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and seven colleagues in demanding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) strengthen compliance with Jason’s Law and improve the VA’s opioid prescribing practices for our veterans. Baldwin’s call comes after a report exposed internal VA audits found lagging compliance with Jason’s Law and recent reporting exposed severe staffing shortages at VA medical centers across Wisconsin. “The opioid and substance use disorder epidemic continues to have deadly impacts across the country making the VA pain and opioid safety programs critical to our veterans’ safety. We were troubled to see the lack of progress in compliance over recent years,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins. “Jason’s Law and the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act are saving lives, but VA must reach full compliance to continue this work and fulfill our nation’s promise to deliver world-class care to our veterans. There is urgency in ensuring each Veterans Health Administration facility achieves full compliance with the law and that funding is swiftly and effectively utilized.” Signed into law in 2016, the Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act focuses on strengthening the VA’s opioid prescribing guidelines and improving pain management services. A recent report published by the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Veterans Affairs identified internal VA audits that found there has not been significant improvement in compliance with Jason’s Law since 2019. In response, the lawmakers are calling for the VA to develop a plan to achieve 100% compliance and identify the resources needed to do so. Additionally, the senators are demanding that the VA spend every dollar available for opioid safety and treatment. In addition to Senators Hirono and Baldwin, the letter was also signed by Senators Dick Durbin (D… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-press-doj-on-trump-administrations-binance-ties-and-reported-plan-to-drop-key-safeguards-in-companys-43-billion-settlement-and-plea-agreement | Hirono, Colleagues Press DOJ on Trump Administration’s Binance Ties and Reported Plan to Drop Key Safeguards in Company’s $4.3 Billion Settlement and Plea Agreement | 2025-09-18 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Senators: “Since May, President Trump and his family have increased their financial ties to Binance through their company, World Liberty Financial… These reports make it more important than ever that the public understand the Trump Administration’s interactions with, and relationship to, Binance and its employees.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in sending a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting more information regarding the Trump Administration’s oversight of cryptocurrency exchange Binance’s legal obligation to exit the U.S. market, following its 2023 guilty plea and settlement of serious federal charges including money laundering and violations of U.S. sanctions laws. In May, the lawmakers raised concerns about reported meetings between Binance executives and Trump administration officials and pressed the Department of Treasury and Department of Justice (DOJ) for details about Binance’s compliance obligations, its timeline for exiting the U.S. market, and whether the company sought a pardon for its former CEO. The DOJ’s September response failed to address those questions directly and did not confirm whether Binance is complying with ongoing settlement requirements. “Notably, this response did not confirm whether or not Binance was, in fact, complying with these ‘ongoing requirements,’” wrote the Senators. “The response then concluded, failing to meaningfully answer any of our questions.” The Senators continued: “Since May, President Trump and his family have increased their financial ties to Binance through their company, World Liberty Financial, and just this week, news broke that Binance may be ‘moving toward a potential deal with the US Justice Department that would allow it to drop’ its outside compliance monitor—a ‘key oversight requirement in its $4.3 billion settlement’ with the federal government. These reports make it more important than ever that the public understand the Trump Administration… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
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