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926 rows where state = "HI" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending

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http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatzs-medical-tele-training-bill-signed-into-law Schatzs Medical Tele-Training Bill Signed Into Law 2020-12-31 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz's Medical Tele-Training Bill Signed Into Law Schatz's Medical Tele-Training Bill Signed Into Law Thursday, December 31, 2020 WASHINGTON This week, the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) 2019 Act was signed into law as part of the annual government funding bill. The bipartisan legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), establishes a $10 million per year grant program for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to promote the use of technology to connect health care providers and deliver high-quality care in hard-to-reach regions. Technology hasn't just transformed how doctors care for patients, it has helped health care providers work and learn from with each other, said Senator Schatz. This new law will help connect more primary care providers in rural areas with specialists from across the country so that more families have access to the critical health care services they need." The new law will expand the use of the ECHO model an innovative medical education program that deploys interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams with primary care providers in rural areas. This helps hard-to-reach communities access the health care services they otherwise would not be able to receive. During the pandemic, the ECHO model has been important to the public health response, used by states across the country to share best practices for treating COVID-19 patients as well as improve testing and contact tracing. In 2016, Schatz authored the first ECHO Act, which was signed into law and initiated a study of the model. The resulting report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that the ECHO model addresses important gaps in health care for underserved populations and recommended its expansion. Acting on this recommendation, Senator Schatz authored the current ECHO Act, which creates a program to provide grants and technical assistance to further develop the ECHO model and other similar models and expand their use n… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatzs-medical-tele-training-bill-signed-into-law Schatz’s Medical Tele-Training Bill Signed Into Law 2020-12-31 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – This week, the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) 2019 Act was signed into law as part of the annual government funding bill. The bipartisan legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), establishes a $10 million per year grant program for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to promote the use of technology to connect health care providers and deliver high-quality care in hard-to-reach regions. “Technology hasn’t just transformed how doctors care for patients, it has helped health care providers work and learn from with each other,” said Senator Schatz. “This new law will help connect more primary care providers in rural areas with specialists from across the country so that more families have access to the critical health care services they need." The new law will expand the use of the ECHO model — an innovative medical education program that deploys interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams with primary care providers in rural areas. This helps hard-to-reach communities access the health care services they otherwise would not be able to receive. During the pandemic, the ECHO model has been important to the public health response, used by states across the country to share best practices for treating COVID-19 patients as well as improve testing and contact tracing. In 2016, Schatz authored the first ECHO Act, which was signed into law and initiated a study of the model. The resulting report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that the ECHO model addresses important gaps in health care for underserved populations and recommended its expansion. Acting on this recommendation, Senator Schatz authored the current ECHO Act, which creates a program to provide grants and technical assistance to further develop the ECHO model and other similar models and expand their use nationwide. These grants will be used for: Equipment to support the use and expansion of the models, including for the secure exchange of electronic health information; Supp… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-releases-new-covid-19-federal-resource-guide-to-help-hawaii-small-businesses-access-new-funding-programs Schatz Releases New COVID-19 Federal Resource Guide To Help Hawaii Small Businesses Access New Funding, Programs 2020-12-30 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz Releases New COVID-19 Federal Resource Guide To Help Hawaii Small Businesses Access New Funding, Programs Updated Resource Guide Includes Information On New Relief Funding, New Program To Support Live Venue Operators, Museums, Independent Movie Theaters; Schatz's Resource Guide Available At Schatz.Senate.Gov/Coronavirus/Small-Businesses Wednesday, December 30, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today released an updated resource guide to help Hawaii small businesses better understand how to access federal loans and new federal funding. The new $900 billion relief package, which is the second largest aid package in American history and was signed into law on Sunday, includes a new round of federal funding for small businesses and nonprofits and a new program to support live venue operators, including museums and independent movie theaters. The new round of funding will help Hawaii small businesses meet their payroll and provide people with paychecks, said Senator Schatz. As more federal help becomes available, we'll continue to work to provide more information about how Hawaii families and businesses can access these new resources. The new COVID-19 relief funding includes $15 billion nationwide to a new Small Business Administration (SBA) grant program for live venues impacted by the public health crisis. Eligible grant recipients include live venue operators, promoters or theatrical producers, independent movie theatre operators, museum operators, and talent representatives. Of the total amount, $2 billion is set aside for eligible entities that employ fewer than 50 full-time employees. The new relief package also provides an additional $20 billion of targeted funding for the SBA's economic injury disaster loans (EIDL) emergency advance grants program and extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to March 31, 2021, providing $284 billion nationwide for additional first- and second-round PPP loans to small businesses and nonprofits. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403 Case Releases End Of 116th Congress Report To Hawai’i 2020-12-30 2020 2020-12 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=28 scraper (Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today released his 116th Congress End-Of-Term Report back to Hawai’i on his activities and efforts throughout the two-year 116th Congress (January 3, 2019 - January 3, 2021). “In January 2019, as I returned to Capitol Hill for my third full term representing Hawai’i in the U.S. House of Representatives, the country was mired in what soon became the longest federal government shutdown in our history,” said Case. “As I end the 116th and am sworn into the 117th Congress this Sunday, we continue to confront the far-worse crisis of COVID-19. “These are truly difficult times, when we desperately need our institutions of government to function as our founders intended. “And a critical part of functioning government is staying in very close touch with those we represent, reporting back and seeking guidance wherever and however we can.” In his report, Case summarizes his activities in the 116th in his three areas of focus: leading on national issues; helping Hawai’i; and helping constituents. “I hope my report will provide those I serve with some sense of where I’ve been in the 116th and where I’m going in the 117th as we all chart the best path forward for our county and Hawai’i over the next two years and beyond”, said Case. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-releases-new-covid-19-federal-resource-guide-to-help-hawaii-small-businesses-access-new-funding-programs Schatz Releases New COVID-19 Federal Resource Guide To Help Hawai‘i Small Businesses Access New Funding, Programs 2020-12-30 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released an updated resource guide to help Hawai‘i small businesses better understand how to access federal loans and new federal funding. The new $900 billion relief package, which is the second largest aid package in American history and was signed into law on Sunday, includes a new round of federal funding for small businesses and nonprofits and a new program to support live venue operators, including museums and independent movie theaters. “The new round of funding will help Hawai‘i small businesses meet their payroll and provide people with paychecks,” said Senator Schatz. “As more federal help becomes available, we’ll continue to work to provide more information about how Hawai‘i families and businesses can access these new resources.” The new COVID-19 relief funding includes $15 billion nationwide to a new Small Business Administration (SBA) grant program for live venues impacted by the public health crisis. Eligible grant recipients include live venue operators, promoters or theatrical producers, independent movie theatre operators, museum operators, and talent representatives. Of the total amount, $2 billion is set aside for eligible entities that employ fewer than 50 full-time employees. The new relief package also provides an additional $20 billion of targeted funding for the SBA's economic injury disaster loans (EIDL) emergency advance grants program and extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to March 31, 2021, providing $284 billion nationwide for additional first- and second-round PPP loans to small businesses and nonprofits. The full small business resource guide is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-provision-to-begin-process-for-stronger-protection-national-marine-sanctuary-designation-for-papahanaumokuakea-signed-into-law Schatz Provision To Begin Process For Stronger Protection, National Marine Sanctuary Designation For Papahanaumokuakea Signed Into Law 2020-12-29 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz Provision To Begin Process For Stronger Protection, National Marine Sanctuary Designation For Papahanaumokuakea Signed Into Law Tuesday, December 29, 2020 WASHINGTON On Sunday, the president signed a bipartisan government funding bill which included a provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that will strengthen protections for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument by starting the process to designate it as a National Marine Sanctuary. A new sanctuary designation means more resources and stronger protections for Papahanaumokuakea, said Senator Schatz. This will give us more opportunities to better understand and conserve one of our most important natural resources. The Schatz provision directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to commence the process to designate Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument as a National Marine Sanctuary. Following this initiation, NOAA can begin public meetings and the formal legal process to complete the requirements to finalize an official designation. Sanctuary status for the Monument would make it more difficult to weaken the protections in the Executive Orders signed by Presidents Obama and Bush. Schatz also secured $1.2 million for research and management activities at the marine monument in this year's appropriations bill, which is a $200,000 increase from last year. The funding is subject to a 100 percent non-federal match and will bring new resources to keep the Hawaiian archipelago healthy and productive. Past uses of the funding have included research to understand the impact of climate change on the ecosystem, and the removal of marine debris. Papahanaumokukea was first established as a marine national monument in 2006. It was expanded by President Obama in 2016 following a formal proposal from Senator Schatz. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-provision-to-begin-process-for-stronger-protection-national-marine-sanctuary-designation-for-papahanaumokuakea-signed-into-law Schatz Provision To Begin Process For Stronger Protection, National Marine Sanctuary Designation For Papahanaumokuakea Signed Into Law 2020-12-29 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – On Sunday, the president signed a bipartisan government funding bill which included a provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that will strengthen protections for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument by starting the process to designate it as a National Marine Sanctuary. “A new sanctuary designation means more resources and stronger protections for Papahanaumokuakea,” said Senator Schatz. “This will give us more opportunities to better understand and conserve one of our most important natural resources.” The Schatz provision directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to commence the process to designate Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument as a National Marine Sanctuary. Following this initiation, NOAA can begin public meetings and the formal legal process to complete the requirements to finalize an official designation. Sanctuary status for the Monument would make it more difficult to weaken the protections in the Executive Orders signed by Presidents Obama and Bush. Schatz also secured $1.2 million for research and management activities at the marine monument in this year’s appropriations bill, which is a $200,000 increase from last year. The funding is subject to a 100 percent non-federal match and will bring new resources to keep the Hawaiian archipelago healthy and productive. Past uses of the funding have included research to understand the impact of climate change on the ecosystem, and the removal of marine debris. Papahanaumokukea was first established as a marine national monument in 2006. It was expanded by President Obama in 2016 following a formal proposal from Senator Schatz. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/emergency-coronavirus-spending-bill-signed-into-law-includes-hirono-backed-education-priorities Emergency Coronavirus Spending Bill Signed Into Law Includes Hirono-Backed Education Priorities 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 28, 2020 Emergency Coronavirus Spending Bill Signed Into Law Includes Hirono-Backed Education Priorities Bill includes substantial funding for K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and early childhood programs to respond to COVID-19 HONOLULU Senator Mazie K. Hirono successfully advocated for education programs in the emergency coronavirus relief bill that will support K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and early childhood programs as they respond to COVID-19. The bill also includes provisions from Senator Hirono's Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act to strengthen and expand the federal Pell Grant program and improve financial aid for students. Students and educators in Hawaii and elsewhere need support as they continue to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. This legislation includes provisions I have worked on to strengthen and expand the federal Pell Grant program, which will improve college affordability for lower income students. It also includes funding to support K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and early childhood providers,Senator Hirono said.While this bill provides much-needed funding, the scope of this pandemic means that we will need to take further action, and I stand ready to work with my colleagues to provide additional investments in education and child care. The legislation includes the following funding for education priorities; the Hawaii-specific estimates below were calculated by the Congressional Research Service using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Education: K-12 Schools: $183.6 million for Hawaii schools to address the pandemic's consequences on K-12 schools, with flexibility to address learning loss for at-risk and marginalized students through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSERF).The legislation provides $54.3 billion in total funding for the ESSERF, and includes flexibility for schoo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-expanding-access-to-mental-health-care-signed-into-law Schatz Legislation Expanding Access To Mental Health Care Signed Into Law 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz Legislation Expanding Access To Mental Health Care Signed Into Law Provision Removes Unnecessary Restrictions, Expands Access To Mental Health Services Through Telehealth Monday, December 28, 2020 HONOLULU Last night, legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that will expand access to mental health care was signed into law as part of the annual appropriations bill. The provision, which was originally part of Schatz's CONNECT for Health Act, will allow Medicare beneficiaries across the country to permanently use telehealth to receive mental health services remotely, including in their homes. This will make it easier for more people in every part of Hawaii to see a mental health care provider by just using their smart phones or home computers, said Senator Schatz. Telehealth is about giving more people access to health care. Telehealth has seen a sharp rise in use since the start of pandemic as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by 11,718 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic. In particular, the use of telehealth for mental health services with a psychiatrist or psychologist rose significantly, with almost half a million beneficiaries receiving mental health services through telehealth. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-legislation-expanding-access-to-mental-health-care-signed-into-law Schatz Legislation Expanding Access To Mental Health Care Signed Into Law 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – Last night, legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that will expand access to mental health care was signed into law as part of the annual appropriations bill. The provision, which was originally part of Schatz’s CONNECT for Health Act, will allow Medicare beneficiaries across the country to permanently use telehealth to receive mental health services remotely, including in their homes. “This will make it easier for more people in every part of Hawai‘i to see a mental health care provider by just using their smart phones or home computers,” said Senator Schatz. “Telehealth is about giving more people access to health care.” Telehealth has seen a sharp rise in use since the start of pandemic as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by 11,718 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic. In particular, the use of telehealth for mental health services with a psychiatrist or psychologist rose significantly, with almost half a million beneficiaries receiving mental health services through telehealth. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-help-is-on-the-way Schatz: Help Is On The Way 2020-12-27 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz: Help Is On The Way President Signs COVID-19 Relief Package With At Least $1.7 Billion Heading To Hawaii Sunday, December 27, 2020 HONOLULU U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) released the following statement after President Trump signed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package into law. The package includes at least $1.7 billion in funding for Hawaii. Help is on the way. With this bill now signed into law, at least $1.7 billion will now flow to Hawaii to help those who've lost their job or can't make rent. It will provide more money for businesses, and give our state, hospitals, and health care providers more resources to distribute the vaccine and fight this pandemic. While it's not enough, and we still have more work to do, this will provide help immediately. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395 Case Statement on the President Approving the $900 Billion Further COVID-19 Emergency Relief and $1.4 Trillion Regular Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations Measure 2020-12-27 2020 2020-12 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=28 scraper (Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) issued the following statement following the President’s signing of H.R. 133, passed by Congress December 21st and including $2.3 trillion in both further COVID-19 emergency assistance and the regular annual funding of the federal government for Fiscal Year 2021: “The President’s approval of Congress’ bipartisan compromise $900 billion COVID-19 emergency assistance measure, along with our $1.4 trillion regular annual federal funding bill, is welcome news for all Americans. Not only does it deliver further critical COVID-related assistance across-the-board, but it averts a federal government shutdown amidst the worst of the crisis. “But I’m not going to fawn with gratitude for his doing what he could and should have done almost a week ago, as soon as Congress sent him a measure he and his own administration negotiated and he said he’d sign if Congress got it to him. He knew then, as he knows today, that his own party had firmly rejected a higher direct stimulus payment and that the only way to get critical aid out now was to sign the bill right away. “We will keep seeking a higher direct stimulus payment starting with a vote in the U.S. House tomorrow, though the real obstacle has always been and remains the U.S. Senate majority. But what a disruptive and cruel week the President unnecessarily imposed on the country and on families, communities, businesses and governments throughout.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-help-is-on-the-way Schatz: Help Is On The Way 2020-12-27 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after President Trump signed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package into law. The package includes at least $1.7 billion in funding for Hawai‘i. “Help is on the way. With this bill now signed into law, at least $1.7 billion will now flow to Hawai‘i to help those who’ve lost their job or can’t make rent. It will provide more money for businesses, and give our state, hospitals, and health care providers more resources to distribute the vaccine and fight this pandemic. While it’s not enough, and we still have more work to do, this will provide help immediately.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-bill-to-help-va-home-loan-recipients-rebuild-after-natural-disasters-sent-to-president Hirono Bill to Help VA Home Loan Recipients Rebuild After Natural Disasters Sent to President 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 22, 2020 Hirono Bill to Help VA Home Loan Recipients Rebuild After Natural Disasters Sent to President WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, announced she secured a provision from her Veteran Home Loan Disaster Recovery Act in the recently-passed Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act. The legislation now heads to President Trump's desk. The Veteran Home Loan Disaster Recovery Act was inspired by Tam Hunt, a Hawaii Island Army veteran and one of Senator Hirono's constituents, who faced challenges financing a replacement for the home he lost in the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption. The eruption destroyed as many as 700 homes, including at least one home purchased using the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program. Senator Hirono's provision would allow veterans replacing homes lost to natural disasters through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Guaranty Program to access a lower fee rateas if they were a first-time participant in the program. Veterans who are trying to rebuild their lives after a natural disaster should not be penalized when they try to rebuild their home,Senator Hirono said.This provision will provide a bit of relief during a stressful time and I thank Mr. Hunt for his advocacy on behalf of his fellow veterans. I'm very happy to hear that this bill has been passed by the Senate and big mahalo to Senator Hirono for making this happen,"Tam Hunt said. In 2019, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), there were over 100 Presidentially-declared disasters across almost every U.S. state and territory. The VA Home Loan Guaranty program was established through the Servicemen's Readjustment Act in 1944 and has since been used by generations of our nation's veterans to purchase homes. Borrowers are required to pay an up-front funding fee, which functions similarly to closing costs. The amount of this fee is determined by a number of factors, including whet… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/-schatz-hirono-bill-to-protect-hawaiis-coral-reefs-passes-the-senate Schatz, Hirono Bill To Protect Hawaiis Coral Reefs Passes The Senate 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz, Hirono Bill To Protect Hawaii's Coral Reefs Passes The Senate Tuesday, December 22, 2020 HONOLULU Last night, the bipartisanRestoring Resilient Reefs Act, which was authoredbyU.S.SenatorsBrian Schatz (D-Hawai?i) and Mazie K.Hirono (D-Hawai?i),passedthe Senate. This bill directsfederal funding and technical assistance to states, territories, and local communities for the restoration and management of coral reef ecosystems. It alsoreauthorizes and modernizes the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000. Ocean warming and acidification have pushed our corals to the brink of extinction,SenatorSchatz said.Time is running out, but we can save them if we act now. Our bill deploys federal resources to the local governments and community organizations that are in the water right now working to restore our reefs. In Hawai?i, healthy oceans and coral reefs are critical to our way of life,Senator Hirono said.This bipartisan bill provides much needed resources to help our communities preserve and improve coral ecosystem health, and includes my coral reef prize competition, a provision I have introduced over the last three Congresses. I am proud that the Senate has passed our bipartisan bill and look forward to seeing this become law. The Coral Reef Conservation Act, which expired more than 15 years ago, was designed to promote the conservation of our nation's reefs. In recent years, the decline in the nation's coral reefs has only become more severe. TheRestoring Resilient ReefsActmodernizes the approach to coral conservation by: incentivizing increased state and local investment in coral reef management capacity; strengthening NOAA's Coral Reef program; encouraging innovative public-private Coral Reef Stewardship Partnerships among agencies, research centers, and community stakeholders; codifying and updating the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force; ensuring that our national coral strategy is informed by a robust local stakeholder engagement process; and allowing for emergency gran… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-funding-deal-includes-millions-in-federal-funding-for-hawaii-will-help-rebuild-hawaiis-economy-create-jobs Schatz: Funding Deal Includes Millions In Federal Funding For Hawaii, Will Help Rebuild Hawaiis Economy, Create Jobs 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz: Funding Deal Includes Millions In Federal Funding For Hawaii, Will Help Rebuild Hawaii's Economy, Create Jobs Bill Includes Millions In New And Increased Funding For Housing, Infrastructure, Health Care, And Education; Separate COVID-19 Relief Package Included In Appropriations Bill Tuesday, December 22, 2020 WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate last night voted to pass a bipartisan spending deal that will increase federal funding for critical programs that benefit Hawaii for fiscal year 2021. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, successfully advanced state priorities, which are now included in the final deal. A separate COVID-19 relief package was attached to the annual appropriations bill and both were approved by Congress. This appropriations bill will give our state millions in much-needed federal funding to help us rebuild our economy, create new jobs, and help people access critical programs during this difficult time, said Senator Schatz. It's been a tough year for our state so this increase in federal dollars this year is welcome news. The annual government bill includes funding for housing, roads, public transit, and infrastructure, as well as Native Hawaiian health and education programs. NEW AND INCREASED FUNDING FOR HAWAII Affordable Housing $43.1 billion (nationwide), a $2.6 billion increase from last year. This funding supports Public Housing programs, Section 8 vouchers, the HOME Investment Partnership program and the Housing Trust Fund, which provides resources to help communities build and maintain affordable housing. It also supports the Community Development Block Grant Program and Emergency Solutions grant programs. Native Hawaiian Health Care $20.5 million, a $1.5 million increase from last year. Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems, as part of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program, provide critical access to health education, promotion, disease prevention, and basic primary care servic… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-secures-extension-of-250-million-honolulu-rail-funding-grant-in-bipartisan-appropriations-deal Schatz Secures Extension Of $250 Million Honolulu Rail Funding Grant In Bipartisan Appropriations Deal 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz Secures Extension Of $250 Million Honolulu Rail Funding Grant In Bipartisan Appropriations Deal Tuesday, December 22, 2020 WASHINGTON Last night, the U.S. Senate passed an appropriations deal, which includes a provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that will extend the deadline for a $250 million funding grant for the Honolulu Rail Transit project. The federal grant, which was secured by Senator Schatz in FY2015, was set to expire at the end of the year if left unspent. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz worked with congressional leaders to include the deadline extension and protect the project's federal funding for another year. My objective was to prevent the loss of these federal dollars. While this extension buys them more time, HART and the City must now revise their financial plan and come back with something that can actually work. They now have an opportunity to focus on what is most important developing a clear-eyed plan for the people of Honolulu, said Senator Schatz. The new spending deadline for these funds is December 31, 2021. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-schatz-hirono-bill-to-protect-hawaiis-coral-reefs-passes-the-senate Schatz, Hirono Bill To Protect Hawai‘i’s Coral Reefs Passes The Senate 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU — Last night, the bipartisan Restoring Resilient Reefs Act, which wasauthored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), passed the Senate. This bill directs federal funding and technical assistance to states, territories, and local communities for the restoration and management of coral reef ecosystems. It also reauthorizes and modernizes the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000. “Ocean warming and acidification have pushed our corals to the brink of extinction,” Senator Schatz said. “Time is running out, but we can save them if we act now. Our bill deploys federal resources to the local governments and community organizations that are in the water right now working to restore our reefs.” “In Hawai‘i, healthy oceans and coral reefs are critical to our way of life,” Senator Hirono said. “This bipartisan bill provides much needed resources to help our communities preserve and improve coral ecosystem health, and includes my coral reef prize competition, a provision I have introduced over the last three Congresses. I am proud that the Senate has passed our bipartisan bill and look forward to seeing this become law.” The Coral Reef Conservation Act, which expired more than 15 years ago, was designed to promote the conservation of our nation’s reefs. In recent years, the decline in the nation’s coral reefs has only become more severe. The Restoring Resilient Reefs Act modernizes the approach to coral conservation by: incentivizing increased state and local investment in coral reef management capacity; strengthening NOAA’s Coral Reef program; encouraging innovative public-private Coral Reef Stewardship Partnerships among agencies, research centers, and community stakeholders; codifying and updating the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force; ensuring that our national coral strategy is informed by a robust local stakeholder engagement process; and allowing for emergency grants for coral disasters, among other measures. First introduced in August 2019, the Restoring Resilient Reefs … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-funding-deal-includes-millions-in-federal-funding-for-hawaii-will-help-rebuild-hawaiis-economy-create-jobs Schatz: Funding Deal Includes Millions In Federal Funding For Hawai‘i, Will Help Rebuild Hawai‘i’s Economy, Create Jobs 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate last night voted to pass a bipartisan spending deal that will increase federal funding for critical programs that benefit Hawai‘i for fiscal year 2021. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, successfully advanced state priorities, which are now included in the final deal. A separate COVID-19 relief package was attached to the annual appropriations bill and both were approved by Congress. “This appropriations bill will give our state millions in much-needed federal funding to help us rebuild our economy, create new jobs, and help people access critical programs during this difficult time,” said Senator Schatz. “It’s been a tough year for our state so this increase in federal dollars this year is welcome news.” The annual government bill includes funding for housing, roads, public transit, and infrastructure, as well as Native Hawaiian health and education programs. NEW AND INCREASED FUNDING FOR HAWAI‘I Affordable Housing – $43.1 billion (nationwide), a $2.6 billion increase from last year. This funding supports Public Housing programs, Section 8 vouchers, the HOME Investment Partnership program and the Housing Trust Fund, which provides resources to help communities build and maintain affordable housing. It also supports the Community Development Block Grant Program and Emergency Solutions grant programs. Native Hawaiian Health Care – $20.5 million, a $1.5 million increase from last year. Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems, as part of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program, provide critical access to health education, promotion, disease prevention, and basic primary care services for thousands of Native Hawaiians. This funding will support five health centers on Hawai‘i Island, Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and Oahu. Pearl Harbor National Memorial – $6 million, new funding. The majority of these funds, $5,647,000, are a one-time appropriation to replace the existing shore-side floating dock, which is used to provide visitor transport to … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-secures-extension-of-250-million-honolulu-rail-funding-grant-in-bipartisan-appropriations-deal Schatz Secures Extension Of $250 Million Honolulu Rail Funding Grant In Bipartisan Appropriations Deal 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Last night, the U.S. Senate passed an appropriations deal, which includes a provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that will extend the deadline for a $250 million funding grant for the Honolulu Rail Transit project. The federal grant, which was secured by Senator Schatz in FY2015, was set to expire at the end of the year if left unspent. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz worked with congressional leaders to include the deadline extension and protect the project’s federal funding for another year. “My objective was to prevent the loss of these federal dollars. While this extension buys them more time, HART and the City must now revise their financial plan and come back with something that can actually work. They now have an opportunity to focus on what is most important – developing a clear-eyed plan for the people of Honolulu,” said Senator Schatz. The new spending deadline for these funds is December 31, 2021. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-hirono-schatz-advocacy-congress-poised-to-restore-medicaid-eligibility-for-citizens-of-the-freely-associated-states-living-in-the-united-states Following Hirono, Schatz Advocacy, Congress Poised to Restore Medicaid Eligibility for Citizens of the Freely Associated States Living in the United States 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 21, 2020 Following Hirono, Schatz Advocacy, Congress Poised to Restore Medicaid Eligibility for Citizens of the Freely Associated States Living in the United States Covering Our FAS Allies Act, Introduced by Senators Hirono and Schatz, Included in Bipartisan Omnibus Appropriations Legislation Unveiled Today WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announced that Congress is poised to restore Medicaid eligibility for citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau collectively known as the Freely Associated States living in the United States under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) as part of the bipartisan omnibus appropriations bill unveiled today. If enacted, the legislation would expand health care access for thousands of COFA citizens living and working in Hawaii at a time when the community has experienced a disproportionate number of cases and deaths from COVID-19. It would help states like Hawaii and territories like Guam that have provided tens of millions of dollars in care and services to the COFA community that would otherwise be reimbursable under Medicaid. Restoring Medicaid access for COFA citizens has been one of my top priorities since arriving in the Senate in 2013, and this work has become only more urgent as the COFA community in Hawaii and across the country have experienced overwhelming levels of disease and death from COVID-19,Senator Hirono said.This bipartisan agreement will unlock new tools to assist the COFA community suffering from unequal access to health care. By allowing States to enroll COFA citizens in Medicaid, we are upholding the promises we made to our critical national security partners in the Freely Associated States, and supporting jurisdictions like Hawaii that have traditionally stepped in to provide health care for the COFA community. For to… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-gardner-portman-peters-klobuchar-bill-to-improve-federal-governments-use-of-artificial-intelligence-set-to-become-law Schatz, Gardner, Portman, Peters, Klobuchar Bill To Improve Federal Government's Use Of Artificial Intelligence Set To Become Law 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz, Gardner, Portman, Peters, Klobuchar Bill To Improve Federal Government's Use Of Artificial Intelligence Set To Become Law Monday, December 21, 2020 WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio),Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) announced that their Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Government Act was included as part of the must-pass government funding deal and is set to become law. The AI in Government Act will ensure that the use of AI across the federal government is effective, ethical, and accountable by providing resources and guidance to federal agencies. We need to get smart on AI if we want to have a competitive edge against the rest of the world in the next decade. That starts with making sure the federal government is using AI technology ethically and effectively,said Senator Schatz, the ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet.With our bill set to become law, we will now be able to coordinate AI strategy so that all federal agencies can take full advantage of these new technologies and do so in a responsible way. Artificial intelligence will have significant impacts on our country, economy, and society,said Senator Portman, Co-Chair of the Senate AI Caucus.Ensuring that our government has the capabilities and expertise to help navigate those impacts will be important in the coming years and decades. I'm pleased this important bipartisan legislation was included in theFY 2021 bipartisan fundingpackage passed by the House. It will ensure our government understands the benefits and pitfalls of this technology as it engages in a responsible, accountable rollout of AI, and I urge my colleagues to support it when it comes the floor for a vote. Artificial intelligence is an emerging frontier and the United States has a responsibility to ensure our government is using this technology ethically and efficiently,said Senator Peters, Ra… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-help-is-on-the-way-new-covid-19-relief-deal-includes-at-least-17-billion-for-hawaii Schatz: Help Is On The Way, New COVID-19 Relief Deal Includes At Least $1.7 Billion For Hawaii 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz: Help Is On The Way, New COVID-19 Relief Deal Includes At Least $1.7 Billion For Hawaii New Funding For Unemployment Assistance, Small Businesses, Rent Relief, Vaccine Distribution, Schools, Hospitals, Food Programs; COVID-19 Relief Package Included In Annual Must-Pass Funding Bill Monday, December 21, 2020 WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announced that Hawaii will receive at least $1.7 billion in estimated funding from a new $900 billion COVID-19 relief package. The bipartisan deal the second largest emergency relief package in American history includes funding for unemployment assistance, and aid for small businesses, schools, vaccine distribution, hospitals, and health care workers. Help is on the way. This relief package will help those who've lost their job or can't make rent. It provides more money for businesses, and gives our state, hospitals, and health care providers more resources to distribute the vaccine and fight this pandemic, said Senator Schatz. While it's not enough, and we still have more work to do, this will provide help immediately. The COVID-19 relief package was included in the annual spending bill, which includes additional money for Hawaii for housing, roads, public transit, and infrastructure, as well as Native Hawaiian health and education programs. Key provisions in the COVID-19 relief package include: Unemployment assistance extension of unemployment insurance to help those who have lost their jobs or are experiencing reduced incomes. At least $200 million in estimated funding will go to helping unemployed Hawaii workers. Available to self-employed individuals, part-time workers, independent contractors, and gig workers, including ride-sharing drivers. Covers those who are sick, quarantined, furloughed, or whose family circumstances keep them from working or reduce their pay as a result of the coronavirus outbreak or government containment efforts. Aid will cover salaries up to about $65,000… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-hfc-phasedown-a-win-in-fight-against-climate-change Schatz: HFC Phasedown A Win In Fight Against Climate Change 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz: HFC Phasedown A Win In Fight Against Climate Change Monday, December 21, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chair of the Special Committee on the Climate Crisis, today commended the inclusion of legislation to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the annual spending deal. Commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners, HFCs are especially potent greenhouse gases, trapping thousands of times as much heat in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. This bill is a huge win in our fight against climate change. Specifically, the agreement to phase down HFCs will have a real, measurable impact in reducing warming. This agreement proves what we know to be true: climate action is good for businesses and innovation. We still have a lot more work to do, but hopefully this sets the stage for the bigger, bolder policies we'll need to address this planetary crisis, said Senator Schatz. The provision included in the spending deal will phase down HFCs by 85 percent by 2035 in line with the Kigali Amendment timeline. It also protects a small number of uses (less than 5 percent of the current market) for which no viable HFC alternatives currently exist. Senator Schatz, a cosponsor of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, has been a leading voice for climate action and the need to phase down HFCs. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-restore-educational-opportunities-for-those-incarcerated-and-improve-public-safety-set-to-become-law Schatz Legislation To Restore Educational Opportunities For Those Incarcerated And Improve Public Safety Set To Become Law 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz Legislation To Restore Educational Opportunities For Those Incarcerated And Improve Public Safety Set To Become Law Bipartisan REAL Act Included In Spending Deal, Expected To Pass Congress, Head To President's Desk Monday, December 21, 2020 WASHINGTON Today, the Restoring Education and Learning (REAL) Act, bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai?i) that will restore Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals, was included in the annual omnibus spending bill and will be passed by Congress. Schatz's bipartisan bill will cut the cycle of recidivism, save taxpayer money, and improve safety. The REAL Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). When we give people in prison an opportunity to earn an education, our communities are safer, taxpayers save money, and we can end the cycle of recidivism,Senator Schatz said.With our bill now set to become law, we'll finally restore a program we know already works and give people a real chance to rebuild their lives. In 1994, incarcerated individuals lost access to Pell Grant assistance, causing a significant drop in the number of education programs in prisons. The REAL Act would restore access to these grants, which would reduce recidivism and incarceration costs by increasing access to higher education.The bill is expected to pass Congress tonight and head to the president's desk for his signature. The national recidivism rate is 43.3 percent within three years, but higher education can have a dramatic impact on reducing that rate. Areportfound that people who participate in correctional education while in prison were 43 percent less likely to recidivate than non-participants, and 13 percent more likely to obtain employment. First introduced by Senator Schatz in2016, the REAL Act has gained broadbipartisan support, including fromRepublican Senators,key business groups,governorsfrom bothparties, and adiverse coalitionof stakeholders.The langua… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392 Case Statement on Passage of Second Massive Federal COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Package 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=28 scraper The $900 billion measure follows on the CARES Act in delivering further critical assistance to the frontlines of health care including vaccine distribution, to small businesses, to unemployed workers and directly to American families (Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) issued the following statement on passage in the U.S. House today of a second huge federal COVID-19 emergency assistance package, the second largest federal rescue measure ever passed by Congress after the CARES Act this past March, and the fifth federal assistance package overall. “As our COVID-19 public health, economic and social crisis continues on, for far too many Americans this further assistance is not just about stability and stimulus but survival,” said Case. “Though the delay in enacting this further emergency assistance was inexcusable, the additional $900 billion in federal funding to address critical COVID-19 needs throughout our country could not come at a more critical time for our country and Hawai‘i,” said Case, a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for federal funding. “I especially support the additional assistance to our healthcare frontlines including vaccine distribution, to hard-hit areas of our economy such as travel and tourism, to our small businesses, and to our unemployed workers.” “But like the CARES Act, our work in making sure this critical assistance gets to where it needs to get throughout our country and Hawai‘i as quickly and fully as possible is just starting.” “There were also many needs that were unfortunately not addressed in this measure, such as further direct state and local government funding. Finally, it is crystal clear that even this major additional emergency assistance will not be enough to see us all through COVID-19. “So, I’m already working with my colleagues on addressing those additional needs and delivering further assistance in the early part of the upcoming 117th Congress which begins January 3rd.” Highlights of the $900 billion relief measur… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394 U.S. House Approves $1.4 Trillion Federal Funding Bills for Current Fiscal Year 2021 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=28 scraper Bills Will Avert Threatened Government Shutdown and Include Major Funding for Hawai‘i Projects Sought by Appropriations Committee Member Case (Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for all federal discretionary spending, today voted with a majority of his colleagues to pass a $1.4 trillion measure to fund the federal government for the current 2021 fiscal year (FY). If approved by the Senate as expected, the bill will go immediately to President Donald Trump for his consideration and expected signature into law. “It was way too late and unnecessarily disruptive, but Congress is finally coming together to avert what would have been another disastrous government shutdown with an agreement to pass this bill providing critical funding for our current fiscal year,” said Case. “This measure supports indispensable programs for all Americans across the board including defense, health care, education, social services and natural resources. It also includes key provisions of special importance to our Hawai‘i that I requested and worked for through my House Appropriations Committee and otherwise.” Highlights of the FY 2021 measure of special interest to Hawai‘i and for which Case advocated throughout the yearlong appropriations process include: Homeland Security $355 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants, rejecting the Administration’s proposal to cut this program by $76 million. This program helps fund the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency. Direction that the United States Customs and Border Protection consult with and provide recommendations to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other state and local partners on preventing the introduction of invasive species to Hawai‘i and non-contiguous U.S. territories. $101 million, level funding from FY 2020, for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, which includes the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Directio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-gardner-portman-peters-klobuchar-bill-to-improve-federal-governments-use-of-artificial-intelligence-set-to-become-law Schatz, Gardner, Portman, Peters, Klobuchar Bill To Improve Federal Government's Use Of Artificial Intelligence Set To Become Law 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) announced that their Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Government Act was included as part of the must-pass government funding deal and is set to become law. The AI in Government Act will ensure that the use of AI across the federal government is effective, ethical, and accountable by providing resources and guidance to federal agencies. “We need to get smart on AI if we want to have a competitive edge against the rest of the world in the next decade. That starts with making sure the federal government is using AI technology ethically and effectively,” said Senator Schatz, the ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. “With our bill set to become law, we will now be able to coordinate AI strategy so that all federal agencies can take full advantage of these new technologies and do so in a responsible way.” “Artificial intelligence will have significant impacts on our country, economy, and society,” said Senator Portman, Co-Chair of the Senate AI Caucus. “Ensuring that our government has the capabilities and expertise to help navigate those impacts will be important in the coming years and decades. I’m pleased this important bipartisan legislation was included in the FY 2021 bipartisan funding package passed by the House. It will ensure our government understands the benefits and pitfalls of this technology as it engages in a responsible, accountable rollout of AI, and I urge my colleagues to support it when it comes the floor for a vote.” “Artificial intelligence is an emerging frontier and the United States has a responsibility to ensure our government is using this technology ethically and efficiently,” said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and a founding member of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus. “I am thrilled this bipartisan m… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-help-is-on-the-way-new-covid-19-relief-deal-includes-at-least-17-billion-for-hawaii Schatz: Help Is On The Way, New COVID-19 Relief Deal Includes At Least $1.7 Billion For Hawai‘i 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that Hawai‘i will receive at least $1.7 billion in estimated funding from a new $900 billion COVID-19 relief package. The bipartisan deal – the second largest emergency relief package in American history – includes funding for unemployment assistance, and aid for small businesses, schools, vaccine distribution, hospitals, and health care workers. “Help is on the way. This relief package will help those who’ve lost their job or can’t make rent. It provides more money for businesses, and gives our state, hospitals, and health care providers more resources to distribute the vaccine and fight this pandemic,” said Senator Schatz. “While it’s not enough, and we still have more work to do, this will provide help immediately.” The COVID-19 relief package was included in the annual spending bill, which includes additional money for Hawai‘i for housing, roads, public transit, and infrastructure, as well as Native Hawaiian health and education programs. Key provisions in the COVID-19 relief package include: Unemployment assistance – extension of unemployment insurance to help those who have lost their jobs or are experiencing reduced incomes. At least $200 million in estimated funding will go to helping unemployed Hawai‘i workers. Available to self-employed individuals, part-time workers, independent contractors, and gig workers, including ride-sharing drivers. Covers those who are sick, quarantined, furloughed, or whose family circumstances keep them from working or reduce their pay as a result of the coronavirus outbreak or government containment efforts. Aid will cover salaries up to about $65,000 for 3 months with an additional $300 per week. Rent relief and eviction moratorium – An estimated $200 million to help Hawai‘i residents who lost their job or saw a significant reduction in income due to the pandemic to make rent. Provides a 30-day extension of the CDC’s current eviction moratorium to January 31, 2021. At least 90 percent of the fund… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hfc-phasedown-a-win-in-fight-against-climate-change Schatz: HFC Phasedown A Win In Fight Against Climate Change 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chair of the Special Committee on the Climate Crisis, today commended the inclusion of legislation to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the annual spending deal. Commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners, HFCs are especially potent greenhouse gases, trapping thousands of times as much heat in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. “This bill is a huge win in our fight against climate change. Specifically, the agreement to phase down HFCs will have a real, measurable impact in reducing warming. This agreement proves what we know to be true: climate action is good for businesses and innovation. We still have a lot more work to do, but hopefully this sets the stage for the bigger, bolder policies we’ll need to address this planetary crisis,” said Senator Schatz. The provision included in the spending deal will phase down HFCs by 85 percent by 2035 – in line with the Kigali Amendment timeline. It also protects a small number of uses (less than 5 percent of the current market) for which no viable HFC alternatives currently exist. Senator Schatz, a cosponsor of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, has been a leading voice for climate action and the need to phase down HFCs. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-restore-educational-opportunities-for-those-incarcerated-and-improve-public-safety-set-to-become-law Schatz Legislation To Restore Educational Opportunities For Those Incarcerated And Improve Public Safety Set To Become Law 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, the Restoring Education and Learning (REAL) Act, bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that will restore Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals, was included in the annual omnibus spending bill and will be passed by Congress. Schatz’s bipartisan bill will cut the cycle of recidivism, save taxpayer money, and improve safety. The REAL Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). “When we give people in prison an opportunity to earn an education, our communities are safer, taxpayers save money, and we can end the cycle of recidivism,” Senator Schatz said. “With our bill now set to become law, we’ll finally restore a program we know already works and give people a real chance to rebuild their lives.” In 1994, incarcerated individuals lost access to Pell Grant assistance, causing a significant drop in the number of education programs in prisons. The REAL Act would restore access to these grants, which would reduce recidivism and incarceration costs by increasing access to higher education. The bill is expected to pass Congress tonight and head to the president’s desk for his signature. The national recidivism rate is 43.3 percent within three years, but higher education can have a dramatic impact on reducing that rate. A report found that people who participate in correctional education while in prison were 43 percent less likely to recidivate than non-participants, and 13 percent more likely to obtain employment. First introduced by Senator Schatz in 2016, the REAL Act has gained broad bipartisan support, including from Republican Senators, key business groups, governors from both parties, and a diverse coalition of stakeholders. The language in the omnibus also includes additional provisions led by Senator Schatz to promote educational opportunities for people with criminal histories, and to increase research on the effectiveness of prison education programs. The REAL Act has been endorsed by the American Corr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-reinstate-wwii-era-excess-profits-tax-large-corporations Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Reinstate WWII-era Excess Profits Tax on Large Corporations Seeing Windfall Profits from Pandemic to Help Small Business Recovery 2020-12-18 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Tulsi Gabbard G000571 gabbard.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCYesterday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) introduced H.Res.1267, the Pandemic Crisis Excess Profits Tax, which calls on Congress to levy a limited-time tax on the excess profits of large corporations who profited beyond their average profits over the past several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to direct the funds collected to support small businesses. Big tech corporations and big box retailers are among those who have made excessive profits during the COVID-19 pandemic, while mom and pop shops are being forced to close their doors due to government-mandated restrictions. Because of this, these large corporations will be better positioned with a competitive advantage over small businesses in a post-pandemic economy. Congress must reinstate the WWII-era excess profit tax used at that time to prevent war-time profiteering, and dedicate the funds collected to helping small businesses recover,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and have borne the brunt of this crisis. We need to support our small businesses and make sure that they are able to thrive and compete. Background:H.Res.1267, the Pandemic Crisis Excess Profits Tax resolution calls on Congress to levy an excess profits tax on large corporations, like Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Wal-Mart who have seen windfall profits because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution proposes an additional tax, at a rate of 95%, on excess profits as calculated by subtracting their 2020 gross earnings from the average gross earnings of these companies from 2016-2019. The resolution notes that excess profits taxes were originally adopted by Congress during WWI and WWII to siphon off war profits from companies profiting as a result of the war, and provide assistance to those who were struggling and who needed help the most. In early March, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced H.Res.897, a resolution that would provide an emergency non-taxable Universal Basic Payment to all adult Americans until COVID-19 no longer presents a … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hirono-meets-with-secretary-of-defense-nominee-lloyd-austin-announces-support-for-his-nomination-and-nsa-waiver Senator Hirono Meets with Secretary of Defense Nominee Lloyd Austin, Announces Support for His Nomination and NSA Waiver 2020-12-17 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 17, 2020 Senator Hirono Meets with Secretary of Defense Nominee Lloyd Austin, Announces Support for His Nomination and NSA Waiver WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, announced today that she would support a waiver to the National Security Act of 1947 to allow General Lloyd Austin to serve as the next Secretary of Defense after meeting with the nominee. After speaking with General Austin today in a meeting that covered a wide range of issues including our strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and the importance of diplomacy to our national security I will support a waiver of the National Security Act for the General to serve as our next Secretary of Defense, Senator Hirono said. This is not a decision that I made lightly and I hope the waiver process does not become routine. I will continue to assess each nomination on its merits just as I did when I supported General Mattis' nomination in 2017. During their meeting, Senator Hirono shared her perspective that the Secretary of Defense should be someone who can question longstanding assumptions and be willing make necessary structural changes at the Department. Senator Hirono and General Austin discussed the need for improvements in how the Department deals with sexual assault, sexual harassment, and retaliation within DOD. They also discussed the importance of diplomacy in strengthening U.S. national security interests around the world. Senator Hirono urged General Austin to prioritize sustained DOD engagement and investment in the Indo-Pacific, including with our allies in the Freely Associated States. Senator Hirono and General Austin also discussed the importance of continued modernization at our four public shipyards, which includes Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. This modernization is essential to military readiness. General Austin emphasized the importance he would place on housing, child care, mental health care, and other quality of life issues essenti… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bit.ly/3msIT88 Following Hirono and Ernst Advocacy, Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Permanently Establish Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act in Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division Passes Senate, Heads to President 2020-12-16 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 bit.ly     legacy December 16, 2020 Following Hirono and Ernst Advocacy, Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Permanently Establish Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act in Justice Department's Civil Rights Division Passes Senate, Heads to President WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and Representatives Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) and Van Taylor (R-Texas), announced that their bipartisan, bicameral legislation to permanently establish the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative (SVI) inside the Justice Department (DOJ)'s Civil Rights Division passed the Senate, sending the bill to the President. The Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020, ensures that the SVI, which started as an independent DOJ initiative in 2015, remains a permanent part of the Justice Department. Since 2015, the SVI has coordinated and expanded DOJ's work to enforce statutes created to protect the legal interests and rights of servicemembers and their families. Senator Hirono and Senator Ernst's legislation updates and formalizes the SVI's mandate. Their bill mandates that the SVI will advise the Attorney General on legal and policy matters related to federal laws that protect servicemembers and veterans, serve as the liaison between DOJ and military departments, and serve as a liaison within DOJ to coordinate prosecution of fraud that targets servicemembers and their families. In 2018, the SVI helped inform DOJ's settlement with the City and County of Honolulu and its contracted towing company for illegally auctioning cars owned by servicemembers on deployment. The Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative has provided critical support for servicemembers and veterans over the last five years. This bipartisan legislation makes sure that the Department of Justice has the tools and direction to remain focused on supporting servicemembers, veterans, and their families. As a member of both the Senate Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs Committees, I am proud to have worked with this bipartisan g… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-gabbard-and-massie-bill-repeal-government-surveillance-laws-which-threaten Reps. Gabbard and Massie Bill to Repeal Government Surveillance Laws Which Threaten Civil Liberties 2020-12-16 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Tulsi Gabbard G000571 gabbard.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCYesterday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Rep. Thomas Massie (KY-04) introduced H.R.8970, the Protect Our Civil Liberties Act. This bipartisan bill would repeal the USA PATRIOT Act and amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to remove dangerous provisions that undermine Americans' civil liberties. The Constitution of the United States guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms for every American including the right to privacy and protection against illegal search and seizure without probable cause. Unfortunately, the so-called Patriot Act and FISA Amendments Act allowed the intelligence community to conduct mass surveillance on Americans, collecting information about our phone calls and our emails,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Our legislation will repeal these laws and require Congress to strike the right balance between serving our national security interests and protecting our civil liberties and Fourth Amendment rights. The Patriot Act contains many provisions that violate the Fourth Amendment and have led to a dramatic expansion of our domestic surveillance state, said Rep. Thomas Massie. "Our Founding Fathers fought and died to stop the kind of warrantless spying and searches that the Patriot Act and the FISA Amendments Act authorize. It is long past time to repeal the Patriot Act and reassert the constitutional rights of all Americans. I am honored to co-sponsor Congresswoman Gabbard's bill and look forward to working with her on this issue. Background:H.R.8970, the Protect Our Civil Liberties Act, a bipartisan bill, would repeal the USA PATRIOT Act as well as amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to address dangerous changes made to it in the years following the 9/11 attacks. and which were not addressed by subsequent FISA amendments made by Congress. The USA PATRIOT Act along with changes to FISA have been used to undermine Americans' civil liberties, particularly Fourth Amendment protections. The Protect Our Civil Liberties Act would: Repeal the PATRIOT A… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hirono-meets-with-katherine-tai-nominee-for-us-trade-representative Senator Hirono Meets with Katherine Tai, Nominee for U.S. Trade Representative 2020-12-15 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 15, 2020 Senator Hirono Meets with Katherine Tai, Nominee for U.S. Trade Representative WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) met today with Katherine Tai, President-elect Joe Biden's nominee for U.S. Trade Representative. Senator Hirono and Ms. Tai discussed the need to make sure U.S. trade policies work for everyonespecifically workers and consumers. They discussed the need to make sure trade deals consider important questions like worker protections, environmental protections, and whether Hawaii small businesses and farmers are supported by these deals. They also discussed the importance of open communication between the Executive and Legislative branches on trade issues. In closing, Senator Hirono indicated that she looked forward to having other conversations with Ms. Tai in the future. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-fed-joining-network-for-greening-the-financial-system Schatz Statement On Fed Joining Network For Greening The Financial System 2020-12-15 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz Statement On Fed Joining Network For Greening The Financial System Tuesday, December 15, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Banking Committee and Chair of the Special Committee on the Climate Crisis, today released the following statement on the Federal Reserve's announcement that it has joined the Network for Greening the Financial System as a full member. The Fed joining the NGFS as a full member is a necessary step forward. Now that they have joined this international effort, I will expect them to take further concrete steps towards managing climate risks. That includes setting clear supervisory expectations for how banks should manage their climate risk exposure, and using tools like stress testing to hold them accountable. Climate change poses systemic risks to our financial system and economy. Our financial regulators' job is to ensure a stable and efficient financial system, and that means managing these risks. This is important but incremental progress, and we'll continue working with the Fed to strengthen our financial system. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390 Case Announces Winners of 2020 Congressional App Contest 2020-12-15 2020 2020-12 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=28 scraper (Honolulu, HI) - Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today announced the winners of his 2nd annual Congressional App Challenge for Hawaii’s First Congressional District. “The Challenge is a great opportunity for our local students to focus their skills and creativity on developing, testing and analyzing new applications for real-world use,” said Case. “And results of this year’s Challenge prove again that they have the skill set, imagination and resolve to compete against the best of our young people nationwide in science, technology, engineering and math, along with the potential to lead the next generations of computer science and technology.” The winners include: 1st Place Tony Dang Grade: 12th grader, Iolani School App: Glaucomark Video: Glaucomark: Congressional App Challenge 2020 YouTube Summary: This web application is based on deep learning that offers a handy and cost-worthy glaucoma exam that is available to everyone with access to the Internet. Users only need to upload a picture of a retina taken by any smartphone with a 20D lens that costs only 10 dollars. 2nd Place Harvey Lloyd Picar, Reyan Lee, Destiny Shishido and Kristine Orpilla Grade: 12th graders, Waipahu High School App: ClubHub Video: 2020 Congressional App Challenge: ClubHub -YouTube Summary: This is a website was designed specifically for Waipahu High School students to find out everything about the clubs they signed up for as members, as well as other extra-curricular activities offered by the school. 3rd Place Xhavier Teocson, Kalani Ashton Agustin, Jett Marco Palacpac and Aaron Moises Paned Grade: 12th graders, Waipahu High School App: Studentjobapp Video: Congressional App Challenge 2020-"studentjobapp" Demo - YouTube Summary: This App provides a simple way for students and minors to find part-time job listings and reaches out to companies that are looking for applicants interested in part-time work. Honorable Mention: Kieri Isara Grade: 8th grader, Ewa Makai Middle School App: What’s Next Video: What’s Next App on Vimeo … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-fed-joining-network-for-greening-the-financial-system Schatz Statement On Fed Joining Network For Greening The Financial System 2020-12-15 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Banking Committee and Chair of the Special Committee on the Climate Crisis, today released the following statement on the Federal Reserve's announcement that it has joined the Network for Greening the Financial System as a full member. “The Fed joining the NGFS as a full member is a necessary step forward. Now that they have joined this international effort, I will expect them to take further concrete steps towards managing climate risks. That includes setting clear supervisory expectations for how banks should manage their climate risk exposure, and using tools like stress testing to hold them accountable. “Climate change poses systemic risks to our financial system and economy. Our financial regulators’ job is to ensure a stable and efficient financial system, and that means managing these risks. This is important but incremental progress, and we’ll continue working with the Fed to strengthen our financial system.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-introduces-bill-to-provide-immediate-housing-assistance-to-low-income-families-and-individuals-during-natural-and-economic-disasters Schatz Introduces Bill To Provide Immediate Housing Assistance To Low-Income Families And Individuals During Natural And Economic Disasters 2020-12-14 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz Introduces Bill To Provide Immediate Housing Assistance To Low-Income Families And Individuals During Natural And Economic Disasters New Housing Voucher Program Would Be Automatically Triggered By Natural Disasters And Sharp Rises In Unemployment Monday, December 14, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. SenatorsBrian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) introduced the Crisis Housing Act, legislation that wouldestablisha new housing assistance program. The new program would be automatically triggeredand help ensure that families andindividuals whohave been forced from their home or areat risk of losing their home asa result of a natural or economicdisasterhave immediate access to adequate housing. When disaster strikes,familiesshouldn'tbe left without a home or stuck in limbo waiting for Congress to pass a disaster relief bill,said Senator Schatz.Our new bill will make sure that our most vulnerable communitiesreceive housing assistance after a severe storm, public health emergency, or economic downturn. Too many people in our country are housing insecure, and this is a good first step to building a safety net to support them. From the COVID-19 pandemic to severe weather events, natural and economic disasters often leave our most vulnerable families hardest-hit. In these emergency situations, we need to make sure relief is available fast. This legislation will provide urgent support to help ensure Americans are able to keep a roof over their heads during times of crisis, said Senator Van Hollen. TheCrisis HousingActwould automatically provide low-income families and individuals withrental assistancefrom the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD)whentheir communitymeets one of two triggers: 1) the Stafford Act is invoked during natural disaster, or2) when the state unemployment rate suddenlyincreases bya certain amount. Families earning incomes up to 80 percent of the area median and households deemed to require housing assistance by FEMA … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-bill-to-provide-immediate-housing-assistance-to-low-income-families-and-individuals-during-natural-and-economic-disasters Schatz Introduces Bill To Provide Immediate Housing Assistance To Low-Income Families And Individuals During Natural And Economic Disasters 2020-12-14 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) introduced the Crisis Housing Act, legislation that would establish a new housing assistance program. The new program would be automatically triggered and help ensure that families and individuals who have been forced from their home or are at risk of losing their home as a result of a natural or economic disaster have immediate access to adequate housing. “When disaster strikes, families shouldn't be left without a home or stuck in limbo waiting for Congress to pass a disaster relief bill,” said Senator Schatz. “Our new bill will make sure that our most vulnerable communities receive housing assistance after a severe storm, public health emergency, or economic downturn. Too many people in our country are housing insecure, and this is a good first step to building a safety net to support them.” “From the COVID-19 pandemic to severe weather events, natural and economic disasters often leave our most vulnerable families hardest-hit. In these emergency situations, we need to make sure relief is available fast. This legislation will provide urgent support to help ensure Americans are able to keep a roof over their heads during times of crisis,” said Senator Van Hollen. The Crisis Housing Act would automatically provide low-income families and individuals with rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when their community meets one of two triggers: 1) the Stafford Act is invoked during natural disaster, or 2) when the state unemployment rate suddenly increases by a certain amount. Families earning incomes up to 80 percent of the area median and households deemed to require housing assistance by FEMA (pursuant to Section 408 of the Stafford Act) are eligible to receive the vouchers. Housing assistance would be available within one month of when a community is determined eligible and last for at least two years. The program would also help families secure permanent housing after the voucher’s expi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-hirono-statement-on-the-fda-granting-emergency-use-authorization-to-the-pfizer/biontech-covid-19-vaccine Hirono Statement on the FDA Granting Emergency Use Authorization to the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 11, 2020 Hirono Statement on the FDA Granting Emergency Use Authorization to the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization to the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: Today's announcement is a long-awaited milestone in our nation's fight against COVID-19, and I commend the many people in government and the private sector whose dedication, professionalism, and ingenuity made this achievement possible. While we celebrate the authorization of the first coronavirus vaccine, we cannot ignore the immense, ongoing human toll of this pandemic which has already claimed nearly 300,000 lives and is currently surging across the country. The authorization of this vaccine alone will not end the pandemic, and all of us must continue doing our part by wearing a mask, washing our hands, and practicing social distancing. We expect the first doses of this vaccine to be distributed in the coming days, beginning with frontline health care workers and our kupuna living in elder care facilities. I plan to get vaccinated on a timeline determined by the State of Hawaii and based on the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure equitable distribution. I encourage every Hawaii resident and American to do the same. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-amendment-to-boost-military-spouse-education-opportunities-passes-in-ndaa Hirono Amendment to Boost Military Spouse Education Opportunities Passes in NDAA 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 11, 2020 Hirono Amendment to Boost Military Spouse Education Opportunities Passes in NDAA More than 1,000 Hawaii military spouses have used this program to further their careers WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), a Senate Armed Services Committee member, announced that a provision she authored to help military spouses achieve their professional goals through licensing, certification, or associate degree programs passed the Senate and is expected to become law. The provision was included in the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the Senate and House with veto-proof majorities. Senator Hirono's provision expands the use of My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program funds to cover the cost of national exams that award college credit for prior learning. It also pays for continuing education costs necessary to maintain a professional license or certification. Hawaii is home to more than 100,000 military personnel and their families. While some families are long-term residents, others have just moved to our state, and military spouses may need financial assistance getting licenses, college credits, or other certifications. This provision will give military spouses more flexibility to pursue their careers, regardless of their location,Senator Hirono said.I will continue to advocate for federal programs that support our service members and their families in Hawaii and across the world. The language is similar to the Military Spouse Career Education Act, which Representative Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands) successfully included in the House-passed NDAA. The Military Spouse Career Education Act helps cover the costs of restarting their careers, when military spouses have to relocate. Training needed to relicense in a new location and exams granting college credits will be paid for, making life a little bit easier f… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-blumenthal-introduce-social-security-covid-correction-and-equity-act Hirono, Blumenthal Introduce Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 11, 2020 Hirono, Blumenthal Introduce Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act Bill includes fix to Social Security formula to prevent substantial benefits cuts for retirees due to pandemic WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced S. 4986, the Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act, which provides temporary emergency relief for Social Security beneficiaries, and makes a technical correction to the formula used for determining benefits to prevent substantial cuts for individuals turning 60 this year. Specifically, the bill ensures that these individuals are not penalized due to the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and that their benefits are not calculated based on lower average wages from 2020. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by Congressman John B. Larson (D-Conn.), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee. Social Security benefits are calculated based on a person's lifetime earnings, which are indexed to account for increases in wages over time. Because of the significant economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic that will result in lower average wages in 2020, individuals who turn 60 this year could see their Social Security benefits permanently reduced by an average of $960 per year or more. This change could impact many of the 17,800 Hawaii residents who turn 60 this year, and millions of Americans nationwide. Separately, the bill also includes temporary emergency relief for individuals who rely on Social Security by increasing benefits across the board, increasing the special minimum benefit for lower income beneficiaries, reducing taxation on benefits for lower and middle income beneficiaries, providing support for grandparents with dependent children, providing support for dependent children who are students, and expanding benefits for … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-blumenthal-introduce-social-security-covid-correction-and-equity-act- Hirono, Blumenthal Introduce Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 11, 2020 Hirono, Blumenthal Introduce Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act Bill includes fix to Social Security formula to prevent substantial benefits cuts for retirees due to pandemic WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced S. 4986, the Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act, which provides temporary emergency relief for Social Security beneficiaries, and makes a technical correction to the formula used for determining benefits to prevent substantial cuts for individuals turning 60 this year. Specifically, the bill ensures that these individuals are not penalized due to the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and that their benefits are not calculated based on lower average wages from 2020. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by Congressman John B. Larson (D-Conn.), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee. Social Security benefits are calculated based on a person's lifetime earnings, which are indexed to account for increases in wages over time. Because of the significant economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic that will result in lower average wages in 2020, individuals who turn 60 this year could see their Social Security benefits permanently reduced by an average of $960 per year or more. This change could impact many of the 17,800 Hawaii residents who turn 60 this year, and millions of Americans nationwide. Separately, the bill also includes temporary emergency relief for individuals who rely on Social Security by increasing benefits across the board, increasing the special minimum benefit for lower income beneficiaries, reducing taxation on benefits for lower and middle income beneficiaries, providing support for grandparents with dependent children, providing support for dependent children who are students, and expanding benefits for… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-encourages-president-elect-biden-to-appoint-julie-su-as-secretary-of-labor Hirono Encourages President-Elect Biden to Appoint Julie Su as Secretary of Labor 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 11, 2020 Hirono Encourages President-Elect Biden to Appoint Julie Su as Secretary of Labor In Letter to the President-Elect, Senator Hirono Expresses Her Strong Support for Su's Nomination, Noting It Would Help Fulfill Commitment to Nominate a Cabinet that Reflects America's Diversity WASHINGTON, D.C. In a letter to President-Elect Joe Biden, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) expressed her strong support for California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Secretary Julie Su to serve as the next Secretary of the Department of Labor. I am strongly supporting Julie Su for the position of Secretary of Labor and I hope you will nominate her. She is highly qualified and well respected and her dedication to protecting worker and civil rights has spanned decades and earned her a reputation as an expert and a highly effective leader. She would be a great asset to your administration as you work to rebuild our nation's economy with fair and just labor policies,Senator Hirono said. Senator Hirono continued:Julie Su represents the best of what this country can be. As the daughter of Chinese immigrants, she would bring her life experiences and professional expertise to bear on the immense issues facing our nation's workers and their employers. Her clear record of achievement, innovation, and leadership would be a significant advantage to your Department of Labor. Julie Su would be an invaluable addition to your cabinet. A copy of the letter can be downloadedhere. The full text of the letter is below: Dear President-Elect Biden: I know you have heard from the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community that they are increasingly concerned there will be insufficient AAPI representation at the cabinet level. I am strongly supporting Julie Su for the position of Secretary of Labor and I hope you will nominate her. She is highly qualified and well respected and her dedication to protecting worke… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/following-calls-for-reform-from-schatz-key-provision-to-begin-improving-1033-program-passes-senate-in-ndaa-set-to-become-law Following Calls For Reform From Schatz, Key Provision To Begin Improving 1033 Program Passes Senate In NDAA, Set To Become Law 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Following Calls For Reform From Schatz, Key Provision To Begin Improving 1033 Program Passes Senate In NDAA, Set To Become Law Schatz Forced Bipartisan Vote On Amendments To Reform 1033 Program Despite Republican Objections; NDAA Heads To President's Desk Friday, December 11, 2020 WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate today passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including key reforms to the Department of Defense's 1033 program, which authorizes the federal transfer of military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. The adoption of the provision follows legislation and calls from U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) to stop police militarization and reform the 1033 program. Schatz first introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the program in May 2015. These reforms will help take weapons of war including bayonets and grenades out of our communities, said Senator Schatz. This is an essential step forward in demilitarizing our police departments. Senator Schatz forced a series of votes on the Senate floor in July during its consideration of the annual defense authorization bill. The final provision will restrict the transfer of bayonets, grenades, weaponized tracked combat vehicles, and weaponized drones. It will also require law enforcement agencies that receive 1033 equipment to certify that their police officers receive annual training on respect for the rights of citizens under the Constitution and de-escalation of force. Reports have shown that police militarization fails to reduce rates of violent crime or change the number of officers assaulted or killed. Instead, arming police departments with military equipment has led to an increase in officer-involved shootings and civilian deaths. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-improve-the-way-the-public-receives-emergency-alerts-passes-senate-set-to-become-law Schatz Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Emergency Alerts Passes Senate, Set To Become Law 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Emergency Alerts Passes Senate, Set To Become Law Included In NDAA, READI Act Heads To President's Desk; Three Additional Bipartisan Schatz Provisions To Create A Nationwide AMBER Alert System, Encourage And Plan For Growth Of Internet-Connect Devices, And Confront Deepfake Videos Included In NDAA Friday, December 11, 2020 WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate today passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act. The bipartisan legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), will ensure more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions, and radios, explore new ways of alerting the public through online video and audio streaming services, track and study false alerts when they occur, and improve the way states plan for emergency alerts. When a missile alert went out across Hawaii in 2018, some people never got the message on their phones, while others missed it on their TVs and radios. Even though it was a false alarm, the missile alert highlighted real ways we can improve the way people get emergency alerts, said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee. Our bill, which will soon become law, fixes some of these issues and will help make sure that in an emergency, the public gets the right information on their phones, TVs, radios, and computers as quickly as possible. The Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts System ensure that the public is quickly informed about emergency alerts issued by federal, state, tribal, and local governments and delivered over the radio, television, and mobile wireless devices. These announcements keep the public safe and informed and have ever-increasing importance in the wake of the emergencies and disasters Americans faced throughout 2020.FEMA administers the platfo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-fda-emergency-use-authorization-of-first-covid-19-vaccine Schatz Statement On FDA Emergency Use Authorization Of First COVID-19 Vaccine 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz Statement On FDA Emergency Use Authorization Of First COVID-19 Vaccine Friday, December 11, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today issued the following the statement on the Food and Drug Administration's issuance of an Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Today is a day of great hope and promise. The emergency use authorization of the first vaccine to prevent COVID-19 means that our frontline health care workers and vulnerable populations in Hawaii and across the country will start receiving the vaccine within days. There is light at the end of the tunnel. We can get through this as a community, if we stay safe, keep our distance, and keep our masks on. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-calls-for-reform-from-schatz-key-provision-to-begin-improving-1033-program-passes-senate-in-ndaa-set-to-become-law Following Calls For Reform From Schatz, Key Provision To Begin Improving 1033 Program Passes Senate In NDAA, Set To Become Law 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including key reforms to the Department of Defense’s 1033 program, which authorizes the federal transfer of military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. The adoption of the provision follows legislation and calls from U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) to stop police militarization and reform the 1033 program. Schatz first introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the program in May 2015. “These reforms will help take weapons of war – including bayonets and grenades – out of our communities,” said Senator Schatz. “This is an essential step forward in demilitarizing our police departments.” Senator Schatz forced a series of votes on the Senate floor in July during its consideration of the annual defense authorization bill. The final provision will restrict the transfer of bayonets, grenades, weaponized tracked combat vehicles, and weaponized drones. It will also require law enforcement agencies that receive 1033 equipment to certify that their police officers receive annual training on respect for the rights of citizens under the Constitution and de-escalation of force. Reports have shown that police militarization fails to reduce rates of violent crime or change the number of officers assaulted or killed. Instead, arming police departments with military equipment has led to an increase in officer-involved shootings and civilian deaths. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-improve-the-way-the-public-receives-emergency-alerts-passes-senate-set-to-become-law Schatz Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Emergency Alerts Passes Senate, Set To Become Law 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act. The bipartisan legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), will ensure more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions, and radios, explore new ways of alerting the public through online video and audio streaming services, track and study false alerts when they occur, and improve the way states plan for emergency alerts. “When a missile alert went out across Hawai‘i in 2018, some people never got the message on their phones, while others missed it on their TVs and radios. Even though it was a false alarm, the missile alert highlighted real ways we can improve the way people get emergency alerts,” said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee. “Our bill, which will soon become law, fixes some of these issues and will help make sure that in an emergency, the public gets the right information – on their phones, TVs, radios, and computers – as quickly as possible.” The Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts System ensure that the public is quickly informed about emergency alerts issued by federal, state, tribal, and local governments and delivered over the radio, television, and mobile wireless devices. These announcements keep the public safe and informed and have ever-increasing importance in the wake of the emergencies and disasters Americans faced throughout 2020. FEMA administers the platform government agencies use to originate alerts, while the FCC oversees the systems used to distribute the alerts over broadcast and mobile wireless networks. The READI Act will: Ensure more people receive emergency alerts by eliminating the option to opt out of receiving certain federal alerts, including missile alerts, on mobile phones; Require active alerts issued by the President or FEMA to be repeated. Currently… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-fda-emergency-use-authorization-of-first-covid-19-vaccine Schatz Statement On FDA Emergency Use Authorization Of First COVID-19 Vaccine 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today issued the following the statement on the Food and Drug Administration’s issuance of an Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. “Today is a day of great hope and promise. The emergency use authorization of the first vaccine to prevent COVID-19 means that our frontline health care workers and vulnerable populations in Hawai‘i and across the country will start receiving the vaccine within days. There is light at the end of the tunnel. We can get through this as a community, if we stay safe, keep our distance, and keep our masks on.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-introduces-bill-help-protect-hawai-i-s-vital-ecosystems Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Introduces Bill to Help Protect Hawaiis Vital Ecosystems from Invasive Species 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Tulsi Gabbard G000571 gabbard.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCThis week, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) introduced H.R.8887, the Areawide Integrated Pest Management Act which would create a framework within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture Crop and Pest Management Program to support farmers, ranchers, and land managers in pursuit of long-term and sustainable solutions to fighting invasive species. Invasive species are a challenge faced by states across this country, but none more so than in Hawaii where our unique and delicate environment and economy can be ravaged by these pests. This bill will help protect our farms and public lands which are vital to growing food to feed our families, protecting public forests, and strengthening the agriculture sector of our economy,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Invasive species require an all-hands community response. My bill will help harness community awareness, expertise, and resources required to monitor and rapidly prevent and suppress infestations that threaten our crops, agriculture, and forests. Background:H.R.8887, the Areawide Integrated Pest Management Act creates a framework within the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Crop and Pest Management Program to: Implement a carefully managed program to foster best AIPM practices in cooperation with local grower and regulator groups Empower end-users farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and land managers to take a larger role in creating solutions for their agricultural businesses and industries Increase the return on investments for farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and land managers by providing them with multiple invasive species management options Support long-term and sustainable solutions to reduce invasive species impacts on agriculture, including grazing, dairy farming, and natural resources Support improved use of federal dollars through competition to control and/or eradicate invasive species Protect human health and the environment Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been a leader in… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-gabbard-and-mullin-introduce-bill-ensure-title-ix-protections-women-and Reps. Gabbard and Mullin Introduce Bill to Ensure Title IX Protections for Women and Girls in Sports 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Tulsi Gabbard G000571 gabbard.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) introduced H.R.8932, the Protect Women's Sports Act. Given the average difference in abilities conferred by biological sex, this bill would clarify Title IX protections for female athletes is based on biological sex. Title IX was a historic provision championed by Hawaii's own Congresswoman Patsy Mink in order to provide equal opportunity for women and girls in high school and college sports. It led to a generational shift that impacted countless women, creating life-changing opportunities for girls and women that never existed before. However, Title IX is being weakened by some states who are misinterpreting Title IX, creating uncertainty, undue hardship and lost opportunities for female athletes. Our legislation protects Title IX's original intent which was based on the general biological distinction between men and women athletes based on sex,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. It is critical that the legacy of Title IX continues to ensure women and girls in sports have the opportunity to compete and excel on a level playing field. Title IX was designed to give women and girls an equal chance to succeed, including in sports. Allowing biological males to compete in women's sports diminishes that equality and takes away from the original intent of Title IX. As the father of three girls involved in athletics, I want them to be able to compete on a level playing field. I am proud to lead this bill that will safeguard the integrity of women's sports and ensure female athletes can compete fairly,said Rep. Markwayne Mullin. Background:Since its creation, Title IX has been confronted by various challenges, often resulting in nuanced or situational solutions to the circumstances. This has included considering the fairness of an individual of one sex to play on a team designated for another sex when no such team is available to the individual, such as women's field hockey or men's football. This bill protects the sex-based intention of Title IX pr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-welcomes-establishment-of-new-navy-tech-bridge-in-hawaii Hirono Welcomes Establishment of New Navy Tech Bridge in Hawaii 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 09, 2020 Hirono Welcomes Establishment of New Navy Tech Bridge in Hawaii Collaboration between U.S. Navy, UH Office of Innovation and Commercialization, and the Hawaii High Technology Development Corporation Will Bring Opportunities for Academia, Hawaii Small Businesses, and Local Organizations to Engage in the Defense Space WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, welcomed the U.S. Navy's announcement today that it was establishing a new Tech Bridge in Hawaii. A collaboration between the Navy, the University of Hawaii's Office of Innovation and Commercialization, and the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), the Tech Bride program aims to deepen the Navy's collaboration with and expand opportunities for Hawaii academics, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen the sea service. The establishment of a new Tech Bridge in Hawaii will serve as a conduit for the U.S. Navy to draw upon the expertise of local Hawaii businesses and research institutions, while simultaneously providing new economic opportunities in our state,Senator Hirono said.I want to thank Secretary Geurts for selecting Hawaii as the next Tech Bridge site, and I will continue working to leverage our local expertise to enhance American national security and grow our economy. Today's Tech Bridge additions are a symbol of the Department of Navy's momentum to rapidly deliver capabilities into the hands of our Sailors and Marines,Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition James Geurts said. There is nothing more exciting than seeing the speed and transition of technology that dramatically accelerates capability, and improved development processes this allows our Navy and Marine Corps to provide the U.S. with the ability to adopt and scale its asymmetric advantage." The Hawaii Tech Bridge will be a tremen… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/waianae-coast-comprehensive-health-center-set-to-receive-18-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-care-for-underserved-families Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center Set To Receive $1.8 Million In Federal Funding To Support Care For Underserved Families 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center Set To Receive $1.8 Million In Federal Funding To Support Care For Underserved Families Wednesday, December 9, 2020 WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announced that the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) will receive a $1,811,639 grant to help low incomefamilies onOahuaccess highquality,comprehensive health care.The funding, which comes from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, will help WCCHC operate seven sites on the west side of the island and make sure local families can receiveprimary care, emergency medical, behavioral health, and dental services, as well as COVID-19testing and treatment, in their own communities. Thisfundingwill make sure thatthousands of WestOahufamilies can accessaffordablehealth care services in their communities,said SenatorSchatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.WCCHC is animportant provider of primary, emergency, and other types of care, and I'll keep fighting for more federal funding to support their life-saving work. WCCHC is the largest federally qualified health center in the state, annuallyserving37,000medically underserved individuals and families regardless of their ability to pay. 70 percent of their patients are at or below the federal poverty level, and more than 40 percent of their patients are Native Hawaiian. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=389 Case Introduces Measure to Require Federal Benefit Coverage of Compact Migrants 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=28 scraper (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today introduced a measure in the U.S. House of Representatives to require the federal government to extend the same federal benefits to citizens of three Pacific Island nations legally entitled to live and work in the U.S. as are available to other legal permanent residents. “For over three decades our country and Hawai’i have welcomed citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau to live and work in our country legally under Compacts of Free Association (COFA) between our nations,” said Case. “Yet, although COFA are critical national agreements for our country in the increasingly critical Indo-Pacific, our federal government has dumped the financial burden of providing needed services to FAS citizens on the few states and territories with the most migrants, in part by disqualifying legal FAS citizens from receiving the same basic federal benefits from key federal programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Children’s Health Insurance (CHIP) that other legal permanent residents are entitled to.” “In fact, Hawai’i, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands, which have the highest relative COFA populations in the country, were required to spend some $3.2 billion for services to COFA migrants from 2004 to 2018 but were only reimbursed some $500 million, for a whopping bill of $2.7 billion”, said Case, citing a comprehensive June 2020 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). “For Hawai’i alone, our bill is now around $200 million annually and no doubt growing rapidly with the severe COVID-related needs of our COFA communities. “It is fundamentally unfair for our federal government to ignore its obligations under agreements that are purely national in interest and scope and transfer this crushing financial burden to the states and territories. My measure would address much of this unfairness by requiring our federal government to extend to FAS citizens the same basic f… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/capac-members-and-congressional-leaders-honor-chinese-american-world-war-ii CAPAC Members and Congressional Leaders Honor Chinese American World War II Veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Tulsi Gabbard G000571 gabbard.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and Congressional leaders released the following statements to honor Chinese American World War II veterans, who will be collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in a virtual Congressional ceremony today. CAPAC Members Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL) and Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33) were the lead Democratic sponsors of the legislation to grant these veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal, which is the highest civilian honor that Congress can bestow: Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair: I am proud to join my colleagues in Congress today as we honor Chinese American World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal. Despite facing discriminatory laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act, which restricted their rights and treated them as second-class citizens, nearly 20,000 Chinese Americans valiantly served our country during World War II. These American heroes defended our nation's democracy and ideals abroad even as they faced racial prejudice at home. And they included heroes like my late father, Judson Chu, who served in the Army during World War II as a Radio Communications Sergeant in Okinawa. I especially want to thank our CAPAC Members, Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congressman Ted Lieu, as well as congressional leaders like Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who helped to pass critical legislation to ensure that veterans like my father receive the long overdue recognition they have earned. These veterans and their families deserve our deepest gratitude, and it is with tremendous pride that we honor them today. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-12): As Speaker of the House, it is an honor to join my colleagues in bestowing Congress's highest honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, on the valiant Chinese American Veterans of World War II. These patriotic servicemembers hailed from every state in the union, served in every branch of the U.S. military and courageously fought in every theater of the war, helping secure victo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-gabbard-gosar-introduce-break-big-tech-bill-remove-legal-immunity-big-tech Reps. Gabbard & Gosar Introduce Break Up Big Tech Bill to Remove Legal Immunity from Big Tech Who Censor Users 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Tulsi Gabbard G000571 gabbard.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-04) introduced the Break Up Big Tech Act of 2020, which would remove the Section 230 legal immunity shield that protects interactive computer service providers like big tech monopolies and social media companies who engage in certain manipulative practices, including acting as publishers and censoring certain users. Big tech monopolies like Google and Facebook have made billions of dollars by creating online platforms that monetize our private information, use manipulative and destructive algorithms, and act as publishers choosing what information they want to censor or publish. They undermine our freedom of speech and treat us and our attention as the product, monetizing it to line their pockets with more money without any regard for the damaging consequences,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. This bill removes the legal immunity that service providers have taken advantage of to act with impunity, while maintaining Section 230 protections for those who provide truly neutral social media platforms or search engines without the use of manipulative algorithms. Big Tech monopolies continue to censor and manipulate users without consent or liability. The Break Up Big Tech Act revokes liability protections for bad Samaritans and instead empowers users, said Rep. Paul Gosar. I am proud to work with Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on the Don't Push My Buttons Act, Stop the Censorship Act, and now the Break Up Big Tech Act to reform Section 230 and protect online consent and free speech instead of censorship and manipulation. Background: The Breakup Big Tech Act of 2020 would take away legal immunity from interactive computer service providers that engage in certain manipulative activities, including social media companies who act as publishers by moderating and censoring content. Specifically, the Breakup Big Tech Act of 2020 would remove legal immunity for providers that engage in the following activities: Selling and displaying personalized as well as… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/waianae-coast-comprehensive-health-center-set-to-receive-18-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-care-for-underserved-families Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center Set To Receive $1.8 Million In Federal Funding To Support Care For Underserved Families 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) will receive a $1,811,639 grant to help low income families on Oahu access high quality, comprehensive health care. The funding, which comes from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, will help WCCHC operate seven sites on the west side of the island and make sure local families can receive primary care, emergency medical, behavioral health, and dental services, as well as COVID-19 testing and treatment, in their own communities. “This funding will make sure that thousands of West Oahu families can access affordable health care services in their communities,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “WCCHC is an important provider of primary, emergency, and other types of care, and I'll keep fighting for more federal funding to support their life-saving work.” WCCHC is the largest federally qualified health center in the state, annually serving 37,000 medically underserved individuals and families regardless of their ability to pay. 70 percent of their patients are at or below the federal poverty level, and more than 40 percent of their patients are Native Hawaiian. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/kitv-4-abc-representative-tulsi-gabbard-speaks-latest-progress-funding-bill KITV 4 ABC | Representative Tulsi Gabbard speaks on the latest progress on a funding bill 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Tulsi Gabbard G000571 gabbard.house.gov     legacy Hawai'i U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard explained how some of the provisions of the $900 billion bill would cover rental relief, unemployment aid, funding for testing and contact tracing. NOTE: Video of segment included at kitv.com, includes statement from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Hundreds of billions of dollars are on the line as Congress negotiates another bill to fund the government or possibly face another shutdown. During an interview with Maleko McDonnell and Lei U'i Kaho'okula on Good Morning Hawaii, Representative Tulsi Gabbard explained how some of the provisions of the $900 billion bill would cover rental relief, unemployment aid, funding for testing and contact tracing. Gabbard believes Congress still has a long way to go. "It will not be enough -- it will provide some assistance, but in my opinion it does not go nearly far enough. It'll provide another $288 billion toward that PPP small business assistance, so those small business owners will be able to go and get assistance," Gabbard stated. "It'll add $180 billion toward unemployment assistance fund, making it so that those on state unemployment now will get that additional $300 a week of federal unemployment through the end of March." Representative Gabbard said Wednesday Congressional leaders are expected to vote on a one week extension to postpone Friday's spending deal deadline. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/marijuana-moment-congress-cautions-military-leaders-about-marijuana-punishments Marijuana Moment | Congress Cautions Military Leaders About Marijuana Punishments For Recruits In Defense Bill Report 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Tulsi Gabbard G000571 gabbard.house.gov     legacy The House of Representatives approved a defense spending bill on Tuesday that includes language pushing military leaders to exercise discretion in enforcing marijuana-related penalties against service members. That said, for the second year in a row, House Democratic leaders have given up in negotiations with the Senate on stronger cannabis reform measures that were included in their chamber's original version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). One House-passed amendment, sponsored by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), would have required the secretary of defense to issue regulations clarifying that military branches can grant reenlistment waivers to service members who have committed a single low-level cannabis offense. The Senate didn't include that component in their NDAA bill, however, and Democratic conferees ended up receding to the other body in the final version. In a joint explanatory statement on the bill, however, the bicameral conferees included language saying that the secretaries of the military departments have the authority to allow for enlistment and reenlistment with waivers for cannabis use based on the needs of the military department. The conferees encourage the secretaries of the military departments to use their authority as appropriate to ensure the military departments are not excluding talent from the pool of eligible individuals who volunteer to serve, they said. Another House-passed measure that the chamber receded on, championed by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), would have prohibited the Secretary of Defense from banning service members from possessing or consuming hemp or CBD products that are legal under state and federal law. There was no explanation included in the report about why House leaders didn't fight for its inclusion in the final bill. The Department of Defense and various military branches under it have issued several memos stipulating that service members are banned from using CBD, even though the cannabinoid was legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill. Most recentl… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-house-passes-bill-millions-dollars-funding-protect-hawai-i-s Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: House Passes Bill With Millions of Dollars in Funding to Protect Hawaiis Water Resources 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Tulsi Gabbard G000571 gabbard.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) called on President Trump to sign S.1811, the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 into law. The House passed the bill today by voice vote following its passage by the Senate. It now heads to the White House for the President's signature. The Water Resources Development Act authorizes a wide range of projects, predominantly managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, to improve water resource infrastructure including environmental projects, natural resource preservation, flood protection and improvements to our nation's waterways and ports. The well-being of our waterways and safety of our communities are vital to Hawaii and the country. The funding in this bill will help to support our agricultural industry and ensure our ports and harbors are able to support our commerce needs. It also provides hundreds of millions of dollars to support flood control, ecosystem restoration, shoreline protection, and hurricane restoration in Hawaii,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. This legislation is an example of what can be accomplished when people come together to work for the best interest of the country. I urge the President to sign it into law without delay. Background:Nearly 80 percent of traded goods used by Americans is transported through U.S. ports, harbors, and inland waterways. The economic impact of projects supported by the Water Resources Development Act help mitigate flood damage which can cost billions of dollars every year. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has worked throughout the year to urge appropriators to robustly fund Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works (CW) and CAP programs in this year's Energy and Water Development funding bill, passed by the House in July. She successfully got appropriators to support the Emergency Streambank and Shoreline Protection, Beneficial Uses of Dredged Material, Flood Control Projects, Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration, National Shoreline Management Study, Aquatic Plant Control, Flood Plain Management Services, Aquatic Plant Control, Emergency Stre… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=388 U.S. House Passes Case's Measure Advancing First National Forest for Hawai‘i 2020-12-05 2020 2020-12 Democrat House HI Ed Case C001055 case.house.gov case https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=29 scraper (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives this Thursday passed his bill to advance creation of Hawaii’s first National Forest. A member of the House’s Natural Resources Committee and of its Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands with jurisdiction over the National Forest System, Case managed (led majority party efforts) in the full House in debating and passing his (H.R. 7045) and several other key Natural Resources bills. Case’s bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration. “My measure will move us toward finally correcting a longstanding omission by adding the best of Hawaii’s unique and endangered forests to our country’s invaluable National Forest System,” said Case. “It will direct our federal government to pursue a formal process led by the U.S. Forest Service of engaging with state and community stakeholders toward identification of the most suitable Hawaii forests for inclusion as National Forests.” The National Forest System currently comprises 154 national forests, 20 national grasslands and several other federal land designations containing 193 million acres. Its core mission is to conserve precious resources for a variety of uses to include watershed management, research, cultural site preservation, wildlife habitat management and research and outdoor recreation. Case said: “Despite having some of the most unique and endangered forest lands in the country, Hawai‘i is one of only a handful of states nationwide without a National Forest. Establishing a National Forest in Hawai‘i would support tropical forest conservation and research throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and provide appropriate recreational, cultural and commercial opportunities in Hawai‘i,” all with financial and other assistance from the federal government. Earlier this year, Case arranged for Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources’ First Deputy Robert Masuda to testify before his Subcommittee in favor of the measure. “The citizens of Hawaii … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-hirono-advocacy-senate-clears-key-procedural-hurdle-to-build-community-based-outpatient-clinic-for-leeward-oahu-veterans Following Hirono Advocacy, Senate Clears Key Procedural Hurdle to Build Community-Based Outpatient Clinic for Leeward Oahu Veterans 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 04, 2020 Following Hirono Advocacy, Senate Clears Key Procedural Hurdle to Build Community-Based Outpatient Clinic for Leeward Oahu Veterans Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Approved Lease Prospectus for the Long-Awaited Advanced Leeward Outpatient Health Care Access (ALOHA) Project WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, announced that the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee approved a resolution that would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award a lease for the Advanced Leeward Outpatient Health Care Access (ALOHA) Project. Once the project receives similar approval from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the VA could formally move forward with the lease award. Leeward Oahu veterans have been waiting for years for a new facility that would improve their access to health care closer to home,Senator Hirono said.Passage of this resolution brings us one step closer to making the ALOHA Project a reality for these veterans, and represents progress toward fulfilling the vision of Senator Daniel K. Akaka who first spearheaded this project working with local veterans. I will work with my former colleagues on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to pass their companion resolution when the new Congress convenes in January 2021 so an award can be made and construction can finally begin. The unanimous passage of this resolution in the EPW Committee authorizes the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide approval to award a 15-year lease at an annual rent of $5.9 million for the project. It also authorizes an up-front lump sum payment of $18 million to facilitate construction of the facility. When completed, the ALOHA Project will be a 66,000 foot multispecialty VA clinic on the Ewa Plain area of Oahu and provide primary care, mental health care, x-ray… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-effort-to-approve-construction-of-two-military-child-care-centers-in-hawaii-included-in-legislation-expected-to-be-made-law Hirono Effort to Approve Construction of Two Military Child Care Centers in Hawaii Included in Legislation Expected to Be Made Law 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 04, 2020 Hirono Effort to Approve Construction of Two Military Child Care Centers in Hawaii Included in Legislation Expected to Be Made Law NDAA includes $307.9 million in military construction in Hawaii WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), a Senate Armed Services Committee member and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conferee, successfully included $65 million to construct a child development center at Aliamanu Military Reservation and $39 million for a Schofield Barracks child development center in the Fiscal Year 2021 NDAA conference report, which is expected to pass Congress and become law in the coming weeks. Senator Hirono also successfully advocated for the construction of an $89 million aircraft maintenance hangar at Wheeler Army Air Field and $114.9 million to improve waterfront facilities at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to accommodate Los Angeles and Virginia class submarines. The need for quality child care has become even clearer during the pandemic. That need is especially acute for military families, as many service members are still performing their duties in person. I advocated for the inclusion of language that clears the way for the construction of two new child care facilities in Hawaii, so that service members can have peace of mind that their children are safe while they serve our country,Senator Hirono said.I also secured approval for other construction that will keep our state and country safe, including improvements to Wheeler Army Air Field and wharves at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Senator Hirono announced in June that she had successfullyincludedthe child care facilities andotherHawaii military construction projects in the Senate Armed Services Committee-passed version of the NDAA. ### Print Email Tweet … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-first-anniversary-of-pearl-harbor-naval-shipyard-shooting Hirono Statement on First Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Shooting 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 04, 2020 Hirono Statement on First Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Shooting WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today issued the following statement on the first anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard shooting: One year ago, Roldan Agustin and Vincent Kapoi, Jr. reported to work at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to continue their vital role supporting our military and national security.By that afternoon, our state was shaken by news of a mass shooting at the shipyard. The anxiety of waiting for more information turned to grief at the news thatRoldan and Vincent lost their lives, and a third employee, Roger Nakamine, was wounded who thankfully later recovered. No community in our country, even in Hawaii, is immune from the tragedy of gun violence.Though we cannot ease the pain of their loss, I join the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard ohana in extending my thoughts and aloha to their loved ones. As we honor the memory of Roldan and Vincent, we also offer our gratitude to the Navy and first responders who courageously rushed into action to save lives. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/hawaii-to-receive-more-than-9-million-in-disaster-relief-funding-to-cover-hi-ema-operational-costs-from-2018-kilauea-eruption Hawaii To Receive More Than $9 Million In Disaster Relief Funding To Cover HI-EMA Operational Costs From 2018 Kilauea Eruption 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Hawaii To Receive More Than $9 Million In Disaster Relief Funding To Cover HI-EMA Operational Costs From 2018 Kilauea Eruption Friday, December 4, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today announced that the State of Hawaii will receive $9.3 million in new federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cover administrative expenses following the Kilauea eruption in 2018. While HI-EMA has been asked to do much more this year with a lot less revenue, this new funding will give the state more resources to continue their critical work and protect Hawaii residents from disasters,said Senator Schatz. To date, Hawaii has received more than a half a billion dollars in total federal relief funding to recover from the 2018 natural disasters. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-leads-bipartisan-bicameral-group-of-49-lawmakers-in-calling-for-permanent-expansion-of-telehealth-coverage-in-end-of-year-legislation Schatz Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Of 49 Lawmakers In Calling For Permanent Expansion Of Telehealth Coverage In End Of Year Legislation 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Of 49 Lawmakers In Calling For Permanent Expansion Of Telehealth Coverage In End Of Year Legislation Schatz Telehealth Measures Included in COVID-19 Relief Bills On Temporary Basis; Telehealth Use Among Medicare Beneficiaries Increased By Nearly 13,000% In Just Over A Month Friday, December 4, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) led a bipartisan group of 49 lawmakers in calling for the expansion of access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic to be made permanent. Provisions from the Schatz-authored CONNECT for Health Act that have allowed Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country, and in their homes, to utilize telehealth services, as well as more types of health care providers to provide telehealth, were included in previous COVID-19 legislation but will expire following the pandemic unless congressional leaders act now to make those measures permanent. Telehealth has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring that patients can continue to receive the health care services that they need while minimizing the spread of the virus and keeping health care providers and patients healthy and safe, the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). We continue to hear from our constituents and health care providers that the uncertainty about the long-term future of Medicare telehealth coverage is a barrier to organizations investing fully in telehealth. Congress needs to act now to better serve patients and health care providers during the pandemic, and to ensure that telehealth remains an option after the pandemic is over. In their letter, the lawmakers highlight the growing use and benefits of telehealth during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/honolulu-civil-beat-gabbard-case-vote-decriminalize-marijuana Honolulu Civil Beat | Gabbard, Case Vote To Decriminalize Marijuana 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Tulsi Gabbard G000571 gabbard.house.gov     legacy The House bill, which faces an uphill Senate vote, would also expunge pending and past pot convictions. Hawaii's two U.S. representatives were in the majority Friday in a 228-164 vote approving the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement Act. The bill would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse and include heroin, LSD, Ecstasy and peyote. The measure would also retroactively apply to prior and pending convictions for pakalolo. The MORE Act, which was introduced by Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, was co-introduced by Tulsi Gabbard, a fellow Democrat. Finally, Gabbard said on the House floor in remarks later distributed in a press release. This is a historic moment that so many here and across the country have been working towards to take this step to end America's destructive and costly war on drugs that has turned everyday Americans into criminals and torn families apart ruining so many people's lives. Democrat Ed Case of Hawaii also voted in favor of the bill, which now goes on to the GOP-controlled Senate where its prospects are dim, according to news reports. The bill also creates pathways for ownership opportunities in the emerging industry, says NBC News, allowing veterans to obtain medical cannabis recommendations from Veteran Affairs doctors, and establishes funding sources to reinvest in communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. Friday's vote was the first time a full chamber of Congress has taken up the issue of federally decriminalizing cannabis. Five Republicans voted with 222 Democrats in approving the bill, while 158 GOP members voted against it along with six Democrats. Thirty-eight members did not vote. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/video-rep-gabbard-votes-end-marijuana-criminalization-protect-freedom-choice VIDEO: Rep. Gabbard Votes to End Marijuana Criminalization, Protect Freedom of Choice 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Tulsi Gabbard G000571 gabbard.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) voted to pass H.R.3884, the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act. Rep. Gabbard co-led introduction of the bill last summer along with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (NY-10) and others. The bill would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level, expunge pending and past convictions, and authorize a sales tax on marijuana with funds to be used for programs to help communities disproportionately impacted by marijuana's criminalization. The bill was passed by a vote of 228-164 and now goes to the Senate for consideration. During debate on the bill, Rep. Gabbard offered remarks in support of the bill. Her remarks follow: Finally. This is a historic moment that so many here and across the country have been working towards to take this step to end America's destructive and costly war on drugs that has turned everyday Americans into criminals and torn families apart ruining so many people's lives. This legislation removes cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and frees states to regulate it as they choose and encourages research into the medicinal qualities of this plant that we already know are changing people's lives and saving people's lives. It also applies retroactively, expunging prior convictions and records, freeing a generation of people from the shackles of this failed war on drugs. The bottom line is this vote is about freedom. It's about freedom of choice for every American to make their own decisions for themselves without fear of the government coming and arresting them. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. The Senate should pass it quickly so we can send it to the President for his signature. Background:H.R.3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act: Decriminalizes marijuana at the federal level by removing the substance from the Controlled Substances Act. This applies retroactively to prior and pending convictions, and enables states to set their own policy. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-to-receive-more-than-9-million-in-disaster-relief-funding-to-cover-hi-ema-operational-costs-from-2018-kilauea-eruption Hawai‘i To Receive More Than $9 Million In Disaster Relief Funding To Cover HI-EMA Operational Costs From 2018 Kilauea Eruption 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that the State of Hawai‘i will receive $9.3 million in new federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cover administrative expenses following the Kilauea eruption in 2018. “While HI-EMA has been asked to do much more this year with a lot less revenue, this new funding will give the state more resources to continue their critical work and protect Hawai‘i residents from disasters,” said Senator Schatz. To date, Hawai‘i has received more than a half a billion dollars in total federal relief funding to recover from the 2018 natural disasters. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-bipartisan-bicameral-group-of-49-lawmakers-in-calling-for-permanent-expansion-of-telehealth-coverage-in-end-of-year-legislation Schatz Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Of 49 Lawmakers In Calling For Permanent Expansion Of Telehealth Coverage In End Of Year Legislation 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a bipartisan group of 49 lawmakers in calling for the expansion of access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic to be made permanent. Provisions from the Schatz-authored CONNECT for Health Act that have allowed Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country, and in their homes, to utilize telehealth services, as well as more types of health care providers to provide telehealth, were included in previous COVID-19 legislation but will expire following the pandemic unless congressional leaders act now to make those measures permanent. “Telehealth has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring that patients can continue to receive the health care services that they need while minimizing the spread of the virus and keeping health care providers and patients healthy and safe,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). “We continue to hear from our constituents and health care providers that the uncertainty about the long-term future of Medicare telehealth coverage is a barrier to organizations investing fully in telehealth. Congress needs to act now to better serve patients and health care providers during the pandemic, and to ensure that telehealth remains an option after the pandemic is over.” In their letter, the lawmakers highlight the growing use and benefits of telehealth during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by nearly 13,000 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic. The bipartisan and bicameral Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, led by Senator Schatz, was first intro… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-13-million-in-funding-for-west-hawaii-community-health-center Hirono Announces $1.3 Million in Funding for West Hawaii Community Health Center 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy December 03, 2020 Hirono Announces $1.3 Million in Funding for West Hawaii Community Health Center WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced that West Hawaii Community Health Center (CHC) is set to receive $1,311,644 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue offering critical health services, including medical, dental, and behavioral health care, to rural and underserved communities at eight locations in West Hawaii. West Hawaii CHC also offers coronavirus testing and telemedicine to better serve their patients during the ongoing public health crisis. The coronavirus pandemic has stretched public health resources thin. This ongoing funding will support West Hawaii Community Health Center as they continue providing the essential health care services that Hawaii Island residents rely on. I remain an advocate of full funding for community health centers so these vital safety net providers can continue to keep communities across our state and country healthy,Senator Hirono said. Access to affordable primary health care is incredibly vital for all people - especially now during the pandemic. All people deserve safe and dependable access to health care, regardless of their ability to pay. West Hawaii Community Health Center is proud to serve our community, providing essential medical, dental and behavioral health care services in-person, and via telehealth, for our community. Keeping our patients and our community safe during this pandemic is our number one priority. This award helps make these crucial services available for the people of West Hawaii,Richard Taaffe, CEO of West Hawaii Community Health Center said. This funding is part of a continuing grant for the calendar year 2021. Health centers may use this funding for a variety of projects, including the expansion of primary health care access to new health centers and sites, additional services, improving information technology, and boosting services for emerging public health concerns l… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/-following-calls-for-reform-from-schatz-key-provision-to-begin-improving-1033-program-included-in-ndaa Following Calls For Reform From Schatz, Key Provision To Begin Improving 1033 Program Included In NDAA 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Following Calls For Reform From Schatz, Key Provision To Begin Improving 1033 Program Included In NDAA Schatz Forced Bipartisan Vote On Amendments To Reform 1033 Program Despite Republican Objections; NDAA Expected To Pass Congress And Be Signed Into Law In Coming Weeks Thursday, December 3, 2020 WASHINGTON Bipartisan congressional leaders today announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes key reforms to the Department of Defense's 1033 program, which authorizes the federal transfer of military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. The adoption of the provision follows legislation and calls from U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) to stop police militarization and reform the 1033 program. Schatz first introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the program in May 2015. These reforms will help take weapons of war including bayonets and grenades out of our communities, said Senator Schatz. This is an essential step forward in demilitarizing our police departments. Senator Schatz forced a series of votes on the Senate floor in July during its consideration of the annual defense authorization bill. The final provision will restrict the transfer of bayonets, grenades, weaponized track combat vehicles, and weaponized drones. It will also require law enforcement agencies that receive 1033 equipment to certify that their police officers receive annual training on respect for the rights of citizens under the Constitution and de-escalation of force. Reports have shown that police militarization fails to reduce rates of violent crime or change the number of officers assaulted or killed. Instead, arming police departments with military equipment has led to an increase in officer-involved shootings and civilian deaths. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-improve-the-way-the-public-receives-emergency-alerts-set-to-become-law Schatz Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Emergency Alerts Set To Become Law 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Emergency Alerts Set To Become Law Included In NDAA, READI Act Expected To Easily Pass Congress And Be Signed Into Law; Three Additional Bipartisan Schatz Provisions To Create A Nationwide AMBER Alert System, Encourage And Plan For Growth Of Internet-Connect Devices, And Confront Deepfake Videos Included In Must-Pass NDAA Thursday, December 3, 2020 WASHINGTON Bipartisan congressional negotiators released details of the annual must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and John Thune (R-S.D.), will ensure more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions, and radios, explore new ways of alerting the public through online video and audio streaming services, track and study false alerts when they occur, and improve the way states plan for emergency alerts. When a missile alert went out across Hawaii in 2018, some people never got the message on their phones, while others missed it on their TVs and radios. Even though it was a false alarm, the missile alert highlighted real ways we can improve the way people get emergency alerts, said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee. Our bill, which will soon become law, fixes some of these issues and will help make sure that in an emergency, the public gets the right information on their phones, TVs, radios, and computers as quickly as possible. The Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts System ensure that the public is quickly informed about emergency alerts issued by federal, state, tribal, and local governments and delivered over the radio, television, and mobile wireless devices. These announcements keep the public safe and informed and have ever-increasing importance in the… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-funding-extension-for-hawaii-national-guards-covid-19-response-operations Schatz Statement On Funding Extension For Hawaii National Guards COVID-19 Response Operations 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz Statement On Funding Extension For Hawaii National Guard's COVID-19 Response Operations Thursday, December 3, 2020 HONOLULU Following a letter sent by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Hawaii's congressional delegation, President Trump approved authorization and funding to extend the use of the Hawaii National Guard in a federal status, known as Title 32, in support of the state's COVID-19 response operations. This extension means our soldiers and airmen who are performing essential missions, including contact tracing and food and medical supply distribution, can continue their work without interruption, said Senator Schatz. In addition to contact tracing and food and supply distribution, the Hawaii National Guard is expected to play a key role in supporting the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to the public. The authorization and funding extension runs through March 31, 2021. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-following-calls-for-reform-from-schatz-key-provision-to-begin-improving-1033-program-included-in-ndaa Following Calls For Reform From Schatz, Key Provision To Begin Improving 1033 Program Included In NDAA 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Bipartisan congressional leaders today announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes key reforms to the Department of Defense’s 1033 program, which authorizes the federal transfer of military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. The adoption of the provision follows legislation and calls from U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) to stop police militarization and reform the 1033 program. Schatz first introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the program in May 2015. “These reforms will help take weapons of war – including bayonets and grenades – out of our communities,” said Senator Schatz. “This is an essential step forward in demilitarizing our police departments.” Senator Schatz forced a series of votes on the Senate floor in July during its consideration of the annual defense authorization bill. The final provision will restrict the transfer of bayonets, grenades, weaponized track combat vehicles, and weaponized drones. It will also require law enforcement agencies that receive 1033 equipment to certify that their police officers receive annual training on respect for the rights of citizens under the Constitution and de-escalation of force. Reports have shown that police militarization fails to reduce rates of violent crime or change the number of officers assaulted or killed. Instead, arming police departments with military equipment has led to an increase in officer-involved shootings and civilian deaths. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-improve-the-way-the-public-receives-emergency-alerts-set-to-become-law Schatz Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Emergency Alerts Set To Become Law 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Bipartisan congressional negotiators released details of the annual must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and John Thune (R-S.D.), will ensure more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions, and radios, explore new ways of alerting the public through online video and audio streaming services, track and study false alerts when they occur, and improve the way states plan for emergency alerts. “When a missile alert went out across Hawai‘i in 2018, some people never got the message on their phones, while others missed it on their TVs and radios. Even though it was a false alarm, the missile alert highlighted real ways we can improve the way people get emergency alerts,” said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee. “Our bill, which will soon become law, fixes some of these issues and will help make sure that in an emergency, the public gets the right information – on their phones, TVs, radios, and computers – as quickly as possible.” The Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts System ensure that the public is quickly informed about emergency alerts issued by federal, state, tribal, and local governments and delivered over the radio, television, and mobile wireless devices. These announcements keep the public safe and informed and have ever-increasing importance in the wake of the emergencies and disasters Americans faced throughout 2020. FEMA administers the platform government agencies use to originate alerts, while the FCC oversees the systems used to distribute the alerts over broadcast and mobile wireless networks. The READI Act will: Ensure more people receive emergency alerts by eliminating the option to opt out of receiving certain federal alerts, including missile alerts, on mobile phones; Require… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-funding-extension-for-hawaii-national-guards-covid-19-response-operations Schatz Statement On Funding Extension For Hawai‘i National Guard’s COVID-19 Response Operations 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – Following a letter sent by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation, President Trump approved authorization and funding to extend the use of the Hawai‘i National Guard in a federal status, known as Title 32, in support of the state’s COVID-19 response operations. “This extension means our soldiers and airmen who are performing essential missions, including contact tracing and food and medical supply distribution, can continue their work without interruption,” said Senator Schatz. In addition to contact tracing and food and supply distribution, the Hawai‘i National Guard is expected to play a key role in supporting the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to the public. The authorization and funding extension runs through March 31, 2021. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-urges-ige-to-maintain-expanded-covid-19-contact-tracing-program-calls-for-plan-to-continue-funding-operating-program Schatz Urges Ige To Maintain Expanded COVID-19 Contact Tracing Program, Calls For Plan To Continue Funding, Operating Program 2020-12-01 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz Urges Ige To Maintain Expanded COVID-19 Contact Tracing Program, Calls For Plan To Continue Funding, Operating Program Tuesday, December 1, 2020 HONOLULU U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today called on Governor David Ige to maintain Hawaii's expanded COVID-19 contact tracing program. With some federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act set to expire at the end of the year, Schatz urged Ige to utilize other sources of funding to ensure the contact tracing program remains fully operational. I am alarmed that there does not seem to be a plan yet for how to fully fund the contact tracing program after December 30. I urge you to maintain the expanded contact tracing program beyond the end of the year and to utilize all available resources to do so. Now is not the time to let our foot off the pedalwe must do all we can to keep the number of new cases low and protect the health of the residents of Hawai?i, Senator Schatz wrote in a letter to the governor. The full text of the letter follows and is available here. Dear Governor Ige: Contact tracing is an important component of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. As you know, I was frustrated with the Department of Health's (DOH's) initial reluctance to implement a robust contact tracing program, but I have been encouraged by the ramp-up of hiring and efforts to improve the efficiency of the program in recent months. However, I am writing with concerns about the future of the contact tracing program. I understand that federal funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, has supported the increase in contact tracing staff. The CRF can only be used for costs incurred until December 30, 2020, and I am alarmed that there does not seem to be a plan yet for how to fully fund the contact tracing program after December 30. I urge you to maintain the expanded contact tracing program beyo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-urges-ige-to-maintain-expanded-covid-19-contact-tracing-program-calls-for-plan-to-continue-funding-operating-program Schatz Urges Ige To Maintain Expanded COVID-19 Contact Tracing Program, Calls For Plan To Continue Funding, Operating Program 2020-12-01 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today called on Governor David Ige to maintain Hawai‘i’s expanded COVID-19 contact tracing program. With some federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act set to expire at the end of the year, Schatz urged Ige to utilize other sources of funding to ensure the contact tracing program remains fully operational. “I am alarmed that there does not seem to be a plan yet for how to fully fund the contact tracing program after December 30. I urge you to maintain the expanded contact tracing program beyond the end of the year and to utilize all available resources to do so. Now is not the time to let our foot off the pedal—we must do all we can to keep the number of new cases low and protect the health of the residents of Hawai‘i,” Senator Schatz wrote in a letter to the governor. The full text of the letter follows and is available here. Dear Governor Ige: Contact tracing is an important component of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. As you know, I was frustrated with the Department of Health’s (DOH’s) initial reluctance to implement a robust contact tracing program, but I have been encouraged by the ramp-up of hiring and efforts to improve the efficiency of the program in recent months. However, I am writing with concerns about the future of the contact tracing program. I understand that federal funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, has supported the increase in contact tracing staff. The CRF can only be used for costs incurred until December 30, 2020, and I am alarmed that there does not seem to be a plan yet for how to fully fund the contact tracing program after December 30. I urge you to maintain the expanded contact tracing program beyond the end of the year and to utilize all available resources to do so. Now is not the time to let our foot off the pedal—we must do all we can to keep the number of new cases low and p… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-the-nomination-of-neera-tanden-to-serve-as-director-of-the-office-of-management-and-budget Hirono Statement on the Nomination of Neera Tanden to Serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget 2020-11-30 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy November 30, 2020 Hirono Statement on the Nomination of Neera Tanden to Serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) issuing the following statement after President-elect Joe Biden announced the nomination of Neera Tanden to serve as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget: President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris have committed to building an administration of highly-qualified individuals that reflect the diversity of our country. They continued to make good on this promise by nominating a groundbreaking economic team including Neera Tanden who, if confirmed, would be the first woman of color and first South Asian American to serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Neera is a highly qualified nominee whose professional and lived experience makes her an accomplished choice to lead OMB. As someone who relied on food stamps and public housing growing up, Neera understands the transformational role and responsibility of government programs to help individuals and families across our country. I'm confident that she will focus on and support policies that address widespread inequality and promote economic opportunity for working families as OMB Director. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-demands-state-department-justify-removal-group-terrorist-list Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Demands State Department Justify Removal of Group from Terrorist List 2020-11-30 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Tulsi Gabbard G000571 gabbard.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo requesting evidence regarding the State Department's decision to remove the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) from its list of designated terrorist organizations. ETIM has a history of engaging in multiple terrorist activities targeting Americans, undermining security and stability in Central Asia, and has deep connections to Al-Qaida and the Taliban. Reports indicate ETIM is responsible for attacks in China ranging from mass stabbings to targeting the 2008 Beijing Olympics. These are a few examples that have warranted its placement on the State Department's list of designated terrorist organizations,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The State Department's quiet removal of this organization from the list of designated terrorist organizations without providing evidence to Congress to justify why they no longer view ETIM as a threat to the U.S., what to speak of evidence proving that this group is no longer affiliated with Al-Qaida, presents a serious national security concern. The American people and Congress deserve the facts and an explanation about how this action best serves the safety and security of our nation. Background: Independent experts such as Rohan Gunaratna, the former Head of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR) at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and Raffaello Pantucci, a senior associate fellow with the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies in London, as well as other terrorism experts, still consider ETIM to be a security threat that should not be removed from the designated terrorist list. About Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the H… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-calls-on-president-to-extend-funding-for-hawaii-national-guards-covid-19-response-operations Hawaii Delegation Calls On President To Extend Funding For Hawaii National Guards COVID-19 Response Operations 2020-11-25 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Hawaii Delegation Calls On President To Extend Funding For Hawaii National Guard's COVID-19 Response Operations National Guard COVID-19 Operations Include Contact Tracing, Food And Medical Supply Distribution Wednesday, November 25, 2020 HONOLULU U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) and Ed Case (D-Hawaii) today called on President Trump to approve Governor David Ige's request to extend authorization and funding for Hawaii National Guard's COVID-19 response operations. These brave soldiers and airmen are performing essential missions, such as contact tracing, operating mobile swab teams, delivering health education to at-risk communities, screening travelers, and supporting food and medical supply distribution. We also anticipate that the Hawaii National Guard will be instrumental in supporting the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to the public, the delegation wrote in their letter to the president. Your approval of this extension will give the Federal Emergency Management Agency the authority to amend the current mission assignment and release needed resources to the State of Hawaii as we continue to work to combat this virus and protect the public. The full text of the letter is below and is available here. Dear Mr. President: We respectfully ask that you expeditiously approve Governor David Ige's October 26, 2020, request to extend the authorization and funding under 502(f)(2)(A) of Title 32, U.S. Code for Hawaii's COVID-19 response operations. An extension of this authorization and funding through March 31, 2021, is critical to the public health and safety of Hawaii. We also urge you to restore the 100 percent federal cost share for these missions. The Governor's request would allow the Hawaii National Guard to continue critical and timely support across the State of Hawaii that is essential to helping the public remain safe during the pandemic. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-calls-on-president-to-extend-funding-for-hawaii-national-guards-covid-19-response-operations Hawai‘i Delegation Calls On President To Extend Funding For Hawai‘i National Guard’s COVID-19 Response Operations 2020-11-25 2020 2020-11 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 Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawai‘i) and Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) today called on President Trump to approve Governor David Ige’s request to extend authorization and funding for Hawai‘i National Guard’s COVID-19 response operations. “These brave soldiers and airmen are performing essential missions, such as contact tracing, operating mobile swab teams, delivering health education to at-risk communities, screening travelers, and supporting food and medical supply distribution. We also anticipate that the Hawai‘i National Guard will be instrumental in supporting the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to the public,” the delegation wrote in their letter to the president. “Your approval of this extension will give the Federal Emergency Management Agency the authority to amend the current mission assignment and release needed resources to the State of Hawai‘i as we continue to work to combat this virus and protect the public.” The full text of the letter is below and is available here. Dear Mr. President: We respectfully ask that you expeditiously approve Governor David Ige’s October 26, 2020, request to extend the authorization and funding under 502(f)(2)(A) of Title 32, U.S. Code for Hawai‘i’s COVID-19 response operations. An extension of this authorization and funding through March 31, 2021, is critical to the public health and safety of Hawai‘i. We also urge you to restore the 100 percent federal cost share for these missions. The Governor’s request would allow the Hawai‘i National Guard to continue critical and timely support across the State of Hawai‘i that is essential to helping the public remain safe during the pandemic. These brave soldiers and airmen are performing essential missions, such as contact tracing, operating mobile swab teams, delivering health education to at-risk communities, screening travelers, and supporting food and medical supply distribution. We also anticipate that th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/kauai-set-to-receive-more-than-350000-to-help-renters-who-lost-income-due-to-pandemic Kauai Set To Receive More Than $350,000 To Help Renters Who Lost Income Due To Pandemic 2020-11-24 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Kauai Set To Receive More Than $350,000 To Help Renters Who Lost Income Due To Pandemic Tuesday, November 24, 2020 HONOLULU Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announced that the Kauai County Housing Agency will receive $352,924 in federal funding to support the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. These funds will help support rental assistance programs for current voucher holders who lost their job or saw a significant reduction in income due to the pandemic. This federal grant will help those who have lost their job or had their hours cut make rent, said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. During this tough time, we'll keep working to deliver more relief to help both renters and landlords avoid falling into debt. The HCV program helps very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Approximately 700 households rely on Section 8 housing on Kauai. Before the pandemic, HCV voucher holders were required to pay 30 percent of their income towards rent, and the voucher covered the difference. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, tenants affected by the pandemic can pay less than 30 percent toward rent and this new funding for the HCV program will offset the difference. This grant follows the $1.8 million the state of Hawaii received to support the HCV program earlier this month. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-22-million-in-federal-funding-headed-to-hawaii-island-to-repair-old-mamalahoa-highway-after-damage-from-hurricane-lane Schatz: $2.2 Million In Federal Funding Headed To Hawaii Island To Repair Old Mamalahoa Highway After Damage From Hurricane Lane 2020-11-24 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz: $2.2 Million In Federal Funding Headed To Hawaii Island To Repair Old Mamalahoa Highway After Damage From Hurricane Lane Tuesday, November 24, 2020 HONOLULU U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today announced that Hawaii County will receive $2,246,668.50 in new federal funding to repair Old Mamalahoa Highway after severe flood damage from Hurricane Lane in 2018. This new grant will help us build guard rails and other improvements on Old Mamalahoa Highway after damage from Hurricane Lane. That way, we can keep the road open even after heavy storms and help Big Island families travel safely,said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee."As we continue to recover from the natural disasters of 2018, I'll keep fighting for more federal resources for our state." This new federal grant came from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding will restore the damaged section of the highwayto its pre-disaster condition. To date, Hawaii has received more than $12 million to recover from Hurricane Lane and a half a billion dollars in total federal relief funding to recover from the 2018 natural disasters. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/kauai-set-to-receive-more-than-350000-to-help-renters-who-lost-income-due-to-pandemic Kauai Set To Receive More Than $350,000 To Help Renters Who Lost Income Due To Pandemic 2020-11-24 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the Kauai County Housing Agency will receive $352,924 in federal funding to support the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. These funds will help support rental assistance programs for current voucher holders who lost their job or saw a significant reduction in income due to the pandemic. “This federal grant will help those who have lost their job or had their hours cut make rent,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “During this tough time, we’ll keep working to deliver more relief to help both renters and landlords avoid falling into debt.” The HCV program helps very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Approximately 700 households rely on Section 8 housing on Kauai. Before the pandemic, HCV voucher holders were required to pay 30 percent of their income towards rent, and the voucher covered the difference. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, tenants affected by the pandemic can pay less than 30 percent toward rent and this new funding for the HCV program will offset the difference. This grant follows the $1.8 million the state of Hawai‘i received to support the HCV program earlier this month. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-22-million-in-federal-funding-headed-to-hawaii-island-to-repair-old-mamalahoa-highway-after-damage-from-hurricane-lane Schatz: $2.2 Million In Federal Funding Headed To Hawai‘i Island To Repair Old Mamalahoa Highway After Damage From Hurricane Lane 2020-11-24 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU — U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that Hawai‘i County will receive $2,246,668.50 in new federal funding to repair Old Mamalahoa Highway after severe flood damage from Hurricane Lane in 2018. “This new grant will help us build guard rails and other improvements on Old Mamalahoa Highway after damage from Hurricane Lane. That way, we can keep the road open even after heavy storms and help Big Island families travel safely,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "As we continue to recover from the natural disasters of 2018, I'll keep fighting for more federal resources for our state." This new federal grant came from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding will restore the damaged section of the highway to its pre-disaster condition. To date, Hawai‘i has received more than $12 million to recover from Hurricane Lane and a half a billion dollars in total federal relief funding to recover from the 2018 natural disasters. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-the-nomination-of-alejandro-mayorkas-to-be-secretary-of-homeland-security Hirono Statement on the Nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas to be Secretary of Homeland Security 2020-11-23 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy November 23, 2020 Hirono Statement on the Nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas to be Secretary of Homeland Security HONOLULU Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement after President-elect Joe Biden announced he selected Alejandro Mayorkas to serve as the next Secretary of Homeland Security: Today, President-elect Biden made a historic decision in selecting Alejandro Mayorkas to serve as the next Secretary of Homeland Security. The first Latino and immigrant nominated to serve in this role, Mr. Mayorkas will bring critical experience and perspective to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at a time when we need to fix our broken immigration system, undo the damage of the Trump Administration's cruel and inhumane anti-immigrant policies, and protect our nation from myriad threats in a manner consistent with our values. Our next DHS Secretary will face considerable challenges, and I am confident Mr. Mayorkas is the right person to restore America's core values as a nation of immigrants, reuniting families instead of tearing them apart, and keeping our country safe. I collaborated with Mr. Mayorkas during his previous tenure at DHS to expand federal support for growing Hawaii's visitor industry, and I look forward to working with him again as our state looks to recover from the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/honolulu-set-to-receive-nearly-18-million-to-repair-2018-flood-damage-to-wailupe-stream-boulder-basin Honolulu Set To Receive Nearly $1.8 Million To Repair 2018 Flood Damage To Wailupe Stream Boulder Basin 2020-11-23 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Honolulu Set To Receive Nearly $1.8 Million To Repair 2018 Flood Damage To Wailupe Stream Boulder Basin Monday, November 23, 2020 HONOLULU Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announced that the county of Honolulu will receive $1,766,053.50 to repair damage to the Wailupe Stream Boulder Basin resulting from severe flooding and landslides inApril2018. We need to do everything we can toprotect our families and our homes from devastating floods. These new federal funds will help by restoring the Wailupe Stream Boulder Basin to full strength," said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. As we continue to recover from the natural disasters in 2018, I will keep fighting for more federal resources at every opportunity. This new federal grant came from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding will not only restore the basin to its pre-disaster condition, but will cover additional improvements to prevent similar damage from severe weather in the future. To date, Hawaii has received more than a half a billion dollars in federal relief funding to help the state recover from the 2018 natural disasters. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/honolulu-set-to-receive-nearly-18-million-to-repair-2018-flood-damage-to-wailupe-stream-boulder-basin Honolulu Set To Receive Nearly $1.8 Million To Repair 2018 Flood Damage To Wailupe Stream Boulder Basin 2020-11-23 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper HONOLULU — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the county of Honolulu will receive $1,766,053.50 to repair damage to the Wailupe Stream Boulder Basin resulting from severe flooding and landslides in April 2018. “We need to do everything we can to protect our families and our homes from devastating floods. These new federal funds will help by restoring the Wailupe Stream Boulder Basin to full strength," said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “As we continue to recover from the natural disasters in 2018, I will keep fighting for more federal resources at every opportunity.” This new federal grant came from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding will not only restore the basin to its pre-disaster condition, but will cover additional improvements to prevent similar damage from severe weather in the future. To date, Hawai‘i has received more than a half a billion dollars in federal relief funding to help the state recover from the 2018 natural disasters. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-questions-tech-executives-on-anti-conservative-bias-and-labeling-social-media-posts Senator Hirono Questions Tech Executives on Anti-Conservative Bias and Labeling Social Media Posts 2020-11-20 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy Senator Hirono Questions Tech Executives on Anti-Conservative Bias and Labeling Social Media Posts Connect with Senator Mazie Hirono Online: Visit Senator Mazie Hirono's WEBSITE: https://sen.gov/Z7ZK Like Senator Mazie Hirono on FACEBOOK: https://sen.gov/W7WW Follow Senator Mazie Hirono on TWITTER: https://sen.gov/X5X0 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-introduces-bill-to-permanently-establish-servicemembers-and-veterans-initiative-in-justice-departments-civil-rights-division Hirono Introduces Bill to Permanently Establish Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative in Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division 2020-11-19 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy November 19, 2020 Hirono Introduces Bill to Permanently Establish Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative in Justice Department's Civil Rights Division WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced S. 4915, the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020, to permanently establish the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative (SVI) within the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ). In 2015, DOJ announced the creation of the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative. The SVI coordinated and expanded the Department's efforts to enforce the statutes created to protect the rights and legal interests of the men and women serving in the armed forces and their families. The Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020 supports the critical work of the existing SVI by updating and formalizing the SVI's mandate. The legislation specifies that the SVI serves as legal and policy advisor to the Attorney General on enforcing federal laws that protect servicemembers and veterans, serves as the liaison between DOJ and the military departments, and serves as a liaison with the Criminal Division to coordinate the prosecution of fraud that targets servicemembers and their families. Our servicemembers, veterans, and their families in Hawaii and across our country make significant sacrifices to safeguard our freedoms. We owe it to them to make sure that our government protects their rights and legal interests during their deployment, while they transition back home, and as they settle into their civilian lives. The Servicemembers and Veterans Act of 2020 recognizes and supports DOJ's important work to defend the rights of those who protect our country,Senator Hirono said. Since its creation, the SVI has worked with the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Judge Advocate General offices at military installations to bring successful claims on behalf of servicemembers, veterans, and their families. In 2018, through the work of the Servicemembers and Veter… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-more-than-2-million-in-federal-grants-to-hawaii-in-national-coastal-resilience-fund-awards Hirono Announces More Than $2 Million in Federal Grants to Hawaii in National Coastal Resilience Fund Awards 2020-11-18 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy November 18, 2020 Hirono Announces More Than $2 Million in Federal Grants to Hawaii in National Coastal Resilience Fund Awards WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced that Hawaii will receive more than $2 million in federal grant funds from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 2020 National Coastal Resilience Fund. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Forestry and Wildlife received $1,861,422 to build community resiliency by restoring native ecosystems and constructing strategic firebreaks on Molokai. The University of Hawaii at Manoa received $337,037 to create a living shoreline project in American Samoa that will protect critical infrastructure, improve water quality by increasing filtration, and enhance biodiversity. Hanalei Watershed Hui received $250,000 to address flooding in Hanalei Basin and to begin designing mitigation strategies on Kauai. Island communities in Hawaii and the Pacific region continue to experience more frequent and extreme weather events due to climate change. Investments in natural infrastructure are critical in helping to mitigate adverse impacts from climate change. This funding will contribute to increased resiliency across the islands by helping communities protect our eroding shorelines, conserve our coastal and marine ecosystems, mitigate wildfires, and preserve our biodiversity,Senator Hirono said. Senator Hirono has consistently supported funding for the National Coastal Resilience Fund and is a longtime champion for directing federal resources to help protect Hawaii's unique biodiversity. She has introduced a variety of bills to support biodiversity, includingS. 2384, the Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act,S. 3117, the Extinction Prevention Act,S. 2429, the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2019, andS. 1922, the Coral Sustainability Through Innovation Act of 2019. ### … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-nearly-1-million-headed-to-hawaii-to-increase-covid-19-testing-for-pacific-islander-communities Schatz: Nearly $1 Million Headed To Hawaii To Increase COVID-19 Testing For Pacific Islander Communities 2020-11-18 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov     legacy Schatz: Nearly $1 Million Headed To Hawaii To Increase COVID-19 Testing For Pacific Islander Communities New Federal Funding Will Help Address Disproportionately High Infection Rates Among Pacific Islanders Wednesday, November 18, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today announced that the University of Hawaii(UH)at Manoa will receive $958,613 from the National Institutes of Health to increase the reach, access and uptake of COVID-19 testing amongPacific Islander communities in Hawaii and Guam. This grant will fund the Puipuia le Ola project, whichimproves testingoutreach toPacific Islanders throughculturallyand linguistically appropriate community engagement. "We need to do more to fightoutbreaks in Pacific Islander communities. By ramping up testing and supporting the targeted outreach efforts of local agencies on the ground, we can help stop the spread of the virus,said Senator Schatz, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.There's still more work to do, but this federal grant is a good start. According to the Hawaii Department of Health, Pacific Islanders account for28 percent of COVID-19 infections, despite being just 4 percent of the state's population.Public health experts agree that increasing testing will help stop community spread of the virus, which will lead to fewer infections and deaths. ThePuipuia le Olaproject is a partnership between UH Manoa, University of Guam, Kalihi-Palama Health Center, the Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander COVID-19 Response, Recovery, Resilience Team (COVID 3R), HawaiiPublic Housing Authority, Hawaii Affordable Housing, Inc., American Samoa Government, and multiple community-based organizations. Since the start of the pandemic,Hawaii has received tens of millions in federal fundingfor coronavirus testing and other public health strategies to stop the spread. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-commends-passage-her-bill-crucial-emergency-alert-systems Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Commends Passage of Her Bill Crucial to Emergency Alert Systems Readiness 2020-11-18 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Tulsi Gabbard G000571 gabbard.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCYesterday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) hailed the House passage of H.R.6096, the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act. It was passed by voice vote and now goes to the Senate for consideration. She re-introduced the bill in March this year along with Reps. McNerney (CA-09), Bilirakis (FL-12), and Olson (TX-22). The January 2018 false missile alert crisis we endured in Hawaii revealed deep vulnerabilities within our warning system infrastructure. Given our location as a state and the threats we are exposed to, our warning system must be current, functional, and able to communicate accurate information to people across all available platforms. The READI Act requires states to keep their Emergency Alert System Plans tested and up to date, and it requires the FCC to create best practices for state and local governments,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. It ensures more people are reached by removing the opt-out feature for emergency alerts on mobile phones and brings us into the 21st Century by meeting consumers in new digital spaces like online streaming services. The READI Act has bipartisan, bicameral support and was included in the Senate version of the 2021 national defense authorization bill earlier this year. There are efforts to include the bill in the final version of the annual defense bill, which is being considered by Congress this month. Background:H.R.6096, the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement Act (READI Act) would: Require State Emergency Communications Committees to periodically review and update their State Emergency Alert System (EAS) Plans, which are often out of date. Direct Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide guidance to state, tribal, and local governments on issuing alerts (including the initiation, modification, and cancellation of alerts) and on training and certification of alerting officials, among other things. Ensure that more people receive emergency alerts by eliminating the option to opt out of rec… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-nearly-1-million-headed-to-hawaii-to-increase-covid-19-testing-for-pacific-islander-communities Schatz: Nearly $1 Million Headed To Hawai‘i To Increase COVID-19 Testing For Pacific Islander Communities 2020-11-18 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that the University of Hawai‘i (UH) at Manoa will receive $958,613 from the National Institutes of Health to increase the reach, access and uptake of COVID-19 testing among Pacific Islander communities in Hawai‘i and Guam. This grant will fund the Puipuia le Ola project, which improves testing outreach to Pacific Islanders through culturally and linguistically appropriate community engagement. "We need to do more to fight outbreaks in Pacific Islander communities. By ramping up testing and supporting the targeted outreach efforts of local agencies on the ground, we can help stop the spread of the virus,” said Senator Schatz, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “There’s still more work to do, but this federal grant is a good start.” According to the Hawai‘i Department of Health, Pacific Islanders account for 28 percent of COVID-19 infections, despite being just 4 percent of the state’s population. Public health experts agree that increasing testing will help stop community spread of the virus, which will lead to fewer infections and deaths. The Puipuia le Ola project is a partnership between UH Manoa, University of Guam, Kalihi-Palama Health Center, the Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander COVID-19 Response, Recovery, Resilience Team (COVID 3R), Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority, Hawai‘i Affordable Housing, Inc., American Samoa Government, and multiple community-based organizations. Since the start of the pandemic, Hawai‘i has received tens of millions in federal funding for coronavirus testing and other public health strategies to stop the spread. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-11-senate-democrats-in-calling-for-trump-administration-to-support-nationwide-capacity-for-shipping-handling-and-distribution-of-covid-19-vaccines-requiring-ultra-cold-storage Hirono Leads 11 Senate Democrats in Calling for Trump Administration to Support Nationwide Capacity for Shipping, Handling, and Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines Requiring Ultra-Cold Storage 2020-11-17 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov     legacy November 17, 2020 Hirono Leads 11 Senate Democrats in Calling for Trump Administration to Support Nationwide Capacity for Shipping, Handling, and Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines Requiring Ultra-Cold Storage WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and 11 of her Senate Democratic colleagues wrote to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Robert Redfield, urging the agencies to work with state, Tribal, territorial, and local stakeholders to identify gaps in ultra-cold storage capability, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and use existing authority to prevent supply shortages. This information will be especially important in light of recent news that Pfizer/BioNTech may soon apply for Emergency Use Authorization for their COVID-19 vaccine candidate, which requires ultra-cold temperature storage capabilities that many providers currently lack. The absence of guidance and support from the federal government about how to secure cold chain integrity is a critical challenge for states working to craft and eventually implement their immunization programs. The letter asks HHS and CDC to urgently provide additional information to help ensure that stakeholders nationwide can be prepared to distribute, store, and administer ultra-cold vaccines as soon as one is approved or authorized, which could be as soon as next month. While we understand that some logistical details may be unknowable at this time given that a vaccine has yet to be granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), it is alarming that the federal government has not provided more detailed guidance or additional resources to help state, territorial, and local governments understand the most likely mechanisms for distribution or requirements and recommendations for maintaining the cold chain, funding projections, or critical risks that should be addressed,the Senators wrote.This lack of guidance has severely hindered the ability… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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