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227 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "HI" and year = 2021 sorted by date descending

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chamber 2

  • Senate 178
  • House 49

year 1

  • 2021 · 227 ✖

state 1

  • HI · 227 ✖

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  • Democrat · 227 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=730 Case Announces Nominations To Nation's Service Academies For Incoming '22 Class 2021-12-23 2021 2021-12 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=23 scraper (Honolulu, HI) - Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today announced his 2022 nominations to four of our nation’s service academies: the U.S. Military Academy (West Point/Army); U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis/Navy); U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs/Air Force) and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point). “I take my responsibility to nominate deserving applicants from my district to our legendary service academies very seriously, and personally interviewed all 34 potential nominees before making my decisions on nominations,” said Case. “I was truly impressed with the applicants, and it was very encouraging and rewarding to have spent time with our next generation of military leaders.” Case named the following nominees to the four service academies (#1 of each being his principal nominee for that academy): United States Air Force Academy 1. Noah Zitz Kamehameha-Kapālama 2. Sean Schofield Punahou 3. Stephanie Bittle Moanalua HS 4. Seonmin Kim Mililani HS 5. Kailano Balbis Campbell HS 6. Raine Komata Mililani HS 7. Chloe Kinlaw Kaiser HS 8. Chev Kodama Punahou 9. Mia Tanioka ‘Iolani 10.Tiffany Eddy Yokota HS (Japan) United States Military Academy 1. Leonardo Sabetta Mililani HS 2. Hannah Shi Roosevelt HS 3. Julia Mamiya Punahou 4. Richard Ong Farrington HS 5. Jethro Thomas Hawaii Baptist Academy 6. Grant Austin Juan Marion Military Institute via McKinley HS 7. Joshua Burnett U.S. Military Academy Prep School via Damien 8. Sean Schofield Punahou 9. Stephanie Bittle Moanalua HS 10.Noah Zitz Kamehameha-Kapālama United States Naval Academy 1. Jenny Cho Radford HS 2. Michael Jagdon Mercersburg via Punahou 3. Chay Cunnigham Maryknoll 4. Canann Cortes Mother of Divine Grace School 5. Katelyn Corpuz Punahou 6. Megan Leong ‘Iolani 7. Annabelle Hong ‘Iolani 8. Joshua Gleason Pearl City HS 9. Tiffany Eddy Yokota HS (Japan) United States Merchant Marine Academy 1. Grant Austin Juan Marion Military Institute via McKinley HS Members of Congress are authorized by law to nominate candidates to t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-call-on-vaccine-manufacturers-to-immediately-step-up-vaccination-efforts-in-other-countries-fight-global-covid-19-pandemic Senators Call On Vaccine Manufacturers To Immediately Step Up Vaccination Efforts In Other Countries, Fight Global COVID-19 Pandemic 2021-12-21 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and nine other senators called on Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Moderna to increase COVID-19 vaccines to low- and middle-income countries to help tackle the global disparities in accessing the vaccine. This follows a bipartisan letter that Schatz and Brown led in October calling on President Biden to provide more U.S. leadership and step up efforts to increase global vaccine access to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. “Vaccines represent the world’s best hope at containing the COVID-19 pandemic, but our goals for effectively responding to the pandemic will remain out of reach unless we successfully ramp up our global vaccination effort and get more shots in arms as quickly as possible,” the senators wrote. U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also joined the letter. The full text of the letters is available here: Letter to Johnson & Johnson | Letter to Pfizer | Letter to Moderna A copy of the letter to Pfizer can be found below: Dear Dr. Bourla, We write with grave concerns about Pfizer’s commitment to providing vaccines for low-income and middle-income countries. We commend the company on its ground-breaking work in developing and manufacturing one of the most effective mRNA vaccines currently on the market, and we urge you to take immediate action to work with the Biden Administration, our international allies, and global public health experts to make the Pfizer vaccine immediately more widely available to communities around the globe and to tackle the ongoing significant disparities in global COVID-19 vaccine supply and access. Without a stronger commitment from you and your company, millions of preventable deaths will occur. Vaccines represent the world’s best hope at containing the COVID-19 pandemic, but our goals for effectively respondi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-to-receive-nearly-5-million-for-school-meal-programs-to-help-feed-children-keep-kids-healthy Hawai‘i To Receive Nearly $5 Million For School Meal Programs To Help Feed Children, Keep Kids Healthy 2021-12-20 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that Hawai‘i will receive $4,933,437 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fund school food programs. This new federal funding will provide meals for children, assisting families facing food insecurity and helping to address food shortages due to supply chain issues. “Kids throughout Hawai‘i get a nutritious meal at school every day,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “While we work to address supply chain issues, this new federal funding will support Hawai‘i families by making sure their children continue getting these high-quality meals.” This new funding is part of $1.5 billion in USDA grants for states and school districts to address supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and make sure increased food costs don’t harm school meal programs. It includes grants from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service program for school districts to improve the quality and consistency of school meals; from USDA Foods to purchase food products and offset supply chain disruptions; and from USDA’s Local Food for Schools program to purchase domestic foods and strengthen local food systems. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-congratulates-newly-named-commissioners-on-presidents-advisory-commission-on-asian-americans-native-hawaiians-and-pacific-islanders Schatz Congratulates Newly Named Commissioners On President’s Advisory Commission On Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, And Pacific Islanders 2021-12-20 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement congratulating newly named commissioners to President Biden’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI). Commissioners with Hawai‘i ties include Amy Agbayani, Kimberly Chang, Kerry Doi, Michelle Kauhane, and Daniel Dae Kim. “Amy, Kimberly, Michelle, Daniel, and Kerry are all well respected community leaders and will make excellent commissioners. They will bring strong, diverse voices to the commission and continue the important work of advocating for the AANHPI communities in Hawai‘i and across the country. I congratulate them and look forward to working with commission to support Hawai‘i’s AANHPI communities,” said Senator Schatz. According to the White House, the commission will advise the president on ways to advance equity and opportunity for AANHPI communities. The commission will also advise the president on policies to address anti-Asian xenophobia, ways to build capacity in AANHPI communities through federal funding and policies to address the intersectional barriers that AANHPI women, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities face. The full list of commissioners follows: Amy Agbayani Dr. Amefil (Amy) Agbayani is an Emeritus Assistant Vice Chancellor for student diversity and equity, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Agbayani was born in the Philippines and received her education from the University of the Philippines, East West Center and the University of Hawai‘i. She is a former chair of the Hawai‘i Civil Rights Commission, conducts research on AANHPI in higher education, member of the Patsy T. Mink PAC and The Legal Clinic for immigrant justice Hawai‘i. Teresita Batayola Teresita Batayola is the President and Chief Executive Officer of International Community Health Services, Washington state’s largest Asian and Pacific Islander non-profit health center providing comprehensive health care to all those who need affordable care, especially immigrants and refugees. Bat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-to-hawaii-k-12-schools-adopt-cdc-testing-guidance-keep-students-safely-in-school-stop-interruptions-in-learning Schatz To Hawai‘i K-12 Schools: Adopt CDC Testing Guidance, Keep Students Safely In School, Stop Interruptions In Learning 2021-12-20 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) called on the Hawai‘i Department of Education and the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) to adopt, as feasible, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “test-to-stay” (TTS) guidance which allows students to stay in school if they are exposed to COVID-19, reducing time away from school and stopping learning loss. “With this new protocol, we can recoup thousands of days of learning. We have to be as aggressive as possible in preventing learning loss and giving every student an opportunity to learn as much as they can,” said Senator Schatz. “TTS policies will allow students to stay in school even if they are exposed to COVID-19 thereby minimizing the number of days students would otherwise miss and helping to reduce the learning loss that can occur during traditional quarantine at home,” Schatz wrote in his letters to Hawai‘i Interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi and HAIS Executive Director Philip Bossert. “Initial data from case studies show that schools with TTS policies have similar transmission rates as non-TTS schools.” The full text of the letters can be found below and is available here. Dear Interim Superintendent Hayashi/Dr. Bossert: I write to make you aware of new “test-to-stay” (TTS) guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for K-12 schools. I encourage the Hawai‘i Department of Education/ Hawaii Association of Independent Schools to adopt TTS policies as appropriate and feasible, and to work with the Hawai‘i Department of Health in providing TTS guidance to complex areas and schools. TTS policies will allow students to stay in school even if they are exposed to COVID-19, thereby minimizing the number of days students would otherwise miss and helping to reduce the learning loss that can occur during traditional quarantine at home. As the CDC notes, specific TTS policies may vary, but they follow the same principles: a combination of vaccination of eligible students and staff, frequent testing, c… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-build-back-better-act Schatz Statement On Build Back Better Act 2021-12-19 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on the Build Back Better Act. “The planet doesn’t have the flexibility for anyone to give up. The planet is heating up, and reacting in real time to increases in greenhouse gases by giving us more frequent and severe storms, drought, hurricanes in December, and 100 degree weather in the Arctic. The planet is not going to pause its warming process while we sort our politics out. We owe it to future generations to figure out what can pass, and pass it. And to keep doing that, every year, at every level of government, for the foreseeable future. Despair is not an option. Righteous indignation turned into action absolutely is. We keep fighting.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-to-noaa-proposed-bay-closures-on-hawaii-island-and-maui-will-needlessly-restrict-locals-from-ocean-recreation Schatz To NOAA: Proposed Bay Closures On Hawai‘i Island And Maui Will Needlessly Restrict Locals From Ocean Recreation 2021-12-18 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today called on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to hold off on a new proposed rule for "time-area closures" that would close several bays on Hawai‘i Island and Maui from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every day, and restrict local ocean access to residents during those hours. “The proposed rule will foreseeably deny Hawai‘i residents and visitors access to the ocean, to protect dolphins that are already strongly protected under another, separate rule that went into effect on October 28, 2021. I believe NOAA owes it to the people of Hawai‘i to halt further action on time-area closures, and focus instead on how to implement its October 28th rule,” Senator Schatz wrote in his letter to NOAA Administrator and Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere Rick Spinrad. The full letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Undersecretary Spinrad: I am concerned that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has proposed a new rule to impose time-area closures for five well-used bays on the islands of Hawai‘i and Maui (Kealakekua Bay, Hōnaunau Bay, Kauhakō Bay, and Makako Bay) to everyone between 6am and 3pm every day. This heavy-handed proposal will limit local access to the ocean, and I question whether it is necessary. The time-area closures have been justified as protection for spinner dolphins, but the dolphins that use these bays are already protected by a recent NOAA rule that clearly and unambiguously prohibits swimming with, approaching, or remaining within 50 yards of a spinner dolphin within 2 nautical miles of the Hawaiian Islands. With this strong protection for the dolphins already in place, it is easy to understand criticism that the time-area closures needlessly duplicate existing rules. Worse, the indiscriminate scope of the closures apply to residents and visitors alike, regardless of whether their actions will impact the dolphins or not. This means that a range of activities that do not harm sp… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/new-law-brings-more-than-224-million-in-new-funding-to-strengthen-hawaiis-roads-and-bridges-improve-safety-for-hawaii-families New Law Brings More Than $224 Million In New Funding To Strengthen Hawai‘i’s Roads And Bridges, Improve Safety For Hawai‘i Families 2021-12-17 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that Hawai‘i will receive $224,069,212 in federal funding to improve the state’s roads, bridges, and highways and implement strategies to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries. The federal funding from the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will also fund programs to cut traffic congestion, in turn reducing emissions and improving air quality. “These crucial investments will rebuild our roads, bridges, and highways to make them safer and more resilient for everyone,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. “The bipartisan infrastructure bill is already helping our state, and I’m proud to have supported it.” This new funding is part of $52.5 billion in funding for Federal-aid Highway Program apportionments, an increase of more than 20 percent from last year. Federal-aid Highway Program funds are authorized by Congress to assist states in construction, reconstruction, and improvement of highways and bridges on eligible Federal-aid routes and for other special purpose programs and projects. This annual funding is based on a statutory formula contained in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was signed into law in November. Hawai‘i is expected to receive at least $2.8 billion in funding from the new law. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-calls-on-congressional-leaders-for-immediate-and-ongoing-federal-funding-to-respond-to-red-hill-water-contamination-crisis Hawai‘i Delegation Calls On Congressional Leaders For Immediate And Ongoing Federal Funding To Respond To Red Hill Water Contamination Crisis 2021-12-16 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i) today called on congressional leaders for their immediate assistance in securing federal funding to respond to the water contamination crisis at the Red Hill bulk fuel storage facility (RHBFSF). “We must bring the full power of Congress to bear on the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure that it is spending every dollar it has available to address this emergency right now,” the delegation wrote in their letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate and House Appropriations Committee Chairs. “We respectfully request your commitment to work with us to ensure that DoD senior leaders understand the gravity of the situation and commit whatever resources are required to identify, isolate, and remediate the source of the contamination; make impacted military and civilian families whole; and put in place water treatment and filtration to ensure the drinking water is safe for the public.” The delegation made clear that resolving the water contamination crisis will take significant resources and federal funding must be robust and ongoing, writing, “We know that there are long-term questions that we must resolve around the future of RHBFSF. Whatever the final analysis on RHBFSF’s future, the immediate funding that Congress provides in the next available must-pass spending bill will ensure that we can deal with the future of the facility and its pipeline infrastructure in a responsible and safe manner, without any additional risks to public health or the environment.” The full text of the delegation letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, and Chairs Leahy, DeLauro, Tester, McCollum, Heinrich and Wasserman Schultz: We write to inform you of an ongoing emergency on the island of Oahu and request your immediate assistance to secure the federal funding necessary to prevent perman… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/key-committee-advances-schatz-hirono-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-coral-reefs Key Committee Advances Schatz, Hirono Bipartisan Legislation To Protect Coral Reefs 2021-12-16 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) applauded the Senate Committee on Commerce’s unanimous passage of their Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021 (S. 46). First introduced in August 2019, the bill would reauthorize and modernize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, strengthen NOAA’s Coral Reef program, and give new and innovative tools and resources to the non-federal partners who are closest to the crisis in American coral reefs: states, territories, and local communities. The bill unanimously passed the Senate in December 2020, but stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives at the end of the 116th Congress. The senators reintroduced the bill in January of this year. “Our coral reefs have been pushed to the brink of extinction, and we need to act now to save them,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill would put federal funding in the hands of states and territories to manage and restore the coral reefs that our communities, oceans, and coasts depend on.” “So much of Hawai‘i’s economy and culture rely on healthy coral ecosystems. With coral health declining due to outside pressures like pollution and climate change, our partners on the ground urgently need the tools provided by this bill to conserve and restore these important resources,” said Senator Hirono. “Now that the bill has passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee, I look forward to working with Senators Rubio, Schatz, and Scott to get this bill signed into law.” The Coral Reef Conservation Act, which expired more than 15 years ago, was designed to promote the conservation of our nation’s reefs. In recent years, the decline in the nation’s coral reefs has only become more severe. The Restoring Resilient Reefs Act directs federal funding and technical assistance to states for the restoration and management of coral reef ecosystems, while incentivizing increased state and local investment in coral reef management capacity. The bill encourages innovative public-… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=727 Congress Passes $768 Billion Annual National Defense Authorization Act with Major Reforms Impacting Country and Hawai‘i 2021-12-15 2021 2021-12 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=23 scraper (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) announced that Congress has passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that makes changes to the policies and organization of the country’s defense agencies and provides guidance on how military funding can be spent. The Fiscal Year (FY) NDAA authorizes $768 billion in defense spending and includes key provisions reforming the military sexual harassment laws, addressing multiple military quality of life matters, investing in Hawaii’s infrastructure and rebalancing our military’s efforts in the Indo-Pacific. “To address how the military handles sexual assault cases, the NDAA includes the biggest reform in 50 years for the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which provides the legal framework and a special set of laws that govern all members of the United States military,” said Case. “This important reform revamps the way in which the military handles sexual assault cases by taking the process out of the hands of commanders that may have conflicts of interest. Congress directed the military to transfer these cases to special independent prosecutors.” Case said the NDAA also focused on military readiness with special attention paid to the quality of life among the troops. “The measure creates a tenants Bill of Rights for those who reside in military housing and calls for the development of more child care centers,” explained Case. This provision is directly related to problems highlighted the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies, on which Case serves. Additionally, the NDAA also: Provides a 2.7 percent pay increase for servicemembers, Establishes a $15 minimum wage for covered service and construction contracts to help those in the private sector who support the U.S. military, Authorizes $50 million to help local educational agencies that educate military dependent students, and Authorizes $20 million for local educational agencies assisting military children with severe disabilities… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-airports-set-to-receive-nearly-50-million-to-improve-infrastructure-safety Hawai‘i Airports Set To Receive Nearly $50 Million To Improve Infrastructure, Safety 2021-12-15 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that Hawai‘i airports will receive $49.3 million in new federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The new funding will help support airport infrastructure projects that improve safety and operations efficiency, cut congestion, and reduce the airport’s impact on the environment and neighboring communities. “Hawai‘i’s airports will soon be getting millions to help make it safer and easier for passengers to fly,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. “The historic infrastructure law we passed last month is already delivering funding to support our airports, roads, and transit systems, and we expect even more in the coming months and years.” The nearly $50 million in funding for Hawai‘i airports includes: $5.9 million for airports on Kauai $21.2 million for airports on Oahu $1.2 million for airports on Molokai $1 million for Lanai Airport $9.5 million for airports on Maui $10.4 million for airports on Hawai‘i Island ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-ftc-announcement-of-rulemaking-consideration-on-algorithmic-decision-making Schatz Statement On FTC Announcement Of Rulemaking Consideration On Algorithmic Decision-Making 2021-12-15 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D- Hawai‘i) today released the following statement after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it was considering initiating a rulemaking under Section 18 of the FTC Act to ensure algorithmic decision-making does not result in unlawful discrimination. The announcement follows calls from Schatz to take action on this decision-making. “Algorithms are used everywhere, and their malicious use causes real harm to Americans every day. I’m glad to see Chair Khan and the agency take this step to crack down on companies using discriminatory algorithms. It’s crucial that we address this. I encourage the FTC not only to pursue its Section 18 authority to ensure accountability for the use of these algorithms, but to consider additional enforcement under other statutes including the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.” Last week, Senator Schatz led calls in the Senate Commerce Committee encouraging the FTC to use its authority to more closely scrutinize these algorithms. Earlier this year he reintroduced the Data Care Act, legislation which would require websites, apps, and other online providers to take responsible steps to safeguard personal information and stop the misuse of users’ data, and the Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency (PACT) Act, which would empower the FTC to make platforms’ manual and automated content moderation practices more transparent and prevent companies from using Section 230 as a defense against government, including the FTC and Department of Justice, civil actions to protect consumers. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-hawaii-sees-rise-in-cyberattacks-schatz-legislation-to-help-fight-cybercrime-passes-senate As Hawai‘i Sees Rise In Cyberattacks, Schatz Legislation To Help Fight Cybercrime Passes Senate 2021-12-14 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate last week passed the Better Cybercrime Metrics Act, legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that would help fight cybercrime and help keep people safe from online scams. The bipartisan bill will improve data collection on cybercrimes, giving law enforcement and policy makers more tools to understand the size and scope of cybercrime in the United States. “To protect people and fight online crimes, including scams and hacks like those we’ve seen recently in Honolulu against our public transit and water systems, we need to understand how often, when, and where they’re happening. With our bipartisan bill now one step closer to becoming law, we’ll soon be equipped with the data we need to go after criminals and provide more support to victims of cybercrime,” said Senator Schatz. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are targets of cybercrime incidents that cost billions of dollars. Whether done through online scams and fraud, corporate data breaches, or ransomware attacks, the cost of cybercrime has been increasing annually, from $3.5 billion in 2019 to $4.2 billion in 2020, and impacts an estimated 300,000 to 700,000 victims each year. This month, cyberattacks against Honolulu’s TheBus and Handi-Van’s public transit systems and the Board of Water Supply have left passengers without rides and employees with their personal data exposed. Unfortunately, these numbers are likely low, as there are no comprehensive metrics on the scale and impact of cybercrime in the United States, or on law enforcement efforts against them. Only 10 to 12 percent of all estimated cybercrime victims report cybercrime incidents in the United States, while other estimates have put that number much higher. The Better Cybercrime Metrics Act will give law enforcement a clearer picture of online crimes in the United States by requiring the FBI to integrate cybercrime incidents into its current reporting streams to better understand all the types of crime that Americans face. As cybercr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-391-hawaii-health-care-providers-to-receive-nearly-37-million-in-federal-covid-19-relief-funding-to-respond-to-pandemic-help-families-get-health-care Schatz: 391 Hawai‘i Health Care Providers To Receive Nearly $37 Million In Federal COVID-19 Relief Funding To Respond To Pandemic, Help Families Get Health Care 2021-12-14 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that 391 health care providers in Hawai‘i will receive $36,994,939 in federal funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and continue providing health care for families across the state. The payments will support health care providers who have experienced revenue losses and expenses related to the pandemic. This funding, from the Department of Health and Human Services, focuses in particular on smaller providers and providers serving the most vulnerable communities. “As we continue battling the pandemic, it’s incredibly important that our health care providers have the resources they need to provide high-quality care to families across Hawai‘i,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This new federal funding will help these providers keep their doors open and keep people safe and healthy.” This new funding is part of the $178 billion Provider Relief Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. The grants will allow health care providers to recruit and retain staff, purchase masks and other supplies, modernize facilities, or undertake other projects in response to COVID-19. Today’s announcement follows last month’s announcement of $43 million in federal funding under the American Rescue Plan for 240 rural health care providers to provide care for families across the state. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-island-selected-as-finalist-for-up-to-100-million-grant-to-support-local-farmers-help-grow-agricultural-economy Schatz: Hawai‘i Island Selected As Finalist For Up To $100 Million Grant To Support Local Farmers, Help Grow Agricultural Economy 2021-12-13 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that the Hawai‘i Island Coalition was named a finalist for the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge and will receive $500,000 to further develop a proposal for between $25 and $100 million in potential future grant funding. If successful, the coalition would use the funds to create jobs, train workers, and expand the market reach of Hawai‘i Island’s farmers. “This announcement is great news for the Big Island and the state,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Investing in agriculture will create jobs, support families, and grow our local economy. I’ll do everything I can to get this application over the finish line and make sure Hawai‘i secures this federal funding.” The Hawai‘i Island Coalition, led by Hawai‘i County, seeks to create a robust agricultural economy that corrects past systemic barriers to growth that are unique to islands, while also helping respond to economic downturns due to the pandemic and natural disasters. The coalition aims to divert 20 percent of Hawai‘i’s food import market to local producers, creating thousands of new jobs and stimulating the specialty export market. If successful in securing the larger grant, the coalition would build an industrial park, train workers, and increase food processing and production capacity. The Economic Development Administration launched the Build Back Better Regional Challenge with funds provided by the American Rescue Plan, which Congress passed – and Senator Schatz supported – earlier this year. The challenge leverages $1 billion to boost economic recovery from the pandemic and rebuild American communities, with 30 winners receiving grants worth between $25-100 million to develop local initiatives. The Hawai‘i Island Coalition is one of 60 finalists selected from 529 applications. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-oahu-health-center-to-receive-more-than-470000-to-help-train-more-local-doctors-expand-access-to-health-care Schatz: Oahu Health Center To Receive More Than $470,000 To Help Train More Local Doctors, Expand Access To Health Care 2021-12-10 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center will receive $472,834 in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan to establish a teaching health center primary care medical residency program on Oahu. “This new residency program will train more local doctors and help Hawai‘i families get the health care they need,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Where someone lives shouldn’t be a barrier to seeing a doctor. That’s why programs like these are so critical for families living in rural areas.” The new federal funding is part of the Health Resources and Service Administration’s Teaching Health Center Planning and Development Program (THCPD), and will support the establishment of a teaching health center primary care residency program at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. The new residency program will help train residents at community-based sites and help to address physician workforce shortages in rural and underserved communities. The Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center has clinics in Waianae, Nanakuli, Kapolei, Waipahu, and Ewa. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-epa-must-take-lead-in-testing-analysis-public-communication-of-red-hill-water-contamination-crisis Schatz: EPA Must Take Lead In Testing, Analysis, Public Communication Of Red Hill Water Contamination Crisis 2021-12-09 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after the Navy disputed the Hawai‘i Department of Health’s analysis of water contamination at the Aiea Halawa well. “The EPA must be the lead agency in the collection, testing, analysis, and public communication for water quality of the Navy’s water system. EPA must take a more active role in addressing this crisis. We can’t afford another day of the Navy and state and county agencies disagreeing on the basic question of whether the drinking water is safe. We need a trusted independent agency with deep expertise and a mission of environmental protection to take over.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=723 Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Urges Governor Ige To Request Emergency Declaration, EPA Intervention In Water Contamination Crisis 2021-12-07 2021 2021-12 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=23 scraper (Washington, DC) - U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i) called on Governor David Ige to request that President Biden declare an emergency and direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to step in and assist with the water contamination crisis on Oahu. “The EPA’s direct intervention in your request is essential,” the delegation wrote in their letter to Ige. “While the source of the contamination affecting the drinking water is still unknown, it is important that the public have confidence in the process that the Navy and Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) are using to draw samples from the Navy’s water system to ensure the results show the true extent of the problem that threatens the health and safety of the people of Hawai‘i. "The EPA has the expertise to validate the techniques and procedures that the Navy and DOH are using to draw their samples, and it can direct them to take corrective actions where appropriate. It can also draw its own samples to compare against as we work to identify, isolate, and fix the source of the contamination affecting the drinking water.” The full text of the letter can be found below and is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-governor-ige-to-request-emergency-declaration-epa-intervention-in-water-contamination-crisis Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Urges Governor Ige To Request Emergency Declaration, EPA Intervention In Water Contamination Crisis 2021-12-07 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i) called on Governor David Ige to request that President Biden declare an emergency and direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to step in and assist with the water contamination crisis on Oahu. “The EPA’s direct intervention in your request is essential,” the delegation wrote in their letter to Ige. “While the source of the contamination affecting the drinking water is still unknown, it is important that the public have confidence in the process that the Navy and Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) are using to draw samples from the Navy’s water system to ensure the results show the true extent of the problem that threatens the health and safety of the people of Hawai‘i. The EPA has the expertise to validate the techniques and procedures that the Navy and DOH are using to draw their samples, and it can direct them to take corrective actions where appropriate. It can also draw its own samples to compare against as we work to identify, isolate, and fix the source of the contamination affecting the drinking water.” The full text of the letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Governor Ige: We write regarding the contamination of drinking water impacting the communities of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Aliamanu Military Reservation, and Red Hill and urge you to immediately request that President Biden declare an emergency and to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and all other appropriate federal agencies to respond to this crisis. Including the EPA’s direct intervention in your request is essential. While the source of the contamination affecting the drinking water is still unknown, it is important that the public have confidence in the process that the Navy and Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) are using to draw samples from the Navy’s water system to ensure the results show the true extent of the problem that threa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hirono-vote-to-confirm-clare-connors-to-serve-as-us-attorney-for-hawaii Schatz, Hirono Vote to Confirm Clare Connors to Serve as U.S. Attorney for Hawai‘i 2021-12-07 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie K. Hirono, member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today voted to confirm Hawai‘i Attorney General Clare Connors to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawai‘i. The Senate voted unanimously to confirm her nomination. “Clare Connors is an excellent choice to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawai‘i, and her unanimous confirmation by the Senate is proof of that. With her strong background in public service and her proven commitment to justice, we were proud to support her nomination, and are confident she will serve the people of Hawai‘i well.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=722 Hawai‘i Delegation Calls For Comprehensive IG Evaluation Into Navy’s Ability To Safely Operate Red Hill 2021-12-06 2021 2021-12 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=23 scraper (Washington, DC) - U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i) today called for a Department of Defense Inspector General (DOD IG) evaluation into the Navy’s ability to safely operate Red Hill. Earlier this month, the delegation called for the DOD IG to determine whether the Navy properly investigated recent fuel releases and notified state health officials in a timely manner, and whether the Navy delayed investigation or notification in an attempt to secure a permit to operate Red Hill. Today’s request asks the IG to conduct a more comprehensive, holistic evaluation to assess the overall safety of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Yesterday, Governor Ige and the Hawai‘i delegation called for the Navy to immediately suspend operations at Red Hill while they confront and remedy this crisis. The letter follows a series of recent troubling safety hazards, including on November 20, 2021, where 14,000 gallons of fuel and water were released from a fire suppression drain line, ongoing widespread complaints from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam military housing residents about their potable water having a chemical or fuel smell, confirmed petroleum in the water at Red Hill Elementary School, and tests showing petroleum in drinking water at a Red Hill well confirmed by the Navy months ago. In this latest request to the DOD IG, the delegation said, “additionally, as several of the recent incidents have involved leaks or releases from pipes connected to Red Hill and deemed part of the overall Red Hill system, we urge you to include in your evaluation an assessment of the safety of the piping system connected to Red Hill, as well as the effectiveness of personnel training in minimizing incidences caused by human error. Finally, the evaluation you conduct should include an independent review of the current safety of Red Hill’s fuel tanks and the feasibility of the Navy’s plan to either double-hull the twenty fuel t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=721 Gov. Ige and Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation Call For Immediate Suspension Of Operations At Red Hill 2021-12-05 2021 2021-12 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=24 scraper (Honolulu, HI) - Gov. David Ige and Hawaii’s Congressional delegation, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i), released the following statement calling for the Secretary of the Navy to immediately suspend operations at Red Hill following the contamination of drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam: “Test results confirming contamination of drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam show that the Navy is not effectively operating the World War II-era facility and protecting the health and safety of the people of Hawai‘i. We are calling for the Navy to immediately suspend operations at Red Hill while they confront and remedy this crisis.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-governor-call-for-immediate-suspension-of-operations-at-red-hill Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation, Governor Call For Immediate Suspension of Operations At Red Hill 2021-12-05 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige and Hawaii’s congressional delegation, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i), released the following statement calling for the Secretary of the Navy to immediately suspend operations at Red Hill following the contamination of drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam: “Test results confirming contamination of drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam show that the Navy is not effectively operating the World War II-era facility and protecting the health and safety of the people of Hawai‘i. We are calling for the Navy to immediately suspend operations at Red Hill while they confront and remedy this crisis.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-discussion-with-white-house-chief-of-staff-biden-homeland-security-advisor-on-water-contamination-crisis Schatz Statement On Discussion With White House Chief Of Staff, Biden Homeland Security Advisor On Water Contamination Crisis 2021-12-04 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on his call with White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain and the President’s Homeland Security Advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall to discuss the water contamination crisis at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. “Today, I spoke with White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain and Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall to brief them on the water contamination crisis on Oahu and request the Biden Administration’s support for all federal resources available to the state and to affected residents, including mobilizing EPA and all relevant federal agencies. The White House agreed to work closely with me and state and military leaders to ensure Hawai‘i has the federal support it needs to clean up the water at Red Hill and help families get through this crisis.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=720 Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation: Navy Has Failed To Safely Manage Fuel Operations, Must Provide Affected Families With Safe Water, Access To Lodging, Laundry, Other Necessities 2021-12-03 2021 2021-12 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=24 scraper (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after test results found petroleum contaminants in the Navy’s water system, which supplies water to thousands of Oahu families: “While the test results leave many questions, it is clear that the Navy has failed to manage its fuel operations, including Red Hill, to a standard that protects the health and safety of the people of Hawai‘i. The Navy must immediately identify, isolate, and fix the problems that have allowed the contamination of the drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. That includes a wholesale change in an organizational culture that has allowed too many accidents to occur without any accountability. "We expect the Navy to also provide all affected residents with safe drinking water, and access to temporary lodging, laundry services, and other necessities that will help them get through this crisis. The Navy must also work with state regulators to identify and isolate other potential fuel leaks that risk further contamination of drinking water resources on Oahu. Finally, we urge the governor to request that the president declare an emergency as soon as possible so that the state has access to every resource available to make families whole and protect the people of Hawai‘i from future leaks. "We will remain personally involved in applying the full resources of our offices and Congress to ensuring that the Navy fully resolves this crisis.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-navy-has-failed-to-safely-manage-fuel-operations-must-provide-affected-families-with-safe-water-access-to-lodging-laundry-other-necessities Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation: Navy Has Failed To Safely Manage Fuel Operations, Must Provide Affected Families With Safe Water, Access To Lodging, Laundry, Other Necessities 2021-12-03 2021 2021-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after test results found petroleum contaminants in the Navy’s water system, which supplies water to thousands of Oahu families. “While the test results leave many questions, it is clear that the Navy has failed to manage its fuel operations, including Red Hill, to a standard that protects the health and safety of the people of Hawai‘i. The Navy must immediately identify, isolate, and fix the problems that have allowed the contamination of the drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. That includes a wholesale change in an organizational culture that has allowed too many accidents to occur without any accountability. We expect the Navy to also provide all affected residents with safe drinking water, and access to temporary lodging, laundry services, and other necessities that will help them get through this crisis. The Navy must also work with state regulators to identify and isolate other potential fuel leaks that risk further contamination of drinking water resources on Oahu. Finally, we urge the governor to request that the president declare an emergency as soon as possible so that the state has access to every resource available to make families whole and protect the people of Hawai‘i from future leaks. We will remain personally involved in applying the full resources of our offices and Congress to ensuring that the Navy fully resolves this crisis.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=726 Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation to Navy Secretary: Navy Must Act Immediately To Test, Protect Water, Provide Hawai‘i Residents With Access To Safe Water 2021-11-30 2021 2021-11 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=24 scraper (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after meeting with Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro to discuss fuel operations in Hawai‘i: “Today, we met with Secretary Del Toro to discuss our concerns with Red Hill and the Navy’s fuel operations in Hawai‘i. The Navy owes the community straightforward communications on all events that occur at Red Hill and a commitment to address concerns with the Red Hill infrastructure no matter the cost. Given the resources and engineering expertise available to the Navy, we made it clear that there is zero tolerance for endangering the health and safety of the public or the environment. Most recently, reports of fuel potentially contaminating the water supply at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam followed by a slow, inadequate response are especially troubling. The Navy must act immediately and do everything it can to expedite the testing being done on the mainland to determine any risks to the drinking water. It also needs to ensure that residents in all affected areas have access to safe drinking water until the Navy and state regulators can assure the public it is safe. We also expect clear and consistent communication with the public about all matters, but particularly those that impact health and safety.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-to-navy-secretary-navy-must-act-immediately-to-test-protect-water-provide-hawaii-residents-with-access-to-safe-water Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation To Navy Secretary: Navy Must Act Immediately To Test, Protect Water, Provide Hawai‘i Residents With Access To Safe Water 2021-11-30 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after meeting with Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro to discuss fuel operations in Hawai‘i. “Today, we met with Secretary Del Toro to discuss our concerns with Red Hill and the Navy’s fuel operations in Hawai‘i. The Navy owes the community straightforward communications on all events that occur at Red Hill and a commitment to address concerns with the Red Hill infrastructure no matter the cost. Given the resources and engineering expertise available to the Navy, we made it clear that there is zero tolerance for endangering the health and safety of the public or the environment. Most recently, reports of fuel potentially contaminating the water supply at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam followed by a slow, inadequate response are especially troubling. The Navy must act immediately and do everything it can to expedite the testing being done on the mainland to determine any risks to the drinking water. It also needs to ensure that residents in all affected areas have access to safe drinking water until the Navy and state regulators can assure the public it is safe. We also expect clear and consistent communication with the public about all matters, but particularly those that impact health and safety.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-passing-of-former-honolulu-mayor-eileen-anderson Schatz Statement On Passing Of Former Honolulu Mayor Eileen Anderson 2021-11-30 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on the passing of former Honolulu Mayor Eileen Anderson. “Mayor Anderson was a remarkable, trailblazing leader who helped inspire generations of women in Hawai‘i. While she will be greatly missed, her legacy of public service and work to move Honolulu forward will endure. My condolences and aloha go to Mayor Anderson’s ohana.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-to-receive-15-million-to-improve-waianuenue-avenue-bridge-in-hilo-protect-it-from-flooding-natural-disasters Hawai‘i To Receive $1.5 Million To Improve Waianuenue Avenue Bridge In Hilo, Protect It From Flooding, Natural Disasters 2021-11-29 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that the State of Hawai‘i will receive $1.5 million in new federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to modernize the Waianuenue Avenue Bridge and protect it from flooding and earthquakes. “This new federal funding will modernize the Waianuenue Avenue Bridge, making it safer for local families to use and get where they need to go,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. “In addition to this funding, Hawai‘i is set to receive at least $2.8 billion from the new bipartisan infrastructure law to strengthen roads and bridges across the state.” The modernized bridge will be designed to withstand earthquake forces and erosive forces of flood waters as established by current national standards. The $1.5 million grant is being funded through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments so they can rebuild in a way that reduces, or mitigates, future disaster losses in their communities. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-to-receive-47-million-to-help-keep-families-in-their-homes-avoid-evictions Schatz: Hawai‘i To Receive $4.7 Million To Help Keep Families In Their Homes, Avoid Evictions 2021-11-29 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority will receive $4.7 million from the American Rescue Plan to keep Hawai‘i families using housing vouchers from being evicted due to increased costs. “No one should lose their home during a pandemic,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Housing and Urban Development. “This new federal funding will help make sure families who are struggling to stay in their homes aren’t evicted and can continue to have safe and stable housing.” The grants will support Housing Choice Vouchers and Mainstream Vouchers for non-elderly persons with disabilities that otherwise would have their rental assistance terminated as a result of insufficient funding. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-nomination-of-nani-coloretti-as-deputy-omb-director Schatz Statement On Nomination Of Nani Coloretti As Deputy OMB Director 2021-11-24 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU — U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement on the nomination of Nani Coloretti as Deputy Director at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). When confirmed, Coloretti will become the highest ranking Filipino American in the Biden Administration. Coloretti hails from Kapahulu and graduated from Iolani School in 1987. “The Office of Management and Budget will gain an outstanding, well-qualified Deputy Director in Nani Coloretti,” Senator Schatz said. “This is a proud moment for Hawai‘i and the Filipino American community. As a native of Kapahulu and the highest ranking Filipino American in the Biden Administration, Nani will bring strong leadership experience, as well as the ability to inspire the next generation of Filipino American leaders in Hawai‘i and across the country. I am proud to call Nani a friend, and I look forward to voting for her confirmation in the Senate.” Nani Coloretti is currently Senior Vice President at the Urban Institute. She previously served as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development during the Obama Administration. Before that she served as Assistant Secretary for Management and Acting CFO of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and Acting COO of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Coloretti worked in the San Francisco Mayor’s office from 2005 until 2009, most recently serving as Budget Director. Previously, Coloretti served as the Director of Policy, Planning, and Budget for the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families from 1999 to 2005. The Office of Management and Budget is the largest office within the Office of the President, overseeing the implementation of the president’s vision across the Executive Branch. Specifically, OMB’s mission is to assist the president in meeting his policy, budget, management and regulatory objectives and to fulfill the agency’s statutory responsibilities. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-rural-health-care-providers-to-receive-more-than-43-million-in-federal-relief-funding-to-cover-costs-help-families-get-health-care Schatz: Hawai‘i Rural Health Care Providers To Receive More Than $43 Million In Federal Relief Funding To Cover Costs, Help Families Get Health Care 2021-11-23 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that rural health care providers in Hawai‘i will receive more than $43 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan to provide health care for families across the state. The grants will support 240 Hawai‘i health care providers who serve rural Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program, and Medicare beneficiaries. “This new federal funding will provide a lifeline for rural health care providers and help families across Hawai‘i get the health care they need as we continue to fight this pandemic,” said Senator Schatz. “Helping these providers keep their doors open will keep people in Hawai‘i healthy, create jobs, and improve our quality of life.” The grants will support health care providers who suffered during the pandemic, and can be used to pay salaries or recruit workers, purchase supplies or equipment such as N95 or surgical masks or ventilators, make capital investments, or cover other expenses related to preventing or responding to COVID-19. A full list of funding recipients can be found here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-secures-extension-of-493-million-honolulu-rail-funding-grant-in-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal Schatz Secures Extension Of $493 Million Honolulu Rail Funding Grant In Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal 2021-11-23 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Last week, President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan infrastructure deal into law, which includes a provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that will extend the deadline for $493 million in grant funding for the Honolulu Rail Transit project. The federal funds, a portion of the $1.55 billion federal grant for the project, were set to expire at the end of the year if left unspent. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz worked with congressional leaders to include the deadline extension and protect the project’s federal funding for another two years. “My objective was to prevent the loss of these federal dollars. While this extension buys them more time, HART and the City still need to update their financial plan and come back with something that can actually work. They now have an opportunity to focus on what is most important – developing a clear-eyed plan for the people of Honolulu,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development. The new spending deadline for these funds is December 31, 2023. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=714 Case Votes For House Passage Of The Build Back Better Act 2021-11-19 2021 2021-11 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=24 scraper (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) released this statement after voting this Friday morning for successful passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of the proposed $2.1 trillion American Families Plan, also known as the Build Back Better Act: “This vote to advance the Build Back Better Act to the Senate was one of the most consequential I will ever take. To get it right, for the last few months I have joined many colleagues in taking the time required to fully understand a complicated and often-changing 2,100-page bill, and to assure that it will actually deliver for those most in need and will be a responsible and sustainable investment of our nation’s financial resources. “After fully reviewing the bill’s provisions as well as a full financial review from our Congressional Budget Office, and further discussing the measure with my colleagues, the White House, my constituents and others, I concluded that I had the information I needed to make a fully informed decision and decided to vote to advance the measure to the Senate for further consideration. “Among many critical provisions, the bill makes historic investments in combatting climate change, providing our keiki a better start in life, helping struggling families and lowering the costs of health care especially prescription drugs. Equally critically, it does so in a fiscally responsible way as the costs of these investments are largely paid for rather than borrowed and are responsibly and fairly allocated. “I especially want to thank the thousands of Hawai‘i residents who communicated their views on Build Back Better both pro and con and everywhere in between to me over the last months. Their input has been a critical part of my consideration and decision, and I am grateful for their patience as I have sorted through this decision. “As the Senate now takes up Build Back Better, it is very important to note that in all likelihood whole parts of the House-passed version will be removed or altered and other provisions added. So, we hav… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-set-to-receive-more-than-2-million-to-protect-coastal-communities-across-the-state Hawai‘i Set To Receive More Than $2 Million To Protect Coastal Communities Across The State 2021-11-19 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that Hawai‘i will receive more than $2 million to fund coastal resilience projects and protect communities from flooding across the state. “These projects will restore or expand wetlands, beaches, and forests and will help keep homes and businesses safe from flooding and coastal erosion,” said Senator Schatz. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will administer the funding in partnership with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and will leverage additional funding from the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Defense, Shell Oil, TransRe, Occidental, and AT&T. Hawai‘i projects receiving federal grant funding include: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Project: Developing Community Resilience for Molokai Coastal Homesteads Grant amount: $203,940 Funding will be used to develop a resilience plan for homestead communities on the island of Molokai through scientific analyses and modeling of projected sea-level rise, flooding, groundwater upwelling and other increasing coastal hazards. Malama Maunalua Project: Utilizing a Traditional Framework to Minimize Floods in Maunalua Bay Watersheds Grant amount: $262,312 Project will address the serious flooding issues confronting residential, commercial, and environmental resources surrounding Maunalua Bay by reducing the volume of the stormwater runoff in priority areas through increased filtration with revegetation in natural areas and by slowing down or capturing the water from urban areas. Maui Nui Marine Resource Council Project: Conducting Site Assessments and Planning to Address Recurring Coastal Flooding Grant amount: $210,000 Project will create a workplan for site design, with the goal of preventing property and infrastructure damage due to stormwater flooding and protecting wetland bird habitat, native plant species, nearshore coral reef ecosystems and marine wildlife. Department of Land and Natural … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-congratulates-suzanne-vares-lum-on-being-named-president-of-east-west-center Schatz Congratulates Suzanne Vares-Lum On Being Named President of East-West Center 2021-11-19 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement today congratulating Suzanne Vares-Lum on her appointment to be the next president of the East-West Center. “I congratulate Suzanne Vares-Lum on this well-deserved appointment to be the next president of the East-West Center,” said Senator Schatz. “As a Native Hawaiian woman, a former major general in the Army, and a community leader here at home, her unique experience and important perspective will serve her well in this new role. I look forward to working with her as the East-West Center continues to play an increasingly important role in strengthening our national security and improving cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-papahanaumokuakea-deserves-sanctuary-protections Schatz: Papahanaumokuakea Deserves Sanctuary Protections 2021-11-19 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Following an appropriations provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) to designate Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument as a National Marine Sanctuary, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today officially began the process for designation. Following this initiation, NOAA will begin public meetings and the formal legal process to complete the requirements to finalize an official designation. “Papahanaumokuakea is a special place that deserves the strongest protections we can give it,” said Senator Schatz. “Designating the area as a sanctuary will allows its managers, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, to better protect its cultural and environmental value while planning for the long term, so future generations of Native Hawaiians and Hawai‘i residents will be able to see Papahanaumokuakea the way we do today.” Papahanaumokuakea was first established as a marine national monument in 2006. It was expanded by President Obama in 2016 following a formal proposal from Senator Schatz. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-braun-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-build-more-affordable-housing-address-americas-growing-housing-crisis Schatz, Braun Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Build More Affordable Housing, Address America’s Growing Housing Crisis 2021-11-18 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) today introduced the Build More Housing Near Transit Act. The bipartisan legislation continues Senator Schatz’s efforts to address America’s housing shortage by offering federal benefits and encouraging local governments to build more high-density housing near transit-oriented urban spaces, where options are especially lacking. “We have a national housing shortage crisis, and one thing is clear: we need to build more housing,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. “Our bipartisan bill will make sure that when cities expand or redevelop their public transit systems, they are also building more affordable housing with it. This will help put more families in homes, grow local economies, and cut carbon pollution.” “For too long, transit and housing issues have run in parallel. This bill finally marries the two by giving local governments the tools they need to encourage high density and mixed use development to help relieve the affordable housing crisis. This bill gives local communities the resources they need to build more housing near transit systems and encourages them to enable their economies to grow through more housing options for families,” said Senator Braun. Specifically, the legislation directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide a scoring boost to the competitive grant application of public transit projects that include housing planning and development near new stations. Currently, 47% of renter households are cost-burdened, and lack of housing options in transit-friendly areas is a major contributor to this. Moreover, transportation costs are often a household’s second-largest expenditure behind housing, meaning more housing in transit areas would have a two-fold benefit. By offering easier access to transit centers, the Build More Housing Near Transit Act will connect more employees with jobs and boost economic output, as well as red… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-to-receive-22-million-to-improve-honoapiilani-highway-on-maui-protect-it-from-sea-level-rise Schatz: Hawai‘i To Receive $22 Million To Improve Honoapiilani Highway On Maui, Protect It From Sea Level Rise 2021-11-16 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) will receive $22 million in new federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to support a realignment of the Honoapiilani Highway in West Maui and protect it from sea level rise. “This new federal funding will keep Honoapiilani Highway safe and functional by responding to coastal erosion caused by climate change and help local families get where they need to go in West Maui,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. “In addition to this funding, Hawai‘i is set to receive at least $2.8 billion from the new bipartisan infrastructure law to strengthen road and bridges and make them more resilient to climate change.” Schatz’s office worked closely with HDOT throughout the grant application process to ensure the state submitted a strong, competitive application. The DOT funding, which comes from a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant, will be used to realign 4.5 miles of Honoapiilani Highway from Ukumehame to Launiupoko. This realignment will connect to the previously constructed Lahaina Bypass, addressing the second priority location on the statewide report for coastal highway protection. HDOT will work closely with Maui County and the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, which owns most of the land that the realignment will be constructed on. The project will also receive federal funding from the new bipartisan infrastructure law. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-signs-infrastructure-bill-into-law-at-least-28-billion-in-new-federal-funding-heading-to-hawaii-even-more-expected President Signs Infrastructure Bill Into Law, At Least $2.8 Billion In New Federal Funding Heading To Hawai‘i, Even More Expected 2021-11-15 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, President Joe Biden signed the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill into law. The sweeping law, which U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) voted to pass in the Senate in August, includes at least $2.8 billion for Hawai‘i to repair roads and bridges and make them more resilient to climate change, improve public transportation options for residents, and strengthen high-speed internet access in Native Hawaiian communities and across Hawai‘i. “Billions of federal dollars are now on their way to Hawai‘i to help us improve our buses and public transit systems, fix up our roads and bridges, and create thousands of new jobs across the state,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. “This massive investment will make it safer and easier for Hawai‘i families to get around and benefit our local economy for many, many years to come.” In addition to the billions of dollars in federal funding for Hawai‘i, the new law also includes a provision authored by Senator Schatz to improve road safety standards and make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The Vulnerable Road Users Safety Act, which Schatz worked to include in the deal, will help utilize technology, infrastructure, and design expertise to vastly reduce pedestrian and cyclist road deaths in Hawai‘i and across the United States. Key provisions in the infrastructure bill for Hawai‘i include: Roads, bridges, and major projects – at least $1.5 billion for Hawai‘i At least $1.2 billion in estimated funding for Hawai‘i will be used to repair and rebuild roads with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, and safety for all road users At least $339 million for Hawai‘i from the Bridge Program to repair and replace deficient or outdated bridges Hawai‘i has access to nearly $16 billion in nationwide funding for major projects Access to $7.5 billion for competitive RAISE grants which support surface transportation projects of local and/or regional significance Public t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-brown-senators-to-cfpb-fix-the-broken-credit-reporting-system-hold-credit-reporting-agencies-accountable Schatz, Brown, Senators To CFPB: Fix The Broken Credit Reporting System, Hold Credit Reporting Agencies Accountable 2021-11-10 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), urged the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to take concrete steps to reform the credit reporting industry. Specifically, the senators urged Director Rohit Chopra to use the CFPB’s existing supervisory, rulemaking, and enforcement authority over the largest nationwide consumer reporting agencies, in order to improve the accuracy of credit reports, streamline the dispute resolution process, and hold consumer reporting agencies accountable for addressing persistent errors. “In an industry that affects all Americans so directly, even a small error rate means tens of millions of people can be denied jobs or housing through no fault of their own. As a result of simple mistakes, consumers may pay more for credit or be denied loans altogether; they might face obstacles applying for a job, getting a mortgage, or renting an apartment,” the senators wrote in their letter to Director Chopra. “These impacts can persist for years, putting innocent people in positions that are nearly impossible to resolve. … Accordingly, we request you take immediate action to protect consumers and introduce much-needed accountability into the credit reporting system.” The full text of the letter is available here and can be found below: Dear Director Chopra: Congratulations on your confirmation to serve as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). We write to urge you to take strong action to reform an industry that plays an integral role in deciding individuals’ access to credit, and whose errors can ruin lives. A 2012 FTC study found that one in five consumers had an error in at least one of their credit reports, and five percent of consumers had errors that were economically damaging. A 2015 follow-up study by the FTC found th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-rounds-portman-coons-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-education-benefits-for-veterans Schatz, Rounds, Portman, Coons Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Protect Education Benefits For Veterans 2021-11-10 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced the Student Veterans Transparency and Protection Act. The bipartisan legislation would improve veterans’ access to information about higher education and allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to restore benefits that veterans use at schools subject to civil enforcement. “The G.I. Bill benefit has helped open the doors to higher education for many veterans who otherwise would not be able to access it. But bad actors in the education community have taken advantage of those who have served, robbing them of the full value of their education benefits,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will ensure that veterans who have been deceived are able to recoup their benefits. It will also help veterans learn more about different schools and their benefits so that they have the information they need to find the right program.” Along with providing VA the ability to reinstate benefits used at schools subject to civil enforcement, the bill requires VA to provide veterans up-to-date student outcome and financial information for all eligible institutions through its G.I. Bill Comparison Tool, and it requires all VA education counselors to be trained in using this tool to help beneficiaries so that veterans can make the best choices about where to use their education benefits. “Our veterans, service members, and their families deserve full access to the educational benefits they’ve been promised,” said Senator Rounds. “Our bill will improve the GI Bill Comparison Tool to better inform eligible individuals in South Dakota, and nationwide, about their educational benefits and opportunities. Through timely data publication, this tool will help veterans and service members steer clear of predatory institutions and select the best programs available.” “Veterans and servicemembers in O… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-set-to-receive-at-least-28-billion-to-improve-roads-bridges-expand-high-speed-internet-access-create-new-jobs-across-the-state Schatz: Hawai‘i Set To Receive At Least $2.8 Billion To Improve Roads, Bridges, Expand High-Speed Internet Access, Create New Jobs Across The State 2021-11-06 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal that includes at least $2.8 billion in estimated funding for Hawai‘i. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) voted to pass in the Senate in August, includes funding to repair roads and bridges and make them more resilient to climate change, improve public transportation options for residents, and strengthen high-speed internet access in Native Hawaiian communities and across Hawai‘i. “Billions of federal dollars are heading to Hawai‘i to help us fix up our roads and bridges, and create thousands of new jobs across the state,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. “This massive investment will make it safer and easier for Hawai‘i families to get around, while helping grow our local economy.” In addition to the billions of dollars in federal funding for Hawai‘i, the bill also includes legislation authored by Senator Schatz to improve road safety standards and make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The Vulnerable Road Users Safety Act, which Schatz worked to include in the deal, will help utilize technology, infrastructure, and design expertise to vastly reduce pedestrian and cyclist road deaths in Hawai‘i and across the United States. The bill now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. Key provisions in the infrastructure bill for Hawai‘i include: Roads, bridges, and major projects – at least $1.5 billion for Hawai‘i At least $1.2 billion in estimated funding for Hawai‘i will be used to repair and rebuild roads with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, and safety for all road users At least $339 million for Hawai‘i from the Bridge Program to repair and replace deficient or outdated bridges Hawai‘i has access to nearly $16 billion in nationwide funding for major projects Access to $7.5 billion for competitive RAISE grants which support s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=703 Statement of Congressman Ed Case on Final House Passage of the $1 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan and on Advancement of the $1.75 Trillion Build Back Better Package 2021-11-05 2021 2021-11 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=24 scraper (Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) tonight released the following statement following the historic vote in the House: “Late tonight I joined a majority of my U.S. House colleagues in voting for final passage of the historic $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan, our largest-ever investment in America’s roads and bridges, water infrastructure, climate resilience projects, internet access and much more,” said Congressman Ed Case (HI-01). “For our Hawai'i, this means over $2 billion dollars in federal investment in our own crumbling infrastructure and in the thousands of jobs and economic generation it will yield.” The bill passed the House on a bipartisan basis and now goes directly to President Biden, who has stated that he will sign it into law immediately. “I also voted with a majority of my House colleagues to advance the $1.75 trillion Build Back Better package, which would be our largest-ever investment in climate change and our social safety net”, said Case. “We are on course to pass this equally historic bill out of the House and send it to the Senate the week of November 15th, subject to Congressional Budget Office confirmation of the measure’s revenues and expenses.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-calls-on-navy-to-improve-accountability-to-public-on-hawaii-fuel-operations-plans-to-ensure-health-and-safety-of-oahu-residents Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Calls On Navy To Improve Accountability To Public On Hawai‘i Fuel Operations, Plans To Ensure Health And Safety Of Oahu Residents 2021-11-02 2021 2021-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i) today called on the Navy to provide more information on the March 2020 fuel leak near Hotel Pier at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. In a letter to Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, the delegation also requested more details on the Navy’s response to discovering the leak, including its compliance with reporting requirements and any potential information that may have been withheld from the public as part of an oversight effort to improve the Navy’s accountability to the public on its broader fuel operations in Hawai‘i. “We are particularly troubled about reports of a fuel leak near Hotel Pier at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) that occurred in March 2020 and allegations that the Navy was not appropriately forthcoming about the source and scale of the fuel leak with state regulators, federal officials, and the public—including our offices,” the delegation wrote. “These recent incidents, including the manner in which the Navy has responded to them and its lack of transparency with the public, raise questions about the seriousness with which the Navy takes its responsibility to communicate clearly with the public about matters concerning health and safety. The people of Hawai‘i deserve better from the Navy.” The full text of the letter is available here and can be found below. Dear Secretary Del Toro, We write with increasing concerns about the safety of the Navy’s fuel operations in Hawai‘i. We are particularly troubled about reports of a fuel leak near Hotel Pier at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) that occurred in March 2020 and allegations that the Navy was not appropriately forthcoming about the source and scale of the fuel leak with state regulators, federal officials, and the public—including our offices. The Navy made a commitment to engage the people of Hawai‘i through town halls and neighborhood boards, to brief state regulators and off… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=699 Case Celebrates Filipino American History Month with Introduction of Resolution and Remarks in the Congressional Record 2021-10-29 2021 2021-10 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=24 scraper (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) yesterday co-led introduction in the U.S. House alongside Congresswoman Young Kim and 34 of their colleagues of a bi-partisan measure to celebrate October as Filipino American History Month. “Each year our country recognizes October as Filipino American History Month, a time for all Americans to celebrate the incredible past, present and future of our fellow citizens whose heritage lies in the great country of the Philippines,” said Case in his written remarks submitted to the Congressional Record. “I am especially humbled to do so as the Representative of Hawaii’s First Congressional District, where some 195,000 Filipino Americans live, more than any other of our 435 districts throughout the country. “With Hawaii’s Second Congressional District with the second largest Filipino Americans population, at about 175,000, our Fil-Am community in Hawai‘i stands at 370,000. “In total, fully a quarter of all Hawai‘i residents are Filipino Americans, by far the largest percentage of any state or territory.” In his remarks, Case spotlighted the arrival of the first Filipinos who immigrated to the United States on October 18, 1587, when the ship the Nuestra Señora de Esperanza arrived in Morro Bay, California. The first Filipinos to arrive in Hawaii came onboard the SS Doric with the fifteen “sakadas” (contract laborers) arrived in Honolulu to work in the sugar plantations. “To Fil-Ams everywhere, Maraming Salamat Po and Dios Ti Agngina, congratulations. I truly look forward to partnering with you on your next proud chapters,” said Case. "As the 2nd largest Asian American group in the U.S. and the 3rd largest ethnic group in California, Filipino Americans have played an important part in our history and continue to contribute to our communities each day,” said Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-39), the Republican co-lead of this legislation. “I’m glad I can help celebrate Filipino American History Month and honor the Filipino Americans in California’s 39th District and a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-9-senators-calling-for-reversal-of-previous-administrations-harmful-transgender-prison-policy Schatz Leads Group Of 9 Senators Calling For Reversal Of Previous Administration’s Harmful Transgender Prison Policy 2021-10-29 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today called on Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director Michael Carvajal to reverse the previous administration’s harmful BOP policy which increased transgender prisoners’ risk of sexual victimization. The letter follows a 2018 letter Schatz led urging for a reversal after the policy’s implementation. “In 2018, BOP made substantive revisions to the Transgender Offender Manual (the Manual) that placed incarcerated transgender people at serious risk of sexual victimization by making it more difficult, if not impossible, to house incarcerated transgender people in facilities in accordance with their gender identity,” the senators wrote. “We strongly urge the BOP to reverse the previous administration’s policy and to consult with incarcerated transgender people and the legal, policy, and advocacy organizations who represent their interests before issuing a final revision of the Manual to develop a policy that is consistent with existing law and responsive to the needs of incarcerated transgender people.” According to a survey by the National Center on Transgender Equality, transgender people are ten-times more likely to be sexual assaulted in prison, and five-times more likely to be sexually assaulted by prison staff. The full text of the letter is available here and can be found below: Dear Director Carvajal: We write to urge you to reverse the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) harmful policy toward transgender people made by the previous administration. In 2018, BOP made substantive revisions to the Transgender Offender Manual (the Manual) that placed incarcerated transgender people at serious risk of sexual victimization by making it more difficult, if not impossible, to house incarcerated transgender people in facilities in accordance with their gender ide… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-reintroduces-legislation-to-expand-social-security Schatz Reintroduces Legislation To Expand Social Security 2021-10-26 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) reintroduced the Safeguarding American Families and Expanding Social Security (SAFE Social Security) Act, legislation to expand Social Security for seniors and families in Hawai‘i and across the country. The bill would increase benefits on average by more than $115 per month, ensure the cost of living adjustments adequately reflect the living expenses of retirees, extend the life of the trust fund, remove the wage cap to make sure all Americans contribute equally, and provide additional benefits to older seniors, caregivers, and low-income Americans. “In Hawai‘i, more than 280,000 people depend on Social Security, the most successful safety net program in American history,” said Senator Schatz. “My bill will expand Social Security and put more money in the hands of seniors who rely on it, strengthen the program for the next generation of retirees, and make sure everyone pays into the system equally. After a lifetime of hard work, seniors deserve to retire with the dignity and benefits they have earned.” In Hawai‘i, more than 280,000 people, or over 1 in 6 residents, rely on Social Security benefits. In 2040, the number of Hawai‘i seniors is expected to grow and make up more than 20 percent of the population, making the need to expand the program even more critical. Specifically, the Safeguarding American Families and Expanding Social Security Act would: Phase out the payroll tax cap so that payroll taxes apply fairly to every dollar of wages earned; Adjust current benefits calculations to increase average monthly benefits by over $100; Provide an additional 5% increase in benefits for older seniors to ensure they can make ends meet as their retirement savings are exhausted; Guarantee a new minimum benefit so that lower income seniors receive enough to survive; Provide a credit for caregivers that would be added to an individual’s earnings to calculate their future Social Security benefits; Ensure that any increase in benefits under this legislatio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-reintroduces-legislation-to-promote-educational-opportunities-for-incarcerated-americans Schatz Reintroduces Legislation To Promote Educational Opportunities For Incarcerated Americans 2021-10-26 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) reintroduced legislation to expand access to education for Americans in federal prisons. The Promoting Reentry through Education in Prisons (PREP) Act would create an office within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) focused on correctional education and fund a new program to address the lack of educational opportunities currently offered. “Research shows that one of the best ways to break the cycle of recidivism is through education,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill would make it easier for people in the federal prison system to pursue a better life through learning, in turn improving our public safety and saving taxpayers’ money.” Education programs in prison can dramatically help formerly incarcerated individuals by providing the tools to rebuild their lives, while at the same time lowering correctional spending. These programs also have a clear public safety benefit, reducing recidivism rates by over 43 percent. People in federal prisons, however, do not have access to consistent or adequate education opportunities, and the BOP lacks resources needed to administer such programs. The PREP Act would address this by establishing both an Office of Prison Education within the BOP to standardize educational programs across all federal prisons and a new program focused on partnerships between federal prisons and local education providers. It would also provide training and resources for state and local prisons to use in their own education programs. Additionally, it would create a centralized hub for research, policies, and best practices on correctional education. Finally, the bill would ensure that eligible veterans in prison are notified of their ability to access their education benefits and are connected with available education programs in their federal or state correctional facility. “It’s in everyone’s interest that when people re-enter society, they do so with the skills they need to build decent futures for themselves and their families,” Repres… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-new-legislation-to-keep-workers-safe-hold-companies-accountable-for-workplace-violations Schatz Introduces New Legislation To Keep Workers Safe, Hold Companies Accountable For Workplace Violations 2021-10-22 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representative Andy Levin (D-Mich.) introduced new legislation to keep workers safe by requiring the publication of workplace violations. The Keeping Workers Safe Act directs the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to announce major violations by companies and distribute them to local media and related labor and trade organizations, a practice which has been shown to boost workplace safety. “We need to do all that we can to protect American workers on the job,” said Senator Schatz. “Publicizing workplace violations holds companies accountable and leads to a safer work environment for everyone. Our bill will help standardize this practice, keep workers safe and healthy, and strengthen our economy.” A recent Duke University study found that one OSHA press release on a major violation resulted in the equivalent compliance measures of 210 inspections. Based on the number of serious violations found each year, the effectiveness of OSHA inspections could be doubled by mandating these notices. The study, which appeared in the American Economic Review, examined OHSA releases sent to local newspapers, finding a direct association between their being issued and improved workplace compliance. It has been estimated that workplace injuries cost $2.5 billion annually. “As our country continues to tackle this once in a lifetime public health crisis, the Keeping Workers Safe Act will ensure workers aren’t forced to risk their lives for paychecks and hold employers accountable for dangerous working conditions,” said Representative Levin. “After years as a union organizer and a workforce policy administrator, I know how important it is to empower OSHA and workers across the country, and this commonsense bill does exactly that.” The Keeping Workers Safe Act would amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to require the OSHA Administrator to publicly disclose civil penalties greater than $60,000 or multiple serious or repeated violatio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-bipartisan-group-of-14-senators-in-calling-on-president-biden-to-strengthen-us-leadership-on-global-vaccinations-efforts-to-fight-covid-19-pandemic Schatz Leads Bipartisan Group Of 14 Senators In Calling On President Biden To Strengthen U.S. Leadership On Global Vaccinations, Efforts To Fight COVID-19 Pandemic 2021-10-22 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), John Thune (R-S.D.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today called on President Joe Biden to provide more U.S. leadership and step up efforts to increase global vaccine access to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. “We urge you in the strongest possible terms to do more to lead global efforts to end this pandemic and increase global vaccine access. We also encourage you to place a stronger focus on development of and access to COVID-19 diagnostics and treatments and strengthening health systems worldwide,” the bipartisan group of senators wrote. “We were encouraged by the recent steps that the United States has taken to increase global vaccine access, including the recent convening of the Global COVID-19 Summit and the commitment to achieving 70 percent global vaccination by September next year. However, more significant U.S. leadership, urgency, and accountability is essential for a more effective global response to the pandemic.” The full text of the bipartisan letter is available here and can be found below: Dear President Biden: The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for the United States and for the world, with over 242 million cases and 4.9 million deaths worldwide. The COVID-19 vaccines currently approved and authorized are remarkably effective and are a crucial tool to ending the pandemic. Thanks to the important work done by Operation Warp Speed, and now continued by the White House COVID-19 Response Team, important progress has been made to make vaccines more widely available. However, we are deeply concerned about the inequitable access to these vaccines and other essential supplies across the world and what that means for more avoidable infections, deaths, disruption to the global economy, and the risk of new… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=689 Case Announces One Million Dollars In Federal Grants For Key Wildlife Projects In Hawaii 2021-10-21 2021 2021-10 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=24 scraper (Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today announced that the State of Hawaii will receive more than $1 million in grants for three key projects to benefit unique wildlife and their habitats. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) included Hawai’i among 16 states which won grants through its Competitive State Wildlife Grant (C-SWG) program. “These grants are critical investments by our federal government in partnership with local and state agencies to protect species that are unique to our island home,” said Case, a member of the House Appropriations Committee with jurisdiction over FWS funding. “The Competitive State Wildlife Grants provide a proactive, collaborative and innovative mechanism for addressing significant threats to our nation’s cherished wildlife and their habitats,” said Martha Williams, FWS’ Principal Deputy Director “Stemming the crisis of species extinction is a central component of the Biden-Harris administration’s America the Beautiful initiative.” “One of the initiative’s goals is to enhance wildlife habitat and improve biodiversity to keep species from reaching the point where they are too far gone to save. In addition, these grants provide support for State Wildlife Action Plans that underpin important efforts to conserve imperiled species and their habitats,” said Williams. Case said one of the projects awarded a grant will enable the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources to join forces with the University of Hawai’i-Manoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and FWS to implement conservation actions for rare, Yellow-faced bees on O’ahu. Stabilization and recovery of some of the last populations of the bees on O’ahu is achievable with the installation of fencing around key habitat, planting of diverse native plant species correlated with nesting success, and deployment of artificial nest habitat, which provides protection against predators. All FWS projects awarded grants include timely actions, such as range-wide species assessments and habit… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-nadler-reintroduce-legislation-to-eliminate-excessive-court-fines-and-fees-that-target-low-income-communities Schatz, Nadler Reintroduce Legislation To Eliminate Excessive Court Fines And Fees That Target Low Income Communities 2021-10-21 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) reintroduced the State Justice Improvement Act, legislation that will make lasting changes to America’s criminal justice system. Across the country, courts often impose fines and fees without considering an individual’s ability to pay – disproportionately impacting low income communities and communities of color. This legislation provides state and local courts with new and expanded federal funding opportunities to reform these monetary punishment policies. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. “All Americans deserve equal treatment under the law, no matter how much money is in their bank accounts,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will help to end the cycle of poverty and incarceration, creating a justice system that treats people fairly and keeps our communities safe.” “All Americans, regardless of their socioeconomic status, deserve equal access to our nation’s criminal justice system,” said Chairman Nadler. “Sadly, numerous courts across the nation impose excessive fees and fines which have failed to improve public safety, and instead have placed an undue burden on low-income communities and communities of color. Our legislation will help address these injustices so that we take a step toward bringing an end to the poverty to prison pipeline, and restore public trust in our criminal justice system.” According to available state data, the national court-related debt total is at least $26.7 billion. Excessive court fines and fees disproportionately burden low income communities and communities of color. Individuals who are unable to pay face serious consequences, including more fees, license suspensions, extended probation, and incarceration – trapping people in the criminal justice system. As a result, they can lose their jobs, their homes, and even their children. In the 50 cities with the highest proportion of revenues from fines, the median size of the Africa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-brown-senators-to-zuckerberg-facebook-cannot-be-trusted-to-manage-cryptocurrency-stop-launch-of-diem-novi-immediately Schatz, Brown, Senators To Zuckerberg: Facebook Cannot Be Trusted To Manage Cryptocurrency, Stop Launch Of Diem, Novi Immediately 2021-10-19 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) voiced their opposition to Facebook’s revived effort to launch a cryptocurrency (“Diem”) and digital wallet (“Novi”). In light of yet another scandal involving Facebook’s failure to protect its users, the senators urged Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to immediately discontinue the company’s pilot of Novi, announced this morning, and to commit not to bring Diem to market. “Facebook is once again pursuing digital currency plans on an aggressive timeline and has already launched a pilot for a payments infrastructure network, even though these plans are incompatible with the actual financial regulatory landscape—not only for Diem specifically, but also for stablecoins in general,” the senators wrote in their letter to Zuckerberg. “Unfortunately, Facebook’s decision to pursue a digital currency and payments network is just one more example of the company ‘moving fast and breaking things’ (and in too many cases, misleading Congress in order to do so). Facebook cannot be trusted to manage a payment system or digital currency when its existing ability to manage risks and keep consumers safe has proven wholly insufficient.” In October 2019, Senators Schatz and Brown wrote to members of the Diem Association’s predecessor, the Libra Association, and expressed deep concerns about the risks the project posed to consumers and the financial system. Facebook subsequently shelved Libra amid regulatory scrutiny, but the company has now revived its efforts under new branding. The full text of the letter is available here and can be found below: Dear Mr. Zuckerberg: Policymakers are once again facing a scandal involving reports about Facebook’s relentless pursuit of profits at the expense of its users. The most recent allegations detail Facebook’s knowing use of algorithms that harm adole… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-secures-600000-in-new-federal-funding-to-empower-native-hawaiian-community-support-native-hawaiian-cultural-education-for-visitors Schatz Secures $600,000 In New Federal Funding To Empower Native Hawaiian Community, Support Native Hawaiian Cultural Education For Visitors 2021-10-19 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Department of the Interior has awarded $600,000 in new grant funding to support local organizations that are working to preserve and share Native Hawaiian culture and traditions with visitors. The funding was made possible by the NATIVE Act, a law authored by Senator Schatz to integrate native tourism, empower native communities, and expand unique cultural tourism opportunities across the country. “This new funding will give local organizations more resources to preserve and share Native Hawaiian culture,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “Native Hawaiian culture and traditions are foundational to who we are as a place and a people, and every visitor should understand that.” The new funding from the NATIVE Act will go towards improving visitor experiences at a National Park through the development of interpretive materials regarding Native Hawaiian place names, and traditional land forms and divisions; and to support other partner organizations in applying historic preservation skills and knowledge so that their traditional cultural places and stories are documented, preserved, and shared. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-new-legislation-to-prevent-youth-suicide Schatz Introduces New Legislation To Prevent Youth Suicide 2021-10-07 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) introduced legislation to prevent youth suicide, the second leading cause of death for people aged 10-24. The Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act would fund suicide prevention initiatives, ensure health care providers receive training to prevent intentional harm, and create a centralized hub to provide safety information to at-risk youth and their support networks. “Youth suicide is a crisis in Hawai‘i and across America, and we need to take every step we can to address it,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill provides important training and resources to medical professionals who will be able to help. I encourage my colleagues to take action on it immediately.” “Pediatricians do everything we can to keep children healthy and safe, which includes protecting children from the dangers posed by firearms and counseling parents to remove guns from the home or store them safely to prevent child injury and fatality, including from suicide. The Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act would take critical steps toward keeping children safe and help health care professionals support young people who might be at risk for self-harm, especially in supporting the effective combination of physician counseling and provision of safe storage devices for families with firearms in their home. The American Academy of Pediatrics thanks Senator Brian Schatz for his leadership on this important bill and is calling for Congress to swiftly advance the legislation,” said Lee Savio Beers, MD, FAAP, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “AFSP is proud to endorse the Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act to help prevent youth suicide. Voluntary action to make the environment safe from lethal means, including firearms, is an essential component of any effective suicide prevention strategy. This legislation will advance public education and build a comprehensive information center to help health care providers and families identify str… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-blumenauer-unveil-new-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-stop-illegal-deforestation-around-the-world-fight-climate-change Schatz, Blumenauer Unveil New Bipartisan Legislation To Help Stop Illegal Deforestation Around The World, Fight Climate Change 2021-10-06 2021 2021-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.) today unveiled the Fostering Overseas Rule of Law and Environmentally Sound Trade (FOREST) Act, new bipartisan legislation that creates a framework for the federal government to deter commodity-driven illegal deforestation around the world. The FOREST Act restricts access to U.S. markets for commodities originating from illegally deforested land, reducing the incentive to sacrifice forests for agriculture use and using this market leverage to improve laws, monitoring, and enforcement in countries experiencing illegal deforestation. “Products of illegal deforestation are everywhere. Half of the products in American grocery stores contain palm oil and most of that is coming from illegally deforested land around the world,” said Senator Schatz. “Illegal deforestation is threatening local communities and wildlife and is a major driver of climate change. American consumers are unknowingly and unintentionally driving this destruction, and our bill will help put an end to that.” “Americans shouldn’t have to worry about whether they are contributing to illegal deforestation every time they browse the shelves at their local home improvement or grocery store,” said Representative Blumenauer. “It’s time to crack down on this dangerous practice—which is polluting our planet, threatening forests and wildlife, and hurting communities large and small.” Deforestation accounts for 10 to 15 percent of the world’s annual greenhouse gas emissions, with nearly 40 percent of all tropical deforestation the result of illegal clearing. Driven primarily by the cultivation of cattle, soy, palm oil, and wood products, illegal deforestation is often associated with corruption, organized crime, and human rights abuses. The FOREST Act builds on the success of the Lacey Act, which prohibits the trade of wildlife and timber from illegal sources, to protect biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in the face of a c… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schatz-kilmer-reintroduce-legislation-to-protect-federal-workers-contractors-their-families-from-losing-their-homes-falling-behind-on-bills-during-shutdown Schatz, Kilmer Reintroduce Legislation To Protect Federal Workers, Contractors, Their Families From Losing Their Homes, Falling Behind On Bills During Shutdown 2021-09-30 2021 2021-09 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) reintroduced legislation to protect federal workers and their families from foreclosures, evictions, and loan defaults during a government shutdown. The Federal Employee Civil Relief Act would enable government employees and contractors to postpone payment obligations during a shutdown and for 30 days afterward. “Federal workers are dedicated public servants who inspect our food and water, maintain our parks, and care for our veterans. The last choice they should have to make is between feeding their families and keeping the lights on,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill will protect them from any harm that might come while Republicans attempt to score political points.” “No family should be left struggling to pay their bills and provide for their families because of the federal government’s failure to do its job,” said Representative Kilmer. “Federal workers aren’t Democrats or Republicans when they show up for work. They are public servants that protect our sailors through their work at the shipyard, that prepare timber sales in the federal forests, that welcome visitors to national parks, that care for our veterans, that ensure citizens can get the services they need, and that keep us safe. We should have their backs. That’s why I’m leading legislation with Senator Schatz to ensure that if federal workers in our region have to deal with another government shutdown, their finances – and their families – are protected.” During the December 2018 government shutdown, many federal workers received a pay stub with zero dollars on it. This bill addresses the real threat of federal workers and contractors losing their homes, falling behind on student loans and other bills, having their car repossessed, or losing their health insurance because they have been furloughed during a shutdown or required to work without pay. The Federal Employee Civil Relief Act would protect impacted workers from: Being evicted or forec… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=668 Case Announces $1.8 Million In Grants For Direct Service Programs In Hawai?i 2021-09-28 2021 2021-09 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=24 scraper (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today announced that $1.8 million in grants have been awarded to service organizations in Hawaiʻi to empower people of all backgrounds to give of their time and talents to address some of the most pressing challenges in their communities. “The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that Congress enacted and the President signed into law in March has made these funds available to stabilize and expand national service programs that have been responding to communities hit hard by COVID-19. The release of these funds will give more people the chance to serve their country and help make our Hawaiʻi a better place to live, work and raise our families,” said Case. Case said that one grant of $1,076,963 was awarded to the Hawaiʻi Commission on National and Community Service to provide the program with the flexibility and resources needed to increase living allowances, build capacity and expand volunteering opportunities. AmeriCorps is a network of local, state and national service programs whose mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020, AmeriCorps programs have acted to meet the emerging public health, education, food security and economic needs of communities across the country. Case said a second grant of $800,831 will go to the Kupu Environmental Stewardship Program. Kupu - which means to “sprout” or “grow” in Hawaiian - works to preserve Hawaii’s natural resources while empowering youth through service-learning programs in conservation and sustainability. One of Kupu’s initiatives is its culinary program housed at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Hoʻokupu Center in Kewalo Basin, which has been used to prepare thousands of meals for needy families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Case has been a strong supporter of annual funding increases for the Corporation for National and Community S… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-health-centers-set-to-receive-more-than-7-million-to-expand-health-care-access-to-more-people-fight-covid-19-pandemic Schatz: Hawai‘i Health Centers Set To Receive More Than $7 Million To Expand Health Care Access To More People, Fight COVID-19 Pandemic 2021-09-28 2021 2021-09 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, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that 12 health centers across Hawai‘i will receive $7,423,032 to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, expand and improve health care facilities, and provide health care to more people. “We are still fighting this pandemic, so this new funding will be a big help. It will update and expand health centers across the state and provide more people with the health care they need,” said Senator Schatz. The funding from the American Rescue Plan can be used for COVID-19-related capital needs, including constructing new facilities, renovating and expanding existing facilities to enhance response to pandemics, and purchasing new state-of-the-art equipment, including telehealth technology, mobile medical vans, and freezers to store vaccines. The more than $7 million in new funding includes: $561,644 for Hamakua Health Center on Hawai‘i Island $523,749 for Lanai Community Health Center $546,800 for Kalihi Palama Health Center on Oahu $540,128 for Hoola Lahui Hawai‘i on Kauai $553,911 for Waimanalo Health Center on Oahu $689,189 for West Hawai‘i Community Health Center on Hawai‘i Island $734,784 for Bay Clinic on Hawai‘i Island $626,038 for Kokua Kalihi Valley on Oahu $564,152 for Koolauloa Health Center on Oahu $925,689 for Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center on Oahu $520,955 for Hana Community Health Center on Maui $635,993 for Community Clinic of Maui ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-to-receive-nearly-6-million-to-expand-improve-veterans-cemetery-in-kaneohe Schatz: Hawai‘i To Receive Nearly $6 Million To Expand, Improve Veterans Cemetery In Kaneohe 2021-09-28 2021 2021-09 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), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that Hawai‘i will receive $5,901,475 in new federal funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs to expand and improve the Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe. “This federal funding will help us continue to honor the thousands of brave service members from Hawai‘i who put their lives on the line to serve our country, and ensure their legacies are remembered long after they have passed,” said Senator Schatz. The Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery currently serves more than 83,000 veterans and their eligible family members living within 75 miles of the cemetery. The grant will fund 1,099 pre-placed crypts, improvements to the existing maintenance wash rack structure, footings, oil separator and drainage system, turf seeding, and supporting infrastructure on approximately one acre of land. It comes from the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program, which awards states funding to build and maintain veterans cemeteries. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hirono-joint-statement-on-president-biden-nomination-of-clare-connors-for-us-attorney Schatz, Hirono Joint Statement On President Biden Nomination Of Clare Connors For U.S. Attorney 2021-09-28 2021 2021-09 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s nomination of Hawai‘i Attorney General Clare Connors to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawai‘i. The nomination follows Schatz and Hirono’s recommendation of Connors for the position. “Clare Connors is an excellent choice to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawai‘i. Clare’s broad experience, including as Hawai‘i’s current Attorney General, makes her an exceptionally well-qualified nominee to fill this important vacancy. With her strong background in public service and her proven commitment to justice, we are confident she will serve the people of Hawai‘i well. We were proud to recommend her to the President, and we look forward to working with our colleagues to ensure a speedy confirmation process.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-more-than-73-million-in-new-federal-funding-heading-to-hawaii-to-provide-support-services-help-native-hawaiian-students-graduate-college Schatz: More Than $7.3 Million In New Federal Funding Heading To Hawai‘i To Provide Support Services, Help Native Hawaiian Students Graduate College 2021-09-27 2021 2021-09 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), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that several Hawai‘i colleges and universities will receive more than $7.3 million in new federal funding to support Native Hawaiian students. The grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Program will help expand programs that serve Native Hawaiian students, including targeted support to promote completion and success in college. “This new funding will help Native Hawaiian students navigate college life and earn a degree that will help them find a good-paying job,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “When we provide targeted support services to Native Hawaiian students, it helps them graduate on time and puts them on a path to success.” The funding can be used to develop curriculum, renovate and improve classrooms or other facilities, support academic instruction, provide education or counseling services to improve financial and economic literacy for students and their families, and purchase library books and other educational materials, among other things. The $7.3 million in grant funding includes: $3,718,008 for the University of Hawai‘i $1,021,000 for the University of Hawai‘i Maui College $556,000 for the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo $556,000 Chaminade University of Honolulu $556,000 for Windward Community College $555,981 for Hawai‘i Community College $337,302 for Kapiolani Community College ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawahawaii-to-receive-more-than-5-million-to-combat-climate-change-restore-forests-support-endangered-species Schatz: Hawai‘i To Receive More Than $5 Million To Combat Climate Change, Restore Forests, Support Endangered Species 2021-09-25 2021 2021-09 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources will receive $5,298,701 from the U.S Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service for climate-smart forest restoration. The restoration will occur in areas with the highest potential for carbon capture, and will also improve habitat for critically endangered bird species. “This funding will help fight the climate crisis while ensuring that damaged forests grow back stronger than ever, maintaining the integrity of Hawai‘i’s unique environment,” said Senator Schatz. “Supporting these native trees will help recharge the aquifers supplying the state’s water, provide habitat for endangered Hawaiian bird species, and prevent dirt from washing into the ocean where it can harm coral reefs and fish.” The State will work will work with private landowners to plant 210,000 native trees and remove priority invasive plants from 1,650 acres, many of which are highly flammable and intensify wildfires. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=667 U.S. House Adopts Case Proposal To Strengthen Inspection and Safety Standards for Red Hill Fuel Tanks 2021-09-23 2021 2021-09 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=24 scraper (Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) announced that the full U.S. House has approved his floor amendment to the $768 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to require stricter inspection and safety standards for the military’s fuel tanks and supporting infrastructure at Red Hill on O’ahu. The amendment was one of nine offered by Case, cosponsored by Congressman Kaiali‘i Kahele (HI-02), and adopted by the House prior to House passage of the NDAA today. “My amendment requires a significantly enhanced inspection standard for Red Hill’s pipeline system and other supporting infrastructure and appurtenances,” said Case, a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations with jurisdiction over defense spending. “It also requires the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) to apply that standard in a full updated inspection of the Red Hill facility to confirm system integrity, with results, a life-cycle sustainment plan and options for further improving the security and maintenance of the facility reported directly to Congress for any further action required.” Case’s successful amendment follows leaks earlier this year in the tank support system, which are pending a full NAVFAC report, along with the recent proposed Decision and Order issued by a hearing officer with the Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) who recommended that the DOH renew the Navy’s permit to operate and maintain Red Hill facility for five years subject to a number of additional conditions. One condition would similarly require all active tanks to be submitted to substantially strengthened and more frequent inspection and repair requirements. “Since 2015 alone, the military has invested $218 million in infrastructure and maintenance programs at Red Hill, and another $470 million is budgeted for FY 2021 through FY 2025,” said Case. “In my Appropriations work, with the Department of Defense (DoD) and otherwise, I have continually emphasized the critical importance of these funds, given both th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-attack-on-hawaiian-airlines-flight-reprehensible-faa-confirms-it-will-investigate Schatz: Attack On Hawaiian Airlines Flight Reprehensible, FAA Confirms It Will Investigate 2021-09-23 2021 2021-09 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, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, released the following statement on an assault against a flight attendant onboard Hawaiian Airlines Flight 152. “This attack is reprehensible. I’ve been in direct contact with Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has assured me that this incident will be fully investigated by the FAA. The assailant must be held accountable and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. There should be zero tolerance for this kind of despicable attack.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=656 Case Announces that Post Office In Manoa Will Remain Open 2021-09-22 2021 2021-09 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=24 scraper (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today announced that the post office that has served the Mānoa community for decades will remain open following a letter he sent to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to reconsider the decision to close the facility at the end of this month. “This is certainly good news, not just for the 24,000 residents in the community I was privileged to represent for so many years in our State House, but for delivery of government services where people live and work wherever possible,” said Case. “I applaud our local, regional and national USPS for taking a second look, recognizing local realities and making it work.” Case said the United States Postal Service (USPS) reached an agreement with the operator of the Mānoa Contract Postal Unit (CPU) that will allow him to continue operations at the Mānoa Marketplace. The USPS had initially called for the closure because the agency had denied the operator’s request to account for increased costs including but not limited to the landlord’s proposal to raise lease rents on the operator. The operator concluded then that it could not continue with a financially viable operation. In his letter to the Postmaster General, Case, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, pointed to the concern that “because of Hawaii’s unique circumstances including very high land prices and cost of goods and services, many federal cost-benefit analysis formulas are not appropriate for Hawai‘i.” In the past, Case has requested various studies from the General Services Administration to ensure that its leasing equations account for these higher costs. Contract postal units are supplier-owned or suppler-leased sites operated by private vendors under contract to the USPS to provide postal products to the public at USPS prices. Attachment: Case letter to the Postmaster General dated September 17, 2021 ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-provision-authored-by-schatz-university-of-hawaii-set-to-receive-1-million-for-indigenous-health-center-to-research-support-native-hawaiian-health Following Provision Authored By Schatz, University Of Hawai‘i Set To Receive $1 Million For Indigenous Health Center To Research, Support Native Hawaiian Health 2021-09-22 2021 2021-09 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, announced that the University of Hawai‘i will receive $2,104,808 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement a Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity and to support cancer prevention research. Senator Schatz led efforts to establish and fund a Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity at the HHS Office of Minority Health in the December 2020 spending bill. “This new funding will help UH partner with HHS on its new Indigenous health center, giving researchers and policymakers more resources to better understand and directly address the health disparities the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities face,” said Senator Schatz. The Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity will lead efforts, including research, education, service, and policy development related to addressing health disparities and advancing health equity in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. An additional award will focus on American Indian and Alaska Native populations. The $2,104,808 in funding includes: $999,994 for the University of Hawai‘i system to implement the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity $1,104,814 for the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa to perform cancer cause and prevention research related to the gut microbiome ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-discusses-infrastructure-deal-35-trillion-proposal-to-tackle-climate-crisis-fund-health-care-education-in-meeting-with-president-biden Schatz Discusses Infrastructure Deal, $3.5 Trillion Proposal To Tackle Climate Crisis, Fund Health Care, Education In Meeting With President Biden 2021-09-22 2021 2021-09 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) released the following statement after meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House today to discuss the $3.5 trillion budget proposal and infrastructure deal currently being considered in Congress. “Today’s meeting with President Biden was encouraging. I reiterated the need to deliver for the American people and pass bold climate action that will grow our economy, create millions of new, good-paying jobs, and save the planet. “We all agreed – inaction is not an option. We cannot miss this moment.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-wicker-introduce-resolution-to-mark-telehealth-awareness-week Schatz, Wicker Introduce Resolution To Mark Telehealth Awareness Week 2021-09-22 2021 2021-09 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) introduced a bipartisan resolution to support the designation of September 19-25 as “Telehealth Awareness Week.” The resolution recognizes that telehealth has helped millions of patients access quality health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that it will continue to be essential beyond the public health emergency. “Telehealth makes it possible for more people to safely get the care they need, where and when they need it,” said Senator Schatz. “This is an opportunity for Congress to demonstrate its broad, bipartisan support for telehealth and help more people learn how to access these important services.” “Telehealth services have brought quality health care to more Americans in more places during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Senator Wicker said. “This Telehealth Awareness Week, I am glad to join my colleagues to celebrate the importance of telehealth and commit to making these services available to more Americans permanently.” The resolution recognizes the bipartisan support in Congress for telehealth and encourages expanded access to telehealth services for all individuals, including members of rural and underserved communities. It concludes that “Telehealth Awareness Week” will unite the efforts of patients, caregivers, health care providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance the role of telehealth in health care. In addition to Senators Schatz and Wicker, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss). Schatz has led efforts in the Senate to expand the use of telehealth services. Earlier this year, he reintroduced the CONNECT for Health Act, the most comprehensive bipartisan telehealth bill in Congress. Since its first iteration in 2016, several provisions from Schatz’s bill have been signed into law. To read the full resolution, click here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-murkowski-hirono-sullivan-reintroduce-bill-to-ensure-fair-medicare-payments-make-cost-of-living-adjustment-for-hawaii-alaska-nursing-homes Schatz, Murkowski, Hirono, Sullivan Reintroduce Bill To Ensure Fair Medicare Payments, Make Cost-Of-Living Adjustment For Hawai‘i, Alaska Nursing Homes 2021-09-21 2021 2021-09 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today reintroduced legislation that will provide for fair Medicare payments for nursing facilities in Hawai‘i and Alaska. The bipartisan Equitable Payments for Nursing Facilities Act will authorize a cost-of-living adjustment at skilled nursing facilities in those states to take into account the higher costs of delivering care. “Nursing homes are on the front lines of this pandemic and need all the support they can get to care for our most vulnerable residents,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill fixes the Medicare reimbursement rates so that Hawai‘i nursing homes get their fair share of federal dollars and have the resources to continue to provide high quality care.” “Long term care facilities fill a critical need in our communities, especially in caring for Alaska’s aging population,” said Senator Murkowski. “This bill makes a simple, but necessary change to ensure cost of living adjustments are considered for skilled nursing facility payments in Alaska and Hawai‘i, bringing parity with how hospitals are treated. I’m proud to join my colleagues in addressing this discrepancy to help give greater support to these important health care facilities.” “Skilled nursing facilities provide essential health services in Hawai‘i—but their work is hamstrung by reimbursement rates that do not take into account the high cost of doing business in the state. Our bill will make sure that these facilities have the resources they need to care for our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “As the largest state in the country and with some of the most rugged geography, Alaska’s health care ranks among the most expensive and challenging to provide, a disparity that has only been exacerbated by the pandemic,” said Senator Sullivan. “Through these challenges, our skilled nursing facilities have taken on an enormous share of the burden, doing excellent work taking care of our seniors in spite of being sh… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schatz-ernst-young-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-restore-honor-to-service-members-unfairly-discharged-due-to-sexual-orientation Schatz, Ernst, Young Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation To Restore Honor To Service Members Unfairly Discharged Due To Sexual Orientation 2021-09-20 2021 2021-09 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, on the 10-year anniversary of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy repeal, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) reintroduced the Restore Honor to Service Members Act. The bipartisan legislation corrects the military records of service members discharged solely due to their sexual orientation to reflect their honorable service and reinstate the benefits they earned, building on Senator Schatz’s 2020 National Defense Authorization Act amendment which turned the Department of Defense’s temporary process for service members to correct their records into permanent law. “As we mark 10 years since the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, we must continue working to right the wrongs caused by past discriminatory policy,” said Senator Schatz. “Tens of thousands of gay and lesbian veterans were unjustly discharged from the military, then denied the benefits and honorable service records that are rightfully theirs. This bill ensures every veteran receives what they deserve.” “Veterans who served our country honorably should receive the benefits they deserve. This bipartisan effort will help veterans correct their military records and ensure they are properly recognized for their sacrifice and service,” said Senator Ernst. “Addressing the injustices of the past is the right thing to do and will help to ensure all veterans are entitled to the privileges and benefits that they have earned. I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we work to restore honor to those who courageously served our nation in the armed forces,” said Senator Young. Since World War II, more than 100,000 Americans are estimated to have been discharged from the military because of their sexual orientation. Those forced out of the military may have left with discharge statuses of “other than honorable,” “general discharge,” or “dishonorable,” depending on the circumstances, and as a consequence may be disqualified from accessing benefits they are entitled to and unable to cl… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schatz-maui-county-set-to-receive-nearly-200000-in-federal-funding-to-provide-support-services-to-seniors-in-affordable-housing Schatz: Maui County Set To Receive Nearly $200,000 In Federal Funding To Provide Support Services To Seniors In Affordable Housing 2021-09-20 2021 2021-09 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that two affordable housing service providers in Maui County will receive $167,639 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding was awarded to help make sure low-income seniors at HUD-assisted multifamily properties continue to receive health and wellness services. “Everyone should have access to affordable housing and the care and resources to meet their needs,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This federal funding will ensure that older adults who need support can continue to live independently in quality, affordable housing with wrap-around services needed to stay healthy, safe, and fulfilled.” The federal funding includes: $142,507 for Hale Mahaolu $25,132 for Hale Mahaolu Ekolu, Inc. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-set-to-receive-45-million-to-support-local-nursing-homes-protect-people-health-care-workers-from-covid-19-other-infectious-diseases Hawai‘i Set To Receive $4.5 Million To Support Local Nursing Homes, Protect People, Health Care Workers From COVID-19, Other Infectious Diseases 2021-09-17 2021 2021-09 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has allocated $4.5 million in new federal funding from the American Rescue Plan to the Hawai‘i State Department of Health to support nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that may experience COVID-19 outbreaks and strengthen efforts to protect health care workers and fight infectious diseases, including COVID-19. “Last year’s tragic outbreak at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home has shown us how quickly COVID-19 can spread, how devastating it can be for the elderly, and how important it is to be prepared,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This new funding gives us more resources to increase staffing when there are outbreaks in nursing homes, protect patients and health care workers, and save lives.” The $4.5 million in funding includes nearly $2 million in funding to staff, train, and deploy strike teams to assist skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities with known or suspected COVID-19 outbreaks. The remaining $2.6 million will help Hawai‘i DOH expand capacity in several areas to better fight infectious diseases, including to expand public health support to health care facilities, assist health care workers to prevent infections more effectively, support rapid response to detect and contain infectious disease threats, and expand efforts to design and implement effective infection prevention and control training and education to frontline health care staff, among other activities. In September 2020, as a deadly COVID-19 outbreak at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo worsened, Senator Schatz called for immediate federal intervention to contain the spread and help save lives. As a result, the Department of Veterans Affairs mobilized a team to assess and support the veterans home and found a number of serious infection control issues that contributed to the deadly COVID-19 outbreak. Schatz’s actions… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-kauai-county-set-to-receive-more-than-15-million-in-new-federal-funding-to-provide-housing-assistance-for-families-in-need Schatz: Kauai County Set To Receive More Than $1.5 Million In New Federal Funding To Provide Housing Assistance For Families In Need 2021-09-17 2021 2021-09 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will allocate $1,554,752 in Housing Voucher funding to the Kauai County Housing Agency. The funding from the American Rescue Plan will make sure families in need continue to receive housing assistance. “This federal funding will help make sure that families who are struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic can stay in their homes,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “While this money will make a big difference, we’re going to keep working to bring more federal relief home to Hawai‘i.” The new funding has been awarded to help Kauai County avoid a shortfall that could lead to families being terminated from the program and to offset Kauai County’s increased Housing Voucher costs due to assisted families’ lost wages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-native-hawaiian-education-programs-set-to-receive-more-than-28-million-in-federal-funding-from-american-rescue-plan Schatz: Native Hawaiian Education Programs Set To Receive More Than $28 Million In Federal Funding From American Rescue Plan 2021-09-14 2021 2021-09 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that Hawai‘i will receive more than $28 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan to support grants under the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP). The federal funding was awarded to 35 Native Hawaiian education programs across the state. “This new federal funding will ensure that Native Hawaiian educational programs have the resources they need to support students in time for the upcoming school year,” said Senator Schatz. “As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I will keep fighting for more resources for the Native Hawaiian community.” As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Senator Schatz has worked to preserve and expand grant funding for NHEP. These multi-year competitive grants will be used for early childhood education, family engagement, Hawaiian language education, creation of STEM pathways, curriculum and professional development, and more. The programs receiving funding include: $9,348,569 for the University of Hawai‘i (includes 13 grants across UH) $776,400 for Maui Family Support Services, Inc. $949,778 for Friends of the Future $740,577 for Papa Ola Lōkahi $260,948 for Hula Preservation Society $651,424 for Kulaniakea $365,593 for Hui Malama O Ke Kai Foundation $576,640 for Ho‘okako‘o Corporation $742,252 for Hanona $733,150 for Malama Loko Ea Foundation $350,471 for Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture $748,934 for Awaiaulu, Inc. $512,494 for KAI LOA, Inc. $675,919 for Kamalani Academy $431,052 for Ho‘oulu Lahui Inc. $946,008 for Friends of the Future $2,207,987 for Keiki O Ka Aina Family Learning Centers $1,278,423 for Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu $1,385,750 for Kanu O Ka Aina Learning Ohana $540,000 for Pacific American Foundation $2,527,045 for Partners in Development Foundation $787,433 for Consortium for Hawai‘i Ecological Engineering Education $558,798 for Hui Mauli Ola ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-congratulates-keone-nakoa-and-summer-sylva-on-appointments-to-interior-department Schatz Congratulates Keone Nakoa And Summer Sylva On Appointments To Interior Department 2021-09-01 2021 2021-09 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, released the following statement congratulating Keone Nakoa and Summer Sylva on their appointments to serve at the U.S. Department of the Interior. “I congratulate Keone Nakoa and Summer Sylva on their historic appointments to the Interior Department,” said Chairman Schatz. “Their unique perspectives and qualifications will strengthen the Department’s work to honor and advance America’s relationships and trust responsibilities with Native communities in Hawai‘i and across the country. I look forward working with them both.” Keone Nakoa will serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs. Nakoa joins Interior from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs where he worked with Congress and federal agencies as the Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief. Keone previously served as speechwriter for the late Senator Daniel Akaka, clerk for the Chief Judge of the Hawai‘i Intermediate Court of Appeals and as a lawyer at a private firm in Honolulu. He holds J.D. and MBA degrees from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and a bachelor’s degree in biological anthropology from Harvard University. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, he is part Native Hawaiian and lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife, Stephanie. Summer Sylva will serve as Senior Advisor for Native Hawaiian Affairs. Sylva is a Native Hawaiian attorney from Waimanalo, who most recently served as the executive director of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation (NHLC). Sylva joins Interior with more than a decade of experience litigating before federal and state courts in Hawaiʻi, New York, and New Jersey. During her tenure at NHLC, she led litigation efforts on Native Hawaiian rights issues, including water rights, state and federal government entitlement programs, public trust and historic native land claims. Summer holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Barnard College-Columbia University and a J.D. from Cornell Law School. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-set-to-receive-more-than-2-million-to-support-local-small-farmers-help-feed-more-hawaii-families Schatz: Hawai‘i Set To Receive More Than $2 Million To Support Local Small Farmers, Help Feed More Hawai‘i Families 2021-09-01 2021 2021-09 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that Hawai‘i has been awarded $2,128,040 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support small farmers in food insecure communities. The federal funding is awarded through the USDA’s Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP), which was established through legislation authored by Senators Schatz and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and signed into law in the 2018. “This new federal funding will give Hawai‘i farmers more resources to grow their small businesses and help feed local families with fresh, home-grown food,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The MGFSP is specifically designed to support communities across the U.S. that have significant levels of food insecurity and import significant quantities of food. The program awards grants of $100 to $5,000 to individuals and grants of $100 to $10,000 to Tribes, religious organizations, food banks and other non-profits and federally-funded educational facilities, and local governments in Hawai‘i, Alaska, and insular areas. The grants may be used to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food, including through small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-kauai-honolulu-to-receive-4-million-to-help-house-more-hawaii-families Schatz: Kauai, Honolulu To Receive $4 Million To Help House More Hawai‘i Families 2021-08-31 2021 2021-08 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), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing, announced that Hawai‘i will receive $4 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. The grants will fund housing vouchers for families on Kauai and Oahu. “This funding will help more Hawai‘i families find a safe and reliable place to live,” said Senator Schatz. “Everyone should be able to afford a home, and I’ll keep fighting to expand affordable housing in Hawai‘i.” The HCV program helps very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Approximately 13,000 households rely on Section 8 housing in Hawai‘i. This funding is being distributed to housing agencies leasing a lower-than average percentage of their authorized vouchers due to funding constraints, allowing for more vouchers to be leased. The $4 million in funding includes: $2 million for the City and County of Honolulu $2 million for the Kauai County Housing Agency ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-county-to-receive-more-than-13-million-to-help-strengthen-water-infrastructure-keep-wastewater-treatment-plants-running-during-natural-disasters Schatz: Hawai‘i County To Receive More Than $1.3 Million To Help Strengthen Water Infrastructure, Keep Wastewater Treatment Plants Running During Natural Disasters 2021-08-27 2021 2021-08 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the County of Hawai‘i will receive $1,376,067 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support wastewater treatment. This funding covers eight new emergency power generators, helping to ensure wastewater treatment plants and sewer pump stations remain functional during a natural hazard or severe weather event. “The Big Island faces many unique environmental threats, and a failure to treat wastewater due to a power outage would be catastrophic,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This funding mitigates that risk by allowing for safe and effective treatment when power is lost, in turn keeping our streets accessible, our oceans and coasts clean, and our families healthy.” The eight generators, four stationary and four trailer mounted, will be installed at: Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant Kolea Sewer Pump Station Kulaimanu Wastewater Treatment Plant Onekahakaha Sewer Pump Station Papaikou Wastewater Treatment Plant Pauka‘a Sewer Pump Station Wailua Sewer Pump Station Wailuku Sewer Pump Station ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=626 Case and Kahele Announce Millions in Federal Funding To Support Efforts To Combat COVID-19 2021-08-13 2021 2021-08 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=25 scraper (Honolulu, HI) - Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) and Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele (HI-02) today announced that $20 million has been released to Native Hawaiian health care entities to aid their response to COVID-19. This funding is being distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). It provides six Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act (NHHCIA) award recipients resources to strengthen vaccination efforts, respond to and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and enhance health care services and infrastructure in their communities. “This announcement comes at a time when COVID-19 cases have risen dramatically throughout the islands, and hospital capacity to deal with those sickened by the virus stretched to the limit,” said Case. “I am grateful that this assistance will help to prevent those vaccinated from severe illness or death.” “Hawaiʻi is experiencing a record high of COVID-19 cases. This funding will provide our Native Hawaiian communities with much-needed resources to increase vaccination efforts that will help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Kahele. “Earlier today Congressman Case and I met with Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States in Hilo to discuss issues important to Native Hawaiians and their families. Access to quality health care, especially during the pandemic is crucial. This assistance will certainly help protect our most vulnerable.” "This latest round of American Rescue Plan funding is another piece of the Biden-Harris Administration's continued effort to support underserved communities that have been most affected by the pandemic," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "This funding will help trusted Native Hawaiian health systems continue providing life-saving resources and care to their communities." In 2020, NHHCIA award recipients provided services to more than 7,000 patients in Native Hawaiian commu… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-native-hawaiian-health-care-centers-papa-ola-lokahi-set-to-receive-20-million-to-support-health-care-services-efforts-to-fight-covid-19 Schatz: Native Hawaiian Health Care Centers, Papa Ola Lokahi Set To Receive $20 Million To Support Health Care Services, Efforts To Fight COVID-19 2021-08-13 2021 2021-08 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. Department of Health and Human Services announced that $20 million in federal funding, secured by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) in the American Rescue Plan, will be distributed to Papa Ola Lokahi and five Native Hawaiian Health Care Centers to support vaccination efforts, respond to and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and strengthen health care services for Native Hawaiian families across the state. “This new funding will help more Native Hawaiian families get the health care they need and fight this pandemic,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, my job is to help deliver federal funding to Native communities in Hawai‘i and across the country, and that’s what I will continue to do.” The $20 million in funding includes: $4.75 million for Papa Ola Lokahi $3 million for Ho‘ola Lahui Hawai‘i on Kauai $3 million for Ke Ola Mamo on Oahu $2.5 million for Nā Pu‘uwai on Molokai $3.5 million for Hui No Ke Ola Pono on Maui $3.25 million for Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi on Hawai‘i Island ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-at-least-28-billion-for-hawaii-to-improve-roads-bridges-expand-high-speed-internet-access-create-new-jobs-across-the-state-included-in-senate-passed-infrastructure-bill Schatz: At Least $2.8 Billion For Hawai‘i To Improve Roads, Bridges, Expand High-Speed Internet Access, Create New Jobs Across The State Included In Senate-Passed Infrastructure Bill 2021-08-10 2021 2021-08 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) voted to pass a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal that includes at least $2.8 billion in estimated funding for Hawai‘i. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes funding to repair roads and bridges and make them more resilient to climate change, improve public transportation options for residents, and strengthen high-speed internet access in Native Hawaiian communities and across Hawai‘i. “Billions of federal dollars for Hawai‘i are in this bill to help us fix up our roads and bridges, and create thousands of new jobs across the state,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. “This massive investment will make it safer and easier for Hawai‘i families to get around, while helping grow our local economy.” In addition to the billions of dollars in federal funding for Hawai‘i, the bill also includes legislation authored by Senator Schatz to improve road safety standards and make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The Vulnerable Road Users Safety Act, which Schatz worked to include in the deal, will help utilize technology, infrastructure, and design expertise to vastly reduce pedestrian and cyclist road deaths in Hawai‘i and across the United States. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. Key provisions in the infrastructure deal for Hawai‘i include: Roads, bridges, and major projects – at least $1.5 billion for Hawai‘i At least $1.2 billion in estimated funding for Hawai‘i will be used to repair and rebuild roads with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, and safety for all road users At least $339 million for Hawai‘i from the Bridge Program to repair and replace deficient or outdated bridges Hawai‘i has access to nearly $16 billion in nationwide funding for major projects Access to $7.5 billion for competitive RAISE grants which support surface transportation projects of local and/or regional significa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-make-streets-safer-for-those-who-walk-ride-bikes-passes-senate-in-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill Schatz Legislation To Make Streets Safer For Those Who Walk, Ride Bikes Passes Senate In Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill 2021-08-10 2021 2021-08 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 legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that will improve road safety standards and make streets safer for everyone. The Vulnerable Road Users Safety Act, which Senator Schatz worked to include in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, utilizes technology, infrastructure, and design expertise to vastly reduce pedestrian and cyclist road deaths in Hawai‘i and across the United States. “For too long, transportation policy has been focused on how we can fit more cars on our roads, but that isn’t the only way people travel,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Housing and Transportation. “My legislation will make it safer for everyone to use our streets, whether it’s on foot or on a bike, and I’m pleased we were able to bring it one step closer to becoming law.” In just a decade, the number of pedestrians killed by vehicles nationally rose by roughly 50 percent. And for cyclists, the death rate also remains high, with more than 800 people killed while riding a bike in 2019 alone. The Vulnerable Road Users Safety Act aims to stop this troubling trend. Specifically, the Schatz legislation implements National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations and directs the administrators of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and/or Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to: Develop and update performance standards for visibility enhancement systems (i.e. for blindspot detection), connected vehicle technology, and vehicle headlamp systems; Establish standards for vehicle bumpers; Establish performance standards for automated pedestrian detection systems like automatic braking sensors; Include pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements and on- and off-street pedestrian bicycle facilities and intersection safety treatments in the FHWA’s innovative infrastructure deployment programs; and Improve and coordinate information collection to share, combine, and publish detailed crash da… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-lujn-reintroduce-legislation-to-create-public-health-insurance-option-provide-more-people-with-affordable-health-care Schatz, Luján Reintroduce Legislation To Create Public Health Insurance Option, Provide More People With Affordable Health Care 2021-08-06 2021 2021-08 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) today reintroduced the State Public Option Act, bicameral legislation to create a Medicaid-based public health insurance option to strengthen the Affordable Care Act by providing Americans with a new high-quality, low-cost choice when purchasing health insurance. “Our bill will open up each state’s Medicaid program to anyone who wants it, giving people a high-quality, low-cost public health insurance option,” said Senator Schatz. “Our ultimate goal here is to make sure that every single American has comprehensive health care coverage.” “Health care is a human right. For communities to thrive, Americans need quality, affordable health care,” said Senator Luján. “A state public option puts us one step closer to universal coverage for all Americans, and I’m honored to re-introduce this legislation alongside Senator Schatz to bolster our health care system.” The State Public Option Act will allow states to create a Medicaid buy-in program for all their residents regardless of income, giving everyone the option to buy into a state-driven Medicaid health insurance plan. At least 18 states are exploring implementing a public option within their legislatures. Medicaid is a popular and cost-effective program with a large provider network. The program has the same positive ratings as private insurance, but provides health coverage at a much lower cost. Based on partnerships between state and federal governments, Medicaid also gives states the flexibility to adapt services and models of care based on their individual needs. Even with the progress of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), more than 30 million people remain uninsured. This legislation will help workers who do not have employer-sponsored coverage but may make too much to qualify for subsidies under the ACA. The bill will also help consumers who live in counties with limited insurance carriers or who worry they may soon have no options for affordable coverage. In the Senate, the Schatz-… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-reintroduces-legislation-to-remove-barriers-to-higher-education-for-americans-with-criminal-records Schatz Reintroduces Legislation To Remove Barriers To Higher Education For Americans With Criminal Records 2021-08-06 2021 2021-08 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) reintroduced the Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act, which encourages colleges and universities to remove criminal and juvenile justice questions from their admissions applications by providing guidance and training to schools to change their policies. Most schools currently include these questions in their admissions processes. “Everyone deserves the chance to rebuild their life through higher education, whether they have a criminal record or not,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill pushes colleges and universities to remove criminal history questions from the application process – a barrier that all too often keeps people from heading back to school.” About 70 million Americans have some type of criminal record, which shows up on all routine background checks. These records make it difficult for these Americans to go to college, find a good-paying job, and rebuild their lives. Studies have shown that rejection rates for potential students with convictions can be 12 to 13 percentage points higher than applicants who don’t have these kinds of backgrounds, and many fail to complete their application once they reach the criminal history question. As part of his push to encourage schools to change their processes, Senator Schatz has previously led letters to the “Big Six” higher education associations and the Common Application asking them to remove criminal history questions from their admissions processes. As a result, the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the American Association of Community Colleges urged their members to remove these questions. And beginning in August 2019, the Common Application removed criminal history questions from their form. The original cosponsors of the Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act include U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tammy Baldwin (… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-bills-to-support-native-hawaiian-language-schools-and-programs-unanimously-pass-key-committee Schatz Bills To Support Native Hawaiian Language Schools And Programs Unanimously Pass Key Committee 2021-08-05 2021 2021-08 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Two bills authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) to support Native Hawaiian language schools and programs, unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, where Schatz serves as Chairman. “Our bipartisan bills will strengthen federal support for culturally-based Native language education and make sure Native language use in Hawai‘i and across the country continues to grow,” said Chairman Schatz. The pair of bills passed by the Schatz-led committee include the Native American Language Resource Center Act and the Durbin Feeling Native American Languages Act. The first bill will create a designated resource center to support and grow Native language education in Hawai‘i and across the United States, while the Durbin Feeling Native American Languages Act, named after a renowned Cherokee linguist and Vietnam veteran, would help improve federal agencies’ coordination in support of Native American languages. “It is wonderful to receive news from Senator Schatz’s office regarding progress on his bill to establish a Native American Language Resource Center. It has been my honor to testify before Senator Schatz’s Indian Affairs Committee regarding the promise and challenges of Hawaiian language medium education and similar programs in American Indian and Alaska Native languages. As we begin our new school year enrollments are up at our main campus as well as our two satellite campuses. Much remains to be done to support our students, faculty, parents and staff. The establishment of a national resource center will be a crucial step in addressing longstanding unmet needs. I am thankful for the leadership of Senator Schatz and appreciate the years of work it has taken to get the bill this far. I will support all of his efforts to secure enactment of this important bill before the end of the year,” said Dr. Kauanoe Kamanā, Principal of Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu Hawaiian Language Medium Laboratory School. “Over the last four decades the tireless efforts of advocates and educators has led to a re… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-tillis-cornyn-blumenthal-introduce-new-legislation-to-help-fight-cybercrime-keep-americans-safe Schatz, Tillis, Cornyn, Blumenthal Introduce New Legislation To Help Fight Cybercrime, Keep Americans Safe 2021-08-05 2021 2021-08 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), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today introduced new legislation to fight cybercrime and help keep Americans safe from online scams. The bipartisan Better Cybercrime Metrics Act will improve data collection on cybercrimes, giving law enforcement and policy makers more tools to understand the size and scope of cybercrime in the United States. “To protect people and fight online crimes, including hacks and scams, we need to understand how often, when, and where it’s happening. Our bipartisan bill will equip us with the data we need to go after criminals and provide more support to victims of cybercrime,” said Senator Schatz. “Cybercrimes have steadily increased in recent years, putting private information, energy dependability, and our national security at risk,” said Senator Tillis. “It’s time for Congress to act on these growing threats by giving law enforcement and policymakers the tools needed to improve data collection and respond to cyber-attacks. I am proud to introduce this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to protect every American from the threat of cybercrimes.” “Texas ranks third in the nation for victims of cybercrime, and many more incidents have gone unreported,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation would help us quantify how many cybercrimes are committed and the efficacy of law enforcement’s response to them.” “Cybercriminals prey on the most vulnerable of our society, stealing billions of dollars every year through elaborate scams and frauds. What we do not measure, we cannot fix. By improving reporting on cybercrime, this bill is the first step toward fighting back against a massive scourge afflicting consumers, communities, and our economy,” said Senator Blumenthal. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are targets of cybercrime incidents that cost billions of dollars. Whether done through online scams and fraud, corporate data breaches, or ransomware attacks, the cost of cybercrim… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-new-eviction-ban-will-help-thousands-of-hawaii-residents-stay-in-their-homes Schatz: New Eviction Ban Will Help Thousands Of Hawai‘i Residents Stay In Their Homes 2021-08-04 2021 2021-08 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), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Housing and Transportation, released the following statement on a new order issued by the Biden Administration that will extend the federal eviction moratorium. “No one should be kicked out of their home during a pandemic because they can’t afford their rent. These extensions will stop evictions for thousands of Hawai‘i residents struggling to make ends meet – a necessary step taken by the Biden Administration, and the right thing to do.” A full resource guide for renters with eligibility information and details is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-votes-to-advance-repeal-of-outdated-war-authorizations-in-key-committee Schatz Votes To Advance Repeal Of Outdated War Authorizations In Key Committee 2021-08-04 2021 2021-08 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today voted to advance legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 authorizations for the use of military force (AUMFs). “Repealing the outdated 1991 and 2002 AUMFs is good for our national security and will help restore American leadership around the world. It also reasserts Congress’ constitutional role in declaring war. But we still have more work to do. It’s time for Congress to repeal the 2001 AUMF that presidents of both parties have used to keep America at war for two decades. I look forward to continuing the process we started today to end the permanent state of war that continues to risk the lives of our servicemembers and undermines U.S. diplomacy,” said Senator Schatz. The legislation now heads for a vote on the Senate floor, where it is expected to pass with bipartisan support. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-schatz-celebrates-hawaii-surfer-carissa-moores-olympic-gold-medal-win-on-senate-floor VIDEO: Schatz Celebrates Hawai‘i Surfer Carissa Moore’s Olympic Gold Medal Win On Senate Floor 2021-08-02 2021 2021-08 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor today to celebrate Carissa Moore’s Olympic Gold Medal win in surfing. The senator also paid tribute to Duke Kahanamoku and his work to bring the sport of surfing to the Olympic Games, which made its debut as an official Olympic sport this year. “There’s a saying that the best surfer is the person having the most fun, and that’s unquestionably the case with Carissa. She has an incredible combination of speed and power in the water, and a remarkable humility she carries herself with everywhere she goes. She’s an intense competitor who wants to win every event she enters, but also one who wants to see her opponents – and more importantly the sport of surfing itself – succeed,” Senator Schatz said on the Senate floor. “Today, we honor Duke and the incredible legacy he left. We honor Carissa Moore, for her athleticism and her commitment to inspire the next generation of surfers, especially young girls. And we celebrate the sport of surfing finally getting the recognition that it deserves.” The full video of Senator Schatz’s remarks is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-new-bill-to-make-streets-safer-for-those-who-walk-ride-bikes Schatz Introduces New Bill To Make Streets Safer For Those Who Walk, Ride Bikes 2021-07-28 2021 2021-07 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today introduced new legislation to improve road safety standards and make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. “For too long, transportation policy has been focused on how we can fit more cars on our roads, but that isn’t the only way people travel. My bill will make it safer for everyone to use our streets – whether it’s on foot or on a bike,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Housing and Transportation. In just a decade, the number of pedestrians killed by vehicles nationally rose by roughly 50 percent. And for cyclists, the death rate also remains high, with more than 800 people killed while riding a bike in 2019 alone. The Vulnerable Road Users Safety Act aims to stop this troubling trend by utilizing technology, infrastructure, and design expertise to vastly reduce pedestrian and cyclist road deaths. Schatz’s legislation implements National Transportation Safety Board recommendations and directs the administrators of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and/or Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to: Develop and update performance standards for visibility enhancement systems (i.e. for blindspot detection), connected vehicle technology, and vehicle headlamp systems; Establish standards for vehicle bumpers; Establish performance standards for automated pedestrian detection systems like automatic braking sensors; Include separated bike lanes and intersection safety treatments in the FHWA’s Every Day Counts initiatives and Proven Safety Countermeasures program; Improve and coordinate information collection to share, combine, and publish detailed crash data allowing policy makers and governments to make data informed decisions. The Vulnerable Road Users Safety Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Penn.) and is supported by the Hawai‘i Bike League, Adventure Cycling Association, America Walks, American Planning Association, Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, Disab… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-bipartisan-legislation-to-make-annual-veteran-cost-of-living-adjustment-passes-senate Schatz Bipartisan Legislation To Make Annual Veteran Cost-Of-Living Adjustment Passes Senate 2021-07-27 2021 2021-07 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 unanimously passed the Veterans’ Disability Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that would increase the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans. “There’s no reason that we shouldn’t guarantee an annual cost-of-living adjustment for our nation’s veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Our bill is now one step closer to becoming law, which means our veterans will soon get the COLA benefit increase they deserve.” The increase would be in accordance with the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index, the same index that determines the annual rate adjustments for Social Security benefits. Once signed into law, the cost-of-living adjustment for veterans would go into effect on December 1, 2021. The veterans’ COLA is usually, but not automatically, enacted each year and is already anticipated in the Congressional Budget Office’s baseline, which means this bill is budget-neutral and will provide disabled veterans additional certainty from year to year. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-set-to-receive-more-than-3-million-in-federal-funding-for-covid-19-testing-mitigation-for-people-experiencing-homelessness-prison-populations Schatz: Hawai‘i Set To Receive More Than $3 Million In Federal Funding For COVID-19 Testing, Mitigation For People Experiencing Homelessness, Prison Populations 2021-07-23 2021 2021-07 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that Hawai‘i will receive more than $3 million in new federal funding from the American Rescue Plan to help detect and prevent potential COVID-19 outbreaks among the state’s most vulnerable and high-risk communities – including people experiencing homelessness and prison populations. “As Hawai‘i experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, we can’t leave vulnerable communities behind in our efforts to stop the spread of this virus,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This new federal funding will help make sure homeless shelters and correctional facilities have the resources and support they need to keep people safe and healthy.” The new federal funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It includes $1.44 million for shelters for people experiencing homelessness, group homes, and other congregate settings. The Hawai‘i State Department of Health will use this funding to hire workers to coordinate resources, develop strategies, and support community partners to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among people experiencing homelessness and residents of congregate settings including group homes and encampments. The funding will also be used to supply these vulnerable communities with COVID-19 tests and other mitigation resources like handwashing stations, hand sanitizer, and masks. The funding also includes $1.75 million for federal, state, and local prison populations. This funding will allow confinement facilities – including prisons, jails, and juvenile confinement facilities – to implement COVID-19 diagnostic and screening programs for people who are incarcerated, staff, and visitors. The funds can also support other mitigation efforts – including COVID-19 contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine strategies, infection control practices, and education and training on ways to minimize the spread of CO… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-collins-young-leahy-cassidy-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-reform-disaster-recovery Schatz, Collins, Young, Leahy, Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Reform Disaster Recovery 2021-07-22 2021 2021-07 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) today introduced legislation to help communities plan for and recover from major disasters. The Reforming Disaster Recovery Act would strengthen the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) disaster recovery grants for states, local governments, and tribes. It would also improve coordination at the federal level by establishing an office within HUD that would be devoted to disaster recovery and resilient communities. “Right now, the law mandates that communities in crisis wait for Congress to pass a disaster funding bill before they can even apply for help from HUD. This bill changes the law so they no longer have to wait. As soon as a disaster strikes, HUD can help communities begin the process of recovery,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee. “With natural disasters increasing in frequency and intensity, it is critical that states have the necessary resources to respond in order to protect public safety, property, and our economy,” said Senator Collins, the Ranking Member of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee. “Our bipartisan legislation would allow communities to immediately focus on helping families and local businesses recover instead of navigating the federal bureaucracy in the wake of a natural disaster.” “Our legislation would streamline, reform, and inject greater fiscal responsibility into the broken CDBG Disaster Recovery Program,” said Senator Young. “This is a response to reports from the Government Accountability Office and HUD’s Office of Inspector General recommending Congress permanently codify the program to avoid funding lags and rid duplicative requirements in the wake of a disaster.” “Damage from disasters can be unpredictable, but the process of getting funding for long-term recovery shouldn’t be. Congress has an opportunity to ensure that communities suffering from the long-term… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-new-bill-to-make-electric-bikes-more-affordable-help-cut-carbon-pollution-traffic-congestion Schatz Introduces New Bill To Make Electric Bikes More Affordable, Help Cut Carbon Pollution, Traffic Congestion 2021-07-22 2021 2021-07 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today introduced the Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment (E-BIKE) Act, new legislation to promote the use of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, through a refundable consumer tax credit. E-Bikes are increasingly being used as a cheaper, more environmentally-friendly transportation option for short trips and daily commutes that can help break the cycle of fossil fuel use. “We need to do everything we can to transition to a clean energy economy and that includes changing the way we get around. E-Bikes have the potential to help us get there -- we just need to make it easier for people get on board,” said Senator Schatz. A recent study by researchers at Portland State University found that if 15 percent of car trips were made by e-bike, carbon emissions would drop by 12 percent. Another survey also found that 46 percent of e-bike trips replaced car trips, making e-bikes an effective tool to achieve the tandem goals of reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. However, the cost of e-bikes remains a barrier to adoption for many—prices range from $800 to $8,000 depending on battery quality and size. While the U.S. has a current federal tax-credit for consumers who purchase an electric car, there is no current federal credit for e-bikes. The E-BIKE Act creates a consumer tax credit that: Covers 30 percent of the cost of a class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike, up to a $1,500 credit; Applies to new electric bicycles that cost less than $8,000, to include cargo e-bikes; Permits the purchase of one e-bike for single filers, or two for joint filers; Is fully refundable, allowing lower-income riders to claim the credit; and Includes electric tricycles or “e-trike” which can be beneficial for people with disabilities. The E-BIKE Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Ed Markey. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.). The Schatz legislation is suppor… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=621 Case’s BLUE Pacific Act Provisions Expanding U.S. Commitments To Pacific Islands Added To Major House Foreign Policy Package 2021-07-20 2021 2021-07 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=25 scraper (Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) reports that the House Committee on Foreign Affairs has included the bulk of his Boosting Long-Term U.S. Engagement in the Pacific (BLUE Pacific) Act in its major measure, the Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement (EAGLE) Act, as approved by the Committee last Thursday. The EAGLE Act, H.R. 3524, is the U.S. House’s signature foreign policy initiative in the current 117th Congress. It would reassert U.S. leadership and engagement across an all-government spectrum in non-defense programs. It was approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee last Thursday after substantial debate. H.R. 2967, the BLUE Pacific Act, establishes a long-term comprehensive strategy for U.S. engagement in the critical Pacific Islands region. The sections included as part of the EAGLE Act would: · Expand U.S. diplomatic and development presence in the Pacific Islands; · Require coordination of U.S. engagement, including security and development assistance, through a formal consultative process with regional partners, allies and multilateral institutions; · Direct U.S. agencies to devise and implement a strategy to invest in climate resilient development projects, including by using the U.S. voice and vote at international financial institutions, and authorize $50 million per year for the next five years for this purpose; · Expand coverage of the International Law Enforcement Academies program to the Pacific Islands; · Establish a comprehensive strategy for U.S. security assistance to the Pacific Islands to enhance maritime security, address illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, tackle transnational crimes like human and drug trafficking, and more; · Increase U.S. efforts to assist the Pacific Islands in addressing transnational crime through ratification and implementation of international legal instruments and enhanced action on illegal forestry and logging; · Implement an emergency preparedness initiative for the Pacific Islands through education and trai… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=612 Case's Appropriations Committee Advances Key Hawai’i Infrastructure Initiatives In $53 Billion Energy And Water And $84 Billion Transportation And Housing And Urban Development Fiscal Year 2022 Federal Funding Measures 2021-07-16 2021 2021-07 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=25 scraper (Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) has announced approval by his U.S. House Committee on Appropriations of the final two of twelve measures to fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2022 (commencing October 1, 2021): the $53 billion Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations (E&W) bill; and the $84 billion Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations (T-HUD) measure. Of the E&W bill, Case, a member of the Appropriations Committee, said: “As Hawai‘i continues to lead the nation in moving away from fossil fuel reliance for our energy needs, our measure supports the deployment of clean energy technologies and green jobs, and confronts the climate crisis.” Case also cited the bill’s investments in our nation’s water infrastructure, including his request, under Member-designated Community Project Funding (CPF), to provide $800,000 for a Honolulu Harbor Modification Feasibility Study, to go with an overall increase in Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund funding to $2.1 billion. “Honolulu Harbor is Hawaii’s lifeline to and from the world, as it receives and distributes more than 90 percent of all of the goods that come to our state,” said Case. “This funding would supplement state funding to charge the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with assessing the current vulnerabilities of the harbor to natural disaster, navigation mishap and sea level rise, and then propose opportunities, alternatives or solutions to identified vulnerabilities.” “CPF requests are submitted by individual Members and are for specific projects and purposes in our respective districts,” explained Case. “CPF requests are only for state and local governments or non-profits organizations. These projects must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed, and they are subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office.” Case’s disclosures are here https://case.house.gov/media/funding-disclosures.htm Other programs and provisions requested and secur… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:03:51Z

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