Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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406 rows where state = "HI" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/over-the-last-year-schatz-secured-more-than-6-billion-to-support-mauis-recovery-build-more-housing-improve-infrastructure-expand-high-speed-internet-and-advance-other-priorities-across-hawaii | Over The Last Year, Schatz Secured More Than $6 Billion To Support Maui’s Recovery, Build More Housing, Improve Infrastructure, Expand High-Speed Internet & Advance Other Priorities Across Hawai‘i | 2024-12-30 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | HONOLULU – In 2024, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) helped secure more than $6 billion in federal funding for Hawai‘i as he led efforts to deliver resources to support Maui’s recovery from last year’s fires and advance a range of other priorities for the state. Earlier this month, Schatz announced an estimated $1.6 billion in new funding for Maui’s continued recovery, aimed at building permanent housing for survivors, in addition to almost $500 million to support economic development, small business needs, water infrastructure, and more. The funding was approved following efforts led by Schatz for more than a year to press the need for long-term disaster aid both in Congress and with the Biden administration. “Survivors on Maui are doing everything they can to recover – but they can’t do it alone. That’s why getting funding to build housing – which remains the top priority – was so important,” said Senator Schatz. “People can’t fully recover without stable, permanent housing, and it’s critical that homes now get built as quickly as possible.” Senator Schatz added, “We also delivered significant funding this year to improve infrastructure of all kinds, expand access to high-speed internet, and help people transition to clean energy. Tackling Hawai‘i’s housing shortage is one of the biggest challenges of our time – and the new investments to encourage pro-housing policies and build housing on Hawaiian home lands are just the start. Whether it’s increasing SNAP benefits for families or preserving telehealth access or pushing to strengthen Hawai‘i’s security, we made real progress this year to help people across the state.” Earlier this year, Schatz, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), helped secure more than $6.6 million to build housing across the state by removing regulatory barriers that drive up the cost of housing. The funding came from a first-of-its-kind national program created by Schatz – the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Ho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3489 | Congressman Case Statement On The Passing Of Former President Jimmy Carter | 2024-12-29 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=7 | scraper | (Honolulu, HI) – Congressman Ed Case (First District - Hawai‘i) today issued the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter: “Faith, hope, service. These will always define President Jimmy Carter. Faith in God and humanity. Hope for our country and world and for each and all of us. Service as the purpose of life, each in our own best way. His was truly a life of consequence.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-jimmy-carter | Schatz Statement On The Passing Of Former President Jimmy Carter | 2024-12-29 | 2024 | 2024-12 | 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) issued the following statement after the death of former President Jimmy Carter: “I join Americans across the country in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter. As president, he worked to protect the environment, expand clean energy, champion human rights, and advance Middle East peace. After leaving office, he spent decades helping the less fortunate, in America and around the world. His legacy of service, kindness, and generosity will live on. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Carter family.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-biden-signs-rep-tokudas-legislation-to-start-process-of-designating-lahaina-a-national-heritage-area | President Biden Signs Rep. Tokuda’s Legislation to Start Process of Designating Lahaina a National Heritage Area | 2024-12-26 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5& | scraper | Washington, DC – Earlier this week, President Joe Biden signed U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda’s (HI-02) Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act into law. Under this law, the National Park Service, in consultation with state and local partners, will study the suitability and feasibility of a National Heritage Area designation for Lahaina. These areas are designated by Congress to complement state and local conservation efforts through recognition, federal funding, and technical assistance. “Sixteen months after the horrific fires forever changed Lahaina, the community is still rebuilding while trying to preserve what was miraculously saved. President Biden has always recognized Lahaina’s long road to recovery and continues to lend his unwavering support. I am so proud and grateful that President Biden recognizes Lahaina’s historic and cultural significance and how my legislation helps ensure future generations do as well,” said Rep. Tokuda. U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) introduced the Senate companion of the legislation and helped secure its passage on the Senate floor on December 16, 2024. There are 62 National Heritage Areas in the United States but none in Hawaiʻi. Kaʻena Point is currently being studied for designation. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-biden-signs-hirono-cruz-legislation-into-law-to-maintain-access-to-the-federal-courts | President Biden Signs Hirono, Cruz Legislation Into Law to Maintain Access to the Federal Courts | 2024-12-23 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Joseph R. Biden signed the Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act into law. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation led by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ted Cruz (R-TX), both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, transitions 10 temporary federal judgeships—including one in Hawaii—to permanent status in order to maintain the current level of access to the federal court for millions of Americans across the nation. “It was heartening to see broad bipartisan consensus on this bill to make the temporary district court judgeships around the country permanent, and I am glad that President Biden signed it into law,” said Senator Hirono. “This legislation will ensure that people in Hawaii, Texas, and across the country can continue to rely on these longstanding temporary judgeships. I thank Senator Cruz for his partnership, and all of the Senate and House cosponsors of this legislation for their support.” The Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act grants permanent status to all 10 currently-existing temporary federal district court judgeships in the following federal district courts: U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama U.S. District Court for the Central District of California U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina The full text of the legislation is available here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-biden-signs-hirono-tokuda-bill-to-study-designating-lahaina-as-national-heritage-area-into-law | President Biden Signs Hirono, Tokuda Bill to Study Designating Lahaina as National Heritage Area Into Law | 2024-12-23 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Joseph R. Biden signed into law the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act, a bill introduced by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI). The bicameral legislation directs the National Park Service, in coordination with Maui County and other state and local partners, to study the suitability and feasibility of a National Heritage Area designation for Lahaina. The bill passed the House and unanimously passed the Senate last month. “The historic, natural, and cultural resources found in Lahaina tell a nationally significant story and the devastating August 2023 wildfires shed light on how special this town is to our communities and to the country,” said Senator Hirono. “I am proud President Biden signed the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act into law, as this bill will place Lahaina under consideration to become a National Heritage Area, helping to ensure that this town is celebrated and appreciated for generations to come.” The Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act was also cosponsored by Representative Ed Case (D-HI). The National Park Service currently oversees 62 National Heritage Areas across the country, none of which are in Hawaii. In 2022, the House passed Senator Hirono’s Kaena Point National Heritage Area Act to study designating Kaena Point on Oahu as a National Heritage Area. The full text of the legislation is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-more-than-2-billion-in-new-disaster-aid-funding-for-maui-passes-senate-set-to-be-signed-into-law | Schatz: More Than $2 Billion In New Disaster Aid Funding For Maui Passes Senate, Set To Be Signed Into Law | 2024-12-21 | 2024 | 2024-12 | 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), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, voted to pass more than $110 billion in new long-term recovery funding for disaster-impacted communities nationwide. Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, worked to include an estimated $1.6 billion in new Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding for housing on Maui and an estimated $480 million more for economic development, small business loans, and water infrastructure, among other things. The funding bill is expected to be signed into law by the president today. “The $1.6 billion in CDBG-DR funding is for three things: housing, housing, and housing,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “For the past 16 months, the people of Lahaina have done everything in their power to recover as quickly as they can. But they were never meant to do it alone. As disaster response gives way to disaster recovery, building housing is the top priority. People can’t fully recover without permanent, stable housing, and that’s why getting this funding now is so important.” In addition to the estimated $1.6 billion in CDBG-DR funding for housing, about $480 million more will be heading to Maui, including: At least $22 million to support economic recovery, agriculture, and conservation effort At least $12 million to provide loans to impacted small businesses $33 million to repair roads $350 million to build critical water infrastructure $19 million for child care Since the Maui fires in August 2023, Schatz has continually led efforts in Congress to deliver relief for survivors, including securing $16 billion for the national Disaster Relief Fund last year and most recently co-sponsoring the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act which passed the Senate unanimously last week. The bill exempts survivors of the fires from having to pay federal income tax on their settlement money or pay tax on attorney fees included in the settlement. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3488 | Case Announces House Passage Of Measure To Provide Continued Critical Disaster Relief For Lahaina | 2024-12-20 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1) voted today on the bipartisan continuing resolution drafted by his Appropriations Committee to keep government programs and services funded until March 14, 2025. The package also includes supplemental relief funds necessary to help Maui and other communities across the country recover from recent natural disasters. “Aside from highly disappointing and totally unnecessary last-minute drama leading up to this vote, this measure is critical to the millions across our country who rely on core federal programs for themselves and their families,” said Case. “Especially welcome is the continuation of disaster funding for which the Hawai‘i Congressional delegation has fought hard to help Maui recover from the one of deadliest fires in our nation’s history,” said Case. The House approved the bill by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 366-34. The Senate is expected to approve the bill shortly and send it to the President, who is expected to sign the bill into law. The bill also includes a one-year reauthorization of the Farm Bill, a comprehensive piece of legislation passed by Congress roughly every five years that directs U.S. agricultural and food policies. This will secure key agricultural support and food assistance programs as Congress works to complete a final version of the reauthorization. Further details: The bill includes further emergency funding for both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Economic Development Administration, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) program, all of which are critical to Maui’s recovery. The bill provides $12 billion to CDBG-DR, which is a crucial resource for the rebuilding of Lahaina. This federal funding program provides financial support for long-term recovery efforts in areas affected by natural disasters. For Lahaina, the CDBG-DR funding will assist in restoring homes… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-schatz-secure-several-provisions-to-support-hawaii-communities-and-strengthen-disaster-resilience-in-2024-water-resources-development-act | Hirono, Schatz Secure Several Provisions to Support Hawaii Communities and Strengthen Disaster Resilience in 2024 Water Resources Development Act | 2024-12-19 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate passed the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which includes several provisions secured by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) to benefit Hawaii’s communities and strengthen the state’s disaster resilience. The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, to conduct studies, construct projects, and research activities to improve U.S. waterways. The bill passed the Senate by 97-1 and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “The Water Resources Development Act is crucial legislation to strengthen our country’s water conservation efforts and improve waterways. This year’s bill includes several provisions that will benefit Hawaii’s communities, including projects to expand access to resources for remote communities, reduce flood and storm damages across the state, and support Maui as they continue to recover after the wildfires,” said Senators Hirono and Schatz. “We’re proud to have helped secure these provisions and will continue fighting to ensure that Hawaii has the federal support necessary to enhance our waterway infrastructure and improve disaster resilience efforts.” WRDA—legislation that is passed every two years—enables the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to carry out activities related to the conservation and development of water and related resources, such as flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration. In October 2023, Senator Hirono and Senator Schatz sent a letter to leadership of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works requesting the inclusion of several provisions that would benefit Hawaii’s communities in the 2024 WRDA. Ten of those provisions were included in the final bill, including: Supporting Maui Post-Wildfires Maui Wildfire Response: Prioritizes watersheds of the island of Maui, including Wahikuli, Honokowai, Kahana, Honokahua, and Honolua, as well as the coral reef habitat north of Lahaina, in water… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hirono-secure-several-provisions-to-support-hawaii-communities-and-strengthen-disaster-resilience-in-2024-water-resources-development-act | Schatz, Hirono Secure Several Provisions to Support Hawaii Communities and Strengthen Disaster Resilience in 2024 Water Resources Development Act | 2024-12-19 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate passed the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which includes several provisions secured by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) to benefit Hawaii’s communities and strengthen the state’s disaster resilience. The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, to conduct studies, construct projects, and research activities to improve U.S. waterways. The bill passed the Senate by 97-1 and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “The Water Resources Development Act is crucial legislation to strengthen our country’s water conservation efforts and improve waterways. This year’s bill includes several provisions that will benefit Hawaii’s communities, including projects to expand access to resources for remote communities, reduce flood and storm damages across the state, and support Maui as they continue to recover after the wildfires,” said Senators Schatzand Hirono. “We’re proud to have helped secure these provisions and will continue fighting to ensure that Hawaii has the federal support necessary to enhance our waterway infrastructure and improve disaster resilience efforts.” WRDA—legislation that is passed every two years—enables the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to carry out activities related to the conservation and development of water and related resources, such as flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration. In October 2023, Senator Schatz and Senator Hirono sent a letter to leadership of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works requesting the inclusion of several provisions that would benefit Hawaii’s communities in the 2024 WRDA. Ten of those provisions were included in the final bill, including: Supporting Maui Post-Wildfires Maui Wildfire Response: Prioritizes watersheds of the island of Maui, including Wahikuli, Honokowai, Kahana, Honokahua, and Honolua, as well as the coral reef habitat north of Lahaina, in waters… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-provisions-to-help-veterans-maximize-education-benefits-to-be-signed-into-law | Schatz Provisions To Help Veterans Maximize Education Benefits To Be Signed Into Law | 2024-12-19 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Provisions from the bipartisan Student Veterans Transparency and Protection Act to provide veterans with up-to-date student outcomes and financial information for eligible educational institutions are set to be signed into law by President Biden after passing Congress this week. The provisions, originally authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), will require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to make the information available through its G.I. Bill Comparison Tool and train its education counselors in using the tool in order to help veterans make the best choices about where to use their education benefits. “The G.I. Bill benefit has helped open the doors to higher education for so many veterans who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to access it. But to maximize its potential, veterans need to have the most current information about different schools and their benefits,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. “These provisions will help veterans across the country find the education program that’s right for them.” “Our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we enjoy here in the United States. When they come home, we have a responsibility to provide the resources and benefits they have earned,” said Senator Rounds. “This includes making certain veterans have the tools and information they need to utilize their G.I. Bill benefits to attain a higher education. I am pleased that this legislation is being signed into law.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-national-defense-authorization-act-containing-over-11-billion-in-hirono-led-provisions-to-strengthen-national-security | Senate Passes National Defense Authorization Act Containing Over $11 Billion in Hirono-led Provisions to Strengthen National Security | 2024-12-18 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Within the FY25 NDAA, Hirono secured over $2 billion for infrastructure in Hawaii and over $9 billion for projects, capabilities, and exercises to support the Indo-Pacific region ~ WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, voted to pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the U.S. Senate, securing several key provisions for Hawaii and the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. military servicemembers, and the maintenance and modernization of Department of Defense (DOD) infrastructure. Senator Hirono’s provisions include over $2 billion for infrastructure projects in Hawaii, over $9 billion for initiatives to support our allies and strengthen deterrence throughout the Indo-Pacific region, and the creation of a new “major mishaps” incident classification within the DOD to bolster accountability. In addition to the provisions Senator Hirono secured, the NDAA also provides a 4.5% pay raise for all servicemembers and a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 85-14 and now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “This year’s NDAA invests in critical DOD infrastructure, bolsters national security and readiness, supports our servicemembers, and delivers for the people of Hawaii,” said Senator Hirono. “As Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, I’m proud to have helped secure provisions to increase pay for military personnel and ensure servicemembers and their families can access and afford basic needs like child care and health care. I am also glad the bill contains a provision I introduced following the Red Hill fuel spills to create a new classification for major mishaps within the DOD to ensure a more thorough investigative process and provide for greater oversight and accountability of such incidents. While this NDAA takes important steps to ensure the readiness o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-transportation-department-releases-250-million-to-honolulu-rail-as-part-of-grant-agreement | Schatz: Transportation Department Releases $250 Million To Honolulu Rail As Part Of Grant Agreement | 2024-12-18 | 2024 | 2024-12 | 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 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released an additional $250 million to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) as part of its Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement signed in February. The funding follows February’s initial release of $125 million and was delivered after HART completed the contract award for the City Center Guideway and Stations. “HART and the City continue to make good progress on the Skyline, and this new funding is proof of that. With this new money, HART will have more resources to complete the line and give the people of Honolulu more travel options,” said Senator Schatz, chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. To date, HART has received more than $1.1 billion in federal funding and more than $365 million is expected to be released by DOT as HART continues to meet the milestones outlined in the grant agreement. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-senate-unanimously-passes-hirono-tokuda-bill-to-study-designating-lahaina-as-national-heritage-area | VIDEO: Senate Unanimously Passes Hirono, Tokuda Bill to Study Designating Lahaina as National Heritage Area | 2024-12-17 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Video of Senator Hirono’s floor remarks is available here ~ WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act, a bill introduced by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI). The bicameral legislation directs the National Park Service, in coordination with Maui County and other state and local partners, to study the suitability and feasibility of a National Heritage Area designation for Lahaina. The bill passed the House on December 4, 2024 and now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “The devastating August 2023 wildfires that claimed over 100 lives and destroyed much of Lahaina shed light on how special this town is, not only to the Maui community, but also to Hawaii and the country,” said Senator Hirono. “The historic, natural, and cultural resources found in Lahaina tell a nationally significant story and this bill will help ensure that story can continue to be told and appreciated for generations to come. Since 1984, there have been over 60 National Heritage Areas established across the country, none of which are in Hawaii—it is a fitting tribute that Lahaina is now under consideration to be one of our first. I’m glad the Senate has passed this legislation and look forward to President Biden signing it into law.” “The Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act is about grounding its rebirth and rebuilding in the history, culture, and tradition of the ahupua?a that was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawai?i. I am grateful and proud of the overwhelming bipartisan support our bill received in the House, and humbled and honored by Senator Hirono?s leadership and insistence on getting this passed by the Senate before the end of this Congress. I am hopeful the President will also see my bill as a necessary step forward in honoring and healing our community and in getting Lahaina the recognition she long deserves,” said U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02). The Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act wa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-ndaa-amendment-to-protect-military-parents-right-to-health-care-for-their-kids | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce NDAA Amendment to Protect Military Parents’ Right to Health Care for Their Kids | 2024-12-16 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ House-passed NDAA included a ban on health care for transgender kids, stripping servicemembers of parental rights to make health care decisions for their children ~ WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, joined twenty of her colleagues in introducing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2025 to remove language that would strip away servicemembers’ parental rights to access medically necessary health care for their transgender children. The U.S. House of Representatives-passed NDAA includes language that bans health care for transgender kids and TRICARE patients under the age of 18. “Thousands of transgender children, whose families serve in our armed forces, rely on access to medically necessary health care. This draconian policy would strip away this access, endangering the lives and well-being of these children and their families,” said Senator Hirono. “This amendment will help ensure that our servicemembers and their families have the freedom to make their own choices about the care their kids need—because this decision should be made by families, not politicians.” The amendment to the FY2025 NDAA would strike Sec. 708 of the House-passed NDAA, which would ban TRICARE from offering medically sound health care for our youngest transgender servicemembers and to transgender military children under 18. Every major medical and mental health association in the U.S., representing more than 1.3 million U.S. doctors, supports access to this medically necessary, evidence-based health care for transgender people. If the House-passed NDAA becomes law, it is estimated that thousands of transgender children of servicemembers would not be able to access the health care that their parents had approved. The amendment, led by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), is also cosponsored by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory B… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-durbin-welch-introduce-constitutional-amendment-to-end-undemocratic-electoral-college | Schatz, Durbin, Welch Introduce Constitutional Amendment To End Undemocratic Electoral College | 2024-12-16 | 2024 | 2024-12 | 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), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced a constitutional amendment to abolish the Electoral College system and restore democracy by allowing the direct election of presidents through popular vote alone. “In an election, the person who gets the most votes should win. It’s that simple,” said Senator Schatz. “No one’s vote should count for more based on where they live. The Electoral College is outdated and it’s undemocratic. It’s time to end it.” “In 2000, before the general election, I introduced a bipartisan resolution to amend the Constitution and abolish the electoral college. I still believe today that it is time to retire this 18th century invention that disenfranchises millions of Americans,” said Senator Durbin. “The American people deserve to choose all their leaders, and I am proud to support this effort with Senators Schatz and Welch to empower voters.” “Our democracy is at its strongest when everyone’s voice is heard—and right now our elections aren’t as representative as they should be because of the outdated and flawed electoral college. I’m excited to partner with my friends and colleagues Senator Schatz and Chair Durbin on this important constitutional amendment, which will help empower every voter in every state,” said Senator Welch. In all but five presidential elections, the winner of the election received the most votes. Two of those five times came in the last 19 years, handing the presidency to candidates the majority of voters rejected. A handful of states now determine the leader for all 50 states, regardless of each candidate’s final vote tally. Schatz’s constitutional amendment would address this inequality by abolishing the outdated Electoral College system. Specifically, the constitutional amendment would provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President of the United States by a popular vote among voters in each state and the District of Columbia. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia ha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3481 | Case Announces Nominations To Nation's Service Academies For Incoming '25 Class | 2024-12-15 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8 | scraper | (Honolulu, HI) - U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today announced his 2025 nominations our nation’s four service academies: the U.S. Military Academy (West Point/Army); U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis/Navy); U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs/Air Force) and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point). “I take my responsibility to nominate deserving applicants from my district to our legendary service academies very seriously, and personally interviewed most of my applicants before making my decisions,” said Case. “I was truly impressed with the applicants, and it was very encouraging and rewarding to have spent time with our next generation of military leaders.” Case named the following nominees to the four service academies (principal nominee and the rest in alphabetical order by last name): United States Air Force Academy Principal nominee: Miles Schwab Moanalua High School Jacob Barner Radford High School Aidan Bowers Punahou School Emma Campagna Moanalua High School Sidney Cogswell Punahou School Reese Distelzweig Radford High School Dylan Fo Hanalani Schools John Ganske Moanalua High School Bryson Leong Iolani School Samuel Lorge Air Force Preparatory School/Kaiser HS Olivia Moon Moanalua High School Jim Pedroza Radford High School Joshua Rayman Radford High School Jariahlyn Rhoades Punahou School Brad Yoakley Radford High School United States Military Academy at West Point Principal nominee: Joshua Yang Punahou School Noah Ahn Moanalua High School Zachary Carlile Zama American Middle High School Alexander Cramer Mililani High School Constantine Cramer Mililani High School Tyson Drowns NIST International School Thailand Hoyt Fujihara Moanalua High School Rahieum Lee II Moanalua High School Tuan Pettaway Mililani High School Obadiah Scroggins Leilehua High School Temana Shimasaki Kamehameha – Kapālama Campus Tyler Wilson Mid-Pacific Institute United States Naval Academy Principal nominee: Aliyah Converse Radford High school Kai Im Punahou School Joshua Kraft Kapolei High … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3477 | Case Announces 2024 Winners Of His Congressional App Challenge | 2024-12-13 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8 | scraper | (Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today announced the winners of his 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Hawai‘i’s First Congressional District at a reception at the Entrepreneurs Sandbox in Kaka‘ako. The App Challenge is an official national initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, in which Members of Congress host annual contests in their districts for middle and high school students. For 2024, 389 of the 441 Members of the House, or 87%, hosted such contests. More information is here: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/. “My 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. “Congratulating the contestants and their ‘ohana at the Sandbox, ‘Hawaii’s community hub to inspire creativity, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship’, adds an extra boost to what will hopefully be an inspiring and motivating experience for all of them.” “And results of this year’s Challenge prove once again that Hawaii’s youth 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.” Participation in Congressman Case’s First District Congressional App Challenge has grown significantly from 2019, when he conducted his first Challenge after returning to Congress, to 2024. His 2019 Challenge saw ten app submissions from 27 students across four schools. 2024 marks the highest numbers yet, with 28 app submissions from 76 students across 14 schools, including eight public schools, six private schools, and two homeschooled. The winners of Congressman Case’s 2024 Challenge are: 1st Place – Tahan Bapna, Josh Zhang, Connor McCown and Kai Stewart of Punahou High School All 4 are in the 10th grade App: “Isolated Isles” Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5WTUMzg9SM Summary by the creators… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-markey-introduce-legislation-to-promote-conservation-and-preservation-of-government-and-historic-records | Hirono, Markey Introduce Legislation to Promote Conservation and Preservation of Government and Historic Records | 2024-12-13 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the Public Archives Resiliency Act, legislation that would authorize grants to promote preservation, climate resilience, adaption, and continuity of vital government records and protect other records of historical or cultural significance. The bill would provide funding for public archives, libraries, museums, institutions of higher education, or non-profits that protect these valuable records. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Alma Adams (D-NC). “In the wake of last year’s Lahaina wildfires, eight of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation’s historic sites were burned down or critically damaged, leading to the loss of thousands of artifacts and records,” said Senator Hirono. “Public records are essential to the preservation of our history and culture. The Public Archives Resiliency Act will help to better protect them from the effects of climate change, including natural disasters like wildfires or floods.” Government records are generated through birth, death, marriage, taxes, military service, education, immigration, property ownership, and much more. Many institutions that manage these records however, are at risk of environmental damage and lack resources to protect themselves and their communities. When these public records are destroyed or become inaccessible, it can delay an individual’s ability to access key government benefits and services, as well as result in the loss of irreplaceable cultural artifacts. “The importance of this bill cannot be overstated,” said Janel Quirante, Head Archivist, at ‘Ulu‘ulu: The Henry Ku‘ualoha Giugni Moving Image Archive of Hawai‘i. “This bill provides crucial support to libraries, archives and museums that care for historic and cultural materials endangered by the impacts of climate change. Infrastructure support would allow for critical improvements to aging HVAC systems, especially in Hawai‘i and other tropical climates where high temperature and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-grijalva-lead-group-of-34-lawmakers-urging-president-biden-to-pardon-native-american-activist-leonard-peltier | Schatz, Grijalva Lead Group Of 34 Lawmakers Urging President Biden To Pardon Native American Activist Leonard Peltier | 2024-12-13 | 2024 | 2024-12 | 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), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and U.S. Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee renewed efforts to urge President Joe Biden to pardon Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist convicted of murder in 1977 following a controversial investigation and trial, which many civil rights leaders and legal experts have called unjust, including the U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the case. In their letter to the president, the lawmakers cite Peltier’s advanced age, illness, and the growing concerns of misconduct and injustice around his arrest and prosecution. “Despite the grave concerns surrounding the continued imprisonment of Mr. Peltier, who is now 80 years old and suffering from severe health conditions, including increasing vision loss, the Bureau of Prisons denied Mr. Peltier a compassionate release or reduction in sentence in April of this year; and in July 2024, the U.S. Parole Commission denied him parole. These recent denials mean only you have the unique ability to grant him clemency and rectify this grave injustice that has long troubled human rights advocates and Native Peoples across the globe,” the lawmakers wrote. The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Peter Welch (D- Vt.), as well as former U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and U.S. Representatives Cori Bush (D-Mo.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Jesús García (D-Ill.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Daniel Kildee (D-Mich.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Erica Lee Carter (D-Texas), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), James McGovern (D-Mass.), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Janic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-debt-ceiling-looms-schatz-introduces-legislation-to-avoid-catastrophic-default | As Debt Ceiling Looms, Schatz Introduces Legislation To Avoid Catastrophic Default | 2024-12-12 | 2024 | 2024-12 | 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 led a group of 17 colleagues in reintroducing the End the Threat of Default Act, legislation that would permanently remove the threat of a default by repealing the national debt ceiling, an arbitrary limit restricting the amount that the United States Treasury can borrow to pay its debts. In June 2023, the president signed legislation that suspended the statutory debt ceiling until January 2, 2025. “Defaulting on our national debt would be an economic catastrophe for everyone, especially families, veterans, and seniors. Congress has the chance to debate federal spending, and it’s well before the bill comes due,” said Senator Schatz. “We need to stop playing this dangerous game with the nation’s economy and get rid of the debt ceiling for good.” A default would be catastrophic and would likely trigger a recession. Military pay, Social Security and Medicare payments, and Treasury bond yields would all be disrupted. In practice, the debt limit has no impact on government spending, which is authorized and approved through the federal budget and appropriations process. Instead, the ceiling restricts the U.S. Treasury from paying for expenditures already approved by Congress therefore requiring Congress to constantly raise the ceiling before it is reached. In recent years, this has become a politicized procedure that often leads to threats of defaulting on the government’s obligation to pay its bills. The United States is one of only two democratic countries with a statutory debt ceiling, and the only one that could single-handedly cause a global recession. Since 1960, Congress has acted more than 75 times to raise, temporarily extend, or revise the definition of the debt limit. In 2011, the crisis surrounding raising the debt ceiling led credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s to downgrade the U.S. government’s credit rating for the first time ever. Fitch downgraded the U.S. government’s credit rating following debt limit brinksmanship in 2023. In addition t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3472 | Case Announces Final U.S. House Approval Of The Annual National Defense Authorization Act Including $1.4 Billion In Military Construction Projects For Hawaii | 2024-12-11 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) announced that the full U.S. House has approved the final version of the $883.7 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is the major annual measure authorizing and directing our national defense. The FY 2025 NDAA now goes to the U.S. Senate, which is expected to approve the bill as well before it goes to the President, who is expected to sign it. The FY 2025 NDAA as finally passed incorporates several requests by Case, including five of his full House floor amendments to the bill earlier this year, as well as his priorities on strengthening America’s national security interests in the Indo-Pacific, boosting Hawaii’s economy and continuing to improve the relationship between the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Hawaii’s community. The bill also includes four amendments Case advocated for with the Pacific Islands Caucus, which he cofounded, to identify and report on China’s malign influence in the Pacific Islands and enhance the DoD’s posture and partnership with the Pacific Island nations. “This measure is critical as it not only authorizes defense spending for the year, supplementing my Appropriations Committee’s actual funding responsibilities, but also establishes defense policies and restrictions, and addresses organizational and administrative matters related to the DoD,” said Case, who currently serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and previously served on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. As requested by Case, the NDAA authorizes $505 million for a multi-year project by the Navy to build a water treatment plant to treat water from the Red Hill shaft, which would allow the shaft to be reopened and help remove any residual contaminants from the ground surrounding Red Hill. To begin this important project, the NDAA recommends appropriating $75 million for the project in FY 2025. “This water treatment plant is not just another infrastruc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-5-million-for-forestland-management-and-conservation-in-hawaii | Hirono Announces $5 Million for Forestland Management and Conservation in Hawaii | 2024-12-11 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Funding to support forest management techniques to encourage conservation and lower risk of wildfires ~ WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be awarding $5 million to the State of Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR) to support forest management and restoration activities across the state. Specifically, the grant funding will assist landowners in the protection and restoration of Hawaii’s watersheds, forest resources, wildlife habitats, and endangered species. “Hawaii’s forestlands are essential to its diverse ecosystem and this funding is an important investment in the protection and management of these lands throughout our state,” said Senator Hirono. “As Maui continues to recover following the devastating wildfires last year, this funding will help encourage sustainability in preserving our natural resources and support Hawaii’s efforts to plan for and reduce the risk of future wildfires.” This grant was made possible through investments from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, which Senator Hirono helped pass into law in 2022. The funding is part of nearly $335 million in grants that were awarded to incentivize private forest landowners to manage their forests sustainably and to permanently conserve private forests in partnership with states. Forest management techniques, such as thinning trees or removing invasive species, helps to reduce susceptibility to forests pests and disease and lowers the risks of catastrophic wildfires. More details about these funded proposals are available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-session-nears-end-schatz-continues-leading-calls-to-pass-long-term-disaster-relief-for-maui-survivors | As Session Nears End, Schatz Continues Leading Calls To Pass Long-Term Disaster Relief For Maui Survivors | 2024-12-11 | 2024 | 2024-12 | 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 reiterated calls for Congress to pass long-term disaster aid for survivors on Maui and nationwide before Congress is scheduled to go on recess at the end of next week. Schatz has repeatedly led calls for flexible, long-term aid for survivors of last year’s Lahaina fires so that they can rebuild as quickly as possible, particularly housing. “I want to be perfectly clear: we cannot and we will not leave town next week without passing disaster aid,” Schatz said. “We’re running out of time. We have just over a week left before Congress goes home for the holidays which means we have just a few days to what we should have done a long time ago and pass long-term disaster relief. People have waited and waited and waited for help to arrive. And every day we don’t get this done this is another day survivors can’t get back to life as they knew it,” said Senator Schatz. “Nobody is asking for charity. What they’re asking for is the kind of aid that’s helped restore so many communities across the country over the years.” The full text of Senator Schatz’s remarks is available below. Video is available here. We’re running out of time. We have just over a week left before Congress goes home for the holidays. And we cannot leave without passing long-term disaster relief. People have waited…and waited…and waited for help to arrive. And every day we don’t get this done this is another day survivors can’t get back to life as they knew it. Going to work…going to school…dropping their kids off at basketball practice…getting together with their friends and neighbors. For people in Lahaina, help can’t come soon enough. Almost a year-and-a-half since the tragic fires, it’s as hard as ever to make ends meet. Housing is uncertain. Prices are going up. And jobs are hard to come by. People are doing everything they can to get by and help each other out. So it’s not for a lack of trying. It’s that they were never meant to confront this recovery alone. When you’ve lost everything…wh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3470 | Case Announces U.S. House Approval of Critical Water Infrastructure Projects for Hawai‘i | 2024-12-10 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1) announced that the U.S. House has approved a major bill to construct projects, research activities and conduct studies to improve our nation’s rivers, harbors, oceans and water infrastructure. Case’s requests were included in S. 4367, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. WRDA is developed and passed by Congress every two years. The House approved this Congress’ bill by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 399-18. The Senate is expected to approve the bill in the coming days and send it to the President, who is expected to sign the bill into law. This bill authorizes projects to improve the country’s ports and harbors, inland waterways, flood and storm protection and other aspects of water resources infrastructure that keep our communities safe and strengthens the U.S. economy. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) performs these projects in partnership with federal, local and state agencies, non-government organizations and tribal nations to implement the projects. The seven provisions secured by Case in the 2024 WRDA include: 1. Expanding and upgrading Honolulu Harbor. Case secured an authorization for an in-depth study of critical Honolulu Harbor improvements in an earlier WRDA, but at Case’s request this WRDA amends the plan to reflect expanded complexity, scope and funding needs, including elements of coastal storm risk management. This update will help continue the project and focus its benefits on disaster resilience and enhanced national security from improved utilization of the harbor. “As the main port of the State of Hawai‘i, Honolulu Harbor receives and distributes all overseas cargo shipments constituting over 80% of all imports into the state, supports fishing operations and cruise ships and handles federal maritime activity including the U.S. Coast Guard’s 14th District,” said Case. “Providing this additional refined and expanded authorization will ensure our critical harbor is designed for resilience and that… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/full-house-passes-water-resources-development-act-including-rep-tokudas | Full House Passes Water Resources Development Act Including Rep. Tokuda’s Priorities | 2024-12-10 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5& | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, the full House of Representatives passed, by a vote of 399-18, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), which includes U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda’s (HI-02) priorities benefiting Hawaii.The bill is expected to be passed by the Senate and later sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Top priorities for Hawai‘i secured by Rep. Tokuda include: Increasing the Maui Environmental Infrastructure authorization from $20 million to $50 million to assist with the wildfire recovery. Studying the Lahaina Watershed on Maui, including the coral reef habitat north of Lahaina, which will examine the mauka to makai impacts of the wildfire to better protect the community from flooding and the coast from runoff. Assessing the Kaiaka-Waialua Watershed on Oʻahu to helpprevent future flooding and climate change impacts. Modifyingthe Laupāhoehoe Harbor project on Hawaiʻi Island to allow for the repair of the harbor’s breakwater structure. Evaluating sources of flooding and proposing solutions to reduce flood damages in the Hanapēpē River watershed. “From hurricanes to flooding to wildfires, Hawai‘i has seen an increasing number of extreme weather events that can pose catastrophic damage to our island communities. I am proud this bill includes projects across all four counties to help protect our communities from future disasters. We must continue to do all that we can to ensure our state has the ability to withstand devastation and rebuild when necessary,” said Rep. Tokuda. Congress generally passes a WRDA every two years to provide for conservation and development of water and related resources. These bills also authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct studies, construct projects, and conduct research activities that can lead to the improvement of rivers and harbors across the country. A full summary of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, as passed by the House of Representatives, can be found here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-call-on-president-biden-to-protect-immigrant-families-ahead-of-the-inauguration-of-president-elect-trump | Hirono, Colleagues Call on President Biden to Protect Immigrant Families Ahead of the Inauguration of President-Elect Trump | 2024-12-10 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Senators: “We urge you to act decisively between now and the inauguration of the President-elect to complete the important work of the past four years and protect immigrant families.” WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined six of her colleagues in calling on President Joe Biden to protect immigrant families before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. In addition to Senator Hirono, the letter was also signed by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Alex Padilla (D-CA). “As Senators who represent diverse states across our nation and who collectively represent millions of immigrant families, we write to express our deep concern about the threat the incoming administration poses to immigrants in our communities,” the Senators wrote in a letter to President Biden. “Mass deportations would jeopardize the safety and security of millions of mixed-status families, sow deep distrust and fear in the communities we represent, and destabilize the U.S. economy. While we support common-sense steps to better secure our borders and improve border processing, we will continue to oppose any policies that contradict our nation’s core values.” The letter continues, “We write now because the window to secure and finalize your administration’s policies is closing rapidly. We urge you to act decisively between now and the inauguration of the President-elect to complete the important work of the past four years and protect immigrant families.” The Senators went on to request that the Biden Administration prioritize the following actions: Designate and extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for all eligible countries and consider providing Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) as appropriate; Expedite the processing of benefit requests for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients; Protect the ability for DACA holders and others to travel on advance pa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-hold-statewide-telephone-town-hall | Rep. Tokuda to Hold Statewide Telephone Town Hall | 2024-12-09 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5& | scraper | (Hawaiʻi) – U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) will be holding a statewide telephone town hall on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm HST. Rep. Tokuda will answer questions from participants live over the phone, provide a legislative update, and discuss her priorities for the upcoming 119th Congress. Those who are interested in joining are encouraged to RSVP to be added to the event call list to receive a call when the event starts. If participants do not receive a call, they can call directly to the event by dialing (833) 946-1568. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-leads-bipartisan-bill-support-health-workforce | Rep. Tokuda Leads Bipartisan Bill to Support Health Workforce | 2024-12-09 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5& | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02) and Carol Miller (R-WV-01) introduced the Strengthening Pathways to Health Professions Act to increase access to federal programs that help grow and strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals in primary care, mental and behavioral health, and dental services. The Strengthening Pathways to Health Professions Act would provide tax-exempt status to certain federal scholarship and loan repayment programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) including the Nurse Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs, the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program, and the Faculty Loan Repayment Program. Exempting scholarships and loan repayment awards from federal income tax would allow HRSA to make additional and higher awards to increase program participation. Furthermore, awardees—students, residents, faculty, and providers—would receive the full financial benefit of their awards to cover educational costs without the added tax burden. “The shortage of healthcare workers in the United States has left millions of patients without access to the care they need, while causing undue stress and strain on the current workforce. Without further action, tough working conditions and increased financial barriers will only continue to discourage more people from joining the profession,” said Rep. Tokuda. “That’s why I introduced the Strengthening Pathways to Health Professions Act, which would boost the value of federal scholarships and loan repayment funds that support aspiring healthcare professionals and enable us to recruit and retain providers in rural and underserved areas. This bipartisan effort will help us fill critical gaps in our healthcare workforce to increase health systems’ capacity and improve patient care and outcomes.” “A shortage of health care workers in rural communities presents many challenges for hospitals and medical facilities trying to provide the best possible care for their patients. The Strengthening P… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-wicker-lead-group-of-100-lawmakers-in-calling-for-extension-of-telehealth-expansion | Schatz, Wicker Lead Group Of 100 Lawmakers In Calling For Extension Of Telehealth Expansion | 2024-12-09 | 2024 | 2024-12 | 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 Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) led a bipartisan and bicameral group of 100 lawmakers in calling for the extension of expanded Medicare coverage of telehealth services to be included in a year-end appropriations package. Provisions from the Schatz-Wicker legislation, the CONNECT for Health Act, were included in previous COVID-19 relief legislation to allow Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country, and in their homes, to utilize telehealth services, and to expand the types of health care providers eligible to provide telehealth. Medicare beneficiaries have come to rely on expanded access, which have also been proven beneficial to patients. But these provisions will expire at the end of the year, unless congressional leaders act to extend those measures or make them permanent. The full text of the letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Johnson, and Minority Leader Jeffries: Expanded Medicare coverage for telehealth services is set to expire on December 31, 2024. As you work to advance a year-end appropriations package, we urge you to extend coverage as much as possible so that all Medicare beneficiaries retain access to these services. Telehealth plays a critical role in health care delivery – a fact that Congress has recognized by expanding coverage during and after the COVID-19 public health emergency. Most recently, in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Congress enacted a two-year extension of Medicare telehealth services coverage. Committees of jurisdiction in the House of Representatives have recently recognized the need to protect patients’ access to telehealth services by voting to advance an additional two-year extension on a bipartisan, unanimous basis. We ask you to prioritize provisions that remove geographic restrictions on telehealth services and permit the home and other clinically appropriate settings as originating sites. Congress should also expand the aut… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-12-senators-in-renewing-calls-to-biden-administration-to-urge-israeli-government-to-allow-journalists-into-gaza-protect-free-press | Schatz Leads Group Of 12 Senators In Renewing Calls To Biden Administration To Urge Israeli Government To Allow Journalists Into Gaza, Protect Free Press | 2024-12-06 | 2024 | 2024-12 | 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 group of 12 senators today in renewing calls to the Biden Administration to urge the governments of Israel and Egypt to protect press freedom and allow journalists into Gaza to cover the ongoing war. In addition to Schatz, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), George Helmy (D-N.J.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) In their letter to the Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the senators underscored the dangerous conditions for reporters, the importance of safe access into Gaza for journalists, and the need for accurate and independent reporting from inside the warzone. They also raise concerns about violence against journalists in Lebanon and the West Bank. The new letter follows calls led by Schatz a year ago to protect journalists in Gaza. “Since October 7, 2023, over 130 journalists have been killed, the vast majority of whom were Palestinians killed in Gaza. The lack of safe working conditions for journalists in Gaza makes it almost impossible to have an accurate understanding of the humanitarian devastation taking place in the territory,” the senators wrote. They continued, “The United States must make clear to Israel that targeting media organizations and members of the press is unacceptable. It is also important that the United States support UN efforts calling for accountability and protection of journalists in Gaza and the West Bank. The absence of U.S. government support for accountability efforts by the UN and press freedom defenders only undermines U.S. leadership. Promoting press freedom globally, protecting journalist safety, and advancing international laws and norms are essential to sustaining a rules-based international order.” The full letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Secretary Blinken, We appreciate your continue… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/full-house-passes-rep-tokudas-bill-name-post-office-honor-vietnam-war-veteran | Full House Passes Rep. Tokuda’s Bill to Name Post Office in Honor of Vietnam War Veteran | 2024-12-05 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6& | scraper | Washington, DC – Yesterday, the full House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill -- introduced by U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) – to name the Captain Cook Post Office on Hawaiʻi Island after First Lieutenant John Kuulei Kauhaihao of Hōnaunau, who was killed in action in Vietnam and posthumously awarded the U.S. Army’s second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross. H.R. 8909 would designate the post office located at 82-6110 Mamalahoa Highway as the "Army 1st Lt. John Kuulei Kauhaihao Post Office Building.” On September 5, 1969, at the age of 27, Kauhaihao was fatally injured during a reconnaissance-in-force operation in Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam. When his platoon came under enemy fire, Kauhaihao launched over 30 grenades in 15 minutes at enemy bunkers while simultaneously drawing fire on himself so that his men could sight enemy gunners. He is survived by his widow and Konawaena High School sweetheart, Shirley, and their family. “Naming the post office in the community where generations of Lieutenant [Kauhaihao]’s family lived and still live is more than just honoring and celebrating a fallen kama‘āina warrior who gave his life for our nation,” said Rep. Tokuda on the House Floor. “It is a tribute to an entire generation of men and women who served in Vietnam and who came back to a country that took far too long to honor their service and that is still trying to make this right. It is a reminder of the incredible sacrifices made by those who serve in uniform and the loved ones waiting at home—past, present and future—to whom we are forever indebted and who allow us to live in freedom today.” U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) is an original cosponsor of the bill, which now moves to the Senate for its consideration. If passed in the Senate and signed into law by the President, it would be the first post office in Hawaiʻi to be designated since 2011 and the first in Hawaiʻi to be designated in honor of a Vietnam War veteran or an individual of Native Hawaiian descent. Rep. T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-and-sen-hirono-celebrate-progress-natural-disaster-tax-relief-bill | Rep. Tokuda and Sen. Hirono Celebrate Progress on Natural Disaster Tax Relief Bill | 2024-12-05 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6& | scraper | U.S. Senate unanimously passed Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, which includes Tokuda and Hirono legislation to lessen the tax burden on survivors of the Maui wildfires. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) and U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) applauded the U.S. Senate’s unanimous passage of the bipartisan Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5863). The bill, which passed in the U.S. House in May, would exempt wildfire disaster relief payments received between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025, from taxable income. The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act also includes language from Rep. Tokuda and Sen. Hirono’s Natural Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 to make it easier for Maui fire victims to deduct disaster-related losses by eliminating the minimum 10 percent loss threshold, as well as the requirement to itemize deductions to receive this tax benefit. “Since I introduced the Natural Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 last October, I have been fighting to provide financial relief to Lahaina fire survivors and natural disaster victims throughout the country. In a time of extreme partisanship, I’m proud that Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate came together on disaster relief and passed the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act,” said Rep. Tokuda. “We urgently need President Biden to sign this critical bill, which will help disaster victims keep more money in their pockets and provide them with the financial support they will need for what we know will be a long recovery.” “The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act will help to ease the financial burden on communities impacted by wildfires, as well as other disasters, across our country,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m glad the Senate has passed this legislation, which included language from our bill to support the people and families who have already lost so much in the wake of natural disasters. I will continue working to help ensure our communities ha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-and-tokuda-applaud-passage-of-natural-disaster-tax-relief-bill | Hirono and Tokuda Applaud Passage of Natural Disaster Tax Relief Bill | 2024-12-05 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ U.S. Senate unanimously passed Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, which includes Tokuda and Hirono legislation to lessen the tax burden on survivors of the Maui wildfires. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. ~ WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI) applauded the unanimous Senate passage of the bipartisan Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023. The legislation, which passed in the U.S. House in May, would exempt wildfire disaster relief payments received between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025, from taxable income. The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act also includes language from Representative Tokuda and Senator Hirono’s Natural Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 to make it easier for Maui fire victims to deduct disaster-related losses by eliminating the minimum 10 percent loss threshold, as well as the requirement to itemize deductions to receive this tax benefit. “The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act will help to ease the financial burden on communities impacted by wildfires, as well as other disasters, across our country,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m glad the Senate has passed this legislation, which included language from our bill to support the people and families who have already lost so much in the wake of natural disasters. I will continue working to help ensure our communities have the necessary resources to support themselves and I look forward to President Biden signing this crucial legislation into law.” “Since I introduced the Natural Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 last October, I have been fighting to provide financial relief to Lahaina fire survivors and natural disaster victims throughout the country. In a time of extreme partisanship, I’m proud that Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate came together on disaster relief and passed the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act,” said Representative Tokuda. “We urgently need President Biden to sign this critical bill, which will help disaster … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-rep-tokudas-lahaina-national-heritage-area-study-act | House Passes Rep. Tokuda’s Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act | 2024-12-04 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6& | scraper | Washington, DC – Today, the full House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act – introduced by U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) – marking another significant step forward in her efforts to support the community in recognizing Lahaina’s historic and cultural importance. H.R. 8219, the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act, would direct the National Park Service, in consultation with state and local partners, to study the suitability and feasibility of a National Heritage Area designation for Lahaina. These areas are designated by Congress to complement state and local conservation efforts through recognition, federal funding, and technical assistance. “Two weeks ago, I stood inside one of the first transitional homes built by FEMA, looking out at what was once the vibrant and thriving town of Lahaina. For many who see it now, there are only cleared lots, stretching from the hills to the sea. But if you close your eyes, you can feel the deep pangs of loss and grief. It’s a pain that we all carry, softened only by the hope that comes with the very first steps towards rebuilding. In seeking to designate Lahaina a National Heritage Area, we are daring to look beyond what is in front of us,” said Rep. Tokuda on the House Floor. “Beyond the devastation, there is history and culture that predates us all. [...] As we work to rebuild Lahaina, my bill seeks to ensure that this is about not just restoring what was lost but also anchoring our future in the rich history and culture of this sacred places so that they may endure long after we are gone.” Cosponsors of the bill include: Rep. Ed Case (D-HI-01); Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01); Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands; Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries; Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-39); Del. Gregorio Sabalan (D-MP-AL); and Del. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS-AL). Ther… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-duckworth-introduce-legislation-to-promote-family-unity-in-us-immigration-system | Hirono, Duckworth Introduce Legislation to Promote Family Unity in U.S. Immigration System | 2024-12-04 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | ~ Bill includes Hirono’s Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act, legislation that would speed up the visa process for children of Filipino World War II veterans ~ WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the Reuniting Families Act, legislation that would promote family unity in our country’s immigration system, reduce the family-based immigration backlogs, and update our laws to reflect how families immigrate to the United States. The bill also includes Senator Hirono’s Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act, legislation that would speed up the visa process for children of Filipino World War II veterans. “As the only immigrant currently serving in the U.S. Senate, I am proud to introduce the Reuniting Families Act to update our country’s family immigration system and promote family unity,” said Senator Hirono. “By implementing changes to reduce the backlog of family-based immigration visas, exempting close relatives from visa caps, and preventing the separation of LGBTQ+ families, this bill will better prioritize family unity in our immigration system. We desperately need comprehensive immigration reform, but in the meantime, the Reuniting Families Act is a step in the right direction to help reunite or keep families together as they navigate our immigration system.” “Our country’s broken immigration system is riddled with unnecessary barriers that have created backlogs and kept families apart for years,” said Senator Duckworth. “This legislation would implement commonsense reforms to help end family-based backlogs, which keep too many with approved green card applications stuck in bureaucratic limbo, and get more families where they belong—together.” Specifically, the Reuniting Families Act would: “Recapture” unused visas from previous years, adding them to the number of visas United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may distribute; Exempt close relatives from visa caps, extendin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-urges-president-biden-to-pardon-native-american-activist-leonard-peltier-in-final-weeks-of-term | Schatz Urges President Biden To Pardon Native American Activist Leonard Peltier In Final Weeks Of Term | 2024-12-04 | 2024 | 2024-12 | 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 Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today again called on President Biden to pardon Native American activist Leonard Peltier who was convicted of murder in 1977 following a controversial investigation and trial, which many civil rights leaders and legal experts have called unjust, including the U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the case. Since 2022, Schatz has repeatedly led colleagues in calling on the president to grant Peltier, who is now 80 and has been imprisoned for the past 49 years, clemency. “As President Biden considers candidates for clemency in the final weeks of his term, the Native American activist Leonard Peltier is among those who deserve that grace and mercy,” said Senator Schatz. Senator Schatz continued, “Peltier is now 80 years old and has been in prison for almost 50 years. He’s in declining health, experiencing vision loss and other illnesses. If there was ever a case that merited compassionate release, Leonard Peltier’s is it. This is exactly what that awesome presidential power is for. To right a historic wrong. And if not that, then to show mercy and let an old man die with his family.” The full text of Senator Schatz’s remarks is available below. Video is available here. As President Biden considers candidates for clemency in the final weeks of his term, the Native American activist Leonard Peltier is among those who deserve that grace and mercy. Peltier was arrested in 1975 for his alleged involvement in the murder of 2 FBI agents in a shootout on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. But the process that led to his conviction had major issues and inaccuracies from the start. For example, one witness whose statements were used at trial said she was told to lie and say that she was in a relationship with Peltier and that she had witnessed him shoot the agents. She later recanted that statement, saying “I was forced into this, and I feel very awful. I just wish that Leonard Peltier will get out of prison.” In another … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-calls-from-schatz-to-increase-snap-benefits-in-hawaii-usda-proposes-23-boost-in-benefits-to-reflect-food-costs | Following Calls From Schatz To Increase Snap Benefits In Hawai‘i, USDA Proposes 2.3% Boost In Benefits To Reflect Food Costs | 2024-12-03 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Following calls for increased benefits for Hawai‘i families, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed updates to its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Hawai‘i to ensure they accurately reflect the cost of food across the state. The USDA has proposed a 2.3 percent increase in SNAP benefits for Hawai‘i, which would result in an estimated $40 monthly increase for a family of four. “For many in Hawai‘i, SNAP is a lifeline, helping families put food on the table. But to make sure this program continues to help those who rely on it, SNAP benefits need to keep up with the real cost of food across the state,” said Senator Schatz. “I thank the USDA and Secretary Vilsack for working with us to update SNAP benefits for Hawai‘i so that those who need it can continue to access this critical federal program.” Food prices in Hawai‘i are among the highest in the nation. Schatz worked directly with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and urged him to update its cost analysis in the state. Today’s action from the USDA continues a rulemaking process to adjust benefits for Hawai‘i. Today, USDA is proposing a new rule to ensure benefits take into account food costs for residents across the state, and releasing a report that finds an increase in benefit if the rule is finalized. The public can submit comments through February 3, 2025. SNAP is a federal program that provides crucial nutritional benefits to low-income individuals and families that are used at stores to purchase food. It’s administered at the federal level through USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and at the state level in Hawai‘i by the Hawai‘i Department of Human Services. Nearly 200,000 Hawai‘i residents rely on SNAP. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-welcomes-59-million-in-federal-funding-for-honolulu-harbor | Hirono Welcomes $59 Million in Federal Funding for Honolulu Harbor | 2024-10-30 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement celebrating the announcement of more than $56 million in federal funding to modernize Honolulu Harbor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the port along with $2.5 million to develop strategies to improve air quality at ports around the state, developed in consultation with communities living near the ports. The funding comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports Program, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act that Senator Hirono helped pass into law. “Honolulu Harbor is essential to the delivery of food, medicine, and other goods people rely on not only on Oahu, but across Hawaii,” said Senator Hirono. “The investments in hydrogen-powered cargo tractors and a hydrogen fueling station will help the port operate more efficiently while decreasing carbon emissions and other pollution that affects surrounding communities. The funding will also support the development of plans to improve air quality at ports and surrounding communities throughout our state. I’m proud to have supported the Inflation Reduction Act, which made this investment possible, and I’ll continue working to secure federal funds for projects that strengthen communities across our islands.” More information on the projects being funded is available here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3455 | Case Introduces Measure To Expand Federal Efforts To Combat Invasive Species | 2024-10-27 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-HI-01) has introduced legislation in the U.S. House to address invasive species, which he referred to as a “critical and growing challenge that severely impacts our environment.” Case, joined by U.S. Representative James Moylan (R-Guam), introduced the Invasive Species Response Act (Act) to significantly expand federal efforts to combat invasive species, which are severely impacting environments across the country including widespread ripple-effect consequences beyond areas already impacted by non-native plants, animals and pathogens. “Hawai‘i in particular faces unique challenges from invasive species. Its isolation has led to the evolution of many endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth,” said Case in remarks to the House. “Unfortunately, these native species often lack the defenses to compete with or resist the pressures of invasive plants and animals, which can rapidly alter ecosystems and displace local species. “In Hawai‘i, invasive species have caused significant ecological damage, threatening the survival of native birds and plants. Protecting Hawaii’s unique biodiversity is not just an environmental necessity – it is a cultural imperative that reflects the identity and heritage of the Hawaiian people.” “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with my friend and colleague Rep. Case,” said Congressman Moylan. “This is an important step in controlling and eradicating invasive species and protecting America’s native wildlife, especially in our island communities. This bill provides the tools needed to continue conservation efforts, making them more effective and transparent.” The measure was introduced as federal invasive species experts were touring O‘ahu to research the effects of invasive species on island communities. They will produce a report to advise the U.S. government how it can help Hawai‘i and island territories, as well as associated Micronesian nations. "With nearly a third of endangered and threatened species in the United S… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3454 | Case Announces $40 Million Federal Grant To Improve Resiliency Of O‘ahu Power Grid Serving Both Military And Civilian Communities | 2024-10-19 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-HI-01) today announced that a $40 million grant funded by the landmark 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will develop a back-up power source for O‘ahu’s electric grid, providing resiliency to both military and civilian communities in the event of disruptions from various sources. The federal grant award will fund the Pu‘uloa Microgrid and Backbone Project, a partnership between the U.S. Navy, Hawaiian Electric and Ameresco, Inc. “I strongly advocated for this project with the U.S. Department of Energy when the partnership applied for funding under the Department’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program,” said Case. “Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) plays a critical role in promoting national security throughout the Pacific theater. Especially given its importance, the Department of the Navy has identified energy resilience gaps that could significantly impact JBPHH’s ability to respond to and recover from grid outages. Further, new state and federal policy directives have required the Department of the Navy to improve resilience and reduce carbon emissions from the installation. “As the U.S. Congressman in whose district JBPHH is located and a member of the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, I have focused on the installation’s grid challenges and the potential for disruption of service to our civilian communities as well, and on assuring available funding to address these issues. This GRIP funding is critical to enabling this project to succeed.” "We are thrilled to be chosen for the Department of Energy’s GRIP program," said Nicole Bulgarino, Executive Vice President at Ameresco. "Partnering with the U.S. Navy and Hawaiian Electric Company on the groundbreaking Pu`uloa Microgrid project will not only enhance energy resilience and reliability for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, but also provide significant benefits to the broader O‘ahu community. This project exemplifies our commitment to innovation, sust… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-more-than-33-million-heading-to-hawaii-island-to-improve-wailuku-river-bridge | Schatz: More Than $33 Million Heading To Hawai‘i Island To Improve Wailuku River Bridge | 2024-10-18 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that Hawai‘i will receive $33 million to rehabilitate the Wailuku River Bridge on Hawai‘i Island. “Upgrading aging infrastructure is critical to ensuring people can get around safely for years to come,” said Senator Schatz, chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. “Making these necessary upgrades to the Wailuku River Bridge will result in less disruptions and safer commutes for people on Hawai‘i Island.” The funding will help strengthen the bridge by making key improvements to reinforce its foundation. The bridge will also be widened to be in line with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards, and the bridge railings will be upgraded to meet current safety standards. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-death-of-hamas-leader-yahya-sinwar | Schatz Statement On Death Of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar | 2024-10-17 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. “As the leader of Hamas and the mastermind of the October 7th attack in Israel, Yahya Sinwar is responsible for the murders of thousands of innocent civilians, including Americans. His death is welcome news, and we hope it will provide a measure of justice and comfort to the families of victims and hostages terrorized by Hamas. At the same time, this news should set the stage for an end to this cycle of violence and bloodshed, the return of all remaining hostages, and lasting stability and peace in the region.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-defense-department-correcting-discharges-for-service-members-unfairly-discharged-under-dont-ask-dont-tell | Schatz Statement On Defense Department Correcting Discharges For Service Members Unfairly Discharged Under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ | 2024-10-17 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after the Department of Defense announced that more than 800 service members who were unfairly discharged from the military under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ will be upgraded to an honorable discharge. “It’s long past time that LGBTQ+ veterans who bravely served our country received the honorable service records they deserve and the benefits that go with it,” said Senator Schatz. “While these record corrections are welcome relief for hundreds of service members, it’s essential that the Department of Defense continues its efforts to ensure they receive the full benefits they are entitled to and any veterans not included in this review receive upgrades as quickly as possible.” Schatz has led bipartisan efforts in the Senate through the Restore Honor to Service Members Act to correct the military records of service members unjustly discharged on the basis of their sexual orientation under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and support access to the benefits they have earned. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-ftc-click-to-cancel-rule | Schatz Statement On FTC Click-To-Cancel Rule | 2024-10-16 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D- Hawai‘i) today released the following statement after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced its final “click-to-cancel” rule that would help customers more easily get out of unwanted subscriptions. “Free trials should be free, but instead some companies have used that model to lure and trap customers into subscriptions with costly monthly charges they never meant to make. That’s why I introduced a bill to stop those kinds of deceptive business practices. While this FTC action is a good step in the right direction, we also need to pass the Unsubscribe Act to provide consumers with more transparency and protections.” Senator Schatz previously introduced the Unsubscribe Act, bipartisan legislation that would require companies to be more transparent about subscription-based business models and make it easier for consumers to cancel their subscriptions once their free or reduced price trial period has ended. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-cancels-event-participation-walks-hotel-picket-line | Rep. Tokuda Cancels Event Participation, Walks Hotel Picket Line | 2024-10-11 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6& | scraper | Honolulu – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda walked the picket line with Local 5 members near the Hilton Hawaiian Village to show her support and loyalty to striking hotel workers. Rep. Tokuda was originally scheduled to participate in the Wahine Forum panel at the hotel but cancelled when union members decided to go on strike after failed contract negotiations. “Every day, Local 5 members are on the front lines as ambassadors of aloha to our visitors. As a former Local 5 member, I stand in solidarity with employees who are fighting for fair wages and safe working conditions,” said Rep. Tokuda. “One job should be enough, but with Hawaii’s high cost of living, many have been forced to juggle multiple positions just to make ends meet and take care of their families. Our workers deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. I will not cross the picket line or attend events where union workers are battling with employers who are turning a blind eye and carrying on with ‘business as usual' and making profits on the backs of our workers. Enough is enough." Images of Rep. Tokuda at the picket line can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-fema-extending-temporary-housing-support-for-maui-fire-survivors-until-february-2026 | Schatz Statement On FEMA Extending Temporary Housing Support For Maui Fire Survivors Until February 2026 | 2024-10-10 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) issued the following statement after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) extended financial assistance and direct temporary housing assistance for survivors of the Maui fires until February 2026. The assistance through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program was originally set to expire in February 2025. “FEMA’s extension means survivors will continue to have homes for their families for the foreseeable future. But let’s be clear about what’s needed – building temporary housing so that survivors have stable roofs over their heads as they recover.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3453 | Case Condemns Misinformation On Federal Disaster Relief For Current And Pending Disasters | 2024-10-09 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security with authority over the budget of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal disaster relief efforts, today condemned deliberate misinformation that FEMA and related disaster assistance is being diverted from current and pending disasters to other sources. “Not only is this misinformation fully inaccurate, but it is deliberately harming people and communities in most need of relief by leading them to believe incorrectly that they cannot access critical and available federal assistance,” said Case, whose own state of Hawai‘i continues to be critically impacted by the Maui wildfires of August 2023. “In fact, Congress just approved and the President just signed into law an additional $20 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), the federal government’s main channel of disaster relief, and all of those funds have been delivered to FEMA. These funds will fully continue FEMA’s disaster assistance efforts for all of Maui, recent Hurricane Helene and pending Hurricane Milton and other federally declared disasters until they require further replenishment.” Case noted that in North Carolina alone, which was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene on September 27th of this year, FEMA continues full efforts on the ground along with some two thousand other federal employees. He further noted that on Maui, FEMA and other federal partners have now provided approximately $3 billion in Maui wildfire efforts and continues its assistance with ongoing DRF funding. FEMA’s DRF is the principal fund for immediate and ongoing disaster relief to affected communities. In the recent Continuing Resolution, which continued federal government funding into current Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 commencing October 1st and was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President on September 26th, the DRF, which was running low, was re-funded at $20 billion. Additionally, althoug… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-cassidy-introduce-bill-to-improve-health-care-for-veterans | Hirono, Cassidy Introduce Bill to Improve Health Care for Veterans | 2024-10-09 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Bill Cassidy (R-IA) introduced legislation to enhance the quality and efficiency of health care services provided to veterans. The VetPAC Act of 2024 creates a new Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission (VetPAC) to facilitate a transparent, expert-driven review process for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). “As we work to ensure those who served our country can access the high-quality health care they’ve earned, the VetPAC Act of 2024 will create a new independent commission to address challenges the VHA faces and improve care for our veterans,” said Senator Hirono. “As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I am proud to introduce this legislation that will support Congress’ work to help improve health care access, delivery, and quality for veterans. Modeled after the successful Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), the 17-member independent commission will focus on improving health care delivery and addressing the operations challenges within the VHA. Led by health care and large medical system experts, the commission would review pressing veterans’ health topics such as health care delivery and access at VA Health facilities and in the community, workforce issues, and VA medical research. By conducting regular assessments and providing recommendations to Congress, this legislation seeks to ensure critical areas such as technology, staffing, and patient care are continuously improved. This legislation is endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “The VFW supports the VetPAC Act of 2024 that would establish a commission to review operations at the Veterans Health Administration and submit reports to Congress,” said Veterans of Foreign Wars National Legislative Associate Director Meggan Coleman. “The VFW believes the recommendations from these assessments would aid Congress in proposing meaningful legislation to ensure veterans receive a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3447 | Case, Hirono, Steel, Scott, Moylan And Tokuda Lead Introduction Of Measures In U.S. House and Senate Commemorating October As Filipino-American History Month | 2024-09-26 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=8 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-HI 01 and his House colleagues, Reps. Michelle Steel (R-CA 45 ), Robert Cortez (Bobby) Scott (D-VA 3), James Moylan (R-GU) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI 02), have joined U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in co-leading a bipartisan, bicameral measure commemorating October as Filipino-American History Month. The Members’ resolution (link to copy below), co-sponsored currently by an additional 33 Members, celebrates the long and distinguished history of Filipino Americans in the United States, where FilAms now number over 4,000,000. It resolves that Congress: 1) recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month as - · a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans; · a time to reflect on and remember the many notable contributions that Filipino Americans have made to the United States; and · a time to renew efforts toward the research and examination of history and culture so as to provide an opportunity for all people of the United States to learn more about Filipino Americans and to appreciate the historic contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States; and 2) urges the people of the United States to observe Filipino American History Month with appropriate programs and activities “Since 2019, and as the Member of Congress with the most Filipino Americans of any U.S. House district nationwide, I have been honored to co-lead an annual resolution recognizing October as Filipino American History Month,” said Rep. Case. “I have joined many colleagues in doing so in order to recognize and celebrate the great contributions of Filipino Americans to our country, in government and law, music and entertainment, sports, business and countless other ventures.” “From the first Filipino contract laborers who arrived in Hawai‘i seeking a better life, to the Filipino American leaders in business, health care, and our Armed Forces, this community has contributed to our country’s diversity and helped to shape our identity as a nation,” said Sen. Hirono. “… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/legislation-co-led-rep-tokuda-combat-rapid-ohia-death-passes-us-house | Legislation Co-Led by Rep. Tokuda to Combat Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Passes the U.S. House of Representatives | 2024-09-26 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6& | scraper | Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) issued the following statement on the Continued Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Response Act of 2023 after the legislation unanimously passed the House of Representatives this week. “Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death presents an existential threat to Hawai‘i’s native forests that are a critical habitat for our endangered birds and other species. If we don’t act now, our native forests will not survive,” said Rep. Tokuda. “This bill would help in the fight against Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death by leveraging federal resources to support statewide efforts in mitigating Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death’s impact on Hawaiʻi’s delicate ecosystems.” The Continued Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Response Act of 2023 would direct the Secretary of the Interior to collaborate with the Secretary of Agriculture and the State of Hawai‘i on combating Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death. This bill would increase support for continued detection, prevention, and restoration efforts to Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, including funding and staff for necessary research. This legislation, which she introduced with U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono, is Rep. Tokuda’s first bill to pass the House of Representatives. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for further action. The full text of the bill is available here. Rep. Tokuda’s remarks on the House Floor are available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bill-commemorating-october-as-filipino-american-history-month | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bill Commemorating October as Filipino-American History Month | 2024-09-26 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-HI), Michelle Steel (R-CA), Robert Cortez Scott (D-VA), James Moylan (R-GU), and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) in leading a bipartisan, bicameral resolution commemorating October as Filipino-American History Month. The resolution celebrates the long and distinguished history of Filipino Americans in the U.S. and the cultural and historical contributions made by Filipino American communities nationwide. “From the first Filipino contract laborers who arrived in Hawai‘i seeking a better life, to the Filipino American leaders in business, health care, and our Armed Forces, this community has contributed to our country’s diversity and helped to shape our identity as a nation,” said Senator Hirono. “As we continue working to uplift the voices of Filipino Americans in Hawai‘i and across the country, I am proud to introduce this resolution to honor the Filipino American community’s contributions and accomplishments and celebrate their rich history and culture.” The legislation resolves that Congress: Recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month as – A testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans; A time to reflect on and remember the many notable contributions that Filipino Americans have made to the United States; and A time to renew efforts toward the research and examination of history and culture so as to provide an opportunity for all people of the United States to learn more about Filipino Americans and to appreciate the historic contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States; and Urges the people of the United States to observe Filipino American History Month with appropriate programs and activities. The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), George Helmy (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-votes-prevent-government-shutdown | Rep. Tokuda Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown | 2024-09-25 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6& | scraper | Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) issued the following statement after voting yes on the House bill to prevent a government shutdown. “Our communities can’t afford to lose critical services, but House Republicans have yet again been unable to write or pass legislation to keep the government operating. A shutdown would hurt working families in Hawaiʻi who are already struggling to make ends meet and that’s why I voted today to send this stopgap funding bill to the Senate to ensure our government remains open through December. It is frustrating that while we kept government running, we are continuing to fail our disaster stricken communities like Maui by not passing critical funding or the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. This is a rare bipartisan opportunity to help Americans across the country recover, rebuild and heal, and I will keep fighting to bring home the relief Maui needs. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-voters-and-election-workers-at-election-centers | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Voters and Election Workers at Election Centers | 2024-09-25 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and six colleagues in introducing bicameral legislation to protect voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at the ballot box. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would help ensure that every voter and election worker has the right to cast their ballot and conduct their official duties free from fear and intimidation. U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA) is leading the introduction in the House. The bill would update existing anti-intimidation provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to limit the presence of visible firearms at locations where voters cast their ballot or election workers perform their official duties, empowering poll workers and election officials to continue safely administering elections. The right to vote is a central pillar of American democracy, but rising political violence against voters and poll workers threatens election security. False allegations of widespread voter fraud have further increased tensions at election centers. As of May 2024, 38% of election workers have reported experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse. Specifically, the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would: Amend Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act to establish a rebuttable presumption that a person carrying a visible firearm while engaging in election-related activities is engaging in voter intimidation; Provide civil remedies for individuals who experience this type of intimidation, including an emergency injunction that would allow the voter or election official to carry out their duties in peace; and Recognize an exception for law enforcement officers acting within their official duties. In addition to Senators Hirono and Padilla, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA) is co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-murkowski-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-hold-judiciary-accountable-for-workplace-misconduct | Hirono, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Hold Judiciary Accountable for Workplace Misconduct | 2024-09-25 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Judiciary Accountability Act of 2024 (JAA). The legislation would ensure the more than 30,000 employees of the federal judiciary have strong statutory rights and protections against discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and other forms of workplace misconduct and will guide further conversations with stakeholders and experts about a legislative solution to protect the rights of judiciary employees. U.S. Representatives Hank Johnson (D-GA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Norma Torres (D-CA) introduced a House companion bill. “No one is above the law, but most federal judiciary employees lack essential workplace protections, preventing them from obtaining justice when they face discrimination and harassment,” said Senator Hirono. “Employees of the federal judiciary dedicate their careers to providing justice, and they deserve justice when they face misconduct in the workplace. Yet these employees are among the only ones in the United States who lack the right to sue when they face discrimination or harassment. The Judiciary Accountability Act will help to protect the 30,000 federal judiciary employees by extending basic anti-discrimination protections to cover them, giving them access to federal court to vindicate those rights, and helping to ensure more accountability in the federal courts.” “The Judiciary Accountability Act expands federal laws that prohibit workplace harassment and discrimination to employees of the judiciary, putting them on par with executive branch, congressional, and private sector employees who have long-had these protections,” said Senator Murkowski. “This legislation not only helps safeguard employees from mistreatment at work, but also establishes a review system to foster accountability when those rights are violated. I appreciate the opportunity to lead this bipartisan legislation with Senator Hirono to cultivat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-nationwide-book-bans-top-10000-schatz-raskin-introduce-bicameral-resolution-condemning-book-bans | As Nationwide Book Bans Top 10,000, Schatz, Raskin Introduce Bicameral Resolution Condemning Book Bans | 2024-09-25 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) introduced a resolution condemning an escalating censorship crisis that has removed and targeted thousands of books from the shelves of schools, libraries and universities across the country. The bicameral resolution, coinciding with Banned Books Week, reinforces congressional recognition of students’ First Amendment rights and affirms that the freedom to read is essential to a strong democracy. In the 2023-2024 school year alone, PEN America documented over 10,000 instances of individual books being banned, nearly triple the previous academic year. Many bans have removed books from public shelves with characteristics that would be targeted by Project 2025, which additionally proposes labeling teachers and librarians who distribute such books as sex offenders. “Any attempt to ban books because someone has an ideological disagreement or doesn’t believe in capturing the full scope of history is un-American,” said Senator Schatz. “Freedom of expression is a founding principle of our country, and it's up to all of us to stand up against these attacks on this fundamental right.” “By filling our libraries with a diversity of stories, we help our students understand new perspectives rather than suppressing their freedom to think, read and write independently,” said Representative Raskin. “We must close this chapter of censorship and, rather than continuing to take a page from the world’s dictators and autocrats, turn our attention to the resources students need to succeed. I am grateful to Senator Schatz for his partnership on this resolution.” According to findings from PEN America and the American Library Association, targeted books include classics like To Kill A Mockingbird, 1984, and The Handmaid’s Tale. Books are also more likely to be removed if they feature content related to the LGBTQIA+ experience, race or racial injustice or stories about grief and abuse. “We thank Representative Raskin and Senator Scha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-calls-for-additional-disaster-aid-when-congress-returns-in-november | Schatz Calls For Additional Disaster Aid When Congress Returns In November | 2024-09-25 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today called for additional disaster relief funding when Congress returns in November. Speaking on the Senate floor, Schatz stressed the need to provide disaster survivors on Maui and in other disaster-impacted communities with flexible, long-term assistance in the form of Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding which will enable them to rebuild their homes and communities as quickly as possible. “Make no mistake, our work is not over,” said Senator Schatz. “When we return in November, passing disaster aid has to be the top priority of the United States Congress. There is no excuse not to do this. This is an American priority, and we cannot close up shop for this Congress leaving all these Americans behind.” The full text of the senator’s remarks can be found below. Video is available here. It is good that the Senate and the House are working on a bipartisan basis to pass a short-term bill to keep the government open. But make no mistake, our work is not over, because once again we are leaving town for a long period of time not having passed disaster aid to help survivors on Maui and elsewhere. Over the past 13 months since tragic fires tore down the town of Lahaina and claimed 102 lives, I've been here on the floor repeatedly pressing for urgent disaster relief. And in that time, more disasters have devastated communities all over the country. So many people on Maui, in Texas and Vermont, New Mexico, California, Iowa and Florida and 20 states total, and unfortunately rising. They're waiting for help, and the federal government has not come to their aid yet. They've lost loved ones. They've lost homes. They've lost businesses. They've lost livelihoods. And all they want is help and a little bit of hope to get their lives back to something close to normal. What are we doing as a Congress if we can't even deliver help to our fellow Americans when disaster strikes? When we return in November, passing disaster aid has to be the top … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-urging-senate-leaders-to-take-up-legislation-to-permanently-extend-telehealth-flexibilities-expand-access | Schatz Leads Bipartisan Group Of Senators In Urging Senate Leaders To Take Up Legislation To Permanently Extend Telehealth Flexibilities, Expand Access | 2024-09-25 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led members of the bipartisan Senate Telehealth Working Group in calling on Senate leaders to take up legislation to permanently extend telehealth flexibilities for Medicare beneficiaries that are set to expire at the end of the year. Specifically, the senators urged for the passage of the bipartisan CONNECT for Health Act which Schatz leads with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and was reintroduced last year with the support of 66 bipartisan senators. The letter follows Telehealth Awareness Week and comes after the House Energy & Commerce Committee unanimously advanced a two-year telehealth extension. In addition to Schatz, the letter is signed by Wicker and U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.). “At least 66 Democratic and Republican Senators support permanently expanding telehealth access, and similar provisions have passed on a bipartisan unanimous basis in committees of jurisdiction in the House of Representatives. The Senate must quickly act to advance these policies, which protect access to telehealth services and align with your objective to advance bipartisan legislation that promotes the health and well-being of Americans,” the senators wrote. They continued, “Medicare beneficiaries have come to rely on expanded access to telehealth services and are satisfied with the care they receive. We must provide patients and clinicians with long-term certainty of their ability to access and provide care through telehealth. The CONNECT for Health Act will help us achieve this shared goal and has strong, bipartisan support in the Senate.” The CONNECT for Health Act makes permanent telehealth flexibilities made temporarily available during the COVID-19 pandemic and later extended. Additionally, it expands access to telehealth services by removing unnecessary barriers and enabling doctors, particularly in rural and underserved communities, to leverage telehealth to better serve their patients. The bill was first i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-lead-capac-members-to-urge-omb-to-support-spd-15-implementation-efforts-for-aanhpi-communities | Hirono, Chu Lead CAPAC Members to Urge OMB to Support SPD 15 Implementation Efforts for AANHPI Communities | 2024-09-24 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) led 7 of their colleagues in sending a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young on Statistical Policy Directive 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity (SPD 15), urging OMB to take additional action to assist federal agencies in effectively incorporating its revised standards to SPD 15. OMB’s revised standards to SPD 15 include changes that will help to expand demographic reporting requirements and ensure that diverse communities are better reflected in federal datasets. By implementing increased data disaggregation through these revisions, federal agencies would be able to better understand more communities, including the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities that encompass over 70 ethnicities. “Federal data on race and ethnicity is a crucial resource for identifying and addressing inequity,” wrote the Members. “While SPD 15 could be a tremendous asset to our communities, we are concerned with how federal agencies will implement the revised standards.” The letter urges OMB to work directly with federal agencies to provide them with the necessary resources and guidance to produce detailed inventories on their data collections, and to share these data inventories in a centralized manner, as recommended by over 100 AANHPI advocacy groups that have weighed in on the issue. The letter further requests clarification on what a “sufficient justification” would be to exclude an agency from detailed demographic reporting requirements. “OMB plays a critical role in ensuring both the quality and consistency of federal datasets, and the updated SPD 15 is a significant step in improving federal data collection processes,” the lawmakers concluded. “In all, greater transparency and stronger guidance will help federal agencies fulfill the ideals of SPD … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-support-survivors-of-sexual-assault-on-campus | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Support Survivors of Sexual Assault on Campus | 2024-09-24 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) in introducing legislation to support survivors of sexual assault on college campuses. The Survivor Outreach and Support on Campus Act, or S.O.S. Campus Act, would require that every college and university that receives federal funding have an independent advocate dedicated to campus sexual assault prevention and response. “As we continue working to ensure that our students are safe on campus, the S.O.S. Campus Act would help to ensure that survivors of sexual assault at colleges and universities receive the treatment and support they deserve,” said Senator Hirono. “All students deserve to be safe and supported on campus and I will keep fighting to combat sexual violence and ensure that survivors can access much-needed medical, legal, and mental health resources.” Sexual violence and harassment on college campus is heavily underreported, in part due to shortcomings in existing reporting structures. After a change to Title IX under the Trump administration, many universities experienced a drastic decrease in the number of sexual assaults being reported. The Association of Title IX Administrators estimated that upwards of 90% of sexual misconduct cases are handled “informally” and without formal protections and guidance for survivors. The S.O.S. Campus Act would require campuses to have an independent advocate to conduct public information campaigns on sexual assault prevention and ensure that survivors of sexual assault have access to: Emergency and follow-up medical care, Guidance on reporting assaults to law enforcement, Medical forensic or evidentiary exams, Crisis intervention, ongoing counseling, and assistance throughout the process, and Information on their legal rights. Local rape crisis centers and other community-based organizations are currently providing many of these services in communities and on campuses around the nation. The legislation recognizes the importance of these partners… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-senate-passes-schatz-wicker-resolution-designating-telehealth-awareness-week | Senate Passes Schatz-Wicker Resolution Designating Telehealth Awareness Week | 2024-09-24 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) designating September 15-21 as “Telehealth Awareness Week.” The resolution recognizes that telehealth has helped millions of Americans across the country access quality health care, and has become a critical component of health care delivery. “Telehealth helps people access quality health care when and where they need it, and our resolution highlights the broad, bipartisan support for raising awareness of and expanding access to telehealth,” said Senator Schatz, co-chair of the Senate Telehealth Working Group. “Telehealth is a cost-effective way for people in rural and underserved areas to access health care. Increasing the services available to patients remains one of my top priorities,” Senator Wicker said. The resolution affirms the bipartisan support in Congress for telehealth and encourages expanded access to telehealth services for all people, including members of rural and underserved communities. It notes that 25 percent of Medicare beneficiaries used telehealth services at least once in 2023, and that nearly 90 percent were satisfied with their experience. It concludes that “Telehealth Awareness Week” unites the efforts of patients, caregivers, health care providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance the role of telehealth in health care. The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.). Schatz has led efforts to expand access to telehealth, including reintroducing the CONNECT for Health Act, the most comprehensive bipartisan telehealth legislation in Congress. Since its first iteration in 2016, several provisions from the bill have been signed into law. The full text of the resolution is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/committee-sends-rep-tokudas-lahaina-national-heritage-area-study-act-full | Committee Sends Rep. Tokuda’s Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act to Full House | 2024-09-20 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6& | scraper | Washington, DC – Yesterday, the House Natural Resources Committee voted to advance the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act – introduced by U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) – to the full House of Representatives. The committee reported the bill unanimously. H.R. 8219, the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act, would direct the National Park Service, in consultation with state and local partners, to study the suitability and feasibility of a National Heritage Area designation for Lahaina. These areas are designated by Congress to complement state and local conservation efforts through recognition, federal funding, and technical assistance. “The passage of this bill into law would mark a significant step forward in our efforts to support the community in recognizing Lahaina’s historic and cultural importance,” said Rep. Tokuda. “A designation would uplift the rich history, environment, and culture embodied by Lahaina and provide support for state and local conservation efforts through federal recognition, seed money, and technical assistance.” Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Ranking Member Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), and House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Ranking Member Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) are original cosponsors of the bill, along with Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Gregorio Sablan (D-MP-AL), and Rep. Ed Case (D-HI-01). There are 62 National Heritage Areas in the United States but none in Hawaiʻi. Kaʻena Point is currently being studied for designation. Text of the bill can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-votes-to-protect-access-to-ivf-blasts-republicans-for-blocking-legislation | VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Votes to Protect Access to IVF, Blasts Republicans for Blocking Legislation | 2024-09-17 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Sen. Hirono: “As Republicans continue on their anti-freedom, anti-women crusade, Democrats will continue fighting to protect the right to IVF as we work to ensure people can make decisions about their bodies, their lives, and their futures, free from government interference.” ~ Video of Senator Hirono’s remarks is available here ~ WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) voted in support of the Right to IVF Act, legislation to protect the right to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) services, as well as expand insurance coverage of IVF treatment for those who struggle with infertility. The legislation, previously blocked by Senate Republicans in June, failed on the Senate floor again, with only two Republicans voting to advance it. Following the vote, Senator Hirono delivered a speech on the Senate floor, highlighting that for decades, IVF treatment and other assisted reproductive technologies have helped people, who otherwise couldn’t, start families on their own. “While some on the right like to paint IVF as some sort of new or untested technology, that is not so,” said Senator Hirono. “The first baby delivered via IVF was more than 45 years ago, and since then IVF has helped bring more than 10 million babies into this world.” Senator Hirono has remained committed to protecting the fundamental right to reproductive care for more than 40 years, working as a State Representative in Hawaii in the 1980s, where she led the passage of a bill making Hawaii one of the first states in the nation to require health insurers to cover IVF treatment. Most recently, following the Alabama state Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos have the same rights as children, effectively halting IVF treatment in the state, Senator Hirono cosponsored the Access to Family Building Act, legislation that would protect IVF and ART services, which was blocked by Republicans. Senator Hirono also highlighted her Republican colleagues’ obsession with power and control over women… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-bipartisan-group-of-10-senators-in-calling-for-urgent-disaster-relief-funding | Schatz Leads Bipartisan Group Of 10 Senators In Calling For Urgent Disaster Relief Funding | 2024-09-17 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a group of 10 bipartisan senators in calling on Senate leadership to move quickly to pass additional funding to help states recover from ongoing disasters. Schatz was joined by U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). “We write as members representing states with ongoing disaster recovery needs to request additional disaster relief funding through a supplemental appropriations package, including additional funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) and Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR),” the senators wrote in their letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine). The senators continued, “Our states experienced varying degrees of damage and have unique recovery needs. While we appreciate the federal support through existing permanently authorized disaster recovery programs, there is no one federal program that will directly address the distinct unmet needs of our communities in these difficult times. That is why over the past 30 years, Congress has allocated nearly $100 billion in CDBG-DR funding to disaster-impacted communities in nearly every state and territory. This tried-and-true program provides flexible financial support that communities can use to address unique outstanding needs unmet by other federal streams of assistance. Our states require this federal support to rebuild.” The full text of the senators’ letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Chair Murray, and Vice Chair Collins: We write as members representing states with ongoing disaster recovery needs to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-votes-to-protect-ivf-access-nationwide | Schatz Votes To Protect IVF Access Nationwide | 2024-09-17 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today voted to protect and expand access to IVF nationwide. The Right to IVF Act failed to pass the Senate after all but two Republicans voted against it for the second time in just over three months. Ahead of the vote, Schatz highlighted a local family from Hawai‘i who conceived their child, Nalu, through IVF. At a press conference ahead of vote, Schatz holds up photo of Hawai‘i family that used IVF to start a family “Today, for the second time in 3 months, Republicans voted against protecting IVF. Many of them claim to be supportive of IVF. All of them profess to be pro-life. But given a chance to be both, they failed,” said Senator Schatz. Schatz continued, “Republicans are doing a lot of mental gymnastics to try and justify their cruel extremism on this issue. But let’s be very clear about what the Right to IVF Act does. It protects every American’s right to access IVF and lowers the cost of the treatment for families who need it. That means anyone struggling to start or grow a family can undergo IVF without fear of interference or punishment by the government. And think about the fact that we have to make a law that says families should not be punished for trying to start a family. That’s what this bill does. It says you should have access to this care and cannot be punished for trying to start a family.” The full text of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here. Here, in this chamber, it’s your vote that counts. Not your tweets, not your public statements, not your TV interviews. But your votes. And today, for the second time in 3 months, Republicans voted against protecting IVF. Many of them claim to be supportive of IVF. All of them profess to be pro-life. But given a chance to be both, they failed. Republicans are doing a lot of mental gymnastics to try and justify their cruel extremism on this issue. But let’s be very clear about what the Right to IVF Act does. It protects every American’s right to access IVF and lowers the cost … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-testifies-her-parity-native-hawaiian-veterans-act | Rep. Tokuda Testifies on her Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act | 2024-09-13 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6& | scraper | Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, which held a legislative hearing on her bill, H.R. 8562, the Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act of 2024, a bill to improve healthcare access and affordability for Native Hawaiian veterans. “They served and sacrificed the same as their fellow veterans, yet our country is failing to meet our obligations to them. More must be done to eliminate needless barriers to care for our Native Hawaiian veterans,” said Rep. Tokuda during her testimony. “That is why I introduced the Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act to ensure Native Hawaiian veterans can access healthcare services in a similar manner as their American Indian and Alaska Native counterparts.” Currently, the Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal Health Programs, and IHS-funded Urban Indian Organizations can seek direct reimbursement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for services rendered to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native veterans. Additionally, in 2023, copays were eliminated for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans receiving medical services through VA. The Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act would codify the same reimbursement relationship between VA and Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems to guarantee access to care across all islands. The bill would also eliminate copays for Native Hawaiian veterans for health care and urgent care received through the VA. The bill is cosponsored by Representative Ed Case (HI-01). Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced identical legislation in the Senate. Following the subcommittee hearing, H.R. 8562 can now be considered by the full House Veterans Affairs Committee. Rep. Tokuda’s testimony can be viewed here. The text of the measure can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-introduces-bill-tackle-illegal-campaign-coordination-outside-groups | Rep. Tokuda Introduces Bill to Tackle Illegal Campaign Coordination with Outside Groups | 2024-09-12 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6& | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) introduced the Stop Illegal Campaign Coordination Act to end efforts by campaigns to circumvent federal election laws and illegally coordinate with outside groups. Federal law already prohibits campaigns from coordinating their messaging and communications with outside groups like super PACs that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money from corporate and special interests. However, campaigns have skirted around these laws through a practice known as “redboxing” in which they publish data and content – such as messaging points and pictures - aimed at supportive outside groups. The Stop Illegal Campaign Coordination Act would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to treat expenditures by outside groups as “coordinated” with a political candidate, campaign, or party if those expenditures are materially consistent with instructions, direction, guidance, or suggestions from campaigns. The bill also establishes factors for the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to assess and determine coordination. “For too long, corporate and special interests have poured dark money in our political system and undermined the trust of millions of Americans in our elections. Redboxing has become just another way for campaigns to violate the intent of the laws meant to prohibit illegal coordination and allows them to take advantage of unlimited spending by special interests,” stated Rep. Tokuda. “My bill fixes this gap in our election laws, restores some integrity to our elections, and helps put American voters and people above special interests.” “The Stop Coordinated Campaign Spending Act is a much-needed step forward to address the risk of corruption fostered by unlawful coordination strategies like ‘redboxing.’ By establishing clear rules and guidelines that better define what makes campaign spending 'coordinated' with outside groups like super PACs and dark money 501(c) groups, we can stop candidates from directing the activities of these allied gr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-tillis-velazquez-kim-reintroduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-collect-data-about-who-is-applying-for-patents | Hirono, Tillis, Velázquez, Kim Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Collect Data About Who is Applying for Patents | 2024-09-12 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Representatives Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Young Kim (R-CA) announced the reintroduction of the Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement (IDEA) Act of 2024, bicameral, bipartisan legislation to permit the collection of data that will provide a better understanding of the disparate rates at which women, veterans, and other groups apply for patents in the United States. The IDEA Act is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee at its September 19th Executive Business Meeting. “In order for America to remain innovative and competitive on a global scale, we must include inventors from underrepresented groups across the country—such as women, veterans, and communities of color—in our patent system,” said Senator Hirono. “The IDEA Act will help us to better understand who is applying for patents so that we can focus resources and education to help more people participate in this important part of our economy.” “It is vitally important to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to innovate and to seek to protect their innovations,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to get a better understanding of the background of individuals who apply for patents with the USPTO.” “On the House Small Business Committee, I see every day how innovation and invention drive entrepreneurship and create greater opportunity,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee. “This legislation will drive better policy that ultimately helps more women, people of color and other traditionally disadvantaged groups obtain patents for their inventions, bring new products to markets, creating jobs and enhancing our nation's competitiveness along the way.” “For America to lead in today’s innovative, dynamic economy, we need all of our best and brightest minds at the table. Unfortunately, Americans of different backgrounds can face ba… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-congress-considers-short-term-spending-bill-schatz-stresses-need-to-include-disaster-aid-to-support-survivors-on-maui-nationwide | As Congress Considers Short-Term Spending Bill, Schatz Stresses Need To Include Disaster Aid To Support Survivors On Maui, Nationwide | 2024-09-12 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – As Congress considers a short-term spending bill to keep the government open past the September 30 funding deadline, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today spoke on the Senate floor on the importance of including disaster aid to support survivors on Maui and across the country. In particular, Schatz stressed the need to provide disaster survivors with flexible, long-term assistance in the form of Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding which will enable them to rebuild their homes and communities as quickly as possible. “For Lahaina to recover fully, it needs its people,” said Senator Schatz. “And what those people need right now is tangible help. Help with building a home, with finding a job, with rebuilding their small business. The kind of help that will finally provide a reprieve from the constant worrying about what’s next, and hope that a better future awaits them after months of unimaginable suffering.” Senator Schatz continued, “We have an opportunity not to do something extraordinary but to do something absolutely essential. We have an opportunity to do the thing that Congress always does, which is when a community gets flattened, we're there.” The full text of Senator Schatz’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, can be found below. Video is available here. Congress’ task over the next 2 weeks is pretty straightforward: to keep the government open and avert a pointless and costly shutdown that would hurt so many Americans. And as we do that, the one priority we can’t afford to neglect or punt on is disaster aid. All across the country, in more than 20 states and territories, millions of Americans are reeling from disasters. Wildfires…hurricanes… droughts…floods. And having lost their homes, their communities, and their livelihoods, they’re counting on the federal government for help. For people on Maui, help is needed immediately. More than a year after the deadly fires that levelled an entire town, claimed 102 lives, and stole just about everything fro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-legislation-to-protect-and-expand-social-security-meets-with-social-security-commissioner | Schatz Introduces Legislation To Protect And Expand Social Security, Meets With Social Security Commissioner | 2024-09-11 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) reintroduced the Safeguarding American Families and Expanding Social Security (SAFE Social Security) Act, legislation to expand Social Security for seniors and families in Hawai‘i and across the country. The bill will increase benefits on average by more than $125 per month, ensure the cost of living adjustments adequately reflect the living expenses of retirees, extend the life of the trust fund, remove the wage cap to make sure all Americans contribute equally, and provide additional benefits to older seniors, caregivers, and low-income Americans. Following the bill introduction today, Schatz met with Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley to discuss the urgent need to protect the program and continue helping seniors retire with the dignity and benefits they have earned. “Social Security is the most successful safety net program in American history,” said Senator Schatz. “My bill will expand Social Security, put more money in the hands of seniors who rely on it, strengthen the program for the next generation of retirees, and make sure everyone pays into the system equally.” In Hawai‘i, more than 280,000 people, or over 1 in 6 residents, rely on Social Security benefits. In 2040, the number of Hawai‘i seniors is expected to grow and make up more than 20 percent of the population, making the need to expand the program even more critical. Specifically, the SAFE Social Security Act will: Phase out the payroll tax cap so that payroll taxes apply fairly to every dollar of wages earned; Adjust current benefits calculations to increase average monthly benefits by over $125; Provide an additional 5 percent increase in benefits for older seniors to ensure they can make ends meet as their retirement savings are exhausted; Guarantee a new minimum benefit so that lower income seniors receive enough to survive; Provide a credit for caregivers that would be added to an individual’s earnings to calculate their future Social Security benefits; Ensure that … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3445 | U.S. House Passes Case Measure To Further Strengthen Partnerships Between The United States And Pacific Island Nations | 2024-09-10 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=9 | scraper | (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (Hawai’i-First District) today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 7159, his proposed Pacific Partnership Act, to further increase U.S. engagement in the critical Pacific region. Case, a Co-Chair and Founding Member of the first-ever Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus, introduced the measure together with 25 other bipartisan colleagues. “Our country’s Indo-Pacific Strategy states in no uncertain terms that no region is of more consequence to the world and to everyday Americans than the Indo-Pacific,” said Case in remarks during full House debate on the measure. “The United States and our allies and partners around the world who are aligned with an international rules-based order share the common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific whose governance, priorities, goals and prosperity are determined by the countries of the Indo-Pacific without manipulation and dominance by malicious actors. “This is especially true of the Pacific Islands themselves, in the heart of the Pacific, which today face the challenges of increased natural disasters and human and drug trafficking, economic sustainability, threats to democracy and more. It is crucial that the United States continue to extend our hand of full partnership in assisting the countries of the Pacific to meet these challenges, as we have for generations.” The Pacific Partnership Act requires an annually-updated Strategy for Pacific Partnership that sets specific goals for United States engagement with the Pacific Islands, assesses the threats and pressures to the region and a plan to address such threats, and analyzes the needs and goals of the Pacific Islands in the context of the national interests of the United States. The bill also requires the strategy to be developed in consultation with the governments of Pacific Islands countries, ensuring that the United States follows through on its commitment to support Pacific-led priorities. The bill further extends diplomatic courtesies to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-applauds-va-announcement-on-medical-care-for-cofa-veterans | Hirono Applauds VA Announcement on Medical Care for COFA Veterans | 2024-09-10 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ (VA) announcement that it intends to offer medical care to American veterans living in the Freely Associated States (FAS) of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, consistent with the updated Compacts of Free Association (COFA) signed into law earlier this year. “COFA citizens who served in our Armed Forces should have access to the same health care and benefits as all other American veterans, regardless of where they live. That’s why my colleagues and I fought to include provisions in the renegotiated Compacts passed earlier this year, which are vital to our national security, to give VA the legal authority needed to provide care in the FAS. Today’s announcement that VA intends to provide comprehensive care to COFA veterans, including medical care, pharmacy services, and travel, is an important step for COFA veterans and our relationship with the Freely Associated States. I appreciate VA Secretary McDonough and his team for working diligently to make this happen, and I’ll continue working with him and our COFA partners to ensure full, timely implementation following negotiations with the Freely Associated States.” The Compacts of Free Association allow citizens of the FAS to live and work in the United States. While COFA citizens can and have served in the U.S. Armed Services for many decades, veterans residing in the FAS have long been unable to access health services except through the Foreign Medical Program, which requires out-of-pocket payment making it difficult for veterans in these nations to utilize. During the most recent COFA renegotiations, Senator Hirono worked with her Congressional colleagues and our FAS partners to secure the restoration of VA benefits for COFA citizens residing in the FAS. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-fcc-implementing-safe-connections-act-provision-enabling-domestic-violence-survivors-to-access-discounted-phone-service-through-federal-lifeline-program | Schatz Statement On FCC Implementing Safe Connections Act Provision Enabling Domestic Violence Survivors To Access Discounted Phone Service Through Federal Lifeline Program | 2024-09-10 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it has implemented a key provision of the Schatz-authored Safe Connections Act which enables domestic violence survivors who’ve separated from their abuser’s phone plan to qualify for discounted phone service through the FCC’s Lifeline program. “Survivors of domestic violence should be able to sever ties with their abusers – including their phone plans – while still having the ability to stay connected with their families and support network,” said Senator Schatz. “I’m pleased the FCC is implementing a key component of our Safe Connections Act and enabling survivors to get the help and support they need.” The Safe Connections Act, which was signed into law in 2022, allows survivors to separate a mobile phone line from any shared plan involving an abuser without penalties. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-more-than-18-million-in-federal-funding-heading-to-hawaii-to-help-make-buildings-more-energy-efficient-lower-energy-bills-combat-climate-change | Schatz: More Than $18 Million In Federal Funding Heading To Hawai‘i To Help Make Buildings More Energy Efficient, Lower Energy Bills, Combat Climate Change | 2024-09-09 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced Hawai‘i will receive $18.1 million in federal funding to adopt a building performance standard for energy efficiency in commercial buildings. Improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings – which currently account for approximately one-third of the state’s total electricity use – will both lower energy costs and help Hawai‘i move closer to achieving its climate goals. A significant portion of the funding, which comes from the Inflation Reduction Act, will be used to strengthen Hawai‘i’s workforce in skilled trades through training, education, and apprenticeship programs. “Making our buildings more energy efficient will lower energy bills while also helping us fight the climate crisis,” said Senator Schatz. “This new funding will help strengthen our workforce and enable people across Hawai‘i to reap the benefits of our transition to a cleaner future.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3469 | Case Speaks at Maui Field Hearing | 2024-09-04 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | House | HI | Ed Case | C001055 | case.house.gov | case | https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=9 | scraper | Aloha, and mahalo to everyone for joining us today to assist us in assessing our federal government’s response to the devastating and tragic August 2023 Maui wildfires. And a very special thank you to my colleague and friend, Pete Sessions, Chair of our U.S. House Oversight and Accountability Committee’s Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, for coming here personally to assist us in this review and equally importantly to determine our next steps here and to improve our federal government’s efforts at prevention, mitigation and response elsewhere in our country. Our federal government’s Maui’s recovery effort has proceeded on several fronts. As of the one-year anniversary of the fires, the federal government was on track to provide approximately $3 billion towards Maui’s recovery, including $463.1 million in assistance to survivors. However, there is clearly much more that must be done. It is clearly imperative that we continue to provide federal assistance, including through supplemental disaster funding, which I have strongly supported through my work on the House Appropriations Committee. On August 7th, FEMA was forced to implement "Immediate Needs Funding" due to a rapidly shrinking Disaster Relief Fund that urgently needs additional appropriated funds. Because of this, FEMA will have to delay obligations for longer-term work to prioritize lifesaving disaster responses. This is why the Hawai’i delegation recently sent a letter to Congressional leadership detailing the need for supplemental funding, including $20.9 billion for FEMA, $3.5 billion for the Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Relief that can assist with housing and more. I ask unanimous consent to enter a copy of our letter into the record of this proceeding. I look forward to hearing from the witnesses about how federal agencies have assisted, what remains to be done, and what are the lessons to be learned both for our own ‘ohana and for our fellow citizens across the country. Mahalo. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-question-officials-maui-wildfires-congressional-hearing | Rep. Tokuda to Question Officials in Maui Wildfires Congressional Hearing | 2024-09-03 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6& | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) announced that she will join the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce in a field hearing in Lahaina next week to take a closer look at the federal issues and improvements needed to help Maui continue to rebuild following last year’s August wildfires. During the one-day hearing titled “Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the 2023 Maui Wildfires,” Rep. Tokuda is expected to question local, state, and federal officials about the lessons learned, assess congressional action that can better support the community, and determine any changes that may be needed moving forward. Witnesses will include: Mr. Bob Fenton, Regional Administrator (Region 9), Federal Emergency Management Agency Colonel Eric Swenson, Recovery Field Office Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mr. Francisco Sánchez, Jr, Associate Administrator, Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, Small Business Administration Ms. Cheree Peterson, Deputy Regional Administrator (Region 9), Environmental Protection Agency The Honorable Richard Bissen, Mayor, County of Maui Major General Kenneth Hara, Adjutant General, Hawai‘i Department of Defense Ms. Lauren Nahme, Senior Vice President of the Maui Recovery Office, Hawai‘i Community Foundation Mr. Sne Patel, President LahainaTown Action Committee Mr. Keʻeaumoku Kapu, President and CEO, Nā ʻAikāne o Maui What: Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the 2023 Maui Wildfires When: September 4, 2024 10 a.m. HST Where: Lahaina Civic Center (Social Hall) 840 Honoapiilani Hwy Lahaina, HI 96761 How: The hearing will be open to the public and media and livestreamed at https://oversight.house.gov/ | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-schatz-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-promote-native-arts-and-culture-unlock-federal-funds-for-native-hawaiian-organizations | Hirono, Schatz Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Native Arts & Culture, Unlock Federal Funds for Native Hawaiian Organizations | 2024-08-30 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced legislation to promote Native arts and culture and unlock federal funding for Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs). The Native Arts & Culture Promotion Act provides a technical fix to the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts grant program to ensure NHOs can access funding from the program. “Art has the power to connect us, providing a sense of community and cultural identity,” said Senator Hirono. “As we continue working to promote Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native culture and arts, this legislation will help to ensure that Native Hawaiian Organizations receive the grant awards they deserve to support diverse creative projects and make art more accessible in our communities.” Established in 1994, the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts program awards grants for scholarly study and instruction in Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native contemporary culture and arts. However, outdated and restrictive language in the statute has limited the ability of NHOs to qualify for grant awards. The bill clarifies that NHOs with a governing board that includes Native Hawaiians or individuals widely recognized in the field of Native Hawaiian arts and culture are eligible for funding. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI). ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hirono-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-promote-native-arts-and-culture-unlock-federal-funds-for-native-hawaiian-organizations | Schatz, Hirono Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Promote Native Arts & Culture, Unlock Federal Funds For Native Hawaiian Organizations | 2024-08-30 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced legislation to promote Native arts and culture and unlock federal funding for Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs). The Native Arts & Culture Promotion Act provides a technical fix to the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts grant program to ensure NHOs can access funding from the program. “Our bill provides a common-sense fix so that Native Hawaiian Organizations can access federal funding to support their vital cultural and educational programming,” said Senator Schatz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Established in 1994, the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts program awards grants for scholarly study and instruction in Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native contemporary culture and arts. However, outdated and restrictive language in the statute has limited the ability of NHOs to qualify for grant awards. The bill clarifies that NHOs with a governing board that includes Native Hawaiians or individuals widely recognized in the field of Native Hawaiian arts and culture are eligible for funding. “Art has the power to connect us, providing a sense of community and cultural identity,” said Senator Hirono. “As we continue working to promote Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native culture and arts, this legislation will help to ensure that Native Hawaiian Organizations receive the grant awards they deserve to support diverse creative projects and make art more accessible in our communities.” Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i). ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-4-million-in-federal-funding-heading-to-hawaii-to-recover-native-plants | Schatz: $4 Million In Federal Funding Heading To Hawai‘i To Recover Native Plants | 2024-08-16 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced Hawai‘i will receive $4 million in federal funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help recover native plants. The funding, which comes from the Inflation Reduction Act, will be used to identify translocation sites for 425 Hawaiian plants and improve their resiliency to climate change. “Recovering our native plants and preserving our ecosystems are essential to improving Hawai‘i’s resilience to the climate crisis,” said Senator Schatz. “Through investments like these, we’re protecting the natural resources unique to Hawai‘i and making our environment more resilient for years to come.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-joins-effort-urging-senate-act-natural-disaster-tax-relief | Rep. Tokuda Joins Effort Urging Senate to Act on Natural Disaster Tax Relief | 2024-08-15 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6& | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) joined Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA), Greg Steube (R-FL), and 76 other House members in sending a letter to Senate leadership urging them to promptly bring the bipartisan Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5863) to the floor for a vote. Cosponsored by Rep. Tokuda, the bill would exempt wildfire disaster relief payments received between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025, from taxable income. In May 2024, the House passed the bill, which also includes language from Rep. Tokuda’s Natural Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 to make it easier for Maui fire victims to deduct disaster-related losses by eliminating the minimum 10 percent loss threshold and the requirement to itemize deductions to receive this tax benefit. “As we pass the one-year anniversary of the devastating Maui wildfires, too many members of our community continue to struggle with the costs of recovery. This bill will ensure that the payments and money meant to help disaster victims stay in their pockets and provide financial support for what we know will be a long recovery. I urge the Senate to quickly act on this important legislation.” said Rep. Tokuda. Rep. Tokuda has given remarks on the House floor in favor of the bill’s passage and continues her advocacy to pass tax relief for disaster survivors. This letter follows the recent failure by the Senate to pass the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, which also included parts of Rep. Tokuda’s disaster tax relief bill passed the House floor in January. The letter to Senate leadership can be viewed here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-joins-congressional-delegation-taiwan | Rep. Tokuda Joins Congressional Delegation in Taiwan | 2024-08-13 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6& | scraper | Taipei – This week, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, is visiting Taiwan as part of a congressional delegation (CODEL). Yesterday, the CODEL met with a number of officials including Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-Khim, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung. “It’s been more than 30 years since Hawaiʻi began a sister-state relationship with Taiwan and the common bonds and shared challenges we face are stronger than ever. As islands, we understand the urgent need to make our communities more resilient in the face of climate change, security threats, food insecurity, and the high cost of living that make it difficult for our families to survive," said Rep. Tokuda. “Given our indigenous connections and long-standing cultural and historical ties, I’m proud to be part of this delegation reaffirming the United States’ and Congress’ commitment to Taiwan’s security and democracy and to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I’ll continue to support critical relationships with allies and partners in the region to deter aggression and promote diplomacy to address shared challenges.” Besides diplomatic and security issues, Rep. Tokuda also encouraged Taiwan officials to restart direct flights between Taiwan and Hawaiʻi to strengthen economic and cultural connections and enhance tourism. Direct routes between Hawaiʻi and Taipei were discontinued during the pandemic, but previously provided Hawaiʻi residents and foreigners alike with the opportunity to travel to Taiwan and to connect with other regional countries like the Philippines. This is Rep. Tokuda’s second CODEL trip to Taiwan and will also include visits with the National Development Council, Ministry of National Defense, and Taichung Coast Guard Base. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/on-one-year-anniversary-of-tragic-fires-schatz-pays-tribute-to-victims-honors-survivors-on-maui | On One-Year Anniversary Of Tragic Fires, Schatz Pays Tribute To Victims, Honors Survivors On Maui | 2024-08-08 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | LAHAINA – On the one-year anniversary of the devastating fires on Maui, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) joined state and local leaders and community members to pay tribute to the victims and honor survivors. Earlier today, Schatz addressed community members in Upcountry and joined state and local leaders and the Lahaina community for a memorial paddle out at Hanaka‘o‘o Beach followed by a tribute and remembrance event at the Lahaina Civic Center. “Nothing could’ve prepared people for the horrors they experienced that day 12 months ago. They lost family and friends, homes and schools, entire neighborhoods and communities. All of it was gone in an instant. And yet even amid all that panic and chaos, so many people’s first instinct was to put others before themselves,” said Senator Schatz. “The kindness and generosity have continued in the months since, even as survivors continue to grieve losses and confront uncertainties of their own.” Schatz continued, “We’ve come a long way. Debris removal is running ahead of schedule. Water and wastewater services have been restored. The first few homes are beginning to be rebuilt. And kids are in school learning again at the temporary campus for King Kamehameha III Elementary School that opened earlier this year after being built in just 95 days. But we still have a long way to go. And our promise is that we will be there with this community for as long as it takes, at every step of the way.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-joins-hawaii-delegation-urge-congressional-action-and-more-funding | Rep. Tokuda Joins with Hawaii Delegation to Urge Congressional Action and More Funding for Maui | 2024-08-07 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6& | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, the Hawaii delegation sent a letter to House and Senate leaders urging congressional action to ensure Maui receives necessary supplemental disaster funding as the one year anniversary of the Maui fires approaches. The letter details their requests, including an additional $20.9 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund to meet anticipated needs through Fiscal Year 2025, as well as support for President Biden’s request for $3.5 billion for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program which would help communities nationwide, including Maui. “While we mark the one year anniversary since the fires, our work to support our Maui ʻohana as they heal and rebuild is even more urgent. Congress must act now to get much needed funds to communities like Lahaina that have been hit hard by disaster. The ongoing crisis in Maui has affected the entire country, including Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, and has had ripple effects and relocations throughout the state. These funding requests are critical to the survival and well-being of all of Hawaiʻi, and we will continue to fight for these funds,” said U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02). “One year after the terrible tragedy of Maui, we have made solid progress toward full healing, recovery and rebuilding, assisted by some $1 billion in federal disaster relief,” said U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01). “But so much more remains, and our congressional delegation remains fully focused on assuring the further federal assistance that will be necessary.” Action by Congress would allocate much-needed funds, allowing the activation or continuation of recovery programs on Maui by key departments and agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Economic Development Administration, National Park Service, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Department of Labor, and Department of Energy. The letter to Congressional leadership can be viewed … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-tokuda-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-strengthen-social-security-program | Hirono, Tokuda Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Strengthen Social Security Program | 2024-08-02 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI) introduced the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act, legislation that would strengthen Social Security’s financial state and ensure that seniors continue to benefit from the programs they have paid into throughout their lives. “Social Security provides crucial support to millions of kupuna, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable communities in Hawaii and across the country,” said Senator Hirono. “By lifting the cap on Social Security contributions, the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act will help ensure Social Security remains solvent for decades to come. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to strengthen the program and help ensure the millions of Americans who rely on it will continue to receive the benefits they deserve.” “Americans across the country depend on Social Security. It is a commitment we make to the working men and women who keep America moving forward and they are relying on us to keep Social Security solvent so they can retire with dignity. In Hawaii, where the cost of living is so high, we must ensure these hard-earned benefits keep pace with rising costs of food, housing, and everyday necessities,” said Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02). “Our bill will provide a necessary increase to Social Security payments while reducing the national debt by trillions of dollars and strengthening the Trust Funds to support our kupuna and retirees for decades to come.” This bill will make significant progress toward extending the Social Security lifeline. According to the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Chief Actuary, the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act is expected to extend the ability of the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program to pay scheduled benefits in full and on time for an additional 19 years, moving the date of projected depletion from 2035 to 2054. The bill would also reduce the federal deficit by approximately $13.3… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-constitutional-amendment-to-clarify-no-one-is-above-the-law | Hirono Leads Colleagues in Introducing Constitutional Amendment to Clarify No One is Above the Law | 2024-08-01 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led 28 of her Senate colleagues in introducing a constitutional amendment making clear that no one in the United States is above the law, including the President. In addition to Senator Hirono, the amendment is cosponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senators Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Peter Welch (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angus King (I-ME), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA). “The rule of law is what separates democracy from other forms of government,” said Senator Hirono. “The unprecedented decision made by the Supreme Court’s misguided majority massively weakened the rule of law as it applies to presidents. This constitutional amendment makes it abundantly clear that even if you are the President, Vice President, or any other government official, no one is above the law.” In response to the Supreme Court’s unprecedented decision last month that Presidents are immune from prosecution for “official” actions, Senator Hirono’s amendment would clarify that Presidents and other federal officeholders are, in fact, accountable to the law for their actions. Specifically, the amendment states that every person holding a position of authority under the United States, including the President and the Vice President, is criminally liable for actions both official and unofficial under any generally-applicable criminal laws they violate. “Americans are tired of the Supreme Court acting without accountability,” sai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-ahead-of-1-year-anniversary-of-maui-fires-hirono-pays-tribute-to-lahaina-and-calls-for-additional-federal-disaster-funding-for-maui-on-senate-floor | VIDEO: Ahead of 1-Year Anniversary of Maui Fires, Hirono Pays Tribute to Lahaina and Calls for Additional Federal Disaster Funding for Maui on Senate Floor | 2024-08-01 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) delivered remarks on the Senate floor marking one year since the devastating Maui wildfires. During her speech, Senator Hirono paid tribute to the individuals lost in the fires, honored the resilience of those impacted by the fires, and also emphasized the need for Congress to pass a supplemental funding bill to provide the resources that Maui, and other communities across the country impacted by disasters, will need. “August 8th is a day the people of Maui, and Hawaii, will never forget,” said Senator Hirono in her remarks. “The loss of the town loved by so many was devastating, but even more tragic is the human toll. The fires claimed 102 lives—kupuna who had lived in Lahaina for decades, keiki born and raised in Lahaina, and many more beloved members of this community.” Senator Hirono highlighted the challenges—such as finding long-term, sustainable housing—that families impacted by the fires continue to face, as many members of the community lost their homes, their jobs, and nearly all of their possessions. “In the year since, they’ve had to navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives—finding housing, getting their keiki back to school, and trying to regain a sense of normalcy amidst confusion and trauma,” continued Senator Hirono. “The uncertainty and instability have left many feeling like they are fighting just to survive.” Senator Hirono also expressed appreciation for the way the community, and the country, came together to support those impacted by the fires. She noted that while the federal government has delivered more than a billion dollars for Maui’s recovery, including nearly $450 million in direct payments to survivors, there is still more work to be done to aid in Lahaina’s eventual rebuilding. “This support has been critical in providing some sense of stability to our communities, but the reality is, Lahaina’s recovery will take time, resources, and continuity of effort,” continued Senator Hirono. “As is often the case with d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-release-of-americans-and-others-wrongfully-detained-in-russia | Schatz Statement On Release Of Americans And Others Wrongfully Detained In Russia | 2024-08-01 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement after three Americans – including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva – as well as columnist Vladimir Kara-Murza, were freed from Russian captivity as part of a broader multi-country prisoner swap. “Evan Gershkovich has been wrongfully imprisoned for over a year simply for doing his job as a journalist. Today, thanks to months of diligent diplomacy from President Biden, U.S. government officials, and global allies, Evan will finally be reunited with his family and able to continue doing the job he loves. “A free press is not just an ideal we espouse in America – it’s a value we protect and defend, at home and abroad. The release of Evan, along with Alsu Kurmasheva and Vladimir Kara-Murza, is a significant victory for press freedom. It’s also a reminder that the work to preserve independent journalism and resist the targeting of journalists around the world continues. “I’m also pleased that Paul Whelan and others who have been detained by Russia for years on baseless charges are free at last and coming home to their loved ones.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-hirono-duckworth-daines-bill-to-better-protect-parents-traveling-with-breast-milk-passes-committee | Bipartisan Hirono-Duckworth-Daines Bill to Better Protect Parents Traveling with Breast Milk Passes Committee | 2024-07-31 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Steve Daines (R-MT) successfully passed through the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST). The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula and other related nutrition products, including ice packs, in consultation with leading maternal health groups. “Families have enough to worry about when traveling, they shouldn’t have to fear being harassed, humiliated, and even put in danger simply for traveling with milk and supplies they need to keep their babies fed,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m glad to see the Commerce Committee advance our Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act, to require TSA to clarify its guidance on handling breast milk and baby formula and help ensure parents and families can travel safely and with peace of mind.” The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act would help keep breastfeeding parents and their kids safe and healthy while traveling by air. Mishandled breast milk can become contaminated, which puts children at risk. Moreover, parents who lactate typically need to breastfeed or pump once every few hours. Failure to do so can result in a clogged milk duct, or a painful infection called mastitis. The legislation would better protect families by requiring TSA to: Issue guidance promoting the hygienic handling of any breast milk, baby formula or other infant nutrition products, as well as accessories required to preserve these products; Consult with nationally recognized maternal health organizations in establishing and communicating this guidance; and Update guidance every five years to respond to emerging needs of parents and to account for developments in technology. This legislation would also direct an independent government watc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-chance-to-come-home-resolution | Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Chance to Come Home Resolution | 2024-07-31 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined four of her colleagues in introducing a bicameral resolution aimed at encouraging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide a pathway for individuals who have been unjustly deported from the United States to return and reunite with their families. The Chance to Come Home Resolution, led by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), calls on DHS to use its legal authority to establish a centralized and independent process for reviewing emergency requests from individuals who were wrongfully removed from the country. “By streamlining the petitions process for those who were wrongfully deported, the reforms urged by the Chance to Come Home Resolution would help rectify the injustice of wrongful deportation and more quickly reunite impacted families,” said Senator Hirono. “As the only immigrant currently serving in the U.S. Senate, I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to urge DHS to mitigate the harm caused by our broken immigration system.” Over the past decade, more than 2 million people have been deported, many of whom have resided in the United States for years, raising families, building businesses, contributing to their communities, and growing local economies. Unfortunately, most people unjustly removed lack legal representation and have no path to meaningfully present their case to reunite with their loved ones in the United States. Wrongful deportation disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities, sending individuals to dangerous conditions without any familial connection and tearing their American families and communities apart. The resolution proposes the creation of a centralized, independent review unit within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to streamline the process for individuals seeking to return to the U.S. following wrongful deportations. This unit would provide consistency in adjudication and reduce the burden on government attorneys and immigration courts. In addition to Senators Hiro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-durbin-colleagues-release-gao-report-on-sexual-harassment-in-the-judiciary-system | Hirono, Durbin, Colleagues Release GAO Report on Sexual Harassment in the Judiciary System | 2024-07-31 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Representatives Norma Torres (D-CA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), and Jerry Nadler (D-NY) released a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report addressing the Judiciary’s policies and practices to prevent and respond to workplace misconduct. The Administrative Office (AO) of the U.S. Courts failed to fully cooperate with the GAO audit, a process that relies heavily on transparency. Over the two-year study, the Judiciary only permitted the GAO to interview one current Judiciary employee and one former employee to gain an “employee perspective,” severely limiting the GAO’s ability to assess the practical implementation of the Judiciary’s policies. The tactics used to delay and restrict the GAO auditors’ access to information and court personnel are deeply concerning. “Everyone deserves to be safe and respected in the workplace,” said Senator Hirono. “But this report makes clear that years after its workplace misconduct problems came to light, the federal judiciary will not prevent workplace misconduct, leaving employees vulnerable to abuse without any recourse. The AO’s refusal to fully cooperate with this report underscores its unwillingness to even understand this issue, let alone address it. If the federal judiciary won’t take even basic action to protect its employees, Congress will. I look forward to introducing strengthened legislation with my colleagues in the weeks ahead to protect judiciary employees and stamp out the workplace misconduct that persists in our courts.” The GAO report concluded that the Judiciary “does not have performance measures in place for its workplace conduct efforts and has not evaluated the effectiveness of its efforts.” Overall, GAO found that the Judiciary’s systems aligned with only 65% of federal standards evaluated. GAO noted that the lack of data collection “may limit” the Judiciary's ability to understand and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-measures-to-improve-fire-weather-forecasts-and-warnings-promote-use-of-ai-to-predict-extreme-weather-passes-key-senate-committee | Schatz Measures To Improve Fire Weather Forecasts And Warnings, Promote Use Of AI To Predict Extreme Weather Passes Key Senate Committee | 2024-07-31 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today approved seven measures authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i). The provisions, included as amendments to several bills, would improve fire weather forecasts and warnings in remote or rural areas in Hawai‘i and across the country and promote the use of artificial intelligence to better predict and respond to extreme weather, among other things. “By improving fire weather forecasts and warnings, we can save lives and communities,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “The committee’s vote today gets us one step closer to enacting life-saving measures that will improve weather forecasts and fire warnings in Hawai‘i and across the country. It also will help us realize AI’s full potential in a safe and responsible way.” The seven Schatz provisions approved by the committee today will: Improve fire weather forecasts and warnings in remote or rural areas The Lahaina wildfire highlighted the dangers that remote communities face from fire, and the need for forecasts and warning services to reach them in a timely and actionable way. Schatz’s provision would mandate fire weather forecasts and warnings be disseminated to remote, isolated, or rural communities as effectively as anywhere else in the country. Strengthen weather forecasts with better data The Schatz measure would direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish and maintain a National Mesonet Program. Mesonets are weather observation data networks that observe and track mesoscale weather events, and that are crucial for collecting local meteorological data, such as soil moisture and water levels, to better forecast weather, flood, fire and agricultural impacts. Establishing the National Mesonet Program and outlining its objectives will help address critical gaps in weather data and forecasting. Promote AI technology to improve extreme weather forecasts Schatz’s TAME Extreme Weather… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-president-bidens-supreme-court-reform-proposal | Hirono Statement on President Biden’s Supreme Court Reform Proposal | 2024-07-29 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and leading champion for Supreme Court reform, released the following statement on President Biden’s Supreme Court reform proposal: “Unbound by norms, the Supreme Court has shown itself all too willing to throw out longstanding precedent, putting its ideological agenda above our constitution. The result is a Court deeply out of step with the American people and our values. Despite growing public distrust in the Court and its independence, Justices have refused to take even the most basic steps to affirm their impartiality. “That’s why I’ve worked with my colleagues in the Senate to advance Supreme Court reform, including the creation of a binding code of ethics for Supreme Court Justices, and why I’m glad to see President Biden join in this effort. I’m also glad to see him endorse a constitutional amendment like the one I released earlier this month to clarify that no one—including the President—is above the law. “The rule of law is what separates democracy from other forms of government. The proposals endorsed by the President today will strengthen the rule of law, and Americans’ faith in our democracy. I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues in Congress to pass this vitally-important package into law.” Senator Hirono has been a leading champion for Supreme Court reform and strengthening the rule of law. Earlier this month, she released a discussion draft of a constitutional amendment making clear that no one in the United States is above the law, including the President. Last October, Senator Hirono introduced the Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act, legislation to establish 18-year term limits and regularized appointments for Supreme Court justices. She also cosponsored the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act and was proud to vote for its advancement out of the Judiciary Committee. This legislation would require the Supreme Court to adopt an enfo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/chair-schatz-20-million-heading-to-hawaii-to-support-native-hawaiian-climate-resilience-efforts | Chair Schatz: $20 Million Heading To Hawai‘i To Support Native Hawaiian Climate Resilience Efforts | 2024-07-29 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today announced that Department of the Interior (DOI) has awarded $20 million to bolster climate resilience in Hawai‘i. The new money from DOI’s Kapapahuliau Climate Resilience Program was funded through a Schatz-authored provision in the Inflation Reduction Act. Funding will be awarded to 17 Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) to restore native ecosystems and plants and enhance food security while incorporating Indigenous knowledge and practices. “Through the Kapapahuliau Climate Resilience Program, the federal government is directly funding Native Hawaiian-led climate solutions for the first time ever,” said Chairman Schatz. “This $20 million down payment – part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s historic investment in climate action – recognizes the critical role of the Native Hawaiian community in charting a path towards a sustainable, climate resilient future in Hawai‘i and beyond.” Funding will be used to support efforts to help raise climate change awareness in the Native Hawaiian community, restore native forests and ahupua‘a-based communities, protect ancestral burials, and promote Native knowledge and practices, including loko i‘a and outrigger canoe paddling, among other things. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/what-people-are-saying-health-equity-and-accountability-act | What People Are Saying: Health Equity and Accountability Act | 2024-07-26 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA), legislation that would address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities as well as women, the LGBTQ+ community, rural populations, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities across the United States. Advocates and experts support provisions in this legislation that uniquely target a wide spectrum of health equity concerns. Here's what they have said: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Center for Health Equity: “The NAACP is proud to join our partners in supporting the introduction of the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2024 (HEAA),” said Chris T. Pernell, MD, MPH, FACPM, Director of the NAACP Center for Health Equity. “We know firsthand the disparate impacts that health inequities have on Black and other marginalized communities This legislation takes significant steps to right those wrongs, devising a health equity roadmap to advance health and racial justice at every intersection of the human experience. The NAACP applauds the Congressional Tri-Caucus and Senator Hirono, Congresswoman Lee, and Congresswoman Chu for leading this effort and paving the way for equity. We will not stop fighting for a healthy future, for everybody.” UnidosUS: “UnidosUS is proud to continue its support for HEAA,” said Carmen M. Feliciano, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at UnidosUS. “This groundbreaking legislation would level the healthcare playing field, including for Latino families who continue facing barriers to affordable healthcare coverage and to high-quality care that is linguistically accessible and culturally appropriate.” National Partnership for Women & Families: “The National Partnership for Women & Families is once again proud to endorse the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA),” s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-more-than-68-million-in-new-federal-funding-heading-to-hawaii-to-improve-climate-disaster-resilience-restore-coral-reefs-native-hawaiian-fishponds | Schatz: More Than $68 Million In New Federal Funding Heading To Hawai‘i To Improve Climate, Disaster Resilience, Restore Coral Reefs, Native Hawaiian Fishponds | 2024-07-26 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz today announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded $68.4 million in federal funding to the University of Hawai?i Sea Grant College Program, which will work in partnership with a dozen groups spanning government, nonprofits, academia, and local stewards. The new award is through the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and will be used to help improve climate and disaster resilience across the state. “This new federal funding – part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s historic investment in climate action – will restore critical watersheds and forests and utilize Native Hawaiian knowledge and practices to help move us to more a sustainable, climate resilient future for Hawai‘i,” said Senator Schatz. The new funding will help be used to help conserve and restore watersheds and forests, build natural infrastructure to protect communities and habitat, restore Native Hawaiian fishponds, limu, and coral reefs to reinvigorate habitat, and help reduce risk and improve disaster resilience by establishing new green infrastructure projects and building capacity within at-risk communities, among other things. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-and-video-hirono-lee-chu-reintroduce-legislation-to-create-a-more-equitable-health-care-system | PHOTOS & VIDEO: Hirono, Lee, Chu Reintroduce Legislation to Create a More Equitable Health Care System | 2024-07-25 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Mazie K. Hirono | H001042 | www.hirono.senate.gov | hirono | https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2024, legislation that would address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities as well as women, the LGBTQ+ community, rural populations, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities across the United States. HEAA has been introduced in every Congress since 2003, with support from CAPAC, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), also known as the Congressional Tri-Caucus. “Everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care, but health disparities prevent many marginalized and underserved communities from accessing these essential resources and services,” said Senator Hirono. “The Health Equity and Accountability Act will help to dismantle these barriers by implementing comprehensive provisions to address inequities, including strengthening data collection, increasing access to health services and resources, and diversifying the health care workforce. I am proud to lead this effort and will continue working to ensure that communities across Hawaii and throughout the country have access to the affordable and equitable health care they deserve.” “As a co-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus healthcare taskforce, and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am proud to lead the re-introduction of the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA). HEAA is a bold, comprehensive vision for addressing racial health disparities and improving health outcomes in communities of color and the underserved. It’s the only legislation that directly addresses the intersections of health inequities and race and ethnicity,” said Congresswoman Lee. “We need to pass HEAA to address the underlying challenges that prevent communities of color and underserved communities from gaining cover… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/chair-schatz-appropriations-committee-passes-transportation-housing-and-urban-development-fiscal-year-2025-appropriations-bill | Chair Schatz: Appropriations Committee Passes Transportation, Housing And Urban Development Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Bill | 2024-07-25 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – The Senate Appropriations Committee today passed the Fiscal Year 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The legislation, led by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), chair of the subcommittee, will provide $98.737 billion in total discretionary funding. “This bill makes important investments to strengthen our nation’s transportation infrastructure and address the housing crisis affecting so many people across the country,” said Senator Schatz, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. “The funding in this bill will help make homes more affordable, reduce homelessness, improve air traffic safety, and reduce flight delays. Importantly, this bill also makes record investments in Native housing, which will help Native people in Indian Country, Hawai‘i, and Alaska buy and keep their homes. I’m proud of the work this subcommittee has done on a bipartisan basis to produce a strong bill and urge my colleagues to pass it as soon as possible.” Key Points & Highlights – Transportation Department of Transportation (DOT): The bill provides $110 billion in total funding for the Department of Transportation, of which $81.6 billion is from obligation limitations and $28.5 billion is from discretionary funding. This amount includes significant new resources to ensure the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is able to maintain the safest, most efficient, and most complex air traffic control system in the world; to strengthen the safety of our rail network; and to make critical capital investments and improve the state of good repair of our transit systems. RAISE Grants: The bill provides $550 million for the RAISE Grant program. When combined with the $1.5 billion in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) advanced appropriations, the RAISE Grant program will see $2.05 billion in total funding in fiscal year 2025. As the only multimodal DOT program available to local governments, the program allow… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokudas-statement-prime-minister-netanyahus-address-congress | Rep. Tokuda’s Statement on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Address to Congress | 2024-07-23 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | House | HI | Jill N. Tokuda | T000487 | tokuda.house.gov | tokuda | https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=6& | scraper | “Foreign dignitaries addressing a joint meeting of Congress is a highly regarded invitation that reflects a mutual relationship based on shared diplomatic values. While the United States has long had a pivotal relationship with Israel to deter our adversaries and maintain stability in the Middle East, I do not feel it is appropriate, or as we say in Hawaii, pono, to invite Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has been indicted for corruption in his own country, to address Congress. I cannot turn a blind eye to the horrific loss of life, indiscriminate bombing, famine, and suffering that have occurred in Gaza under his leadership, and I will not be attending the joint meeting. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-meets-with-white-house-science-and-tech-director-participates-in-dialogue-with-center-for-ai-safety-to-discuss-emerging-benefits-challenges-of-ai | Schatz Meets With White House Science And Tech Director, Participates In Dialogue With Center For AI Safety To Discuss Emerging Benefits, Challenges Of AI | 2024-07-23 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a senior member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today met with White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Arati Prabhakar to discuss the potential benefits and emerging safety concerns from artificial intelligence (AI). Later in the day, Schatz participated in a discussion at the Center for AI Safety DC launch reception to discuss his work on AI legislation. Today’s discussions followed a new effort led by Schatz to demand answers from OpenAI on reports of safety, transparency, and whistleblower protection concerns “AI presents us with exciting new possibilities, but it also carries immense risk,” said Senator Schatz. “As the AI industry rapidly grows, it’s critical that we work to ensure the technology is safe for people to use and that companies are holding up their end of the bargain by following through on their safety commitments.” Schatz has been a leader on AI legislation. In 2018, Schatz first introduced the AI in Government Act, bipartisan legislation that would improve the federal government’s use of AI. It was signed into law in 2020, making it one of the first AI bills to be enacted. Since then, Schatz had led legislation to provide more transparency on AI-generated content and protect people from scams through labeling and help improve extreme weather forecasting using AI technology. Senator Schatz meets with Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Senator Schatz discusses his work on AI policy at the Center for AI Safety DC launch reception ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-president-biden | Schatz Statement On President Biden | 2024-07-21 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Brian Schatz | S001194 | www.schatz.senate.gov | schatz | https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement on President Joe Biden. “For over 50 years, Joe Biden has been a selfless patriot and dedicated public servant who’s given everything to the country he so dearly loves. As a senator, vice president, and now president, he has spent most of his life working to make people’s lives better and the world safer. Today, yet again, he has put the country before himself, making the best choice for the American people in this uniquely consequential moment. For that, and for his lifetime of service, we should all be deeply grateful. “It’s not an overstatement to say Joe Biden has been and is the most consequential president of our lifetimes. His legislative accomplishments speak for themselves and will endure for generations to come. He took the biggest climate action in human history. He cut the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and made our communities safer by passing long-overdue gun reform. He’s also revitalized our nation’s infrastructure and strengthened our alliances around the world. “There’s no question Americans today are better off because of Joe Biden.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
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