Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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7,713 rows where state = "HI" sorted by date descending
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| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-quick-approval-of-emergency-declaration-request-ahead-of-tropical-storm-nolo | Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Urges Quick Approval of Emergency Declaration Request Ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement of support after Governor Josh Green requested an emergency declaration from the president ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo. “An emergency declaration is critical to ensuring Hawai‘i has the federal resources it needs to prepare for and respond to Tropical Storm Nolo as we continue recovering from Hurricanes Lala and Lowell. With parts of our state facing the threat of strengthening hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and mudslides, federal support will help our state and counties protect communities, maintain essential services, and respond quickly to damage and other emergency needs. “We urge swift approval of Governor Green’s request for an emergency declaration and the additional federal assistance it will provide.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/09/24/2026/senate-passes-schatz-wicker-resolution-designating-telehealth-awareness-week | Senate Passes Schatz-Wicker Resolution Designating Telehealth Awareness Week | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) designating September 20-26 as “Telehealth Awareness Week.” The resolution recognizes that telehealth has helped millions of Americans across the country access quality health care and has become a critical component of health care delivery. The resolution is cosponsored by members of the bipartisan Senate Telehealth Working Group, U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). “Telehealth helps people access quality health care when and where they need it, and our resolution highlights the broad, bipartisan support for raising awareness of and expanding access to telehealth,” said Senator Schatz, co-chair of the Senate Telehealth Working Group. “Telehealth has reduced barriers to health care across Mississippi, yet too many patients around the country are not fully aware of its benefits,” said Senator Wicker. “Our resolution shines a light on the value of telehealth services and encourages further action to expand the offerings and outcomes around this innovative type of care.” The resolution affirms the bipartisan support in Congress for telehealth and encourages expanded access to telehealth services for all people, including members of rural and underserved communities. It notes that 23 percent of Medicare beneficiaries used telehealth services at least once in 2025, and that more than 90 percent were satisfied with their experience. And it underscores that “Telehealth Awareness Week” unites the efforts of patients, caregivers, health care providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance the role of telehealth in health care. Schatz has led efforts to expand access to telehealth, including reintroducing the CONNECT for Health Act, the most comprehensive bipartisan telehealth legislation in Congress. Since its first iteration in 2016, several provisions from the bill have been signed into l… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-climate-change-is-why-disasters-are-piling-up | Schatz: Climate Change is Why Disasters are Piling Up | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Video of Senator Schatz’s Remarks Available Here WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor about recent storms in Hawai‘i and the warming planet’s role in making disasters more frequent and severe. Schatz highlighted the damage and disruption caused by Hurricanes Lala and Lowell in recent weeks and the need for the federal government to help communities across the country not just respond to, but also prepare for, disasters as they occur more often. “In recent weeks, Hawai‘i experienced two separate hurricanes which destroyed homes and roads, closed schools and offices, and left thousands of people in the dark. 90 percent of the island of Kaua‘i lost power during Hurricane Lowell earlier this month – that’s how extensive the damage was – and crews are still working to restore power. People on Hawai‘i Island, meanwhile, are still picking up the pieces from Hurricane Lala last month which damaged 267 homes; washed out roads, bridges, and even a cemetery; and left people without water and power. And now, the state is bracing for yet another storm,” said Senator Schatz. “There is a reason these destructive disasters are piling up one after another, leaving communities exhausted and governments depleted. It’s the warming planet,” Senator Schatz added. “Disasters used to be an unfortunate reality you had to deal with from time to time. Now, we’re getting back-to-back hurricanes on top of historic floods that dumped more than two trillion gallons of water on the state earlier this year and catastrophic fires that leveled Lahaina three years ago. That is not normal.” A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here. In recent weeks, Hawai‘i experienced two separate hurricanes which destroyed homes and roads, closed schools and offices, and left thousands of people in the dark. 90 percent of the island of Kaua‘i lost power during Hurricane Lowell earlier this month – that’s how extensive the damage was – and crews are still working to restore power. People … | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-warner-to-take-to-senate-floor-to-demand-passage-of-new-ai-security-legislation | Schatz, Warner To Take To Senate Floor To Demand Passage Of New AI Security Legislation | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, introduced sweeping legislation to establish enforceable safety and security standards for the most advanced artificial intelligence systems. Later today, Warner and Schatz will speak about the legislation on the Senate floor. The Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act of 2026 comes as leading AI companies and cybersecurity researchers have issued increasingly urgent warnings about the rapidly advancing capabilities of frontier AI systems. Leading AI companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Deepmind, Meta, and Microsoft have issued warnings about the rapidly advancing cybersecurity capabilities of their models, warning that the newest frontier models can identify and exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities without human guidance. Recent incidents have also highlighted alarming deficiencies in frontier labs’ security practices. The combination of these factors underscores a rapidly emerging challenge: AI systems are becoming increasingly capable of performing sophisticated cybersecurity tasks that can be enormously valuable to defenders but could also pose serious risks if misused or inadequately secured. “Every day, we’re seeing new reports of AI models going rogue and hacking systems without our knowledge or oversight. The risks of AI are not theoretical – they are happening in real-time,” said Sen. Schatz. “Our bill is about making sure humans remain in control of AI models and preventing future breaches with rigorous standards, testing, and oversight. Immediate risk requires immediate action.” “The companies building the most powerful AI systems in the world are sounding the alarm: the step-change increase in AI models’ capacity for cyber-offense, combined with clear failures to securely host and deploy these capabilities, could pose serious risks to our national security, our critical infrastructure, and the systems Americans rely on ev… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-urges-president-trump-to-protect-americas-ai-advantage-ahead-of-bilateral-talks-with-china | Rep. Tokuda Urges President Trump to Protect America’s AI Advantage Ahead of Bilateral Talks with China | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | HAWAIʻI — U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), a member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), led House Democrats in a letter urging President Trump to halt any potential concessions on advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chip sales to Beijing ahead of high-stakes talks with President Xi Jinping. Representative Tokuda was joined by Ro Khanna (CA-17), Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the CCP, and 13 other Members of Congress, calling on the Trump administration to maintain strict export controls on advanced AI chips under the Export Control Reform Act, warning that creating loopholes or exceptions directly threatens American economic stability and national defense capabilities. “If the United States gives our very best AI chips to China, it would exponentially increase their capacity to dominate the AI race,” the lawmakers wrote. “We must not let that happen. Retaining the most advanced AI chips for domestic use, along with allies and partners, is an effective way to slow down China’s AI progress and strengthen America’s economic and national security advantages.” The lawmakers warned that next-generation chips like Nvidia’s Blackwell run up to eight times faster than older processors sold to China, arguing that this decisive advantage must stay in American hands. A copy of the letter may be found here. ### | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-and-video-hirono-holds-spotlight-forum-on-national-private-school-voucher-program-highlights-funding-diversions-from-public-schools | PHOTOS & VIDEO: Hirono Holds Spotlight Forum on National Private School Voucher Program, Highlights Funding Diversions from Public Schools | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) held a spotlight forum titled: “Raising the Alarm: How the National School Voucher Program Will Be Harmful to Students,” examining how the new national private school voucher program will harm the over 50 million students who rely on public schools. During the forum, a panel of witnesses comprised of policy and legal experts, education advocates, district leaders, and classroom educators spoke about how the national private school voucher program is set to divert over $51 billion each year in taxpayer funding—which could otherwise be used for public education—to private schools. The panel also outlined the potential ramifications for states that participate in the national program and the negative impacts the program will have on low-income students, rural students, students with disabilities, students of color, and LGBTQ+ students. “Donald Trump and his allies have long championed private school voucher programs under the pretense of ‘school choice,’ but we all know where the real choice lies: not with families, but with private school voucher organizations and private schools, said Senator Hirono. “By diverting more than $51 billion each year—by some estimates—to school vouchers, the national program will drain funding that we could otherwise use to strengthen public schools. The result will be a two-tiered system: exclusive private schools for the wealthy, and underfunded public schools for everyone else.” Last year, the enactment of H.R. 1 created the first ever national private school voucher program, which lets individuals claim a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations of up to $1,700 made to “scholarship granting organizations” (SGOs) that distribute school vouchers—meaning that none of the funding from this program will go directly to the states, school districts, or schools that actually serve our students. Instead, these SGOs will determine which students receive the vouchers and private schools will decide whether to accept those students. The… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-blackburn-lead-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-calling-for-release-of-wrongfully-detained-american-journalist-in-iran-urge-state-department-to-step-up-efforts | Schatz, Blackburn Lead Bipartisan Group of Senators in Calling for Release of Wrongfully Detained American Journalist in Iran, Urge State Department to Step Up Efforts | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) today urged the U.S. Department of State to prioritize and step up efforts to bring wrongfully detained American journalist Reza Valizadeh home. Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen and former broadcast journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Persian language service Radio Farda, was arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in September 2024 and was charged and sentenced, without legal due process, for “collaborating” with the United States. The vague charge, often used by the Iranian regime to target those who are critical of the government, stems from Valizadeh’s work reporting on the Iranian regime’s corruption and repression. In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the senators wrote, “As partners in the effort to secure Mr. Valizadeh’s release, we ask that his freedom and welfare be an urgent priority through all available diplomatic channels with Iranian officials.” The senators continued, “Mr. Valizadeh is currently being held in Evin Prison, which is notorious for its inhumane conditions and arbitrary executions of political prisoners. His health has significantly deteriorated in custody, where he has consistently been denied medical care, including the inhaler he needs to treat his asthma. With every day of continued detention, Mr. Valizadeh’s life is in danger. We are extremely concerned that Iranian authorities could take sudden, arbitrary actions to endanger his life.” In addition to Schatz and Blackburn, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.). The full text of the letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Secretary Rubio, We write to draw your urgent attention to the case of Reza Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen who has been wrongfully detained in Iran since September 2024. Mr. Valizadeh is a former broadcast journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Persian language service Radio Farda, which is funded by Congress. In May 2025, y… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/trump-admin-set-to-impound-or-redirect-billions-of-dollars-in-foreign-policy-investments-congress-made | Trump Admin Set to Impound or Redirect Billions of Dollars in Foreign Policy Investments Congress Made | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s refusal to spend foreign assistance investments Congress made as intended as the end of the fiscal year quickly approaches on September 30. “Cracking down on fentanyl trafficking, countering Putin, protecting Americans from global health threats—these are priorities just about everyone supports. But instead of spending funding Congress provided to support these common-sense objectives, the Trump administration is on track to permanently impound nearly a billion dollars and to commit billions more to pay for its brazen dismantlement of USAID instead of following the law that Congress passed and using those funds to save lives and advance bipartisan U.S. foreign policy objectives. “Far from cutting wasteful spending, the Trump administration has created more of it. This administration is now using funding Congress provided for countering health threats and autocrats alike to cover legal bills Trump and DOGE incurred from illegally razing USAID to the ground and cutting off lifesaving work in the blink of an eye. “Congress passed a law to invest in saving lives, protecting the American people, and advancing our interests abroad; it did not hand Trump a checkbook to spend on whatever he pleases while blocking funding for everything else. The Trump administration needs to rework its plans and spend these resources as Congress intended, and we need Republicans in Congress to finally join us in insisting that happens.” When Congress provides federal funding, it specifies how long that funding is available to be expended. Most foreign assistance funding is available to be spent down for two fiscal years, and as the end of the fiscal year nears on September 30, the Trump administration plans to: Raid $2.5 billion provided in fis… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-murray-trump-admin-set-to-impound-or-redirect-billions-of-dollars-in-foreign-policy-investments-congress-made | Schatz, Murray: Trump Admin Set to Impound or Redirect Billions of Dollars in Foreign Policy Investments Congress Made | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s refusal to spend foreign assistance investments Congress made as intended as the end of the fiscal year quickly approaches on September 30. “Cracking down on fentanyl trafficking, countering Putin, protecting Americans from global health threats—these are priorities just about everyone supports. But instead of spending funding Congress provided to support these common-sense objectives, the Trump administration is on track to permanently impound nearly a billion dollars and to commit billions more to pay for its brazen dismantlement of USAID instead of following the law that Congress passed and using those funds to save lives and advance bipartisan U.S. foreign policy objectives. “Far from cutting wasteful spending, the Trump administration has created more of it. This administration is now using funding Congress provided for countering health threats and autocrats alike to cover legal bills Trump and DOGE incurred from illegally razing USAID to the ground and cutting off lifesaving work in the blink of an eye. “Congress passed a law to invest in saving lives, protecting the American people, and advancing our interests abroad; it did not hand Trump a checkbook to spend on whatever he pleases while blocking funding for everything else. The Trump administration needs to rework its plans and spend these resources as Congress intended, and we need Republicans in Congress to finally join us in insisting that happens.” When Congress provides federal funding, it specifies how long that funding is available to be expended. Most foreign assistance funding is available to be spent down for two fiscal years, and as the end of the fiscal year nears on September 30, the Trump administration plans to: Raid $2.5 billion provided in fiscal ye… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-murray-shaheen-reed-warner-coons-statement-on-deadly-iranian-wedding-strike | Schatz, Murray, Shaheen, Reed, Warner, Coons Statement on Deadly Iranian Wedding Strike | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Mark Warner (D-Va.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement on an apparent errant U.S. strike on a home hosting a wedding in Kuhestak, Iran on September 1st. “Reports that a strike on a home in Kuhestak, Iran that killed four civilians, including women and a child, and injured more than 60 others was likely caused by an errant U.S. bomb are shocking and deeply troubling. This is not the first time that U.S. strikes have resulted in civilian casualties during this war of choice, and it once again raises grave concerns about the Trump administration’s disregard for protecting civilian life. This incident must be fully and impartially investigated, and the full investigation must be shared publicly with Congress and the American people. We have yet to receive the full investigation of the Pentagon’s inquiry into a February 28th strike on a school in Minab that killed 175 civilians, mostly children. The public deserves to know what led to these failures and what is being done to prevent similar incidents in the future. This war must end.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4980 | Case Announces U.S. House Approval Of Critical Water Infrastructure Projects For Hawaii | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1) announced that the U.S. House yesterday approved major legislation to address improvements for the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation system, flood and storm risk management, environment, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure. Case’s requests were included in H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. WRDA is developed and passed by Congress every two years. The House approved this Congress’ bill by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 415-9. WRDA-authorized federal projects are critical to communities throughout the country to keep them connected and safe and to strengthen the overall U.S. economy. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) implements these projects in partnership with federal, local and state agencies, non-government organizations and tribal nations. Case works with government and community partners well in advance of each WRDA to request authorization of projects key to Hawaii’s safety, security and economy. The four provisions secured by Case in the 2026 WRDA include: Expanding and upgrading Honolulu Harbor. Case secured approval for an update on the in-depth study called for in previous measures on critical improvements to Honolulu Harbor which includes Case’s successful push in 2024 to amend the WRDA to reflect the expanded complexity, scope and funding needs for the Harbor, including elements of coastal storm risk management. House approval of the 2026 WRDA will help continue the project and focus its benefits on disaster resilience and enhanced national security from improved utilization of the harbor. “As the main port of the State of Hawai‘i, Honolulu Harbor receives and distributes all overseas cargo shipments constituting over 80% of all imports into the state, supports fishing operations and cruise ships and handles federal maritime activity including the U.S. Coast Guard’s 14th District,” said Case. “Providing this additional refined and expanded authori… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-young-introduce-legislation-to-help-stop-child-labor | Schatz, Young Introduce Legislation to Help Stop Child Labor | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) introduced legislation to help stop illegal child labor. The bipartisan Stop Child Labor Act would increase maximum fines for violations, establish new criminal penalties, allow victims harmed by violations to file private lawsuits, and encourage collaboration between employers and government to stop child labor violations before they occur. “Right now, our laws are allowing some of the worst employers to get away with exploiting kids for labor with nothing more than weak fines,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will strengthen our child labor laws, hold bad employers accountable, and protect kids from this illicit practice.” “Recent data shows that child labor exploitation is not a thing of the past or a problem limited to the developing world. We have a responsibility to enforce the law, protect American children, and ensure that those who exploit them are held accountable,” said Senator Young. “This bipartisan bill would strengthen our nation’s labor laws to do just that.” Federal child labor violations are at or near record levels, according to the most recent enforcement data from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). In fiscal year 2025, the Department's Wage and Hour Division closed 976 cases involving child labor violations, more than in any year since the Great Recession, including 773 employed in violation of hazardous occupation standards. That represents a 72 percent increase in affected children since fiscal year 2019. Currently, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) imposes weak fines for violations, making it financially easier for companies to skirt child labor laws. In 2023, it was revealed that migrant child labor is being used for hazardous jobs in factories making products for well-known brands like Cheetos, Fruit of the Loom, and Lucky Charms. That same year, DOL found that Packers Sanitation Services Inc., a sanitation contractor to major meat producers including JBS Foods, had employed at least 102 children, ages 13 to… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4979 | Case, Moylan Announce Full U.S. House Passage Of Their Bipartisan Bill To Combat Invasive Species | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (D-HI-01) and U.S. Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam) announced that the U.S. House recently voted 371-33 to approve their National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act, which would significantly expand federal efforts to combat invasive species, responsible for severely impacting environments across the country. “Hawai‘i in particular faces unique challenges from invasive species. Our isolation has led to the evolution of many endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth,” said Case, who formerly served six years on the House Natural Resources Committee and is in his eighth year on the House Appropriations Committee. “Our measure is especially timely as we reckon with the wide-ranging ripple effect of the recent storms that have struck the state, including accelerated spread of destructive invasive species especially in vulnerable places such as our national wildlife refuges. “In Hawai‘i, invasive species have caused significant ecological damage, threatening the survival of native birds and plants. Protecting Hawaii’s unique biodiversity is not just an environmental necessity – it is a cultural imperative that reflects the identity and heritage of the Hawaiian people.” “For island communities like Guam, invasive species are more than an environmental concern - they threaten our ecosystems, agriculture, economy, and way of life, said Congressman Moylan. “Once an invasive species takes hold on an island, the cost of eradication can be enormous, and the damage may be impossible to reverse. “I’m proud to see the House pass this bipartisan legislation to strengthen early detection and rapid response within our National Wildlife Refuge System. Prevention is our best defense, and investing in it today will help protect America’s natural resources, preserve our unique biodiversity, and save taxpayers from far greater costs down the road. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this important legislation forward.” “Tropical storms a… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-leads-hawaii-congressional-delegation-in-demanding-usps-restore-direct-mail-delivery-to-rebuilt-lahaina-properties | Rep. Tokuda Leads Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation in Demanding USPS Restore Direct Mail Delivery to Rebuilt Lahaina Properties | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) led the Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation in demanding that the United States Postal Service (USPS) immediately halt its unilateral decision to stop direct home mail delivery for Lahaina families returning to rebuilt properties. In a joint letter sent to Postmaster General David Steiner, Rep. Tokuda, Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), and Representative Ed Case (HI-01), pressed USPS leadership to reverse policies that classify rebuilt properties in Lahaina as "new developments" and subject to centralized delivery to community mailboxes rather than restoring their home delivery. The lawmakers also expressed strong opposition to a feasibility study that could permanently close the Downtown Lahaina Post Office, which has been under emergency suspension since the August 2023 wildfires. "Lahaina residents are not moving into new subdivisions. They are returning to a historic community and to homes rebuilt on the same properties and at the same delivery points that existed before the fire," the delegation wrote. "Lahaina’s survivors have already borne extraordinary burdens in the aftermath of the wildfires. They should not be expected to shoulder additional burdens, costs, and disruptions resulting from changes to postal services that USPS has failed to adequately communicate, plan for, or implement." The delegation called on USPS to take immediate corrective steps: Reverse the classification of rebuilt Lahaina properties as "new developments" and restore pre-disaster direct mail delivery. Ensure affected residents have reasonable access to mail without additional costs or unnecessary disruptions while permanent delivery arrangements are established. Disclose full administrative, legal, and operational records detailing why direct delivery was cut before replacement infrastructure was ready. Explain why the Downtown Lahaina Post Office lease was not renewed, along with USPS’s efforts to secure a new location. Hold meaningful, access… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-pocan-introduce-legislation-to-end-student-loan-debt-crisis | Schatz, Pocan Introduce Legislation to End Student Loan Debt Crisis | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) introduced the Debt-Free College Act, legislation that will reverse the growing student debt crisis in the United States. The bill restores a path to affordable college by providing states incentives through matching grants to increase investments in public higher education and provide students with debt-free college. “Solving the student loan debt crisis means focusing on the full cost of college – that includes books, room and board, and supplies,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill brings states back to the table and leverages federal dollars to reinvest in public education and help students and their families cover the real cost of college.” “Every student in America deserves the opportunity to get a college education without student debt crushing them for years after graduation,” said Representative Pocan. “The Debt-Free College Act creates a federal-state partnership that would enable students to attend college debt-free within five years. Student debt isn’t just about tuition—it’s books, housing, supplies, and food. This bill reflects those true costs. If we believe in the value of our education system, then we should make it easier for students to pursue higher education, not financially burdensome for years to come. This bill helps ensure that college is accessible to all.” The Debt-Free College Act would establish a state-federal partnership that provides a dollar-for-dollar federal match to state higher education appropriations in exchange for a commitment to help students pay for the full cost of attendance without having to take on debt. The bicameral legislation, first introduced in 2018, was the first proposal to go beyond free tuition, and ensure that students leave college without the financial burden of student loan debt. According to the Education Data Initiative, 72 percent of student debt holders believe their student loan debt will delay homeownership. A 2025 survey from The Institute for College A… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-fbi-director-kash-patel-on-abuse-of-power-leadership-failures | Hirono Presses FBI Director Kash Patel on Abuse of Power, Leadership Failures | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Watch Senator Hirono’s Statement Here ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, pressed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel on his repeated failure to uphold the ideals of the agency he leads. During a full Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Senator Hirono questioned Patel on his “VIP snorkel tour” and partying in Milan, following his failure to respond to her previous requests that he disclose his personal travel and its costs to American taxpayers. During her time, Senator Hirono traced a pattern of Patel’s mismanagement of the FBI and raised concerns about his ability to lead an agency tasked with enforcing the law and investigating public corruption. “You have been at the helm of the FBI for almost two years, and the list of your failings is long and frankly growing,” said Senator Hirono. Senator Hirono began her statement by highlighting Director Patel’s irresponsible use of taxpayer money and disrespect for the sailors honored and entombed at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial during his “VIP snorkeling trip,” raising concerns about Patel’s broader pattern of conducting personal travel events on American taxpayers’ dime. Since 2020, these Pearl Harbor snorkeling tours have only been available to senior Defense officers, members of the military, and one American Congressman who served in the Special Forces—with the notable exception of Director Patel, who is neither a member of defense leadership, nor a member or veteran of the American military. “If this snorkel tour were a one-off incident, that would be one thing. But it’s part of a broader pattern of using your office to benefit yourself, showing your lack of judgment and character,” said Senator Hirono. “You have wasted untold taxpayer dollars driving around in foreign luxury cars, partying in Italy, and flying a private jet to play golf and watch hockey.” Senator Hirono raised alarms about the mass firings at the FBI under Patel’s leadership, … | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-joins-van-hollen-kaine-sanders-senators-in-introducing-privileged-resolution-seeking-answers-on-west-bank-violence | Schatz Joins Van Hollen, Kaine, Sanders, Senators in Introducing Privileged Resolution Seeking Answers on West Bank Violence | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) are leading 20 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a 502B privileged resolution requiring the Department of State to report to Congress on increasing violence in the West Bank, including the killings of Americans in the West Bank. Nine Americans have been killed in the West Bank in recent years – and more detained – and none have received accountability or justice from either the Israeli or United States Governments. The Senators’ resolution would require the Department of State to provide information and assessments related to investigations of the killing of United States citizens by violent Israeli settlers or Israeli security forces in the West Bank, as well as an assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank, specifically related to the detention of Palestinian children. They were joined in introducing the resolution by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). “Settlers have attacked and killed Palestinians and Americans in the West Bank for years, too often without any real accountability from the Israeli government. We need answers about why this violence has been allowed to continue and what concrete steps are being taken to prevent future tragedies. When settler violence goes unchecked, it puts lives at risk and further undermines the prospects for lasting peace in the region,” said Senator Schatz. “This Administration has said ensuring the safety and security of American citizens abroad is one of its highest priorities. And yet, as we… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-approval-of-presidential-disaster-declaration-requests-following-hurricanes-lowell-and-lala | Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Urges Approval of Presidential Disaster Declaration Requests Following Hurricanes Lowell and Lala | 2026-09-13 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) today urged for the approval of Governor Josh Green’s requests for Presidential Major Disaster Declarations for communities across the state impacted by Hurricanes Lowell and Lala. President Donald Trump’s approval of the requests would help ensure that affected communities can access critical federal funding and resources needed to support response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. In their letter to the president, the delegation wrote, “We request that you act quickly to grant Hawai‘i access to all available assistance from federal agencies to speed our recovery from a succession of extreme events in less than six months: the Kona Lows (March), the Kona earthquake (May), Hurricane Lala (August), Tropical Storm Moke (August), and Hurricane Lowell (September). The cumulative impact of these events exceeds the capacity of the State and our counties, warranting federal assistance.” “Swift approval of these requests would ensure urgently needed aid to Hawai?i residents who have been impacted by these disasters, including expanded eligibility for food assistance under the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) for individuals who experienced disaster-related losses or the interruption of their income due to Lala,” the delegation continued. The full text of the delegation’s letter can be found below and is available here. Dear President Trump: We request that you act quickly to grant Hawai‘i access to all available assistance from federal agencies to speed our recovery from a succession of extreme events in less than six months: the Kona Lows (March), the Kona earthquake (May), Hurricane Lala (August), Tropical Storm Moke (August), and Hurricane Lowell (September). The cumulative impact of these events exceeds the capacity of the State and our counties, warranting federal assistance. Specifically, we write in support of: Governor Josh … | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-introduces-bipartisan-reh-20-to-strengthen-rural-hospitals | Rep. Tokuda Introduces Bipartisan REH 2.0 to Strengthen Rural Hospitals | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), alongside Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Don Davis (NC-01), and Carol Miller (R-WV) introduced the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act (REH 2.0). Congress created the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation in 2020 as a lifeline for struggling rural hospitals at risk of closure, providing enhanced Medicare reimbursement for certain emergency and outpatient services and a monthly facility payment in exchange for transitioning away from traditional inpatient care. But the program has fallen short of its promise. Despite more than 1,500 eligible hospitals, only about 40 have converted. Hospitals have cited the loss of inpatient and other essential services, 340B drug discounts, costly facility requirements, and restrictive eligibility rules as barriers, leaving many rural communities without a viable path to preserving local access to care. REH 2.0 seeks to strengthen the REH model by allowing these hospitals to maintain distinct inpatient psychiatric and obstetric units, providing dedicated funding for laboratory services, and clarifying state Medicaid payment flexibilities. “Too many rural hospitals are on the brink of closure, forcing them to make impossible choices about which essential services they can afford to keep. Rural America already struggles with access to healthcare, and I’ve seen firsthand how difficult that reality is for hospitals in Hawai’i, where the cost of delivering care is often significantly higher," said Rep. Tokuda. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to strengthen the vital REH model, giving rural hospitals the flexibility and financial stability they need to keep their doors open and maintain critical services." "The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is grateful to Representatives Tokuda, Mann, Davids, Bergman, Davis, and Miller for leading the introduction of the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Improvement Act, which … | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-roundtable-discussion-on-improving-repatriation-of-native-hawaiian-remains-cultural-items | Schatz Leads Roundtable Discussion on Improving Repatriation of Native Hawaiian Remains, Cultural Items | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Schatz’s Efforts To Press Museums, Institutions Has Resulted In Over 400% Increase In Notices Of Intent To Repatriate Items HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led a roundtable discussion on the status of repatriating Native Hawaiian ancestral remains and cultural items under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and ways to improve the law’s implementation in Hawai‘i. “We’ve seen a significant uptick in efforts by museums and institutions to comply with federal law and repatriate remains and cultural items back to Native Hawaiians and other Native communities, where they belong,” said Vice Chair Schatz. “But our work is not over, and this discussion was a chance to hear about what Congress can do to strengthen the law to improve compliance and speed up repatriation.” Joining Schatz in the roundtable discussion were Kaiali‘i Kahele, Chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Dr. Kristofer Helgen, President and CEO of the Bishop Museum; Dr. Halena Kapuni-Reynolds, Associate Curator of Native Hawaiian History and Culture at the National Museum of the American Indian; Dr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer, Dean and Professor at the Hawai?inuiakea School of Hawaiian Knowledge and the University of Hawai?i at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law; and Dr. Kehaunani Abad, Vice President of Uluhiwa Strategy and Experience at Kamehameha Schools. Since 2023, Schatz has repeatedly pressed more than 70 institutions with the largest unrepatriated NAGPRA collections to comply with the law. As a result, notices of intent from museums and institutions to repatriate NAGPRA items have increased by over 400 percent. Schatz is working on new legislation to strengthen NAGPRA in several areas, including creating opportunities for improved relationships between museums and communities, compliance, enforcement, and funding. ### | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-schatz-mcmahon-agreement-education-department-set-to-deliver-nearly-30-million-in-federal-funding-to-hawaii-providers-by-friday | Following Schatz-McMahon Agreement, Education Department Set to Deliver Nearly $30 Million in Federal Funding to Hawai‘i Providers by Friday | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | HONOLULU – Following an agreement between U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the U.S Department of Education finalized an extension to fully fund the Native Hawaiian Education Program for another year and today awarded $29.7 million of that funding, which is set to go to Hawai‘i providers by Friday. The remaining funding from the extension agreement is expected to be released in the coming weeks. Federal funding for the Native Hawaiian Education Program supports more than 60 early childhood education sites across Hawai‘i and sustains other critical education programs, including home visiting for children under 5, workforce development for parents, and Hawaiian language immersion programs. The federally funded programs serve more than 3,000 Hawai‘i families. “This is good news for Hawai‘i. This money helps thousands of young kids develop learning skills and gives Native Hawaiian families more affordable child care options,” said Senator Schatz, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “I’m grateful to Secretary McMahon for working with us to protect this funding and will continue fighting every day to make sure Hawai‘i gets its fair share of federal dollars.” | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4967 | Federal Aviation Administration Denies Trident Adventures' Petition To Operate Tour Helicopter Snorkel and Scuba Drops Into State Waters | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has denied a petition from Trident Adventures for an exemption to the FAA’s rules governing the use of aircraft safety belts and supplemental restraints which would allow the company to continue operating its so-called “helocast” jumps from helicopters into the ocean while hovering at low altitude above the water. Case had joined many others in communicating his strong opposition to the petition. In his letter to the FAA, Case said that Trident Adventures “has temporarily suspended this activity and is seeking an exemption from applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations to resume conducting helocast jumps as part of its tour operations. Case noted that the petition called for an exemption “that would allow temporary release of passenger restraints during a stabilized helicopter hover approximately 10 to 35 feet above open water for the purpose of conducting controlled water-entry operations. “These provisions are critical to maintaining the safety of air travel, regardless of flight altitude or aircraft stability. Trident Adventures seeks to rely on its low-altitude, stable flight operations as grounds for an exemption from passenger restraint requirements and the resumption of helocast operations.” “Any uncertainty regarding whether air-tour services such as those proposed by Trident Adventures are authorized to operate and comply with the applicable regulatory framework would place public safety at risk.” The FAA noted that Trident Adventures was “not seeking a reduction in safety standards or operational oversight but believes that their operational history, documented procedures, training programs, and conservative performance based operating limitations together demonstrate an equivalent or greater level of safety” as called for in the agency’s rules. However, in its analysis of the company’s helocast operations, the FAA noted that while the company made assurances for passe… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-to-hold-statewide-telephone-town-hall-on-sept-1 | Rep. Tokuda to Hold Statewide Telephone Town Hall on Sept. 1 | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | Washington D.C. – U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) will host a statewide telephone town hall on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. HST. Rep. Tokuda will take questions live over the phone from residents across the islands, discuss pressing issues facing local families, and share updates on federal priorities impacting Hawaiʻi’s communities. Residents are encouraged to RSVP to receive an automatic call when the town hall begins. Anyone who does not receive a call can dial in directly at 833-946-1568 or listen via the livestream on Rep. Tokuda’s Facebook page. To RSVP and learn more, please visit the Events page on Rep. Tokuda’s website at tokuda.house.gov or call her Hawaiʻi office at 808-746-6220. ### | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-local-leaders-discuss-expanding-housing-access-for-native-hawaiians | Schatz, Local Leaders Discuss Expanding Housing Access for Native Hawaiians | 2026-08-30 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led a roundtable discussion with local leaders about innovations and partnerships that are helping to expand housing access for Native Hawaiians. “Hawai‘i’s housing crisis affects everyone, including Native Hawaiians,” said Vice Chair Schatz. “We simply have to make it easier to build housing. I appreciated hearing directly from leaders who are working every day to get more housing built about what we can do to help.” Schatz was joined in the discussion by Hawai‘i State Representative Kirstin Kahaloa; Kali Watson, Chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission; Kuhio Lewis, President and CEO of the Hawaiian Council; Lee Wang, Executive Director of Housing Hawai‘i’s Future; and Damien Waikoloa, Chapter Lead of Hawai‘i YIMBY. Earlier this year, he introduced the NAHASDA Modernization Act, comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and modernize federal housing programs serving Native Hawaiians and other Native communities. ### | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/joint-statement-from-us-representative-jill-n-tokuda-and-councilmember-tamara-paltin-on-the-lahaina-downtown-post-office | Joint Statement from U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda and Councilmember Tamara Paltin on the Lahaina Downtown Post Office | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | Hawaiʻi — Today, U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) and Maui County Councilmember Tamara Paltin released the following joint statement opposing the proposed permanent closure of the Lahaina Downtown Post Office. “To permanently close the Lahaina Downtown Post Office is yet another slap in the face to a community that has already endured far too much. Lahaina has gone without this downtown post office since the August 2023 wildfires. Now, as families and small businesses rebuild, USPS wants to eliminate another essential public service. The people of Lahaina deserve better. A 30-minute online meeting held during the workday, with only a few days’ notice, does not constitute meaningful community engagement. It excludes working families, kūpuna, and residents without reliable internet access, and falls far short of the transparency and public participation this decision demands. The people of Lahaina deserve a genuine opportunity to be heard, not a half-hearted process designed to check a box. And it comes as residents moving back into rebuilt homes are facing another loss: direct home mail delivery. Rebuilt neighborhoods are not new subdivisions. They are restored communities, and residents deserve the same level of service they had before the disaster. USPS should be working with Lahaina to restore service, not finding new ways to take it away. We are demanding a halt to this closure plan, genuine in-person engagement with the community, home delivery for returning residents, and a serious effort to restore the downtown post office. Lahaina has been through enough. Our community deserves more than a pitiful excuse for engagement. It deserves a Postal Service that shows up, listens, and helps rebuild Lahaina, not one that abandons it.” ### | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-usda-announcement-hirono-encourages-agricultural-producers-impacted-by-lala-to-apply-for-federal-disaster-assistance | Following USDA Announcement, Hirono Encourages Agricultural Producers Impacted by Lala to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | HONOLULU, H.I. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be offering technical and financial assistance to help Hawaii’s farmers, ranchers, and livestock producers recover from Hurricane Lala. Impacted Hawaii agricultural producers could be eligible for multiple federal programs designed to support farmers and ranchers after natural disasters. “As we continue assessing the damages from Hurricane Lala and begin our recovery efforts, I’m committed to ensuring that Hawaii’s farmers, ranchers, and livestock producers receive the resources they need,” said Senator Hirono. “The federal assistance from USDA’s emergency loans and land restoration programs will help our state’s agricultural producers rebuild quickly and receive compensation for their losses. I urge all impacted operators to document their losses immediately and connect with their local USDA Service Center.” USDA announced that Hawaii’s farmers, ranchers and livestock producers could be eligible for the following programs aimed at supporting recovery efforts from Hurricane Lala: Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP): Producers who experience livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality or sell injured livestock at a reduced price may be eligible. To participate in LIP, producers must provide acceptable documentation of death losses or evidence of reduced sales resulting from an eligible adverse event, including an adverse weather event, and submit a notice of loss to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) no later than March 1, 2027, for 2026 calendar year losses. Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP): Provides eligible livestock producers with compensation for feed and grazing losses. For honeybees, ELAP may cover colony loss and damage to hives and purchased or produced feed. ELAP may also cover purchased or produced farm-raised fish feed losses for feed that was intended to be fed to eligible farm-raised fish along with any physical inventory loss of the elig… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-approval-of-emergency-declaration | Schatz Statement on Approval of Emergency Declaration | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s approval of an emergency declaration that will bring significant relief to communities impacted by Hurricane Lala. Last week, Schatz and the Hawai‘i congressional delegation urged the president to quickly approve Governor Green’s emergency declaration request. “This emergency declaration will bring critical federal resources to communities impacted by Hurricane Lala and help with restoring essential services, clearing debris, and repairing damaged infrastructure. “We will continue working with Governor Green, county leaders, and the administration to make sure Hawai‘i gets the support it needs to recover.” ### | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-quick-approval-of-emergency-declaration-request-following-hurricane-lala | Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Urges Quick Approval Of Emergency Declaration Request Following Hurricane Lala | 2026-08-22 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | HONOLULU – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement of support after Governor Josh Green requested an emergency declaration from the president following Hurricane Lala. “An emergency declaration is critical to ensuring Hawai?i has the federal resources it needs to continue recovering from Hurricane Lala. On Hawai?i Island, communities are still experiencing power outages and damaged infrastructure, while local resources continue to be stretched thin by the recovery effort. Additional emergency federal support will help the state and counties immediately restore essential services, clear debris, repair critical roads, and support people affected by the hurricane. “With another storm approaching, it is especially important that these recovery efforts continue without delay. We urge swift approval of Governor Green’s request for an emergency declaration and the additional federal assistance it will provide.” ### | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-urging-from-schatz-transportation-department-approves-initial-6-million-in-emergency-federal-funds-for-hurricane-lala-recovery | Following Urging From Schatz, Transportation Department Approves Initial $6 Million In Emergency Federal Funds For Hurricane Lala Recovery | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai?i) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved an initial $6 million in Emergency Relief “quick release” funds to help Hawai?i repair transportation infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Lala. The approval follows a call from Schatz to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy on Sunday, urging quick approval of the federal funding. “This will help Hawai?i move quickly from emergency response to recovery and get our communities back on their feet,” said Senator Schatz. “Lala brought devastating flooding, damaged roads and bridges, knocked out power, and left communities isolated. These federal funds will help Hawai?i move quickly to clear debris, restore access, and begin making the repairs our roads and highways need.” The $6 million in “quick release” funding will provide immediate federal assistance as the state continues assessing storm-related transportation damage and carrying out recovery work. Additional federal funding and resources for Hawai‘i are expected in the coming weeks and months. ### | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-transportation-secretary-duffy-discuss-federal-support-for-hawaiis-recovery-from-tropical-storm-lala | Schatz, Transportation Secretary Duffy Discuss Federal Support for Hawai‘i’s Recovery from Tropical Storm Lala | 2026-08-16 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy today about providing federal support as Hawai‘i recovers from Tropical Storm Lala. Schatz urged Secretary Duffy to approve a forthcoming request from the state for emergency funding to help clear debris and repair roads and highways that have been damaged by the storm. “I had a constructive conversation with Secretary Duffy, and he offered to help with Hawai‘i’s recovery from Tropical Storm Lala,” said Senator Schatz. “Clearing and restoring roads is a top priority, and we’re working closely with state and federal agencies to deliver the resources needed to do it as quickly as possible.” ### | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-talks-story-with-small-business-owners-students-law-enforcement-officers-and-staff-across-maui | Schatz Talks Story With Small Business Owners, Students, Law Enforcement Officers And Staff Across Maui | 2026-08-12 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | KAHULUI – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) met with students, small business owners, and law enforcement officers and personnel across Maui. Schatz listened to their priorities and concerns, provided updates on his work in the Senate, and took questions on rising costs, federal funding for Maui, disaster recovery, housing, and education, among other topics. “I always appreciate the chance to hear directly from people across Maui about their priorities and concerns. Mahalo to everyone who joined us for productive conversations,” said Senator Schatz. “We’re going to continue working to make life more affordable and deliver federal resources to every part of Maui Nui.” Schatz first met with Maui Police Department officers and staff in Wailuku. He then joined a roundtable of more than a dozen small business owners hosted by the Maui Economic Development Board in Kihei, followed by a discussion with nearly two dozen youth leaders in Kahului. Senator Schatz addresses federal and local issues with the Maui Police Department Leadership Cohort. Senator Schatz discusses disaster recovery with small business owners affected by the Maui fires and Kona low storms. Senator Schatz with youth leaders from Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island. ### | 1 | 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z | 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-marking-three-years-since-maui-wildfires | Hirono Statement Marking Three Years Since Maui Wildfires | 2026-08-08 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) issued the following statement commemorating the third anniversary of the Maui wildfires. “August 8th is a day the people of Maui, and Hawaii, will never forget. Three years later, we still feel the weight of the devastating losses the wrought by the wildfires, especially the 102 community members whose lives were tragically lost. As we mourn these losses, we also recognize the incredible strength and unity shown by the people of Maui over the past three years. To support the community's resilience, over $2.8 billion in federal recovery aid has been delivered to date. These critical resources span every step of the rebuilding process—direct assistance to displaced families, SBA disaster loans for homeowners and small businesses, and more than $740 million in FEMA grants to restore Lahaina’s core infrastructure. The progress made over the past three years is inspiring, but the road to full recovery remains long. I remain fully committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to advocate for the ongoing federal funding and long-term support Maui needs to fully rebuild.” ### | 1 | 2026-08-09T05:47:57Z | 2026-08-09T05:49:40Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-blanche-confirmation-vote | Hirono Statement on Blanche Confirmation Vote | 2026-08-08 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, released the following statement after voting against Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as the next U.S. Attorney General: “The Attorney General of the United States must be independent from the president and committed to upholding the rule of law. Todd Blanche’s unyielding loyalty to Donald Trump makes clear that he cares about neither independence nor the rule of law. From gaslighting Epstein survivors to pursuing political witch hunts, Todd Blanche has helped Donald Trump transform the Department of Justice into a department of revenge, retribution, and corruption. As Attorney General, he will continue to enable this regime’s rampant illegalities, which is why I voted against his confirmation.” ### | 1 | 2026-08-09T05:47:57Z | 2026-08-09T05:49:40Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-congratulates-pearl-city-little-league-on-senior-league-world-series-win | Schatz Congratulates Pearl City Little League On Senior League World Series Win | 2026-08-08 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement congratulating Pearl City Little League on winning the 2026 Senior League World Series. “Congratulations to Pearl City Little League on an incredible win! These young athletes represented Hawai?i with heart and determination. Hawai?i is proud of you. Congratulations, champions!” ### | 1 | 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z | 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-hegseth-on-critical-munitions-inventory-raises-alarms-about-readiness-impacts | Hirono Presses Hegseth on Critical Munitions Inventory, Raises Alarms About Readiness Impacts | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | “I write to express my deep and continuing concern regarding the state of the United States military’s critical munitions inventory.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, pressed U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth on the state of the United States military’s critical munitions inventory, following reports of depleted weapons shortages as a result of the ongoing illegal war in Iran. In a letter to Secretary Hegseth, Senator Hirono raised alarms about the impacts of munitions shortages on the United States military’s overall readiness, demanding an accurate update on the impacts of these shortages. “A recent Washington Post report details a disturbing confrontation at Camp David last week, where President Trump reportedly expressed frustration over being misled regarding the severity of offensive and defensive weapons shortages in pursuit of this illegal war in Iran. I note what was not said – how the shortages are negatively impacting overall military readiness and our ability to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Despite the President and your own dismissals of the reporting as “NOT TRUE”, your recent $87 billion-dollar supplemental funding request to Congress includes $21 billion alone for “munitions procurement”, highlighting the urgency of this issue,” wrote Senator Hirono. In her letter, Senator Hirono outlined that even prior to the war in Iran, Congress had expressed concerns over the alarming state of the United States military’s munitions inventory, especially if the United States were to be pulled into a large-scale military conflict with a near peer adversary. She highlighted how the ongoing munitions expenditures in the Middle East at an unsustainable rate could create a strategic vacuum in other theaters, including the Indo-Pacific. “This leaves the United States unacceptably vulnerable to aggression from near-peer adversaries like China,” she co… | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-block-trump-administrations-so-called-public-charge-rule | Hirono, Chu Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Block Trump Administration’s So-Called “Public Charge” Rule | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) introduces the Protect American Values Act, legislation that would prevent federal funds from being used to implement, administer, enforce, or otherwise carry out the Trump Administration’s finalized “public charge” rule. Scheduled to take effect on September 18, 2026, the rule would make it more difficult for immigrants who rely on certain government benefits to obtain green cards or adjust their immigration status. “By removing any guidance for what qualifies as ‘public charge’ the Trump Regime’s rule creates fear and prevents immigrants and their families from accessing services they need—even if they are still entitled to them. In making the pathway to attaining a green card more confusing, the anti-immigrant ideology of this regime is abundantly clear,” said Senator Hirono. “The Protecting American Values Act ensures that American tax dollars cannot be used for promoting the anti-American principles the Trump Regime is attempting to implement. “Donald Trump is once again weaponizing our immigration system against families who are simply trying to build better lives in America,” said Representative Chu. “His revived ‘Public Charge’ rule is even more expansive and harmful than the version from his first term, when it was ultimately struck down in court. Unlike the previous rule, this finalized policy does not even identify which benefits will be considered in a public charge test, giving Trump’s immigration officers sweeping discretion to deny green card applications based on subjective judgement instead of clear legal standards. We know exactly what the result will be. Millions of immigrants and mixed-status families will be forced to choose between putting food on the table, getting health care, keeping a roof over their heads, or protecting their future in America. And when families are driven away from health care, nutrition assistance, and other basic services they are legally entitled to, every communi… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-press-trump-administration-on-proposed-forest-research-and-development-facility-closures-demand-transparency | Hirono, Colleagues Press Trump Administration on Proposed Forest Research and Development Facility Closures, Demand Transparency | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) a senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), led 16 Senate Democratic colleagues in urging U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to provide Congress with a full breakdown of the Service’s decision to close up to 57 U.S. Forest Service Research and Development (R&D) Facilities, including the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF) in Hilo, Hawaii. Despite multiple inquiries from both the Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. Forest Service has still failed to provide Congress with a comprehensive accounting of the framework used to evaluate facilities slotted for closure. In a letter to Chief Schultz, the senators demanded the Administration provide them with the information Congress has been requesting for the past several months. “Since announcing the list of facilities being evaluated for possible closure in March, very little detail or analysis has been provided to Congress or the public on the factors being considered for each facility,” wrote the senators. “Instead, official responses rely on broad assurances- stating only that the agency is assessing ‘operating costs, amount of space, utilization rate, number of employees’ and proximate facilities – without revealing the actual methodology or criteria driving these determinations.” Since 1905, Forest Service R&D has used forests as “living laboratories” to help researchers, governments, and communities alike better understand their surrounding natural environment. The 57 Forest Service Research and Development sites that are expected to close span 31 states and each perform critical, specialized research that cannot be easily replicated or relocated. In their letter the Senators highlighted IPIF, which not only covers the State of Hawaii, but a region in the Pacific covering an area larger than the Continental United States, as well as the Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory in Seattle and the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Wenatchee, both o… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-14-senators-in-introducing-new-bill-to-restore-press-freedom-at-pentagon | Schatz Leads Group Of 14 Senators In Introducing New Bill To Restore Press Freedom At Pentagon | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today led a group of 14 senators in introducing the Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act. The new legislation would restore press access at the Department of Defense, reversing attempts by Secretary Pete Hegseth to suppress independent reporting at the Pentagon. In addition to Schatz, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). “At a time of war, transparency and independent, accurate reporting matter more than ever,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will reverse the Pentagon's effort to shut out the free press and make sure the public gets the information it deserves.” Since taking office, Secretary Hegseth imposed a series of unreasonable and retaliatory restrictions on credentialed journalists’ access to the Pentagon and their ability to report. These measures go well beyond reasonable rules of conduct and reverse the Pentagon’s longstanding approach to the press, which has been maintained by officials from both parties. The Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act would: Restore press access to areas of the Pentagon that were accessible prior to the 2025 restrictions, including the “Correspondents’ Corridor”; Restore unescorted press access to areas of the Pentagon that were accessible without an escort prior to the 2025 restrictions; Require the Secretary to ensure the integrity of the process to issue to reporters a Pentagon credential, ensuring the security review process is conducted by career officials in the Pentagon Force Protection Agency without unnecessary delays or political influence; and Prohibit any changes to press access at the Pentagon, including the designation of press workspaces, access areas, and press credentials, without prior congre… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-and-video-hirono-holds-spotlight-forum-on-interagency-agreements-that-will-harm-students-with-disabilities | PHOTOS & VIDEO: Hirono Holds Spotlight Forum on Interagency Agreements that will Harm Students with Disabilities | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) held a spotlight forum titled: Breaking the Promise: How Relocating the IDEA will be Detrimental to Students and Families,” highlighting the dangerous consequences of the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for our nation’s students with disabilities and their families. During the forum, a panel of witnesses comprised of former ED leaders, civil rights advocates, and parent advocates spoke about how outsourcing ED’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which oversee critical federal programs for students with disabilities, to other agencies will harm millions of students with disabilities nationwide. “These agreements are not just harmless administrative shifts,” said Senator Hirono. “What we are witnessing is nothing short of a deliberate effort to dismantle the programs that support students with disabilities and their families, particularly for those with nowhere else to turn.” In June, the Trump Administration announced that OSERS would be moving away from ED to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and OCR would be moving to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). OSERS has been responsible for enforcing compliance of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)— which helps guarantee that every child with a disability can receive a free and appropriate public education that responds to their needs— since the law was passed five decades ago. Senator Hirono raised alarms about how moving OSERS to HHS, an agency that lacks the personnel and infrastructure to enforce the IDEA could threaten the over 8 million students who rely this civil rights law to provide them with adequate services. Senator Hirono also highlighted how shifting OCR—the agency responsible for investigating potential violations of students’ rights— to DOJ would exacerbate an already severe backlog of over 23,000 cases. At the forum, Senator Hirono was a… | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-trump-republicans-are-raising-prices-on-purpose | Schatz: Trump, Republicans Are Raising Prices On Purpose | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor today about how President Donald Trump and Republicans are raising prices for Americans on purpose. “The price of everything is up and that's on purpose,” said Senator Schatz. “The President of the United States has decided that Americans should pay more for everything. And so, while he's busy lining his pockets with crypto schemes and insider information subscription programs, regular people can't afford their lives.” Senator Schatz continued, “It is common for presidents have to deal with the problems related to the economy. And specifically, what can be a real political killer is the question of inflation. But this is very unusual and maybe unprecedented in American history. You have a President of the United States whose stated policy on tariffs, on energy, on Iran, on health care, on food, is to raise the price of everything. That is not a sort of accidental outcome of his economic policy. People are going broke, and they are doing it to you on purpose.” A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here. The price of everything is up and that's on purpose. It's on purpose because Donald Trump made it so. We are not in the middle of a pandemic or a recession or a national emergency. But the President of the United States has decided that Americans should pay more for everything. Food, gas, electricity, health care, housing, clothes – everything. And so, while he's busy lining his pockets with crypto schemes and insider information subscription programs, regular people can't afford their lives. Now, I say he's doing this on purpose because these are deliberate policy choices that he's made. First, it was the tariffs that jacked up the prices of goods across the board. Tomatoes went up 40%. Coffee went up by 20%. Clothes and car seats were up by 20%. Electronics shot up by hundreds of dollars. And so it wasn't as if you could avoid the hit by not shopping at a particular store for a particular thing. And p… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-judiciary-committee-hirono-votes-against-advancing-blanche-confirmation | In Judiciary Committee, Hirono Votes Against Advancing Blanche Confirmation | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Watch Senator Hirono’s Statement Here ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, voted against advancing Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as the United States Attorney General. In a Judiciary Committee executive business meeting, Senator Hirono raised concerns about Mr. Blanche’s ability to lead an independent U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) committed to enforcing the rule of law. “Mr. Blanche has demonstrated that his words to us at his hearing do not matter. I intend to judge Mr. Blanche not by his words but by his actions. Even though he said he would cooperate with the New Mexico Epstein investigation, he will not actually do so. Even though he claims to follow the constitution and the law, he acts as the President’s lawyer, catering to his whims,” said Senator Hirono. “At a time when DOJ has lost thousands of career attorneys with millennia of combined experience, and when DOJ’s independence from politics is no longer in existence, I cannot vote in favor of someone whose actions so clearly make him ineligible to serve as Attorney General—even of a department as compromised as this Department of Justice, which is basically the Department of Retribution and Revenge.” Since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, Senator Hirono has been fighting back against the Trump Administration’s flagrant attacks on the rule of law. Last month, during Mr. Blanche’s nomination hearing, Senator Hirono pressed Blanche on his role in weaponizing the DOJ against President Trump’s perceived enemies, his failure to rescind the anti-weaponization slush fund, and his commitment to assisting the state of New Mexico’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch. In March, on the Senate Floor, Senator Hirono opposed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act which, unlike its name suggests, would make it significantly harder for Americans to exercise their right to vote. Additionally, Senator Hirono has consistently rai… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4964 | Key U.S. House Committee Approves Case's Bipartisan Bill To Combat Invasive Species | 2026-07-31 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) announced that the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee (Committee) has unanimously approved his National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act, which would significantly expand federal efforts to combat invasive species, responsible for severely impacting environments across the country. “Hawai‘i in particular faces unique challenges from invasive species. Our isolation has led to the evolution of many endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth,” said Case, who formerly served six years on the House Natural Resources Committee and is in his eighth year on the House Appropriations Committee. “Unfortunately, these native species often lack the defenses to compete with or resist the pressures of invasive plants and animals, which can rapidly alter ecosystems and displace local species. “In Hawai‘i, invasive species have caused significant ecological damage, threatening the survival of native birds and plants. Protecting Hawaii’s unique biodiversity is not just an environmental necessity – it is a cultural imperative that reflects the identity and heritage of the Hawaiian people.” “For island communities like Guam, invasive species are more than an environmental concern—they threaten our native ecosystems, agriculture, economy, and way of life,” said Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam). “Once an invasive species becomes established on an island, the cost of eradication can be enormous, and in many cases, the damage cannot be undone. This bipartisan legislation takes a proactive approach by strengthening rapid response and early detection efforts within our National Wildlife Refuge System. By investing in prevention today, we can better protect America’s natural resources, preserve our unique biodiversity, and reduce far greater costs in the future.” "We are pleased with the passage of this measure that prioritizes funds and measures towards early detection through identifying, reporting, and eradicating invasive species and the … | 1 | 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z | 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-duckworth-colleagues-introduce-warrior-act-to-codify-womens-right-to-serve-in-combat | Hirono, Duckworth, Colleagues Introduce WARRIOR Act to Codify Women’s Right to Serve in Combat | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services (SASC), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led 19 of their Democratic colleagues in the Senate in introducing the Women Add Resourcefulness and Resilience to Improve Operational Readiness (WARRIOR) Act, legislation reinforcing the principle that the U.S. military has always relied upon: standards must be based on the demands of the job, not gender. This legislation is critical for maintaining rigorous, gender-neutral standards, especially in light of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to order a study examining “the effectiveness of women in combat jobs,” despite there being no evidence that the presence of women in combat units lowers standards. If passed, the WARRIOR Act would codify the commonsense DOD policy that ensures every service member is evaluated on validated and merit-based standards. “From blocking the promotions of qualified servicewomen to ordering an unnecessary study re-examining what a decade of service has already proven, it’s clear that Secretary Hegseth is more interested in attacking women service members than he is in protecting the security of our nation. Building and maintaining the strongest military in the world depends on giving every qualified servicemember a fair chance to meet the required standards to serve our country,” said Senator Hirono. “This commonsense legislation honors the service of thousands of women who have served in combat roles with distinction, while strengthening our military by ensuring that every qualified service member is judged by their ability, not their gender.” “Our nation would never be ready for battle without our brave women in uniform who have earned their place in our military,” said Senator Duckworth. “For all his bluster about meritocracy, Pete Hegseth continues to find slimy ways to push out warriors who have earned their right to serve. This threatens morale and readiness at every level. We must cu… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-president-to-approve-hawaiis-disaster-declaration | Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Urges President To Approve Hawai‘i’s Disaster Declaration | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) urged President Donald Trump to act swiftly on Governor Josh Green’s request for a presidential disaster declaration for areas impacted by a recent 6.0 earthquake on Hawai‘i Island. The declaration will help ensure that the affected communities can access important federal funding and resources to recover. “We ask that you consider expediting all federal assistance possible to help the State recover from the impacts of a magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Hawai‘i Island on May 22, 2026, particularly the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program,” the delegation wrote in their letter to the president. “It is difficult to overstate the stress that the earthquake has placed on this community, where approximately 20 percent of the population lives at or below the poverty line, and roughly 20 percent of the general population reports having a disability. State and county governments are also stretched to their capacities by the successive disasters the State has faced since 2018.” Full text of the letter follows and is available here. Dear President Trump: We write in support of Governor Josh Green’s July 20, 2026, request that you issue a Major Disaster Declaration for Hawai‘i. We ask that you consider expediting all federal assistance possible to help the State recover from the impacts of a magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Hawai‘i Island on May 22, 2026, particularly the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program. We appreciate your continued efforts to support Hawai‘i as we recover from multiple natural disasters. A powerful 6.0 earthquake struck the western side of Hawai‘i Island on the evening of May 22, 2026. Centered near the Honaunau-Napo?opo?o area, the initial seismic shock severely damaged local roadways, triggering multiple rockslides that completely blocked the highway. The earthq… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-provide-paid-family-medical-leave-for-federal-employees | Schatz, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Provide Paid Family, Medical Leave For Federal Employees | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a group of 8 senators in introducing the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act, legislation to expand federal paid leave to include 12 weeks of family and medical leave. In addition to Schatz, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). “Right now, our laws are forcing federal workers to make the impossible choice between caring for their families and keeping their jobs,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will provide federal workers with 12 weeks of paid leave, giving them the time they need to take care of their own health and their loved ones.” Currently, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees in the private sector can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a newborn or an ill family member without fear of losing their jobs. For federal employees, while parental leave is paid due to the passage of Senator Schatz’s Federal Employee Paid Leave Act in 2019, family and medical leave continues to be unpaid. Studies have shown that providing paid leave for federal employees would save the government at least $50 million annually in turnover and replacement costs. With federal agencies struggling to recruit and retain young talent, family-friendly policies are necessary to maintain a robust workforce. Just six percent of the federal workforce is under the age of 30, while roughly 40 percent of the workforce is eligible to retire within the next three years. The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act will guarantee 12 weeks of paid family leave for federal employees in all instances covered by the FMLA, including: In order to care for the spouse, child, or parent of the employee, if such spouse, child, or parent has a serious health condition; Because of a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the f… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-trump-administration-releasing-600-million-for-gavi-to-provide-vaccines-save-lives | Schatz Statement On Trump Administration Releasing $600 Million For Gavi To Provide Vaccines, Save Lives | 2026-07-28 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released the following statement after Secretary of State Marco Rubio took steps to provide $600 million in funding provided by Congress for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The funding will support Gavi's work to protect millions of children from preventable diseases, safeguard Americans from infectious disease threats, and ensure critical vaccine stockpiles – including for Ebola, cholera, and mpox – remain available. “Gavi is one of the most effective health partnerships in the world. This funding will help save lives around the world and protect Americans here at home by making vaccines available to those who need it and stopping the spread of preventable diseases. “While I’m glad the administration is finally following the law and taking the necessary steps to provide this funding, it must also release the billions of dollars in global health funding that it continues to withhold, wasting resources while people needlessly die and disease and hunger rapidly spread.” ### | 1 | 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z | 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4959 | Case Votes Against First Version Of Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act | 2026-07-24 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) Tuesday voted in the full U.S. House against the current version of the $1.15 trillion Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The annual authorization is considered must-pass legislation, with Congress enacting one every year since fiscal 1962. It is separate from the regular annual appropriations bills that Representative Case helps develop as a member of the House Appropriations Committee; those bills actually direct funding using the NDAA as an authorizing framework. “Our National Defense Authorization Act is a critical annual measure that not only authorizes our defense spending for the year, supplementing my Appropriations Committee’s parallel funding responsibilities, but also establishes defense policies, including organization and administration of the Defense Department,” said Case, who serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, responsible for all defense and intelligence community funding, and previously served on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, responsible for all funding in those areas. “While this current version of the FY 2027 NDAA includes many critical Hawai‘i and Indo-Pacific priorities I requested, I regrettably had to vote against it at this stage for various reasons. These included the lack of any Congressional authorization of the Iran war; the insufficiency of any justification for the huge authorized increase in defense spending; the lack of any assurance of adequate Congressional oversight of that spending; and the inclusion of various other proposals not relevant to defense such as the SAVE America Act, which I have separately voted against several other times.” Given the significant economic contribution of military construction to Hawai‘i, Case highlighted various projects he advocated for that were included in the NDAA, including: · $507 million to continue building Dry Dock 5 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. · $248 million to cont… | 1 | 2026-07-25T07:13:44Z | 2026-07-25T07:15:09Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-votes-no-after-republicans-hijack-annual-defense-bill | Rep. Tokuda Votes No After Republicans Hijack Annual Defense Bill | 2026-07-24 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. The bill passed the House by a vote of 216-212 and will now head to the U.S. Senate for consideration. “My goal was clear from day one: keep any authority for the military to condemn and take Hawaiʻi lands out of the NDAA. We drew a red line, held it, and won. The final bill does not give the military that power, and decisions about Hawaiʻi lands remain where they belong: in Hawaiʻi hands. That victory was never guaranteed. It took sustained pressure, clear opposition, and a refusal to let Hawaiʻi be treated as an afterthought. I will always fight to protect Hawaiʻi and defend our right to decide what happens to our lands,” said Rep. Tokuda. “While we defended Hawaiʻi, House Republicans gutted the bipartisan NDAA we built in committee. They loaded it with toxic poison-pills that undermine our military, punish the people who serve and their families, and make our country less safe." “Worst of all, Republicans attached the SAVE America Act onto this bill, imposing burdensome voter-ID requirements that make it harder for eligible Americans to vote. They hijacked a must-pass defense bill to advance a partisan election agenda that has nothing to do with military readiness. “I could not in good conscience vote for a bill that puts politics ahead of our troops. The NDAA should strengthen our military and support those who serve—not be used as a vehicle to advance a partisan agenda.” A summary of the FY27 NDAA can be found here. ### | 1 | 2026-07-25T07:13:44Z | 2026-07-25T07:15:09Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-colleagues-in-pressing-hegseth-on-inaccurate-casualty-reporting-demanding-transparency-on-human-cost-of-war-in-iran | Hirono Leads Colleagues in Pressing Hegseth on Inaccurate Casualty Reporting, Demanding Transparency on Human Cost of War in Iran | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services (SASC), led all of her Democratic colleagues on SASC in demanding a full and accurate accounting of all service members who were killed, wounded, and injured in support or in connection with Operation Epic Fury. In a letter to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine; Commander of United States Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper; and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Anthony Tata, the senators raised alarms about multiple inconsistencies between the Pentagon’s public casualty number and official statements. The senators pressed DOD to be transparent with the American people, servicemembers, and their families on the human cost of the ongoing war in Iran. “The American people, Congress, service members, and their families are entitled to a full and accurate accounting of the human costs of war. The information currently available to the public suggests that the Department has not consistently provided timely and comprehensive public casualty reporting throughout the conflict,” wrote the Senators. While DOD has reported that the Pentagon’s Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) is accurate and “regularly updated,” the Senators raised inconsistencies both in overall casualty and injury reporting since the beginning of the conflict, and during the month of July. For example, on July 20, DOD spokesman Sean Parnell publicly stated: "While nearly 100 service members were deemed to have some degree of injury since July 7, 2026, 96% have returned to duty." These injuries, however, were not included total casualty count and July’s monthly casualty report. In the same report, DCAS listed 14 servicemembers killed, despite wide reporting of 18 service members killed as of July 20, 2026. While the number of service members killed has been updated as of July 23, these inconsistencies raise significant concerns … | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-trump-administration-on-grant-review-process-raises-alarms-on-politically-motivated-delays | Hirono Presses Trump Administration on Grant Review Process, Raises Alarms on Politically Motivated Delays | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), pressed Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Kevin Lilly on his repeated failure to provide straightforward answers on the agency’s grant review process. In a letter to Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Lilly, Senator Hirono highlighted Lilly’s failure to provide clarifying follow-up on the grant review process, following his inability to answer Hirono’s questions on the matter at an ENR hearing held in June. “Your refusal to be forthcoming or provide any substantive information about activities that appear to be politically motivated raises serious concerns about the process that’s being applied,” wrote Senator Hirono. “Not only should these grants be awarded consistent with the Administration’s priorities, but also consistent with the law which is written by Congress.” During an ENR hearing on June 23, 2026, Senator Hirono asked Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Lilly about his review of grants totaling more than $50,000, specifically how many grants were awaiting his review and the sum of those grants. While Lilly was unable to answer during the hearing, he committed to providing the information in writing. Despite this pledge, Senator Hirono did not receive enlightening follow-up. Instead, Lilly’s response said: “As I said at my hearing, we take the opportunity to provide grants very seriously. The Department is working through a judicious and thorough review of all of these grants to ensure that they are awarded appropriately and consistent with the Administration’s priorities.” Senator Hirono highlighted the impact of Lilly’s incomplete follow-up and delayed grant review on the agency Lilly is responsible for running. “For decades the Department of the Interior has cultivated relationships with trusted partners to carry out projects that contribute to the Department’s mission—maintenance of trails, protection of wildlife, etc. Politic… | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-condemns-state-departments-delays-in-providing-global-health-funding | Schatz Condemns State Department’s Delays In Providing Global Health Funding | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations subcommittee, criticized the Trump State Department for not providing global health funding appropriated by Congress to entities like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Fund. Speaking on the Senate floor, Schatz condemned the State Department for not following the law, endangering lives, and spending money on projects that are not core to U.S. national security interests. “It shouldn't be this difficult to get the State Department to follow the law,” said Senator Schatz. “Earlier this year, when we passed the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill on a bipartisan basis, we were very clear that the spending requirements in it were not suggestions – they were a matter of law. And yet, we are still having to fight tooth and nail with State Department officials to get money out to the people and places around the world that are counting on the United States of America.” Senator Schatz continued, “Every day this money doesn't get to where it's supposed to go; every contribution, worth hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars, is delayed, people go hungry, people get sick, people die.” A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here. It shouldn't be this difficult to get the State Department to follow the law. Earlier this year, when we passed the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill on a bipartisan basis, we were very clear that the spending requirements in it were not suggestions – they were a matter of law. We are not asking the State Department to do us a favor and spend the money that we provided. We made a law. And yet, we are still having to fight tooth and nail with State Department officials to get money out to the people and places around the world that are counting on the United States of America. Let's take funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. For months, the administration has been withholding $600 million, which are m… | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4957 | Case Calls On President To Once Again Extend Jones Act Waiver To Address Severe Risk Of Disruption Of Critical Energy Supplies To Hawaii Resulting From Ongoing Iran War | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i-First) asked President Trump to grant another 60-day extension of the current waiver of the Jones Act, citing continued global shipping disruptions, constrained fuel supply chains and rising gasoline and energy costs in Hawai‘i, along with implications for U.S. military readiness in the Indo-Pacific. In April, Case called on the President to grant the initial extension that is set to expire on August 15. In his latest letter to the President, Case again urged that: “The waiver should be extended now rather than on current expiration because contracts for the acquisition and shipping of fossil fuel products to U.S. ports are signed well in advance of shipping and delivery and failure to provide clarity on that timeframe will seriously disrupt shipping options and prices with wide ranging effects. “The waiver is operating nationally to mitigate the effects of market disruption on energy availability and pricing nationally. But the need for the waiver is especially acute in Hawai‘i and other noncontiguous jurisdictions which are largely reliant on external fossil fuel-based products for energy, agriculture, transportation, and other key needs, and where the Jones Act, even in a non-disrupted world, imposes unique severe constraints on the delivery of energy supplies and related pricing.” Case continued: “As I explained before when asking you to extend the waiver earlier this year, Hawai‘i is one of the most isolated parts of our country and depends on shipping for over ninety percent of our goods, including nearly all of our fossil fuel products. Yet the Jones Act severely limits shipping options from the continental U.S. to U.S. Jones Act vessels only, despite the widespread availability of shipping in the international markets. For fossil fuel products specifically, of the thousands of tankers operating globally, only a small fraction are Jones Act-compliant and available for domestic transport, and virtually none are suited for certain bulk commodities … | 1 | 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z | 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-leads-hawaii-delegation-urging-president-trump-to-approve-fema-kona-low-recovery-aid | Rep. Tokuda Leads Hawaiʻi Delegation Urging President Trump to Approve FEMA Kona Low Recovery Aid | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | Washington D.C. – U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), joined by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging that he support the State of Hawaiʻi’s appeal and reconsideration requests to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following the March 2026 Kona low storms. The delegation is asking the Administration to approve the state’s requests for additional federal disaster assistance to help repair storm-damaged public infrastructure and provide funding for projects that reduce the risk of future flooding and other disasters. “The appeal for Public Assistance Category G has been updated with additional data, validating more than $20 million in quantifiable damage, including more than $15 million in damage to airport grounds infrastructure and nearly $5 million of damage to parks, trails, cultural facilities, and early warning systems,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter. “This damage includes structural pavement failure of taxiways at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, the state’s primary gateway for tourists, residents, business travelers, and military service members.” "Recovering from a disaster of this scale is a long-term commitment, and our priority must be protecting our communities from future vulnerabilities,” said Rep. Tokuda. “This federal assistance is about hardening our infrastructure and making the necessary improvements to prevent the kind of severe disruptions we just witnessed. We must invest in safeguarding our islands so our residents can feel secure and prepared for the future.” “Hawaiʻi needs additional federal disaster aid to restore critical infrastructure, support ongoing recovery efforts, and help prepare for future disasters. Investing in mitigation and preparedness now can help keep communities safer in the future. Hawaiʻi shouldn't have to face these challenges alone. The people of Hawaiʻi deserve the full support and partnership of the federal go… | 1 | 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z | 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-presses-secretary-hegseth-on-failure-to-achieve-trumps-iran-war-goals | Schatz Presses Secretary Hegseth On Failure To Achieve Trump’s Iran War Goals | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on a supplemental budget request, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the Trump administration’s failure to meet the goals it set out at the beginning of the war in Iran, including regime change and destroying Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “I go back to the original five objectives. And none of them have been met. Some of them have changed, but none of them have been met,” said Senator Schatz. “About 190,000 people in the state of Hawai‘i, believe it or not, voted for Donald Trump. And I know a lot of them, and I represent all of them. And one of the reasons that they were enthusiastic about Donald Trump and you, Mr. Secretary, was they thought that we were going to have a new foreign policy,” said Senator Schatz. “People were pretty thrilled about the idea that America First, in their mind, meant that we were going to not do this kind of adventurism.” Video of Senator Schatz’s exchange with Secretary Hegseth is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4956 | Case Statement On The Death Of First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan Of Hawaii | 2026-07-20 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) issued the following statement on the death of 1st Lieutenant Tyler Feehan of Ewa Beach in Jordan. “I join all of our Hawai’i in mourning the passing in Jordan of United States Army First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan of ‘Ewa Beach. The loss of any of our servicemembers is tragic, but of one of our own ‘ohana is especially deep. I extend my deepest sympathies to Lt Feehan’s family with our Hawaii’s lasting gratitude for his service to our country.” | 1 | 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z | 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-issues-statement-on-the-passing-of-us-army-first-lieutenant-tyler-feehan | Rep. Tokuda Issues Statement on the Passing of U.S. Army First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan | 2026-07-20 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | Washington D.C. – U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) issued the following statement honoring United States Army First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan of ʻEwa Beach, who passed away while serving in Jordan. "This tragedy strikes especially close to home because Tyler was one of Hawaiʻi's own, from ʻEwa Beach. Today, our ʻohana and the entire nation mourn Tyler and Isabella, two young Americans taken far too soon while serving our country. We hold their families, friends, and fellow servicemembers close in our hearts. Every life lost is one too many, and we must keep fighting to end this war and bring our troops home safely." ### | 1 | 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z | 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-death-of-first-lieutenant-tyler-j-feehan | Hirono Statement on Death of First Lieutenant Tyler J. Feehan | 2026-07-20 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the death of First Lieutenant Tyler J. Feehan, of Ewa Beach, who was killed in action on July 18, 2026 in an attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan: “I join people across Hawaii and throughout our nation in mourning the tragic loss of First Lieutenant Tyler J. Feehan of Ewa Beach. Today, my thoughts and aloha are with 1st Lt Feehan’s family, and the families of all the brave servicemembers killed and injured in this war. As we honor their service and sacrifice, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to bring an end to this war.” ### | 1 | 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z | 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-death-of-first-lieutenant-tyler-james-feehan | Schatz Statement On Death Of First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan | 2026-07-20 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement on the death of First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, of ‘Ewa Beach, who was killed in action on July 18, 2026 at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. “We are heartbroken by the loss of 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan of ?Ewa Beach, who gave his life while serving our country. My thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and fellow soldiers as they grieve this unimaginable loss. May his memory be a blessing.” ### | 1 | 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z | 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4954 | Case Introduces Bipartisan Measure To Boost Affordable Housing Nationwide In Areas Designated For Transit Oriented Development | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), joined by Delegate James Moylan (Guam), has co-introduced his bipartisan Transit Oriented Development Act to drive greater development of affordable housing in areas designated for transit oriented development such as along the Honolulu Skyline. “The affordable housing shortage remains one of the most significant drivers of the unacceptably high cost of living facing most Americans”, said Case. “In my home state of Hawaiʻi, this crisis is particularly acute. Housing costs consume an outsized share of household income, forcing working families to make impossible choices between rent, groceries and health care. “Far too many of our keiki and kamaʻāina find themselves priced out of the communities they call home. To truly address affordability, we must not only increase the supply of housing but do so in ways that reflect the unique economic realities of our communities and lower overall living costs for families. That means building housing that is attainable, affordable, well-located and connected to jobs and services.” Case added: “One of the most important federal tools we have to do that is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which has long been one of our nation's most successful programs for financing affordable rental housing. Yet the current allocation structure does not always reflect the significant differences in housing costs and development challenges that exist across the country. Because allocations are based principally on population, communities facing exceptionally high housing costs—including Hawaiʻi and other non-contiguous jurisdictions—often face greater difficulty producing affordable housing despite having substantial need.” “For families on Guam, the challenge isn’t just finding affordable housing—it’s finding housing that keeps them connected to jobs, schools, healthcare, and essential services,” said Delegate Moylan. “As America’s westernmost territory, we face unique development constraints and higher construction costs. This bip… | 1 | 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z | 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-responds-to-president-trumps-remarks-on-election-integrity | Rep. Tokuda Responds to President Trump's Remarks on Election Integrity | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | Hawaiʻi — U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's remarks on election integrity and the SAVE America Act. "While families are wondering how they'll afford groceries, gas, and healthcare, Donald Trump is still obsessed with relitigating an election he lost six years ago. Elections were secure then, and they are secure now. Manufacturing doubt and pushing baseless conspiracies doesn't SAVE America—it weakens our democracy. Real leaders trust the American people. Only cowards try to make it harder for Americans to vote." ### | 1 | 2026-07-18T06:58:50Z | 2026-07-18T07:00:34Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-schatz-led-efforts-to-boost-medicare-funding-for-hawaii-hhs-increases-state-medicare-reimbursements-for-hospitals-by-nearly-17-million-every-year | Following Schatz-Led Efforts To Boost Medicare Funding For Hawai‘i, HHS Increases State Medicare Reimbursements For Hospitals By Nearly $17 Million Every Year | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Following legislation and efforts led by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it will begin the process to increase the amount that hospitals in Hawai‘i can be reimbursed by Medicare to perform outpatient care, such as emergency department visits and imaging services, for enrolled seniors. Once the proposed change is finalized, Hawai‘i is set to receive an estimated $17 million in additional Medicare funding every year. “This is a big win for Hawai‘i. With millions more in Medicare funding for Hawai‘i hospitals every year, seniors across the state will continue to have access to the health care services they need,” said Senator Schatz. Historically, rural states have faced significant cost disparities for Medicare reimbursement that drive up costs for both hospitals and patients. Schatz has led legislation that recognizes the unique cost-of-living challenges that hospitals in Hawai‘i face and would increase reimbursements for hospitals in Hawai‘i to ensure that they can continue to serve seniors. ### | 1 | 2026-07-18T06:58:50Z | 2026-07-18T07:00:34Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-attorney-general-nominee-todd-blanche-on-doj-weaponization-rule-of-law | Hirono Presses Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche on DOJ Weaponization, Rule of Law | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Watch Senator Hirono’s Questions Here ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, pressed Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche on his role in weaponizing the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) against President Trump’s perceived enemies during Mr. Blanche’s nomination hearing. During her question line, Senator Hirono also questioned Mr. Blanche on his failure to rescind the anti-weaponization slush fund and got Blanche to commit on the record to cooperating with the state of New Mexico’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch. “Mr. Blanche, you see nothing wrong with the President treating DOJ as his own personal law firm to use against his perceived enemies and as a way of helping his friends,” said Senator Hirono. “You oversaw the botched release of the Epstein files, denying justice once again to survivors who have been waiting so long for it. You have no business being the Attorney General of the United States.” Earlier in the hearing, following a question by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), Mr. Blanche asserted that he is “the President’s lawyer.” Senator Hirono raised alarms about Blanche’s role in enabling DOJ to serve as President Trump’s personal law firm. She cited a social media post from President Trump calling for George Soros to be criminally charged, and a DOJ investigation into Soros that was opened shortly after that post. Senator Hirono also highlighted DOJ’s lawsuits seeking full voter lists as part of a campaign to suppress the votes of American citizens, asking Blanche if any of the judges in the 14 resolved lawsuits have sided with DOJ. “The answer is no,” said Senator Hirono. “These 14 federal judges, some of them were Trump appointees, disagreed with DOJ’s position.” Senator Hirono asked Blanche about public statements he previously made declaring “war” on federal judges who were ruling against the administration. Blanche clarified that he did not believe federal judges should be impeached for ruling… | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-joins-colleagues-in-calling-to-halt-33-billion-in-military-funding-to-israel | Rep. Tokuda Joins Colleagues in Calling to Halt $3.3 Billion in Military Funding to Israel | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | Washington D.C. — U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) joined 26 of her colleagues in a joint statement ahead of a House vote on an amendment to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act that would halt $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing to Israel. "As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents’ hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America’s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon—operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough. Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach. Our vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term prospects for a just and lasting peace. We remain committed to supporting these and similar programs while ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dolla… | 1 | 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z | 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-announces-applications-for-military-service-academies | Rep. Tokuda Announces Applications for Military Service Academies | 2026-07-14 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | Honolulu, HI — U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) announced that her office will begin accepting applications on Friday, August 1, 2026, from students in Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District seeking a nomination to one of the United States military service academies. Qualified applicants must submit their complete applications no later than Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. HST. Every year, members of Congress, including Rep. Tokuda, are allotted a limited number of nominations for exceptional applicants from their districts seeking appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. “Every year, I am humbled to nominate students from Hawaiʻi who are ready to serve our country and lead with purpose,” said Rep. Tokuda, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Our service academies ask a lot of these young people, but Hawaiʻi students know what it means to carry responsibility, care for community, and step up when it matters. I encourage eligible students across Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District to apply.” To be considered for a nomination, candidates must reside in Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District, meet the basic eligibility requirements established by the academies, and submit a complete nomination application by Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. HST. For more information on eligibility and the application process, visit tokuda.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations or call Rep. Tokuda’s District Office at (808) 746-6220. ### | 1 | 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z | 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-deliver-faster-disaster-aid-becomes-law | Schatz Legislation To Deliver Faster Disaster Aid Becomes Law | 2026-07-14 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – A bipartisan housing package, which includes the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act, became law over the weekend. The Reforming Disaster Recovery Act, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), will help communities recover from major disasters more quickly by establishing a permanent and predictable funding process at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “Right now, each time a disaster happens, communities in crisis are forced to wait for Congress to pass a disaster funding bill before HUD can help. Our new law will now mean they no longer have to wait. As soon as a disaster strikes, HUD will be able to help communities begin the process of recovery,” said Senator Schatz. The provision will accelerate assistance to disaster-impacted communities by: Creating a disaster recovery fund to allow HUD to predictably assist communities; Authorizing HUD to issue regulations to codify program requirements and reduce unnecessary red tape, delays, and unpredictability that stems from the current process; Supporting resilience as a part of – rather than separate from – disaster recovery; Authorizing “quick release” funds to support grantee capacity right after an event; Improving federal coordination by establishing an office at HUD devoted to disaster recovery and resilience; and Reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and interagency requirement conflicts. The full text of the provision is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z | 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4953 | Case, Moylan Introduce Measure To Counter Transnational Crime In The Indo-Pacific | 2026-07-08 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, DC) -- U.S. Congressmen Ed Case (D-HI-01) and James Moylan (R-Guam) have introduced a measure in the U.S. House to boost U.S. efforts to counter growing transnational crime in the Indo-Pacific. “Our Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative Act addresses the growing use of Pacific Island nations as transit hubs for cross-Pacific illegal drug trade by transnational criminal networks, particularly narcotics traffickers,” said Case, a founder and Co-Chair of the House Pacific Islands Caucus, a bipartisan Member group focused on the Pacific (https://pacificislandscaucus-case.house.gov). “Our fellow Pacific Island nations which are being victimized as stop-offs in this Pacific drug highway are now suffering from related domestic crisis including addiction broader public health, such as an HIV epidemic in Fiji primary spread by unsafe injecting practices,” said Case. “Our Pacific ‘ohana (family) have clearly prioritized this crisis and asked for our continued partnership in both reducing the trade to start with and addressing its consequences.” “Guam sits at the crossroads of the Indo-Pacific, and we understand better than most that transnational crime does not stop at borders,” said Moylan. “Strengthening law enforcement partnerships throughout the Pacific protects our communities, reinforces our alliances, and advances America’s strategic interests in the region. The Pacific Islands Liaison Initiative is a smart investment in regional security, and I’m proud to support efforts that ensure Guam continues to play a leading role in keeping the Indo-Pacific safe, secure, and resilient.” Case and Moylan noted that while much attention has focused on precursor chemicals moving eastward across the Pacific to illicit drug producers in the Western Hemisphere, a lesser-known trafficking route moves cocaine and methamphetamine westward from the Americas through Oceania to Australia and New Zealand, where significantly higher street prices generate enormous profits for criminal organizations. In 2017, the U.S. Departm… | 1 | 2026-07-09T08:24:13Z | 2026-07-09T08:26:05Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-24-million-heading-to-hawaii-to-replace-bridges-on-hna-highway | Schatz: $24 Million Heading To Hawai‘i To Replace Bridges On Hāna Highway | 2026-07-08 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation will receive $24 million in federal funding to rehabilitate and replace approximately six bridges within the Hana Highway Historical District with modern, resilient structures. “This funding will help modernize our aging infrastructure and help people in East Maui get to where they need to go,” said Senator Schatz. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz has worked to ensure Hawai‘i receives its fair share of federal funding to improve infrastructure statewide. ### | 1 | 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z | 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4950 | Case Leads Bipartisan National Gerrymandering Reform Initiative | 2026-07-02 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i-First District) today announced that his U.S. House Problem Solvers Caucus has endorsed a comprehensive proposal to reform runaway gerrymandering of Congressional districts and restore trust in the redistricting process, limit partisan interference, advance broader representation and facilitate real solutions in Congress. The proposal was developed by the Problem Solvers’ Gerrymandering Working Group, co-chaired by Case, a Democrat, and U.S. Representative Jeff Hurd (Colorado-Third District), a Republican. “The Problem Solvers is about facing and solving our toughest challenges and making our government work,” said Case, who also serves as Vice Chair of the 45-Member caucus. “The worsening redistricting wars are a direct obstacle to a representative, inclusive, functioning and trusted government, and a solution must be a priority. “Our Caucus’ endorsed framework lays out the guideposts of for real reform and demonstrates that even the toughest and most political issues can be solved on a bipartisan basis.” Case said the framework establishes five principles for Congressional redistricting: · Stability and predictability in representation, · Transparency and public confidence in the map-drawing process, · Fair and consistent application of standards across states, · Respect for communities and political subdivisions, and · Reduction of incentives for partisan manipulation. The framework also identifies four bipartisan reforms designed to create a more transparent, fair, and consistent process for drawing congressional districts nationwide: · Once-a-Decade Redistricting: Restrict Congressional redistricting to once every ten years following the decennial Census. · Nationwide Uniform Standards: Require Congressional districts to be drawn using clear, objective criteria while rejecting partisan advantage and incumbent protection as legitimate goals. · Reducing Partisan Influence: Support approaches that minimize partisan influence, including indepen… | 1 | 2026-07-03T08:00:00Z | 2026-07-03T08:01:30Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4948 | Case Provides Summary Of Legislative Record Since Returning To Congress In 2019 | 2026-06-29 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) provides below and at https://case.house.gov/ detailed information on key portions of his legislative record over the last eight years since he returned to Congress in 2019. “My mission is to help lead our country, help our Hawai‘i and help my constituents,” said Case, who also previously served in Congress from 2002 to 2007. “My legislative record is the sum total of my efforts and accomplishments to fulfill that mission. It includes my votes in Congress (6,032 to date), legislation, work in my House Appropriations Committee and other committees and caucuses, speeches, joint letters and statements and more. I believe in making it readily available to let constituents know what I’m doing and why, to answer questions and to correct misunderstandings. “My first and main effort is to provide a simple, central, transparent resource on my record and other efforts through my official website at https://case.house.gov/. That has information on me, my positions and activities, legislation and votes, public statements and communications, key issue summaries, and how to contact me. “In addition, I’m providing the following summaries of my record in several areas of interest to me and my constituents: 1. Cost of Living link 2. Crime link 3. Defense link 4. Education link 5. Energy link 6. Federal Deficit/Debt/Finances link 7. Foreign Affairs link 8. Health Care link 9. Kūpuna link 10. Labor link 11. LGBTQ+ link 12. Maui Wildfires link 13. Native Hawaiians link 14. Natural Resources link 15. Oceans link 16. Small Business link 17. Trump Opposition link 18. Veterans link 19. Voting Rights link 20. Women link “My Appropriations Committee is responsible for all federal discretionary funding, currently at about $1.7 trillion total per year,” said Case. “I’m serving my eighth year on Appropriations overall, and fourth year on our Subcommittee on Defense and Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which together make up almost 60% of our total federal budge… | 1 | 2026-06-30T06:29:10Z | 2026-06-30T06:30:42Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-johnson-introduce-legislation-to-increase-judiciary-transparency | Hirono, Johnson Introduce Legislation to Increase Judiciary Transparency | 2026-06-29 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member on the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, and U.S. Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee over Federal Courts, introduced the Open Meetings Act, legislation to require Judicial Conference meetings to be more open and accessible to the American people. The Judicial Conference is the policymaking and administrative governing body for the federal court system. By granting public access to these meetings by default, this bill will increase transparency in the Judiciary. “The federal judiciary is a key pillar of our constitutional system of government,” said Senator Hirono. “Americans need to have confidence that the judiciary is beholden only to the law and not to any ideological agendas or special interests. By requiring meetings of the judiciary’s policymaking and administrative arm to be open to the public by default, this commonsense bill will help increase transparency and support that confidence.” Currently, the policies that govern much of the administration of the federal judicial system are discussed and implemented during semiannual Judicial Conference meetings—all behind closed doors. While the Conference publishes an official report and press release summarizing the meeting activities after the meetings have concluded, there is no advance notice of the topics to be discussed, and no transcripts are made available. The Open Meetings Act would make Judicial Conference meetings accessible to the public through livestreamed audio recordings and published meeting agendas. The Judicial Conference would still be permitted to close certain sensitive portions of its meetings as long as it provided an explanation for doing so. By lifting the curtain that stands between the Judicial Conference and the American people, this legislation would help ensure that the governance of the federal Judiciary remains apolitical and transparent to the public. Led by Representative Hank Johnson, companion leg… | 1 | 2026-06-30T06:29:10Z | 2026-06-30T06:30:42Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-illegal-sports-gambling-indictment | Schatz Statement On Illegal Sports Gambling Indictment | 2026-06-29 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement after federal prosecutors announced that that two former NBA players have been indicted on sports gambling charges. Schatz is set to introduce legislation regulating gambling in professional sports, which includes a ban on micro prop bets. “This indictment is the latest example of how the explosion of unregulated sports betting is undermining the integrity of professional sports. While these players are rightly being held accountable, DOJ enforcement alone is not enough to crack down on the rampant misconduct. We need stronger federal regulation and oversight of prop bets to protect fans and restore public trust in sports.” ### | 1 | 2026-06-30T06:29:10Z | 2026-06-30T06:30:42Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-ossoff-introduce-right-to-vote-act | Hirono, Ossoff Introduce Right to Vote Act | 2026-06-26 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) introduced the Right to Vote Act, legislation to create the first-ever affirmative federal voting rights guarantee for all eligible citizens. As the Trump Administration continues to threaten the voting rights of millions of Americans nationwide, this legislation would enshrine the fundamental right to vote into law. “Nothing is more fundamental to our democracy than ensuring that all citizens can exercise their fundamental right to vote. Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans know their agenda is deeply unpopular, but instead of delivering for the American people, they are working overtime to disenfranchise millions of voters who have the constitutional right to vote them out of office,” said Senator Hirono. “By empowering voters to fight back against restrictions on their voting rights, this legislation will help ensure that every voice can be heard on Election Day.” The Right to Vote Act would protect American citizens’ fundamental right to vote by establishing a first-ever statutory right to vote in federal elections — protecting U.S. citizens from laws that make it harder to cast a ballot. This legislation would allow Americans to enforce that right by challenging in court any policy that unduly restricts ballot access. States attempting to restrict voting access would have to meet a high bar to justify any policy that makes it harder for U.S. citizens to participate in federal elections. Senator Hirono has long fought to ensure all American voters can cast their ballots. On the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Senator Hirono introduced the Time Off to Vote Act, legislation that would require employers to provide at least two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in federal elections. Last Congress, she joined her colleagues on National Voter Registration Day in introducing a resolution recognizing September as “National Voting Rights Month.” Additionally, Senator Hirono has previously cosponsore… | 1 | 2026-06-27T06:16:17Z | 2026-06-27T06:17:30Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-statement-on-supreme-court-decision-overturning-hawaii-gun-safety-law | Rep. Tokuda Statement on Supreme Court Decision Overturning Hawaiʻi Gun Safety Law | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to strike down Hawaiʻi’s law establishing a safety-first default that concealed-carry permit holders must receive permission before bringing firearms onto private property open to the public: “Today’s Supreme Court decision is wrong for Hawaiʻi, wrong for public safety, and the wrong precedent for states and communities working to keep people safe. Hawaiʻi's law did not take away anyone’s right to own or carry a firearm. It simply said that before bringing a gun onto someone else’s private property, you should get permission first. That should not be controversial. It is a matter of basic respect. Businesses and property owners set basic rules every day about what is allowed on their property and what is not. No shirt, no shoes, no service. But when Hawaiʻi set a commonsense safety standard for firearms, this Court decided that even asking permission went too far. This ruling puts guns ahead of Hawaiʻi’s ability to determine what safety looks like in our own communities and businesses. It shifts the burden onto property owners, workers, and families who deserve to feel safe in the places where they live, work, shop, and gather. I will keep fighting for commonsense gun safety laws that protect our people, respect everyone’s rights, and prioritizes our communities' ability to determine what safety looks like for ourselves.” ### | 1 | 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z | 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-wolford-v-lopez-supreme-court-decision | Hirono Statement on Wolford v. Lopez Supreme Court Decision | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled to change longstanding Hawaii gun regulation and make it easier for people to bring guns onto private property in its Wolford v. Lopez decision: “Hawaii has the lowest rate of gun deaths in the country, largely because of our historically strong gun safety laws. Once again, this out-of-control Supreme Court majority is placing political ideology above protecting lives, making our state and our country less safe by expanding the presence of firearms. As this Court exacerbates our nation’s gun violence crisis, I remain committed to working towards the common-sense gun safety policies our country desperately needs.” | 1 | 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z | 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-schatz-condemns-disastrous-consequences-of-iran-war | Schatz Condemns Disastrous Consequences Of Iran War | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, yesterday spoke on the Senate floor about the disastrous consequences of President Donald Trump’s war in Iran. “Not only was this war reckless and illegal and unnecessary, but it also didn't get us anything. It's made a lot of things worse,” said Senator Schatz. “The mistake is not ending the war, it was starting it in the first place. Every day this war went on only compounded that catastrophe. And so we ought to be relieved that it may be over and that diplomacy is being given another chance, because it is the only viable path forward. But none of that obviates the fact that we are suing for peace because it's the least bad option. That a diplomatic solution was within reach all along, before a single bomb was dropped. That after several months of a deadly and costly war, things are worse, not better.” A transcript of Senator Schatz's remarks is below. Video is available here. For every American who is wondering what on earth the war in Iran over the past three and a half months was for, the answer is relatively simple: next to nothing. 13 American service members are dead. Thousands of Iranians have been killed. We spent tens of billions of dollars in taxpayer money. Gas shot up to $5.70 in Hawaii. Grocery bills and energy bills spiked everywhere. We depleted our stockpiles of critical weapons systems. We alienated even our closest allies, who understandably wanted nothing to do with this regime change war of choice. And what was it all for? What did we get out of it? Well, if you take one look at the memorandum of understanding that Donald Trump signed last week, what is plainly obvious is that not only was this war reckless and illegal and unnecessary, but it also didn't get us anything. It's made a lot of things worse. We don't have a nuclear agreement yet, only a framework to try to reach something close to the original Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. So, to be clear, pre-Trump, we had a Joint Co… | 1 | 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z | 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-curtis-warner-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-provide-more-transparency-on-ai-generated-content | Schatz, Curtis, Warner Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Provide More Transparency On AI-Generated Content | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), John Curtis (R-Utah), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide more transparency on digital content generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The bill will help ensure people know when they are viewing AI-made content or interacting with an AI chatbot by requiring clear labels and disclosures. “People deserve to know whether the videos, photos, and content they see and read online are real or not,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill is simple – if any digital content is made by AI, it should be labeled so that people are aware and aren’t fooled or scammed.” “As AI-generated content becomes more refined and realistic, people deserve to know whether what they’re seeing is created by a human or generated by artificial intelligence,” said Senator Curtis. “Our bipartisan AI Labeling Act establishes clear, commonsense transparency standards that help consumers make informed decisions, promote trust in digital content, and discourage bad actors from using AI to deceive the public.” The AI Labeling Act will: Require both visible and machine-readable disclosures identifying AI-generated digital content, including image, video, or audio content; Require AI developers and all major social media platforms to collaborate to ensure users can identify the authenticity of shared content; and Establish a working group to create technical standards so users and social media platforms can identify AI-generated content and support content provenance. “Jurisdictions around the globe are moving to adopt common-sense rules around labeling AI-generated content – it’s time for the U.S. to catch up and in fact lead the world with a disclosure and anti-circumvention model that should be the global standard,” said Senator Warner. In May 2023, an AI-generated photo of an explosion near the Pentagon went viral, triggering a dip in the stock market. Deepfake images of President Trump being arrested were viewed by millions on social media, demonstrating the ty… | 1 | 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z | 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4942 | Case Opposes Defense Funding Measure That Fails To Properly Oversee Proposed Massive Increases In Defense Spending And To Fairly Balance National Security And Pressing Domestic Needs | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) reported that his U.S. House Appropriations Committee today approved its final Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 funding bill – the Defense Appropriations Act. The measure, the twelfth of twelve annual federal funding measures considered by Appropriations, provides funding for federal agencies and programs in the Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community, including the military branches of services, the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. Case, who is in his eighth year on Appropriations, serves on its Subcommittee on Defense, which is responsible for developing the bill. Case voted against the FY 2027 Defense bill that proposes $1.1 trillion in discretionary spending, $234 billion more than the current fiscal year. Total defense spending would grow to nearly $1.5 trillion annually if combined with the proposed reconciliation, or mandatory spending, bill requested by the Present. “While the measure funds many critical Hawai‘i and Indo-Pacific priorities I requested, I regrettably had to vote against this version because the proposed increase in total defense spending is not accompanied by any substantial Congressional oversight of such massive new spending levels, and comes as the Congressional majority and President Trump propose steep cuts to domestic programs that support working people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis,” said Case. (Click here to watch Case explain the flawed overall structure for the President’s funding request and the bill.) Case also stressed that the bill embraced a partisan approach to various aspects of our nation’s security. For example, it fails to include the $400 million for the bipartisan Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, continues funding for a National Guard Reaction Force to be deployed into American cities and fails to provide any checks on the President’s military operations in Iran. During the Committee’s debate over the bill, Case also spoke in strong opposition to recent ac… | 1 | 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z | 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-murray-blunt-rochester-baldwin-grijalva-introduce-bicameral-resolution-to-commemorate-54th-anniversary-of-title-ix | Hirono, Murray, Blunt Rochester, Baldwin, Grijalva Introduce Bicameral Resolution to Commemorate 54th Anniversary of Title IX | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced a bicameral resolution commemorating the 54th anniversary of the passage of Title IX. In 1972, Title IX was signed into law, outlawing sex-based discrimination in federally-funded education programs, while expanding educational opportunities for women and girls. As the Trump Administration, Congressional Republicans, and others have tried to weaponize this landmark civil rights law to harm and exclude vulnerable students—including transgender women and girls—this resolution reaffirms the importance of Title IX, recognizes that more work remains to fulfill the promises of Title IX, and condemns those who have tried to use Title IX to harm students. “More than 50 years ago, Title IX was signed into law, advancing equity and creating countless opportunities for women to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in their workplace. But instead promoting diversity in education, Congressional Republicans and the Trump regime are twisting Title IX to tear minorities down,” said Senator Hirono. “This resolution celebrates the true legacy of Title IX. I remain committed to standing up for students and helping them reach their fullest potentials.” “For decades, Title IX has opened countless doors for women and girls in education and sports. Congress should be working to strengthen Title IX and the Education Department, expand opportunities for women and girls in our schools, and protect them from harassment and assault,” said Senator Murray. “Instead, we are seeing the Trump administration utterly fail to protect women and girls—they will fearmonger about trans kids until the sun comes up, but the fact is this administration has all but decimated the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education, leaving egregious instances of sexual harassment and assault, and so much else, totally unaddressed. Rather than focus on working … | 1 | 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z | 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-murray-reed-whitehouse-pocan-scott-introduce-bill-to-make-college-more-affordable-double-pell-grant | Hirono, Murray, Reed, Whitehouse, Pocan, Scott Introduce Bill to Make College More Affordable, Double Pell Grant | 2026-06-23 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA) introduced bicameral legislation to make higher education more affordable for millions of working and middle-class students across the country. The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 would nearly double the Pell Grant maximum award, index the maximum award for inflation, and make other changes to expand the award for working students, while also protecting the program from budget shortfalls and eligibility changes. “For thousands of students in Hawaii and millions of students across the country, Pell Grants have helped to make higher education more affordable. But as costs continue to rise, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for students to pursue the college and career opportunities that will allow them to succeed in the future,” said Senator Hirono. “By increasing the Pell Grant maximum award, indexing the maximum award for inflation, and protecting the program from future cuts, this legislation will allow students across the country to reach their full potential.” “While Trump is driving up the cost of just about everything, including college—Democrats are instead putting forward reasonable proposals to make sure everyone who is willing to work hard can pursue a higher education,” said Senator Patty Murray. “There is absolutely no reason students should be saddled with mountains of debt if they want to get a college degree. Government should be helping to open doors for American students, not slamming them shut like Trump is doing. Every year, I fight to protect and expand the Pell Grant—this bill would increase Pell Grants for millions of students to help them afford a postsecondary education and further their careers while helping ensure the Pell Grant is there to support students for generations to come.” “For decades, Pell grants have been the cornerstone of our federal fina… | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-leads-hawaii-congressional-delegation-to-rename-waianae-post-office-after-the-late-colleen-hanabusa | Rep. Tokuda Leads Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation to Rename Waiʻanae Post Office after the Late Colleen Hanabusa | 2026-06-22 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | Washington D.C. – U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) led the Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation in introducing bipartisan legislation to rename the Waiʻanae Post Office as the “U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa Post Office Building.” U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The joint effort, co-sponsored by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Representative Ed Case (HI-01), and a bipartisan coalition honors the life and public service of Hanabusa, a proud daughter of Waiʻanae who passed away on March 6, 2026. The post office is located at 86-014 Farrington Highway. Hanabusa dedicated her career to Hawaiʻi’s working families, rising from a local labor attorney to become the first female President of the Hawaiʻi State Senate and later serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Colleen was a trailblazer and mentor who paved the way for so many. She brought toughness and integrity to everything she did—from becoming the first woman State Senate president to elevating Hawaiʻi voices in Congress—while never forgetting her roots as a proud daughter of Waiʻanae,” said Rep. Tokuda. “Renaming this post office in the heart of her hometown is a fitting tribute to a leader who inspired a generation and dedicated her life to serving our people with deep aloha.” “Colleen Hanabusa was one of the most accomplished, skilled, and dedicated public servants of the last several generations in the state of Hawai‘i,” said Sen. Schatz. “This is a fitting memorial to her Wai‘anae roots and enduring impact on our state.” Born and raised on the Waiʻanae Coast, Hanabusa grew up working at her family’s gas station before earning her law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law in 1977. After launching a legal career in labor advocacy, she was elected to the Hawaiʻi State Senate in 1998, making history as the state’s first female Senate President in 2007 and the first AAPI woman in the nation to serve as a state Senate President. Hanabusa later went on to represent Hawaii’s 1st Con… | 1 | 2026-06-23T06:27:52Z | 2026-06-23T06:29:20Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-schatzs-bipartisan-bill-to-deliver-faster-relief-to-disaster-survivors | Senate Passes Schatz’s Bipartisan Bill to Deliver Faster Relief to Disaster Survivors | 2026-06-22 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today voted 85-5 to pass a bipartisan housing package which includes the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act. The provision, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), will help communities recover from major disasters more quickly by establishing a permanent and predictable funding process at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “Right now, each time a disaster happens, communities in crisis are forced to wait for Congress to pass a disaster funding bill before HUD can help. Our provision changes the law so they no longer have to wait. As soon as a disaster strikes, HUD will be able to help communities begin the process of recovery,” said Senator Schatz. The provision will accelerate assistance to disaster-impacted communities by: Creating a disaster recovery fund to allow HUD to predictably assist communities; Authorizing HUD to issue regulations to codify program requirements and reduce unnecessary red tape, delays, and unpredictability that stems from the current process; Supporting resilience as a part of – rather than separate from – disaster recovery; Authorizing “quick release” funds to support grantee capacity right after an event; Improving federal coordination by establishing an office at HUD devoted to disaster recovery and resilience; and Reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and interagency requirement conflicts. The full text of the provision is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4941 | Case Ranked 4th Among 214 U.S. House Democrats In Appropriations-Approved Community Project Funding For His District In Fiscal Year 2027 Measures | 2026-06-19 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – According to a report by a non-partisan Congress tracking service, U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) ranks 4th among all 214 Democrats in the House of Representatives in total funding for district community projects approved by his House Appropriations Committee for upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. The report by Congressional Quarterly analyzed all approved Community Project Funding (CPFs) in the eleven federal funding measures passed to date by House Appropriations for FY27 (which begins October 1 of this year). There are twelve annual Appropriations-approved measures to fund the federal government (totaling $1.7 trillion for current FY26). The last one, Defense, does not include CPFs, so the report covers all House CPFs for FY27. Congress implemented CPFs in FY22 to permit Members of Congress to provide direct federal funding to worthy state and local government and community projects in their districts. The CPF process is subject to strict rules: in the U.S. House each project must have demonstrated community support, requesting Members must personally disclose their CPF requests and attest to each project, and each project is subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm. Case gained approval of all 20 of his CPF requests for a total of $18,936,300 in his Appropriations Committee-approved FY27 measures, some of which have passed the full House and the rest of which are pending passage. For the five full fiscal years for which CPFs have been approved, Case has gained approval of 74 CPF requests for a total of $325,809,228 in direct district project funding. A full list of all of Case’s approved CPFs by fiscal year and Appropriations measure is attached. “I’m very happy that we’re having a fifth especially successful year for our CPF requests,” said Case, who is serving in his eighth year on the House Appropriations Committee. “This federal funding option is hard to master yet inv… | 1 | 2026-06-20T06:35:38Z | 2026-06-20T06:37:01Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-celebrates-two-hawaii-chefs-on-national-competition-show-wins | Schatz Celebrates Two Hawai‘i Chefs On National Competition Show Wins | 2026-06-18 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today celebrated a pair of wins for two Hawai‘i chefs who recently competed and won major national cooking competition shows. Chef Rhoda Magbitang, a Hawai‘i Island resident and executive chef at CanoeHouse, was crowned the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef this month, while Lee Anne Wong, a Maui resident, owner of Koko Head Cafe on O‘ahu, and a former Top Chef finalist, won Season 3 of the Food Network’s 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing. In remarks on the Senate floor celebrating their wins, Schatz said, “Both chefs displayed incredible skill and perseverance in their respective competitions and showcased what makes Hawai‘i’s food scene so special, with our unique blend of cultures and cuisines. We’re lucky to have Chefs Magbitang and Wong and so many outstanding chefs who make Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i. Congratulations on your wins, you’ve made Hawai‘i proud.” Video of the Senator’s remarks is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-06-23T06:27:52Z | 2026-06-23T06:29:20Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-donald-trump-is-distracted-with-things-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-peoples-lives | Schatz: Donald Trump Is Distracted With Things That Have Nothing To Do With People’s Lives | 2026-06-18 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke today on the Senate floor about President Donald Trump’s preoccupation with building monuments and hosting sporting events while Americans across the country struggle to make ends meet amid rising prices. “$600 million to build a ballroom at the White House. $100 million to build a triumphal arch. $250 million to renovate the Kennedy Center. And $60 million to host a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House. These are the things Donald Trump is putting his time and energy into right now, along with a whole lot of taxpayer money,” said Senator Schatz. Senator Schatz continued, “People all across the country are eating less and driving less and saving less and seeing the doctor less because of his actions. Wars, tariffs, tax cuts for billionaires, paid for by cutting working people’s health care. And yet, all he can think about is where his next military adventure might be or what new monument he can build himself.” Senator Schatz’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below. Video is available here. $600 million to build a ballroom at the White House. $100 million to build a triumphal arch. $250 million to renovate the Kennedy Center. And $60 million to host a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House. These are the things Donald Trump is putting his time and energy into right now, along with a whole lot of taxpayer money. Meanwhile, gas is more than 4 bucks a gallon nationally and $5.58 in Hawai‘i. Grocery prices keep going up. Electricity bills are through the roof. Millions of Americans don’t have health insurance this year. And rents and mortgages are impossible to keep up with. This is not a question of whether you like sports or monuments. I like sports. I think the capital city of the most powerful nation in the history of the world should be beautiful and modern and vibrant. But this is not that. This is a president who is so thoroughly distracted with his own personal pet projects that he has no time to do anything to lower prices … | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-set-to-receive-nearly-25-million-for-native-hawaiian-health-care | Schatz: Hawai‘i Set To Receive Nearly $25 Million For Native Hawaiian Health Care | 2026-06-18 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the five Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems and Papa Ola Lokahi, which coordinates health care programs and services for Native Hawaiians, will receive nearly $25 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This funding, provided through the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program, will help the centers provide health education, promotion, disease prevention, and basic primary care services for thousands of people across Hawai‘i. “These health centers are essential for keeping local families healthy,” said Senator Schatz, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This federal funding will help these clinics all across the state keep their doors open and deliver the health care people rely on every single day.” The funding includes: $3,088,269 for Hui No Ke Ola Pono on Maui $2,530,712 for Na Pu?uwai on Molokai $3,246,769 for Ho?ola Lahui Hawai?i on Kaua‘i $3,001,484 for Hui Malama Ola Na ?Oiwi on Hawai‘i Island $2,924,208 for Ke Ola Mamo on O‘ahu $10,000,000 for Papa Ola Lokahi ### | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-kim-duckworth-release-statement-following-the-senate-vote-on-michelle-steel-for-us-ambassador-to-republic-of-korea | Hirono, Kim, Duckworth Release Statement Following the Senate Vote on Michelle Steel for U.S. Ambassador to Republic of Korea | 2026-06-17 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm former Congresswoman Michelle Steel as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea: “The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community is the fastest growing minority community in America. As the three United States Senators of AANHPI descent, we have a deep understanding of the way our communities are perceived at home and abroad. When leaders in our community weaponize division and hate, it is not representative of who we are as Americans. “Congresswoman Steel has a disturbing history of using racially-based attacks and tropes. She has targeted AANHPI leaders – including Americans who have served our country in uniform – to divide and push us further apart. “The role of a United States Ambassador is more than executing the policies of the United States Government; it is to serve as a symbol of what America is and what it should be to people around the world. As we work to advance the U.S.-ROK alliance, it is critical that the connections between our people are grounded in unity and building broader coalitions both domestically and globally. “This is not a question of political affiliation, but one of whether the actions of Congresswoman Steel represent the vision of America we want to project to the world and to AANHPI members at home. To us, the answer is no unless she steps up, disavows her previous behaviors and acts as the leader the region deserves. The relationship with the ROK is too important to be undermined by petty politics.” ### | 1 | 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z | 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-bill-to-harden-infrastructure-against-floods-extreme-weather | Schatz Introduces Bill To Harden Infrastructure Against Floods, Extreme Weather | 2026-06-17 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) joined colleagues in introducing the Federal Flood Risk Management Act, legislation to ensure that federally-funded infrastructure projects are built to withstand the impacts of flooding and other extreme weather. Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Hawai‘i and nationwide, most recently evidenced during the Kona low storms earlier this year. “Extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more severe in Hawai‘i and across the country, and it’s taking a huge toll on our infrastructure. Our bill will help ensure that federally-funded infrastructure is built to be more resilient to the impact of floods and other disasters,” said Senator Schatz. The Federal Flood Risk Management Act will codify the standards first set forth by President Barack Obama in 2015 but later rescinded by President Donald Trump. The bill will ensure that federal investments account for the impacts of climate change in order to protect infrastructure, save taxpayer dollars, safeguard businesses from flood damage, and keep communities safe. The text of the bill is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-presses-museums-and-universities-to-quickly-return-native-ancestral-remains-and-items-comply-with-native-american-graves-protection-and-repatriation-act | Schatz Presses Museums And Universities To Quickly Return Native Ancestral Remains And Items, Comply With Native American Graves Protection And Repatriation Act | 2026-06-17 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, renewed calls to 15 museums and universities to promptly repatriate Native ancestral remains and cultural items to the communities they belong to and meet their obligations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The renewed call follows efforts Schatz has led over the past few years to address the slow repatriation process by many U.S. institutions who continue to hold tens of thousands of Native remains and items. "It shouldn’t take this long to return Native remains to their communities. Indigenous people have waited long enough. It's time for these museums and universities to stop the delays and finally do the right thing,” said Senator Schatz. The 15 museums and universities Schatz wrote to include Ohio History Connection, Illinois State Museum, Harvard University, University of California Berkley, Indiana University, University of Tennessee Knoxville, University of Kentucky, University of Alabama, University of Arizona, University of Florida, University of Missouri, University of Oklahoma, Center for American Archeology, University of Texas at Austin, and Milwaukee Public Museum. Each were asked to update their compliance with NAGPRA, explain why NAGPRA items remain in their possession, and report any barriers to compliance, among other follow up questions unique to each institution’s initial responses. The letters Schatz sent to the institutions are available here. ### | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-uk-social-media-ban-for-kids-under-16 | Schatz Statement On UK Social Media Ban For Kids Under 16 | 2026-06-17 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his government’s plans to ban access to social media for all children under the age of 16. Schatz is the lead author of the Kids Off Social Media Act, bipartisan legislation that will keep kids off social media and help protect them from its harmful impacts. “The UK is the latest example of a country stepping up to protect kids online. More and more governments are recognizing that addictive social media platforms are causing real harm to kids. Parents are asking for help, and lawmakers should listen. It’s time to pass the Kids Off Social Media Act.” ### | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-foreign-relations-committee-advances-schatz-bipartisan-bill-to-promote-geothermal-in-indo-pacific | Senate Foreign Relations Committee Advances Schatz Bipartisan Bill To Promote Geothermal In Indo-Pacific | 2026-06-17 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced the Pacific POWER Act, bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) to promote geothermal exploration and production in the Indo-Pacific by leveraging the United States’ expertise as the world leader in geothermal electricity generation capacity. In addition to Schatz, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Curtis (R-Utah), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.). “With energy demand rising and countries experiencing shortages, we have an opportunity to extend our leadership in geothermal energy and help our allies and partners become more energy secure,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Our bill will harness the expertise, capabilities, and financial tools of the U.S. public and private sectors to promote geothermal research and deployment in the Indo-Pacific in ways that support our economic interests and national security.” Geothermal energy has the potential to meet a significant portion of the growth in electricity demand globally over the next few decades. But geothermal development is lagging globally because of challenges including high exploration costs and the need for stronger policy and supply chains. The United States, as the global leader in geothermal electricity generation, has the resources, expertise, and commercial capabilities necessary to support allies and partners develop geothermal capacity and become more energy secure in ways that also benefit U.S. security and economic businesses. The Pacific POWER Act will: Establish a new geothermal program at the U.S. Department of State, tasked with working bilaterally and multilaterally to develop goals for geothermal deployment; Direct the Department of State to assess global geothermal resources, determine areas of highest potential that benefit U.S. security and economic interests, strengthen geothermal supply chains, and develop financial tools to help advance… | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-blackburn-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-stop-people-from-sending-unwanted-nude-photos | Schatz, Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Help Stop People From Sending Unwanted Nude Photos | 2026-06-16 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced legislation to curb the sending of sexually explicit images online, also known as cyberflashing, by creating a federal private right of action for victims who receive such images and imposing civil penalties for individuals who send them. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.) and Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas). “No one should fall victim to unwanted flashing, whether in real-life or online,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “By providing a federal private right of action and imposing penalties, this bill will help prevent sexual harassment and hold perpetrators accountable.” “AI has opened the door for bad actors to produce explicit images quickly and cheaply to abuse or harass more victims, especially targeting young women,” said Senator Blackburn. “The bipartisan CONSENT Act would provide victims with a civil right of action and relief when they receive unwanted sexual images or videos on dating apps, text messages, and other forms of online communication.” Cyberflashing can occur on social media, dating apps, over text, or even via AirDrop, and disproportionately impacts women. According to the Pew Research Center, more than half of women and more than a third of men between 18-29 have received such images. Additionally, victims may face barriers to reporting including fear of retaliation, stigma, and procedural barriers. In addition, artificial intelligence has enabled a new form of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), which can be generated quickly and cheaply. A 2024 study found that 15% of K-12 students were aware of at least one NCII deepfake that depicts an individual associated with their school. These deepfakes can cause lasting trauma whether the videos or images are real or fake, or whether the recipient is the one being depicted. The CONSENT Act would… | 1 | 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z | 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-committee-passage-of-fy27-national-defense-authorization-act | Hirono Statement on Committee Passage of FY27 National Defense Authorization Act | 2026-06-12 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Ranking Member of the Readiness and Management Support Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Committee passed its draft of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) earlier this week: “I’m proud to have secured numerous provisions in the Senate’s FY27 NDAA that invest in military readiness, Hawaii, the Indo-Pacific Region, and our servicemembers and their families, while also holding the Army accountable on the military training land lease negotiations. However, I could not in good conscience vote to advance a bill that paves the way for an up to 40% increase in year-over-year Department of Defense spending, especially as this administration wages an illegal war in Iran with no plan or end in sight. “Our nation’s strength depends not only on our military power, but also on the economic well-being of our people. At a time when families across the country are struggling with skyrocketing costs, the Trump Administration is asking Congress to authorize a massive increase in defense spending just months after slashing programs like SNAP and Medicaid upon which millions of Americans rely. Equally concerning, this bill comes amid Pentagon leadership’s racist and sexist war on diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the firing and withheld promotion of dozens of officers, most of whom are women or persons of color. While I’m proud of many of the provisions in this bill that support our servicemembers and our national security, I voted against authorizing a massive increase in military spending for this regime. I remain committed to working toward a final version of the bill that balances the importance of our national security with the domestic needs of the American people.” Despite her opposition to the bill, Senator Hirono secured and supported several key provisions in the FY 2027 NDAA. Specifically, the bill includes provisions introduced … | 1 | 2026-06-13T06:32:19Z | 2026-06-13T06:34:27Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4938 | Case Opposes Homeland Security Funding Measure That Weakens Key National Security Components And Ignores Immigration Enforcement Reform | 2026-06-11 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) reported that his House Appropriations Committee early this morning approved its proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Homeland Security Appropriations measure over his no vote. The Homeland Security measure is the 11th of 12 measures taken up by Appropriations to collectively fund the federal government for FY 2027 (commencing October 1, 2026). The measure proposes a total $99.5 billion for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes FEMA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Coast Guard, Secret Service and more. Case is in his 8th year on Appropriations and his 4th year on the Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee which develops this measure. He has focused on ensuring FEMA’s continued support for Hawai‘i, investing in the Coast Guard’s presence in the Pacific and enhancing the security of Hawai‘i through significant investments in physical, cyber and infrastructure security. “Despite the strong support this bill provides for emergency management and our Coast Guard, I could not accept the overall result, which would make Americans less safe through deep cuts to key elements of homeland security including CISA and TSA,” said Case. “I also cannot support additional funding to ICE or CBP’s Border Patrol without comprehensive, meaningful immigration enforcement reforms.” He cited the following examples from the measure, which significantly cut or eliminated key programs including: A roughly 10 percent cut to CISA’s operations, leaving Americans more vulnerable to cybersecurity and infrastructure security threats at a time where there is a need for heightened security. The elimination of funding for the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, whose primary responsibility is to investigate abuse, misconduct and rights violations in immigr… | 1 | 2026-06-12T06:37:16Z | 2026-06-12T06:39:00Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-hirono-and-hawaii-chamber-of-commerce-host-10th-annual-hawaii-on-the-hill-in-washington-dc | PHOTOS: Hirono and Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Host 10th Annual “Hawaii on the Hill” in Washington, D.C. | 2026-06-11 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee welcomed more than 200 individuals from Hawaii, representing over 90 businesses and nonprofits from across the state, for the 10th annual “Hawaii on the Hill.” Hawaii on the Hill, a partnership between Senator Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce (CoC) Hawaii, provides members of the Hawaii business community with the opportunity to showcase Hawaii businesses and products, meet directly with Congressional leaders, and share the aloha spirit with Members of Congress, their staff, and the D. C. community. “As Hawaii families continue to struggle under the Trump regime’s cost of living crisis, it’s critical we fight to boost our state’s economy. For 10 years, that’s what Hawaii on the Hill has been all about, bringing the best of Hawaii—our small businesses, local entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors— to Washington D.C.,” said Senator Hirono. “From our policy summit with Congressional leaders, to the flagship Taste of Hawaii I am proud to carry on this tradition of partnering with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii to support our small businesses and show the rest of the country what the aloha spirit is all about.” "Hawaii on the Hill has always been about bringing Hawaii's voice directly to Washington, and this year's 10th annual event was our most impactful yet," said Sherry Menor, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. "Anchored by our 2030 Blueprint for Hawaii, our state's roadmap for a more diversified, resilient economy, this year's program was designed to advance Hawaii's future on the national stage. In honor of our 10th anniversary, we hosted 10 events, from record-breaking attendance at Taste of Hawaii on the Hill to our largest-ever Kama'aina Come Home gathering and our first-ever Appropriations 101 session led by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono's staff, we connected Hawaii's business community directly to the federal opportunities that matter most. We are deeply gratef… | 1 | 2026-06-12T06:37:16Z | 2026-06-12T06:39:00Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/more-than-41000-hawaii-residents-join-schatzs-statewide-telephone-town-hall | More Than 41,000 Hawai‘i Residents Join Schatz’s Statewide Telephone Town Hall | 2026-06-11 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – More than 41,000 Hawai‘i residents joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz’s (D-Hawai‘i) statewide telephone town hall today. Senator Schatz heard from constituents about their priorities, provided updates on his work in the Senate, and took questions on rising costs, federal funding, housing, health care, among other topics. “I always appreciate the chance to hear directly from people across Hawai‘i about their priorities and concerns,” said Senator Schatz. “Mahalo to everyone who joined us today for a productive conversation. We’re going to continue working to make life more affordable and deliver federal resources to every part of the state.” ### | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4937 | Case Opposes Funding Measure That Slashes Legacy Support For Federal Education And Health Care | 2026-06-10 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | Case still secured essential funding for Hawaii, including critical Native Hawaiian education and health care programs and four local community projects to improve health care delivery (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) reported that his House Appropriations Committee HAS approved its Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services (Labor-HHS) Appropriations bill. The FY 2027 Labor-HHS funding measure is the 10th of the twelve bills taken up by House Appropriations to collectively fund the federal government for FY 2027 (commencing October 1, 2026). The bill proposes a total of $201.8 billion for the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education along with several other related agencies. This is a cut of over $19 billion (9%) from the FY 2026 enacted levels. “I could not accept the overall result that slashes longtime key federal health, education and workforce programs that address top priorities for our country and Hawai‘i,” said Case. He warned that, among other flaws, the bill: Cuts $3.3 billion from the Employment and Training Administration, which is tasked with administering crucial workforce training programs for adults and youth. Cancels $2 billion in funding needed to operate Affordable Care Act health insurance plans, which threatens health care coverage for millions of Americans and tens of thousands of Hawai‘i residents. Cuts $2 billion from grants to local education agencies for supporting Title I Schools. Eliminates funding for the Senior Community Service Employment for Older Americans Program. Reduces funding for Domestic HIV/AIDS Prevention and Research by $800 million. Cuts $14 million from the Office on Women’s Health. Eliminates funding for Title X Family Planning. Reduces the Job Corps Program by $880 million. Cuts $1.8 billion from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) State Grants and would eliminate the WIOA Adult and Youth Job Training programs. Reduces the National Labor Relations Board’s funding by $94 million. Cu… | 1 | 2026-06-11T06:38:38Z | 2026-06-11T06:41:07Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-demands-usps-withdraw-proposed-rule-allowing-direct-mail-delivery-of-handguns | Rep. Tokuda Demands USPS Withdraw Proposed Rule Allowing Direct Mail Delivery of Handguns | 2026-06-10 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) sent a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner opposing a proposed U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rule that would allow handguns to be mailed directly to individuals. Rep. Tokuda, alongside Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11) and 74 other Member of Congress is urging the Postal Service to withdraw the "Revised Mailing Standards for Firearms" rule published on April 2, 2026, that eliminates the required licensed intermediary for handgun transfers and allows direct-to-consumer delivery of concealable weapons. Last month, Reps. Tokuda and Stevens joined Rep. Mike Thompson, Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force (CA-04) in introducing the Keep Illegal Handguns Out of the Mail Act to block implementation of the rule, warning it creates a dangerous loophole that bypasses state gun safety laws and federal background check requirements. "The USPS was created to deliver mail, not handguns. Allowing handguns to be shipped through the mail is an insult to the integrity of the Postal Service and a betrayal of its public mission,” said Rep. Tokuda. “This proposal weakens proven protections against illegal gun trafficking, makes crime guns harder to trace, and increases the likelihood that dangerous weapons end up in the wrong hands.” “Michigan families are tired of watching Washington move in the wrong direction on gun safety,” said Rep. Stevens. “The last thing we should be doing is making it easier for handguns to move through the mail. We’re drawing a clear line: no backdoor expansion of handgun access through USPS. From Oakland County to communities across my state, Michiganders want common-sense safeguards that protect public safety. Allowing anyone to ship handguns by mail creates unnecessary risks for postal workers, law enforcement, and families.” Leading national gun violence prevention organizations, including Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, GIFFORDS, and March For Our Lives, strongly endorsed the push, warning that the policy provides an unche… | 1 | 2026-06-11T06:38:38Z | 2026-06-11T06:41:07Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-reports-of-tribal-citizens-being-questioned-and-detained-schatz-durbin-demand-answers-from-trump-administration-on-immigration-enforcement-targeting-of-native-people | Following Reports Of Tribal Citizens Being Questioned And Detained, Schatz, Durbin Demand Answers From Trump Administration On Immigration Enforcement, Targeting Of Native People | 2026-06-08 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today demanded answers from the Trump administration on concerning reports that some immigration enforcement personnel have refused to recognize Tribal IDs and unnecessarily questioned and detained Tribal citizens. “It is well-established law that Tribal citizens born within the United States are U.S. citizens, yet many Tribal citizens have met resistance from DHS personnel when attempting to establish their citizenship using their Tribal IDs,” the senators wrote in their letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “We urge DHS promptly to adopt formal guidance that recognizes Tribal IDs as acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, ensure immigration personnel are trained on such guidance, and share such guidance externally with Tribes.” “Tribes have a trust and treaty relationship with the United States rooted in the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and court decisions. Federal agencies are obligated to establish clear policies and engage in meaningful government-to-government consultation whenever federal decision-making affects Tribes. Despite this obligation, DHS has not engaged in meaningful consultation with Tribes on the use of Tribal IDs as proof of citizenship, nor, as DHS carries out expanded immigration enforcement efforts, how the agency will work with Tribes to respect Tribal inherent sovereignty over their lands and communities. We urge DHS to consult with Tribes on the use of Tribal IDs and expanded immigration enforcement activities, and to integrate Tribal feedback into agency guidance, training, and policies affecting Tribes,” the senators continued. The full text of the letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Secretary Mullin and Secretary Burgum: We write to advise you of our deep c… | 1 | 2026-06-09T06:27:37Z | 2026-06-09T06:30:10Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4925 | Case Opposes Funding Measures That Cripple Efforts To Combat High Housing Cost And Weaken Core Environmental Programs | 2026-06-05 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) reported that his Appropriations Committee approved two more of its twelve Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 appropriations bills: the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) and the Interior/Environment funding measures. The FY 2027 T-HUD funding bill proposes a total $92.2 billion for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and the U.S. Department of Transportation, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a reduction of 8% from current Fiscal Year 2026. The Interior/Environment bill proposes a total $39 billion for the U.S. Department of the Interior, including the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Forest Service, and various independent agencies including the National Endowments on Arts and the Humanities, a further reduction of 2% off a steep reduction in FY26. “In both cases, I could not accept the overall result which is to walk away from key federal programs to assist with top priorities for our country and Hawai’i in affordable housing, transportation, environmental protection and historical and cultural preservation,” said Case. He cited the following examples from the T-HUD measure, which significantly cut or eliminated key programs including: · The HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the only federal program dedicated to developing affordable housing. · The Housing Counseling Assistance Program, which helps families obtain, sustain and retain their homes. · The Continuum of Care Program, which supports local service providers in community-based approaches to rehouse individuals and families and build pathways towards greater self-sufficiency. · National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts. · The Asian Pacific American Center, which documents and shares the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders to the nation’s history. · The Clean W… | 1 | 2026-06-06T06:16:30Z | 2026-06-06T06:17:47Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-fights-to-protect-hawaii-lands-secures-key-priorities-in-annual-defense-policy-bill | Rep. Tokuda Fights to Protect Hawaiʻi Lands, Secures Key Priorities in Annual Defense Policy Bill | 2026-06-05 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1& | scraper | Washington D.C. – U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, helped advance H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027. During the day-long committee markup, Rep. Tokuda successfully blocked a provision to authorize unilateral condemnation by the Army of military training lands in Hawaiʻi. The congresswoman also secured key priorities brought forward by constituents during state-wide listening veterans' sessions, such as expanding emergency disaster response and increasing funding for barracks maintenance. The measure passed the House Armed Services Committee by a 44-12 vote, with Rep. Tokuda voting in favor of its passage. “The annual defense bill is a critical vehicle for ensuring national security, but my top priority will always be making sure those goals respect the people, land, and culture of Hawaiʻi,” said Rep. Tokuda. “My goal in these negotiations was to keep land condemnation entirely out of this defense bill. Working with the leadership of our committee, we are ensuring federal overreach is stopped at the starting line and that any future for our training lands must be built on good-faith negotiation with our local community.” “While we successfully locked in critical constituent-driven wins, from expanding immediate local disaster response to patient chaperones at military clinics and recognizing atomic civilian employees, our work is far from over,” continued Rep. Tokuda. The Committee voted to include several provisions authored by Rep. Tokuda, many of which were proposed by her constituents, including: Increasing the military's ability to respond swiftly to community needs after natural disasters—such as the recent Kona Low Storms—by extending the immediate response window from the current 72 hours to one week. Adding new and expanded requirements to invest in barracks maintenance and renovation, which will enable more service members to live in quality on-base housing and reduce the burden on the community’s … | 1 | 2026-06-06T06:16:30Z | 2026-06-06T06:17:47Z |
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