url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hirono-to-donate-pay-to-food-banks-across-hawaii-during-partial-government-shutdown,Senator Hirono to Donate Pay to Food Banks Across Hawaii During Partial Government Shutdown,2018-12-27,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 27, 2018 Senator Hirono to Donate Pay to Food Banks Across Hawaii During Partial Government Shutdown Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that she will donate pay she receives during the partial government shutdown to food banks in all four counties across Hawaii. More than 2,500 federal workers in Hawaii are either furloughed or working without pay during the holidays because Donald Trump shut down the government, Senator Hirono said. As long as Donald Trump refuses to re-open the government, I will be donating my salary to Hawaii's food banks who serve nearly one in eight Hawaii residents in need. Senator Hirono will divide her salary between the Hawaii Food Bank on Oahu and Kauai, Maui Food Bank, and Hawaii Food Basket on Hawaii Island. During the January 2018 shutdown, Senator Hirono donated her salary to Hawaii's 14 Federally Qualified Community Health Centers. During the 2013 government shutdown, Senator Hirono donated her salary to Lanakila Pacific, Hawaii Meals on Wheels, the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council, Kauai Economic Opportunity, and Hale Mahaolu. Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-the-partial-government-shutdown,Hirono Statement on the Partial Government Shutdown,2018-12-22,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2018 Hirono Statement on the Partial Government Shutdown Senator Mazie K. Hirono issued the following statement on the partial government shutdown: Two nights ago, the Senate did its job by passing a bill to keep the government open with the expectation that the House would pass it and that the President would sign it into law. But at the 11th hour, Donald Trump succumbed to pressure from his far right-wing base and chose to shut down the government for a $5 billion down payment on his vanity wall. This shutdown is totally unfair, completely unnecessary, and entirely the President's fault. Donald Trump needs to face the reality that he won't get $5 billion for his wall and accept responsibility for keeping the government running. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/gabbard-backed-bill-reduce-mass-incarceration-lower-recidivism-signed-law,"Gabbard-Backed Bill to Reduce Mass Incarceration, Lower Recidivism Signed into Law",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Bipartisan legislation that Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) co-sponsored and worked to pass would empower formerly-incarcerated individuals, improve public safety, and reduce recidivism and was signed into law today. The Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed, Safely Transitioning Every Person (FIRST STEP) Act, H.R. 5682, would authorize $75 million per year for five years to develop new programsincluding education, vocational training, and mental health counselingto empower prisoners for successful reentry into society and reduce rates of recidivism. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said: The consequences of decades of a failed War on Drugs and policies focused on incarceration over rehabilitation has left generations of people ill-equipped to when they have done their time to move on with their lives. Our bill aims to curb the destructive cycle of recidivism that has plagued low-income and minority communities across our nation. It authorizes funding for educational programs, job training, and mental health counseling programs that are proven to lower recidivism rates. The FIRST STEP Act also limits mandatory minimums, fixes Good Time Credits, expands compassionate release for the elderly and terminally ill, and more. Today, we take the first in a long line of steps toward comprehensive criminal justice reform. Tomorrow, we must keep up the fight for greater sentencing reform and eradicate the private prison industry. There's no overnight solution to our broken criminal justice system, but this bill makes long overdue progress that will make a lasting difference for so many Americans. Background: The FIRST STEP Act (H.R. 5682) would: Provide a Good Time Credit Fix to ensure that incarcerated individuals can earn the 54 days of good time credit per year that Congress intended, and not just the 47 days that BOP currently allows. It has been estimated by BOP and GAO that fixing this will lead to the release of roughly 4,000 prisoners and save $40 million the first fiscal year. Establish a Risk-Reduction System to match inmates to programs best-fitting their needs with the hopes of reducing recidivism over time. The program will be dynamic, statistically validated, and evaluated to ensure it doesn't result in unwanted racial disparities in order to address concerns about prisoners of color being disproportionately impacted. Expand and Create Recidivism Risk Reduction Programming by authorizing $250 million over five years to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for the development and expansion of programming focused on skill-building, education and faith that has been shown to reduce recidivism. This program also aids in preparing prisoners for a successful and permanent transition back into their communities. Focus Resources on High and Medium Risk Prisoners to have the greatest impact on the prisoners who are at the greatest risk of recidivating Incentivize Participation with No Cap on Pre-Release Credit Earned, including allowing 10 days in pre-release custody for every 30 days of successful participation, with no cap on the pre-release credit that can be earned. Beyond prerelease custody, other incentives include increased phone and visitation periods, transfer to institutions closer to one's release residence and additional policies which can include increased commissary spending, access to email, consideration of transfer and other incentives solicited from prisoners themselves. Offer Prerelease Custody by requiring BOP to transfer low and minimum risk prisoners to prerelease custody. The bill also would provide a pathway to petition the warden of the prison to grant prerelease custody as earned. Provide Independent and Congressional Oversight through a biannual GAO audit. It also requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the activities implemented, the effectiveness of the programming, the recidivism rates, and savings. BOP also has Congressional oversight, specifically through the requirement to undertake significant data collection under the National Prisoner Statistics Program. Move People Closer to Home to within 500 driving miles of their families when an appropriate facility is available in order to lower the burdensome and often costly journey to visit loved ones in prison and to reduce recidivism. Ensure the Dignity for Women by instituting a ban on shackling pregnant and postpartum women, and requiring the BOP to provide sanitary napkins and tampons to incarcerated women for free. Require Provisions of IDs to reduce the collateral consequences of incarceration by allowing a quicker integration back into society, and create significant cost savings for BOP of approximately $19 million. Expand the Compassionate Release program by a 10 year requirement from the elderly release pilot program created by the Second Chance Act. This reduces the minimum age of prisoner eligibility for elderly release from 65 years of age to 60 years of age, and minimum time served of prisoner eligibility for elderly release from to . It also expands the program to all prisons not just one. Finally, it allows the prisoner to seek relief under the program directly from a court so that administrative hurdles don't hamper one's ability to be released. Limits mandatory minimums by lowering the 20-year mandatory minimum to 15 years, and the current penalty for life would be reduced to 25 years. Expand the Safety Valve to allow judges to sentence below the mandatory minimum qualified low-level nonviolent drug offenders who cooperate with the government. Retroactive Application of Fair Sentencing Act by allowing individuals still serving sentences under the pre-FSA 100-to-1 crack-powder sentencing disparity to petition for sentence reductions. Reform Enhanced Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Prior Drug Offenses by reducing the second strike mandatory minimum of 20 years to 15 years, and reduce the third strike mandatory minimum of life in prison to 25 years. Eliminate 924(c) stacking by prospectively clarifying that recidivist mandatory minimum enhancements for repeat offenders who use or possess a firearm during certain crimes apply only to final convictions so these enhancements cannot be stacked or applied to conduct within the same indictment. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-tulsi-gabbard-and-andy-barr-s-bipartisan-bill-reimburse-veterans-gi-bill,Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Andy Barrs Bipartisan Bill to Reimburse Veterans GI Bill Benefits Passes Senate,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCReps. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Andy Barr (KY-06)'s bipartisan legislation to hold the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accountable and ensure timely reimbursement for veterans who were underpaid or faced delays in receiving their Forever GI bill housing benefits today passed the U.S. Senate. The Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act would require the VA to assess how many veterans were impacted, establish a plan to correct late and underpaid stipends, improve congressional oversight, and set a deadline for correcting these errors. Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. Senate, which now heads to the House for consideration. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Founder and Co-Chair of the Post-9/11 Veterans Caucus said: For months, problems at the VA causing delays or inaccurate Forever GI bill payments for hundreds of thousands of our nation's veterans have caused great stress and hardship on them and their families. Our veterans shouldn't suffer because of bureaucratic red tape and incompetence. Our bipartisan legislation will hold the VA accountable, correct these egregious errors, and ensure our brothers and sisters in arms receive the benefits they've earned. The Forever GI Bill provides housing benefits to hundreds of thousands of active military, reservists, and veterans as they pursue higher education, said Congressman Barr. The VA must be held accountable for properly implementing the law and administering the Forever GI Bill in accordance with Congressional intent. Our nation's veterans deserve better than to be faced with inaccurate, late payments. This legislation will remedy an undue hardship placed on veteran students and provide oversight and accountability to ensure these payments are made in a timely manner. I want to thank my colleague Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for supporting this legislation and I look forward to its swift passage to provide relief and certainty to our veterans. Background: The Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act would require the VA to: End improper payments as soon as possible; Establish a team of specialists who will be responsible to report to Congress a detailed plan to correct this egregious error; Provide a report to Congress by July 2020 that identifies how many beneficiaries were impacted and to what extent, aggregated by state; and Certify the department is fully compliant with the law. Last week, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard joined veterans service organizations at a press conference in advocating for the Department of Veterans Affairs to fully repay every veteran who faced inaccurate and late GI bill payments, treating burn pits, taking care of the nation's female veterans, addressing high veterans suicide rates, and more. The congresswoman joined her veteran colleagues in urging VA Secretary Robert Wilkie to immediately address the technical problems contributing to the delays of payments affecting the educational pursuits, housing, financial security, and emotional well-being of veterans and their families. The congresswoman has also championed the Burn Pits Accountability Act (H.R. 5671), with the support of 147 cosponsors and 25 military service organizations (MSOs) and veterans service organizations (VSOs), that would ensure the evaluation the exposure of U.S. servicemembers to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals. She has also pushed for the Deborah Sampson Act (H.R. 2452) to improve access and quality of care at the Department of Veterans Affairs for female veterans. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/after-passing-the-house-hirono-duckworth-royce-lieu-bill-to-honor-chinese-american-wwii-veterans-heads-to-presidents-desk,"After Passing the House, Hirono, Duckworth, Royce, Lieu Bill to Honor Chinese-American WWII Veterans Heads to President’s Desk",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 19, 2018 After Passing the House, Hirono, Duckworth, Royce, Lieu Bill to Honor Chinese-American WWII Veterans Heads to President's Desk WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) to recognize the contributions of more than 18,000 Chinese-American World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medalthe highest civilian honor that Congress can bestow. The Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act was introduced by Senators Hirono and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Representatives Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), and passed the Senate earlier this year. The bill now awaits the President's signature. More than 18,000 Chinese Americans served our country during World War II, while also facing discrimination here at home, Senator Hirono said. Like other minority service members, their contributions were not appropriately recognized during or immediately after World War II. The passage of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act goes a long way to right that wrong and express our gratitude for Chinese American veterans' distinguished service. Despite facing outright discrimination, more than 18,000 brave Chinese Americans volunteered to risk their lives to protect their fellow Americans during World War II, Senator Duckworth said. I'm proud my colleagues from both sides of the aisle have chosen to recognize this brave group of Veterans' unwavering commitment and honor them with a Congressional Gold Medal. The United States remains forever indebted to the bravery and sacrifice that the Chinese American veterans of World War II displayed. From the Flying Tigers, to their service in the Pacific and across Europethese heroes answered the call of duty when our nation needed them the most and are worthy of recognition, Rep. Royce said. To these brave veterans of World War II, thank you for your sacrifice. We are a grateful nation, and we honor your service by working to build a better world. I'm proud to have co-led the introduction of this bill to award Chinese American WWII veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal, Rep. Lieu said. We will finally have the chance to honor the service and sacrifice of Chinese Americans who fought for the U.S. in WWII. By proudly serving their country, even in the face of the shameful Chinese Exclusion Act, Chinese American veterans exemplified patriotism and demonstrated a deep commitment to the United States. As a veteran, I'm grateful to have worked on this legislation, along with Rep. Royce, and Sens. Duckworth, Cochran and Hirono, to honor the lives and legacies of these WWII heroes. The heartfelt considerations for this group by House Lead Co-sponsors Rep. Ed Royce (CA) and Rep. Ted Lieu (CA) and Senate Lead Co-sponsors Sen. Tammy Duckworth (IL), Thad Cochran (ret.) (MS), and Mazie Hirono (HI) mark a significant milestone for the nearly 20,000 Chinese American Veterans, Samantha Cheng, Project Director, the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project, said. These Veterans and their families, as well as surviving family members of our departed, deem this recognition a most high honor from a grateful nation. ""Having Congress approve the Congressional Gold Medal for Chinese American Veterans of World War II is momentous and the timing truly historic, Davace Chin, National President of Chinese American Citizens Alliance, said. This month, as the nation reflects on the 75th Anniversary of the Magnuson Act, which ended 61 years of discrimination towards Chinese Americans, it is poignant and bittersweet. Tens of thousands of Chinese American men and women enlisted at a difficult juncture in American history, when the Chinese Exclusion Act was still in effect. We are grateful and appreciative for Congress's recognition of service and sacrifice made by Chinese American veterans."" We commend Congress for honoring the dutiful service and role of the Chinese American Veterans of World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal, Ed Gor, past president of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, said. Senators Hirono and Duckworth originally introduced the measure in May 2017 with former Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.). The bill collectively awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Chinese-American Veterans of World War II, which includes individuals of Chinese ancestry who served honorably in active duty at any time during the period December 7, 1941, and ending December 31, 1946 under the command of the Armed Forces. Last Congress, Senator Hirono successfully passed S.1555, the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, which awarded the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the over 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt's call-to-duty and fought under the American flag during World War II. Senator Hirono, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), and Congressional leaders presented the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino World War II veterans in October 2017. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-trump-administrations-announcement-that-it-will-end-policy-that-lengthens-incarceration-of-unaccompanied-minors,Hirono Statement on Trump Administration’s Announcement that it Will End Policy that Lengthens Incarceration of Unaccompanied Minors,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 19, 2018 Hirono Statement on Trump Administration's Announcement that it Will End Policy that Lengthens Incarceration of Unaccompanied Minors WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it would end its policy of requiring fingerprinting of all adult members in the households of potential sponsors for unaccompanied minor immigrants to the United States: Last weekend, I visited Tornillo a tent city housing 2,700 unaccompanied children from across the southern border. I saw how the Trump administration made a dire situation even worse by requiring fingerprinting of every adult in the household of potential sponsors before these incarcerated children could be released. This requirement was not only unnecessary, but had a chilling effect by instilling a fear of deportation in mixed-status sponsor households. Thousands of children have been incarcerated for months as they wait for sponsors to be cleared. Mental health experts have repeatedly warned that the longer children are kept in these situations, the more emotional damage occurs. Thus, our goal regarding unaccompanied minors must be to place these minors with appropriate sponsors as quickly as possible. Today, the Department of Health and Human Services announced with little fanfare that it was changing this damaging fingerprinting policy. I welcome today's announcement. Sadly, this policy now thankfully changed is just one of the many assaults on immigrants perpetrated by the Trump administration. We must continue to shine a light on Donald Trump's destructive immigration policies, and I will continue to do so. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-holds-va-secretary-wilkie-accountable-for-state-of-veterans-care,Senator Hirono Holds VA Secretary Wilkie Accountable for State of Veterans' Care,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In the News Email Me About an Issue",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-boozman-bipartisan-legislation-to-ensure-all-underpaid-veterans-are-reimbursed-passes-senate,Schatz-Boozman Bipartisan Legislation To Ensure All Underpaid Veterans Are Reimbursed Passes Senate,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz-Boozman Bipartisan Legislation To Ensure All Underpaid Veterans Are Reimbursed Passes Senate Wednesday, December 19, 2018 WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses veterans for missed or underpaid Forever GI Bill housing benefits. For many student veterans, every dime counts. That's why the VA needs to get this right and pay student veterans the full amount of money they were promised, said Senator Schatz, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. I'm glad that my colleagues in the Senate saw how important this issue is, and I hope this bill stays on the fast track to becoming law, so we can make this right for our veterans. The swift passage of this legislation shows the Senate's commitment to ensuring our veterans receive the full benefits they earned. We must hold VA accountable for addressing its failure to properly implement housing benefits of the Forever GI Bill, said Senator Boozman, the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. I encourage speedy approval of this bill by the House of Representatives to help assure veterans that this error will be completely corrected. Senators introduced the legislation to address the VA's failure to fully comply with reimbursement rates set by the Forever GI Bill. The improper payments resulted from IT systems that had not been properly updated and lack of internal processes to get the VA the necessary information about payment rates. The VA should have used the Department of Defense's 2018 Basic Allowance for Housing rates which should have been calculated based on the zip code where the student takes the majority of classes, rather than on the zip code in which the school's main campus is located. Instead, some GI Bill recipients have been receiving housing stipends at the 2017 rate and based on the school's zip code. In all cases, the 2018 rate is higher than the 2017 rate. The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.). The Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act would require the VA to: End improper payments as soon as possible; Establish a team of specialists who will be responsible to report to Congress a detailed plan to correct this egregious error; Provide a report to Congress by July 2020 that identifies how many beneficiaries were impacted and to what extent, aggregated by state; and Certify the department is fully compliant with the law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/hawaii-news-now-senator-hirono-calls-in-to-recap-trip-to-border,Hawaii News Now: Senator Hirono Calls in to Recap Trip to Border,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"View Copy link to clipboard",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/khon-senator-hirono-discusses-government-funding-trip-to-border,"KHON: Senator Hirono Discusses Government Funding, Trip to Border",2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In the News Email Me About an Issue",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-on-compassionate-prison-release-passes-senate-in-sweeping-criminal-justice-reform-bill,Schatz Legislation on Compassionate Prison Release Passes Senate in Sweeping Criminal Justice Reform Bill,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Legislation on Compassionate Prison Release Passes Senate in Sweeping Criminal Justice Reform Bill Bipartisan Bill Will Improve Approval Process For Compassionate Release And Save Taxpayer Money - Since 2014, 81 Elderly, Terminally Ill People Have Died In Federal Prisons Waiting for Compassionate Release Approval Tuesday, December 18, 2018 WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. Senate passed sweeping legislation to improve the criminal justice system, including a bipartisan measure authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). The Granting Release and Compassion Effectively (GRACE) Act improves the Bureau of Prisons' approval process for compassionate release. Too many people who are eligible for compassionate release die in prison because the decision takes so long. And many others wait for months just to get a response. Clearly, the system is broken, said Senator Schatz. Our legislation, which is now one step closer to becoming law, will create clear guidelines in the approval process so that we have more accountability in the system and the sick and elderly who qualify for compassionate release get it. In a 2013 report, the Department of Justice's Office of Inspector General reviewed the Bureau's use of compassionate release and found that it did not have clear standards or a formal timeline standard when making its compassionate release decisions. Senator Schatz led a bipartisan group of senators in calling on the Bureau to review and explain its plans to follow the Inspector General's recommendations. In response, the Bureau reported that since 2014, 81 people have died while their requests were under review. On average, it takes the Bureau more than four months to approve compassionate release applications and nearly six and a half months for denials. Authorized under the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984, which also eliminated parole for federal prisoners, compassionate release gives people incarcerated in federal prisons an opportunity to appeal for early release for extraordinary and compelling reasons, including advanced age and terminal illness. The GRACE Act will improve the Bureau's approval process for compassionate release petitions by: Allowing an individual to petition to a federal court if they fully exhaust all administrative rights to appeal, or if the Bureau fails to bring a motion within 30 days; Setting up an expedited process for terminal illness cases; Allowing prisoners' attorneys or families to file on their behalf; Requiring the Bureau to include compassionate release in their staff training and prison handbooks; and Creating a reporting requirement for the Bureau. People released under compassionate release have a 3.5 percent recidivism rate, the lowest rate among all those formerly incarcerated. Additionally, incarcerated individuals 50 years and older have a 15 percent re-arrest rate, compared to a 41 percent re-arrest rate for the general federal prison population. Federal prisons house an increasingly large number of aging individuals who often have serious medical conditions, making medical care one of the biggest expenses of the federal prison system. The elderly are now the fastest growing population in federal prisons and are expected to represent 28 percent of the total population by 2019. Incarceration costs for the elderly and terminally ill in prisons are substantially greater than for the general population. In addition to Schatz, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). There is no public safety benefit to keeping very sick and elderly individuals locked up in federal prison. We should not waste finite anti-crime resources on those who pose the least risk of re-offending. We thank Senator Schatz for his leadership, said Kevin Ring, president of FAMM. We have heard horror stories about the existing compassionate release process and applaud the inclusion of the GRACE Act in the final text of the First Step Act. Advocates who know the first-hand experiences of people in prison and their family members truly understand how transformative this provision is. We are deeply appreciative of Senator Schatz's relentless commitment to addressing the many broken aspects of our criminal justice system and improving the lives of people entrapped in it, said Jessica Jackson, co-founder of #cut50. The GRACE Act has been endorsed by FAMM, the Human Rights Watch, and the Drug Policy Alliance. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass, and then goes to President Trump, who has said he plans on signing it into law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-passes-schatz-murkowski-legislation-to-expand-amber-alert-system-to-all-us-territories-help-find-missing-children,"Senate Passes Schatz-Murkowski Legislation to Expand AMBER Alert System to All U.S. Territories, Help Find Missing Children",2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Schatz-Murkowski Legislation to Expand AMBER Alert System to All U.S. Territories, Help Find Missing Children Tuesday, December 18, 2018 WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) that will expand the AMBER Alert system to include all U.S. territories. The national AMBER Alert network distributes alerts on highway billboards, TVs, radio, and cellular phones to mobilize the public when a child is missing or abducted. It has helped rescue more than 900 children. AMBER Alerts have helped save hundreds of children. There's no good reason for U.S. territories to be excluded from this system, Senator Schatz said. With this bill now one step closer to becoming law, we can help children and their families quickly end the nightmare that is child abduction. The AMBER Alert system has saved hundreds of children over the past 15 years, which is why it's so important that we expand access to this essential service to all U.S. territories, Senator Murkowski said. I am hopeful that the House of Representatives will pass this bipartisan bill quickly and send it to the president for his signature. First established in 2003, the original legislation authorizing the program did not include grant funding to help all U.S. territories implement the system. In addition to all 50 states, only the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were eligible for grant funding. The Schatz-Murkowski legislation will direct the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide federal grant funding to help all U.S. territories implement the AMBER Alert program on a voluntary basis. Specifically, it will: Reauthorize DOJ's AMBER Alert grant program and make all five U.S. territories American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands eligible for funding; Integrate territorial law enforcement agencies into the national AMBER Alert system, including state or regional AMBER Alert communication plans; Direct the DOJ's AMBER Alert coordinator to work with the Department of Homeland Security; and Authorize DOT to provide grants for AMBER Alert signs along public roadways and other major transportation routes, including airports, maritime ports, border crossings/checkpoints, and ports of exit from U.S. territories. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass before the end of the year. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-the-resignation-of-ryan-zinke,Hirono Statement on the Resignation of Ryan Zinke,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 17, 2018 Hirono Statement on the Resignation of Ryan Zinke WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement on Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's resignation: During his tenure as Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke continuously demonstrated blatant disregard for science, conservation, and the federal workforceall critical components of the Department. Like too many members of President Trump's cabinet who have faced numerous ethics scandals, I welcome Mr. Zinke's long-overdue resignation. I'm not holding my breath, but it is my hope that the President's nominee to replace Mr. Zinke will recognize the importance of protecting and conserving our public lands and act immediately to mitigate climate change for the benefit of the country instead of benefiting industry by extracting as much fossil fuel as possible. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-introduces-new-legislation-to-protect-children-from-dangerous-pesticide-,Schatz Introduces New Legislation To Protect Children From Dangerous Pesticide,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Introduces New Legislation To Protect Children From Dangerous Pesticide Bill Follows Hawaii's Lead, Would Ban Chlorpyrifos From Schools Next Year, Stop Sales in United States by 2020 Monday, December 17, 2018 WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced a bill to ban chlorpyrifos, a pesticide that is hazardous to humans, particularly children. The Prohibit Chlorpyrifos Poisoning Students Act would take Hawaii's state ban to the national level, banning the use of the chemical near schools in 2019 and banning its sale and distribution altogether the following year. My bill would take Hawaii's state ban nationwide, so all of our children are protected no matter where they live or go to school, Senator Schatz said. Hawaii became the first state to ban chlorpyrifos in June this year, when Govenor Ige signed legislation that will go into effect after 2022. Two months after the bill became law, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban the chemical in the United States. The EPA is contesting the ruling. Earthjustice commends Senator Schatz for his efforts to craft legislation to protect children, farmworkers and families from some of the most toxic pesticides in the United States. This proposal would ban chlorpyrifos a dangerous pesticide known to damage our children's developing brains and establish new, sensible safeguards that prevent the spraying of toxic pesticides near schools, while requiring transparency and notification about the use of pesticides in our communities. It's an important step forward for the health of all people, especially farmworkers and people in agricultural communities who bear the brunt of exposure to pesticide applications, said Andrea Delgado, Legislative Director of the Healthy Communities Program at Earthjustice. We appreciate Senator Schatz and his colleagues for their work to ban chlorpyrifos and prevent the spraying of dangerous pesticides that harm children's brains and impair learning and behavior. Unfortunately, when it comes to chlorpyrifos, EPA is siding with the chemical industry against public health. Congress must act where EPA will not, said Maureen Swanson, Director of the Healthy Children Project at the Learning Disabilities Association of America. The dangers of chlorpyrifos are well-known. It was banned in homes in 2000 because of the toxic threat it presents, especially to children. A 2016 assessment by the EPA found that children ages 1-2 were exposed to levels of the pesticide that are 140 times more than what the EPA deems safe. It also found unsafe levels of the chemical in the air at schools, homes, and communities in agricultural areas. The chemical is used on golf courses and farms and for mosquito control. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-passes-schatz-thune-wicker-legislation-to-improve-the-way-the-public-receives-missile-alerts-,Senate Passes Schatz-Thune-Wicker Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Missile Alerts,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Schatz-Thune-Wicker Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Missile Alerts Less Than A Year After False Alarm in Hawaii, Bill Moves Forward To Fix Flaws Exposed By Accidental Alert Monday, December 17, 2018 WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), John Thune (R-S.D.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), will ensure more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions, and radios, explore new ways of alerting the public through online video and audio streaming services, track and study false alerts when they occur, and improve the way states plan for emergency alerts. When a missile alert went out across Hawaii in January, some people never got the message on their phones, while others missed it on their TVs and radios. Even though it was a false alarm, the missile alert highlighted real ways we can improve the way people receive emergency alerts, said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee. Our bill fixes some of these issues and will help make sure that in an emergency, the public gets the right information they need as quickly as possible. When an emergency happens, the public needs to be made aware in a timely and effective manner, said Senator Thune, Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. The READI Act addresses a number of emergency alert system issues to improve the reliability of potentially lifesaving communications. The READI Act will ensure more Americans receive lifesaving information during emergencies ranging from natural disasters to terrorist attacks, said Senator Wicker, Chairman of the Senate Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet Subcommittee. Importantly, this bill will also address the problem of false alerts, which deteriorate public confidence in the emergency alert system. I am proud to have worked with Senators Schatz and Thune on this important legislation to protect the American people. The Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert System ensure that the public is quickly informed about emergency alerts issued by federal, state, tribal, and local governments and delivered over the radio, television, and mobile wireless devices. These announcements keep the public safe and informed. FEMA administers the platform government agencies use to originate alerts, while the FCC oversees the systems used to distribute the alerts over broadcast and mobile wireless networks. The READI Act would: Ensure more people receive emergency alerts by eliminating the option to opt out of receiving certain federal alerts, including missile alerts, on mobile phones; Require active alerts issued by the President or FEMA to be repeated. Currently, alerts on TV or radio may only be played once; Explore updating the system to offer emergency alerts over the internet, including to audio and video online streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify; Encourage State Emergency Communications Committees to periodically review and update their State Emergency Alert System Plans, which are often out of date; Compel FEMA to create best practices for state, tribal, and local governments to use for issuing alerts, avoiding false alerts, and retracting false alerts if they occur, as well as for alert origination training and plans for officials to contact each other and federal officials during emergencies; and Establish a reporting system for false alerts so the FCC can track when they occur and examine their causes. In addition to the READI Act, Senator Schatz introduced the ALERT Act earlier this year. The legislation, which passed the Senate in June, would give the federal government the primary responsibility of alerting the public of a missile threat. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-gabbard-lee-jones-pocan-mcgovern-khanna-urge-speaker-ryan-schedule,"Reps. Gabbard, Lee, Jones, Pocan, McGovern, Khanna Urge Speaker Ryan to Schedule Immediate Vote on Yemen War Powers Resolution",2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCReps. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Walter Jones (NC-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Mark Pocan (WI-02), and Ro Khanna (CA-17) today called for an immediate vote on S.J. Res. 54, a bipartisan resolution to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen. In a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan, the lawmakers called for Congress to fulfill its constitutional war powers responsibilities and debate and vote on whether or not US military forces should withdraw from the unauthorized and unconstitutional war in Yemen that has produced the worst man-made humanitarian crisis of our time. Read the Letter to Speaker Paul Ryan Here Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: For the first time, the Senate has taken action towards ending US support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen that has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis and horrific suffering for the Yemeni people. Millions of Yemeni civilians are on the brink of starvation and lack access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed by bombs dropped on weddings, school buses, markets, and more. Congress must act to end U.S. support for this genocidal war now. Speaker Ryan must honor our Constitution and schedule a vote on this resolution immediately. I applaud the Senate for taking long-overdue action to end the US role in the war in Yemen, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Civilians have borne the brunt of this brutal war, with millions suffering from famine and cholera. It's past time that Congress re-evaluates our complicity in these humanitarian atrocities. Speaker Ryan should stop standing in the way and allow us to hold a real debate and vote on this unauthorized, immoral war. History is watching. Rep. Mark Pocan said: Despite Speaker Ryan's shameful maneuvers to prevent the House from ending the United States' unauthorized participation in the war in Yemen, the Senate took a historic, bipartisan vote directing the President to end our involvement there. Following this overwhelming momentum, the House must act now to bring the conflict to a close. As I've said on the House floor, you wonder why people think Congress lacks common sense? It's because nobody understands why you'd have a vote on a farm bill and tie it to a vote on war and peace in Yemen. This is the greatest humanitarian issue of our time. Thank you to all who made their voice heard. If Speaker Ryan fails to meet the terms of this letter, just near weeks from now Democrats will vote to end United States support for the war when we are in the Majority, said Rep. Ro Khanna. I implore Speaker Ryan to let the House of representatives do its job and hold an up or down vote regarding our military involvement in the Yemen war. The Senate has acted; now the House has the responsibility to act, said Congressman McGovern. Every day that we fail to take action is another day of senseless violence, starvation, and misery for the people of Yemen. They cannot wait any longer. We must send a clear message to Saudi Arabia: their war is unacceptable to the international community and will not be tolerated. The United States can no longer remain a complicit partner in carrying out one of greatest humanitarian crises of our time. The House should also follow the Senate's lead in condemning the Saudi Crown Prince and the Saudi King for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, an intolerable action against a U.S. resident and journalist on which the House has remained stunningly silent. The House has a moral and constitutional responsibility to end U.S. participation in this unauthorized war, which has caused ongoing unfathomable human suffering. Today's victories in the Senate and at the UN-brokered Yemen peace talks only underscore the need for immediate and decisive action in the House, said Diane Randall, Executive Secretary for the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). Background: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is a leading voice for peace in Congress, advocating against counterproductive, regime-change wars. She has called for ending support for Saudi Arabia, pushed for additional oversight on acquisition and cross-service agreements (Section 1271 of the FY19 NDAA), supported H. Con. Res. 81, a bipartisan resolution that sought to stop U.S. military participation in Saudi Arabia's war against the Houthis in Yemen, bipartisan resolution (H. Con Res. 138) to stop U.S. military support for Saudi Arabia's genocidal war in Yemen, bipartisan legislation (H.R. 7082) to immediately stop all military sales and aid to the government of Saudi Arabia, and more. Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Walter Jones also introduced H.Res 922, which would reclaim Congress's constitutional right to declare war by: Defining presidential wars not declared by Congress under Article I, section 8, clause 11 (Declare War Clause) as impeachable high crimes and misdemeanors Prohibiting the President from perpetuating ongoing wars or supplying war materials, military troops, trainers, or advisers, military intelligence, financial support or their equivalent in association, cooperation, assistance, or common cause without first receiving congressional authorization Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-votes-to-pass-resolution-to-end-us-support-for-saudi-led-war-in-yemen,Hirono Votes to Pass Resolution to End U.S. Support for Saudi-Led War in Yemen,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 14, 2018 Hirono Votes to Pass Resolution to End U.S. Support for Saudi-Led War in Yemen WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) voted today to pass a resolution to end U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Following the 56-41 vote, Senator Hirono released the following statement: The humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues unabated. But today, a bipartisan majority in the Senate voted to end U.S. military support that enables Saudi Arabia to continue its devastating war in Yemenand condemn Saudi Arabia's role in the death of Jamal Khashoggi. The message we sent was clearAmerican values of human rights and press freedomare not for sale. Not for billions' in arms sales and not for unsubstantiated promises of over a million U.S. jobs.' Today we stood up against the President's abhorrent policies, and while I am disappointed that the House will not consider this resolution, our fight is far from over.We will continue our efforts to shift course and focus U.S. leadership and resources on diplomacy to end this humanitarian crisis by achieving a lasting ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-13-senators-in-calling-on-defense-department-to-stop-any-misuse-of-taxpayer-funds-to-build-immigration-detention-facilities,Schatz Leads Group of 13 Senators In Calling on Defense Department To Stop Any Misuse of Taxpayer Funds To Build Immigration Detention Facilities,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Leads Group of 13 Senators In Calling on Defense Department To Stop Any Misuse of Taxpayer Funds To Build Immigration Detention Facilities Senators Demand Answers Following Trump's Claim that DoD Will Build Massive Cities of Tents For Those Seeking Asylum - Senators: Medical professionals and child welfare experts have repeatedly warned that the detention of families is harmful to children. Friday, December 14, 2018 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) led a group of 13 senators in calling on the Department of Defense to stop providing any funds or resources to support immigration detention. The call comes after President Donald Trump laid out plans that his administration would build massive cities of tents. There is currently no justification for the use of military funds or resources for immigration detention, the senators wrote in a letter to Defense Secretary James Mattis. We urge you to clarify that DOD has not and will not participate in immigration detention. If plans are already underway, we urge you to immediately halt any progress. In their letter, the senators underscore warnings from medical professionals and health experts on the harm family detention has on children.Earlier this month, a 7-year-old girl from Guatemala died from dehydration after being detained by Customs and Border Protection following a border crossing. According to the Department of Homeland Security, there were nearly 50,000 families apprehended in the last two months on the southern border. Joining Senator Schatz on the letter are U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.). For a PDF of the letter, click here. The full text of the letter follows: Dear Secretary Mattis: We write to urge you to clarify that the Department of Defense (DOD) has not and will not provide funds, personnel, or other resources to lead or support the civil immigration detention of non-citizens, regardless of whether the Department is subsequently reimbursed. If plans are already underway, we urge you to halt any forward efforts until the questions below have been fully addressed. As part of his November 1st speech on border enforcement, President Trump announced that his administration would be erecting massive cities of tents to detain asylum-seeking migrants on the southern border. He thanked the military and Army Corps of Engineers, suggesting that the tents were already built or under construction.Reporting subsequent to the speech suggests that DOD and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are moving forward with plans to utilize Fort Bliss and the Goodfellow Air Force Base to construct massive new family detention facilities. Since the speech, neither DHS nor DOD has been forthcoming with the public or Congress regarding the status of this proposed project. There is currently no justification for the use of military funds or resources for immigration detention. The Immigration and Nationality Act and Homeland Security Act provide the authority for the detention of non-citizens by DHS. Congress appropriated $4.11 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) detention and removal account for fiscal year (FY) 2018, which carried over into FY 2019 through a continuing resolution, with $3.08 billion specifically allotted for custody operations. ICE is currently jailing upward of 44,000 people each day. These numbers constitute historic highs, even while border crossings are at historic lows. Furthermore, more than half of those apprehended by border patrol agents are parents traveling with children or children traveling alone. Retired military leadership is already speaking out against the use of the military for civil immigration enforcement purposes, including retired Army colonel and Iraq veteran Paul Yingling who said: There is no legitimate reason to intern these families from a national security perspective. Instead, as with border operations, this internment is a political stunt. It fuels anti-immigrant hatred as part of the administration's midterm electoral strategy. Medical professionals and child welfare experts have repeatedly warned that the detention of families is harmful to children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that DHS discontinue the general use of family detention and instead use community-based alternatives to detention for children held in family units. DHS's own medical experts recently expressed publicly their finding via whistleblowers that family detention simply cannot coexist with basic child welfare norms. Nonetheless, the administration has gone so far as to terminate previously operating alternative-to-detention programming that allowed families to live in the community during their asylum proceedings, providing massive cost savings and proven efficacy. Should DHS elect to use its existing alternative-to-detention programs it has vast capacity and flexibility to do so, with 79,000 participants slots available each day operating with an annual budget of $187 million.DOD has no role in the already misguided practice of unnecessarily detaining asylum-seeking families. We urge you to clarify that DOD has not and will not participate in immigration detention. If plans are already underway, we urge you to immediately halt any progress, and for you or a member of your senior leadership to provide written detailed response to the following questions: What are the cost estimates for any new construction or expansion, in addition to ongoing per-bed costs for use of Fort Bliss, the Goodfellow Air Force Base, or any other military sites for the use of civil immigration detention? What are the source accounts for the funds to be used, statutory authority for any inter- or intra-agency transfers that will be utilized, and expenditures that will be sacrificed in order to move this project forward? What are the planned contracting mechanisms for this project, include a description of which services will be provided by governmental actors versus contractors, and the terms of any proposed or signed contracts? What types of dwellings will be constructed on the proposed Fort Bliss and Goodfellow migrant detention centers, or any other site under consideration? Where is the location in each military base of the migrant detention camp, including residential tents that are scheduled for construction? Please provide maps or plans that clearly indicate the location of the camp on the bases. What is the expected or actual date of occupancy of the Fort Bliss and Goodfellow migrant detention centers, or any other site under consideration, the number of expected occupants (including numbers of adults and minors), and the number of single and family dwellings? Is there a completed Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed construction of temporary housing for immigrant children and families at these facilities? If yes, please proved the documents. Has DOD collected data regarding the testing of environmental media at and surrounding the proposed housing area? If yes, please provide results from all testing of soil, subsurface conditions, groundwater, surface water and air for hazardous substances, including, but not limited to radiation, gases, fuel, munitions debris, and munitions constituents, which has been conducted in and around the area where the temporary tent housing will be constructed. The results of testing shall include environmental media on and below the footprint of the proposed housing area and the area within a quarter-mile radius from the construction footprint. What reports or findings related to environmental hazards or concerns that pertain to the site of the proposed migrant detention centers at Fort Bliss and Goodfellow bases, or any other site under consideration, have been compiled? Please provide them. What information related to testing that has been conducted for health and environmental hazards that uniquely impact women and children on the premises have been identified for the Fort Bliss and Goodfellow migrant detention centers, or any other site under consideration? What is the last date that documents have been purged or destroyed as related to environmental reports or hazards on the Fort Bliss and Goodfellow bases, or any other site under consideration, the type of documents, a description of the documents and the individual(s) responsible for requesting the destruction or purge of said documents? What is the number of workers who will be employed in the construction of the migrant detention camps at Fort Bliss and Goodfellow, or any other site under consideration, the type of workers, the length of time for which they will be employed, and any job descriptions related to their role/function to build the detention camp? With regard to #1 - 12 above, please ensure that these materials are un-classified and produced in their entirety. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-video-reps-tulsi-gabbard-and-brian-mast-iava-demand-action-fix-gi-bill,"PHOTOS & VIDEO: Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Brian Mast, IAVA Demand Action to Fix GI Bill Payments, Address Toxic Burn Pit Exposure, Serve Female Veterans",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCReps. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Brian Mast (FL-18), along with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and other veteran service organizations, hosted a press conference today underscoring the urgent need to serve the nation's veterans and provide the benefits and care they've earned and deserve. Photos are Available for Download Here Video is Available for Download Here Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Post 9/11 Veterans Caucus, said: The VA bureaucracy is still failing our veterans. For months, hundreds of thousands of our nation's veterans failed to receive their GI Bill payments. Our post-9/11 generation of veterans are still suffering from debilitating and deadly illnesses as a result of toxic burn pits exposure. Female veterans are not able to get the care they need from the VA. Our veterans deserve better than to return home to empty promises and excuses. They deserve real leadership and action that honors their service and sacrifice. ""The VA's response around the late and incorrect GI Bill payments has been slow, insufficient, and incomplete, said Melissa Bryant, Chief Policy Officer for IAVA. ""We are thankful for Congresswoman Gabbard and Congressman Mast for standing with us on this important issue, as they have on so many other important issues impacting our brothers and sisters in arms from recognizing and supporting women veterans like myself, to supporting those suffering from injuries due to burn pits and other toxic exposures. As we look to welcome the 116th Congress in 2019, IAVA is proud to stand with such forceful allies in this GI Bill fight, among many others. At the press conference, the lawmakers and veterans service organizations advocated for ensuring the Department of Veterans Affairs fully repays every veteran who faced inaccurate and late GI bill payments, treating burn pits, taking care of the nation's female veterans, addressing high veterans suicide rates, and more. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard joined her veteran colleagues in urging VA Secretary Robert Wilkie to immediately address the technical problems contributing to the delays of payments affecting the educational pursuits, housing, financial security, and emotional well-being of veterans and their families. The congresswoman has also championed the Burn Pits Accountability Act (H.R. 5671), with the support of 147 cosponsors and 25 military service organizations (MSOs) and veterans service organizations (VSOs), that would ensure the evaluation the exposure of U.S. servicemembers to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals. She has also pushed for the Deborah Sampson Act (H.R. 2452) to improve access and quality of care at the Department of Veterans Affairs for female veterans. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-secures-funding-fight-invasive-species-legalize-industrial,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Secures Funding to Fight Invasive Species, Legalize Industrial Hemp",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today voted to pass bipartisan legislation that empowers family farmers and ranchers, secures federal funding to fight invasive species, supports the industrial hemp industry, empowers rural and indigenous communities, and protects access to food assistance for low-income families in Hawaii and across the country. The Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2), known as the Farm Bill, passed by a vote of 369-47. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard successfully included her Macadamia Tree Health Initiative (H.R. 1402) to provide vital research and development to fight the macadamia felted coccid that threatens the local macadamia nut industry in this year's Farm Bill. The congresswoman also supported language from the Industrial Hemp Farming Act (H.R. 3530) to support the cultivation of industrial hemp in Hawaii, as well as provisions to remove hemp from the federal list of controlled substances and allow hemp farmers to apply for crop insurance. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: The Farm Bill that passed today was a bipartisan compromise that provides certainty for working families, empowers small and sustainable farms, and expands agricultural opportunities for Hawaii and across the country. This legislation protects food stamp funding that nearly 170,000 of our keiki, kpuna, veterans and working families across Hawai'i rely on. It also invests in agricultural and rural development, conservation efforts to protect our air, land, and water, clean energy programs, and assistance for veteran, indigenous, and low-income farmers. This bill has finally opened the door for industrial hemp a domestic industry that already has a market value of roughly $620 million in the U.S. per year creating great opportunity for sustainable jobs across many sectors. I successfully secured much-needed research and development funding to help Hawaii farmers fight back against the macadamia felted coccid that has destroyed farms and threatened the livelihoods of dozens of communities, especially on Hawaii Island. Provisions in the Farm Bill include: Maintaining current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit levels, that provide food assistance for millions of children, seniors, servicemembers and their families, individuals with disabilities, and working families struggling to make ends meet. In 2017, SNAP aided 42 million Americans, including 169,000 in Hawaii. Allowing full cultivation and transportation of hemp by amending the Controlled Substances Act. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has supported legislation like the Hemp Farming Act and the Industrial Hemp Act to leverage the hemp industry's demonstrated health, environmental, and economic benefits and expand upon the already booming $620 million hemp-product industry. Funding invasive species research in Hawaii to fight the macadamia felted coccid, an invasive species destroying macadamia trees and threatening the domestic macadamia nut industry. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard successfully included her Macadamia Tree Health Initiative --to authorize sorely-needed research and development to fight the invasive insect and establish an Areawide Integrated Pest Management (AIPM) plan in affected areas to help manage the invasive pest in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly, and cost effective way. Investing $206 million in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to support food banks that supplement the diets of low-income and elderly Americans by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance. Providing $417 million for the Food Insecurity Nutrition Program (FINI), increasing incentives to purchase healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Reauthorizing Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, Healthy Food Financing Initiative, and Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Boosting funding by $34 million for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), that serves about 276 tribes. Combating the opioid epidemic by investing in tele-medicine projects that provide substance use disorder treatment and direct loans and grants to develop community facilities aimed at prevention, treatment, and recovery. In Hawaii alone, there are roughly 490,000 active opioid prescriptions affecting about one third of the state's population. Improving water quality and soil health by encouraging farmers to plant cover crops, targeting infrastructure investments in small town water systems to protect drinking water, and funding the Small Watershed Program and Dam Rehab. Reauthorizing the USDA's Education Grants for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions that provide grants to eligible Hawaii and Alaska educational institutions and individual Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native students with educational needs as they relate to food and agricultural sciences. Prioritizing conservation programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Reauthorizing and providing mandatory funding for organic research and extension, including permanent, mandatory funding for organic research, making much-needed improvements to the organic certification process, and assistance for farmers transitioning to organic food production. Funding for research and development for crop insurance on greenhouse crops, hops, industrial hemp, citrus, and Hawaii specialty crops including coffee, macadamia nuts, bananas, mangoes, avocados, and flowers. Prioritizing funding for rural energy programs like the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses install renewable energy systems and improve energy efficiency. The people of Hawaii pay some of the highest energy costs in the country. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-cortez-masto-moran-lead-senators-urge-faa-to-implement-and-improve-airport-contract-tower-program,"Hirono, Cortez Masto, Moran Lead Senators to Urge FAA to Implement and Improve Airport Contract Tower Program",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2018 Hirono, Cortez Masto, Moran Lead Senators Urge FAA to Implement and Improve Airport Contract Tower Program Washington, D.C. In a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), joined Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), JerryMoran (R-Kan.) and 33 colleagues in calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to implement Section 152 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. This provision will provide contract towers at Lihue Airport, Molokai Airport, Kona International Airport, and Kalaeloa Airport eligibility to compete for FAA Airport Improvement Program grants for small airports which support construction and equipment acquisition projects. Not only do contract towers provide an important safety service, they do it in a cost-effective manner, the Senators wrote.It is Congress's clear intent that tower construction, improvement, and related equipment should be given priority consideration when determining which projects should receive grants from the small airport fund. In the letter, the Senators asked for the list of airports that requested and received funding for air traffic control tower construction, improvements, and related equipment projects. They also sought clarification as to why select airports did not receive the funding they requested to complete their projects. The full text of the letter is available here and below: Dear Acting Administrator Elwell: As you begin implementing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018, we would like to draw your attention to section 152 of that Act. Section 152 authorizes the FAA to make grants from the small airport fund to an airport participating in the contract tower program for the purpose of constructing or improving its air traffic control tower and for the acquisition and installation of related equipment. The contract tower program has been in place for over 30 years. Currently, there are 256 airports in 46 states that participate in this program and it consistently receives high marks for customer service from aviation users (pilots, airlines, FBOs, flight schools, and corporate flight departments). Without it, people living and traveling to small communities and rural areas would be without the important safety benefits that air traffic control provides. Not only do contract towers provide an important safety service, they do it in a cost-effective manner. This is demonstrated by the fact that contract towers handle approximately 29 percent of all U.S. air traffic control tower operations, but account for just 11 percent of FAA's overall budget allotted to such operations. This means that the contract tower program saves the FAA and taxpayers approximately $200 million per year and $2 billion over a decade. In addition to the safety and financial benefits, the contract tower program plays a key role in connecting rural communities to the national air transportation system, helping airports retain and develop commercial air service, and promoting economic development and job creation. It also provides significant support for military readiness and training as well as for disaster relief, homeland security, and law enforcement operations. For all these reasons, the contract tower program enjoys widespread support in the Congress. That is why Congress included section 152, as well as other provisions to boost the contract tower program, in the FAA Reauthorization Act. It is important to note that this provision authorizing small airport funds for tower construction and improvement was placed in subsection (d) of section 47116 of the United States Code. Subsection (d) is entitled Priority Consideration for Certain Projects. This provision could have been inserted in section 47124, but was placed in subsection 47116(d) precisely because Congress desired air traffic control tower construction and improvement projects to receive priority consideration for grants from the small airport fund. It is Congress's clear intent that tower construction, improvement, and related equipment should be given priority consideration when determining which projects should receive grants from the small airport fund. Priority consideration for these projects is fully justified in light of the safety, financial, and other benefits that these towers provide to small airports and rural areas. We expect FAA to follow congressional intent in implementing this important provision that will enhance air traffic safety at smaller and rural airports throughout the country, including utilizing the benefit/cost ratios for new airport applicants/candidates that FAA submitted to Congress in April, 2018. Additionally, we request that you explain to how the FAA will revise its National Priority Ranking and related order to ensure that funding for air traffic control tower construction, improvements, and related equipment receive the priority intended in the law. We also ask that, after the end of this fiscal year, you provide us with a list of the airports that requested money from the small airport fund for tower construction, improvement, or related equipment, a list of those airports that received such funds for that purpose, and a statement explaining why airports did not receive such funding even though it was requested. We appreciate your attention to this timely matter and look forward to continuing to work with you in a constructive manner on this important issue. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-15-senators-in-introducing-new-bill-to-help-protect-peoples-personal-data-online,Schatz Leads Group of 15 Senators In Introducing New Bill To Help Protect Peoples Personal Data Online,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Leads Group of 15 Senators In Introducing New Bill To Help Protect People's Personal Data Online Data Care Act Will Stop Websites and Apps from Using Personal Data Against Users, Protect User Information from Hacks, and Hold Companies Accountable for Misuse Wednesday, December 12, 2018 WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), the top Democrat on the Senate Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee, led a group of 15 senators in introducing new legislation to protect people's personal data online. The Data Care Act would require websites, apps, and other online providers to take responsible steps to safeguard personal information and stop the misuse of users' data. People have a basic expectation that the personal information they provide to websites and apps is well-protected and won't be used against them. Just as doctors and lawyers are expected to protect and responsibly use the personal data they hold, online companies should be required to do the same. Our bill will help make sure that when people give online companies their information, it won't be exploited, said Senator Schatz. Doctors, lawyers, and bankers are legally required to exercise special care to protect their clients and not misuse their information. While online companies also hold personal and sensitive information about the people they serve, they are not required to protect consumers' data. This leaves users in a vulnerable position; they are expected to understand the information they give to providers and how it is being used an unreasonable expectation for even the most tech-savvy consumer. By establishing a fiduciary duty for online providers, Americans can trust that their online data is protected and used in a responsible way. Online service providers should be required to act in the best interests of their customers, just like providers of other critical services, Senator Hassan said. Consumers should not be required to wade through and interpret pages of dense terms and conditions agreements, and it is not realistic in today's digital world to suggest that people could simply forgo online services and websites if they object to the way their data is being used. This commonsense legislation establishes a legal obligation for online service providers to act in the best interests of consumers so that people can trust that their data is being protected and used responsibly. It's long past time we rethink how our personal data is collected, stored, and shared online, said Senator Bennet. Websites and apps that profit from our data should be held accountable for how they use it. The Data Care Act will ensure internet companies use our online data as we expect them to: in our best interest. With major hacks or data leaks of private user information at Facebook, Marriott, Google, Equifax and Uber in just the last year or so, it's abundantly clear that Congress must do more to protect Americans' personal data online, said Senator Duckworth. Health professionals and financial advisors have long been responsible for handling personal information with the consumer's best interests in mind, it's time we extend this commonsense principle to websites and online providers. I'm proud to join Senator Schatz in introducing this important legislation to do just that. Online platforms are collecting an enormous amount of personal data on Americans everything from what we buy and what websites we go to, to what our emails say and where we go throughout the day. These companies are making billions off of this data and they're keeping Americans in the dark about how it is being used. That's wrong and it is especially alarming because it seems like every day we hear about new data breaches. It is clear that we must do more to protect consumer privacy. The Data Care Act will help by establishing a duty of care for sensitive data and by ensuring the FTC can hold companies accountable when they fall short. The digital space can't keep operating like the Wild West at the expense of our privacy, said Senator Klobuchar. As we see more and more often, consumer data is being used and abused in ways few people had imagined before. Now, it's on Congress to ensure consumer protections keep pace with this changing reality, Senator Murray said. This legislation being introduced today makes clear that the companies we entrust with our personal information will not only be held to a higher standard, they will face penalties if they breach our trust. Consumers understand now more than ever that their data is valuable and vulnerable to misuse. Everyone should be able to trust that their data is being protected and used properly. The Data Fiduciary Act is one significant step towards restoring that trust, said Senator Booker. Everyone who uses the internet is vulnerable to the misuse of their personal data by websites, apps or third party businesses. By establishing a special fiduciary relationship between online providers and users, companies that use or sell people's data will be held responsible for keeping consumers safe from harm, data breaches, and unnecessary invasions of privacy, said Senator Cortez Masto. I'm proud to support this bill, which will allow the FTC to work with State Attorneys General to ensure service providers strengthen personal data protections and protect the security of American consumers' sensitive personal data. As our daily and digital lives become increasingly intertwined, Americans expect online companies to protect the security of our sensitive data, said Senator Heinrich. There must be meaningful oversight of how companies are collecting and sharing personal data to ensure that Americans' civil liberties and privacy rights are protected. I'm proud to support this legislation that will defend our personal data from improper use, violations of individual privacy, and security risks. In today's digital economy, personal data is everywhere, and those who have access to Americans' sensitive information have a responsibility to protect that information and keep it private. It is time for Congress to enact comprehensive privacy legislation, and the Data Care Act would be an important part of that effort, said Senator Markey. Protecting consumers from exploitation and holding companies that misuse data accountable should be a no-brainer for this Congress. I hope my colleagues in the Senate will help us pass this meaningful legislation without delay, said Senator Brown. Far too many times, we have seen online providers fail to meet their users' expectations about how their personal data will be collected, used and protected. The current system is skewed against consumers and we have to fix it. The Data Care Act will provide clear, reasonable rules of the road on user data, and hold companies who fail to follow them accountable, said Senator Baldwin. The right to online privacy and security should be a fundamental one. Companies that profit from consumers' online activity have a responsibility to protect personal information and make clear how they use their data. The Data Care Act is a smart first step to increase accountability in the use of private personal information, said Senator Jones. In today's era of big data,' Americans are using the internet every day without fully understanding the consequences of every click and whether that click just handed over their personal data for unwanted uses. This is simply unacceptable. Websites, apps, and other online providers should be required to protect their users personal data. This bill is a sensible step in protecting consumers' personal data and I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing it, said Senator Durbin. In addition to Schatz, the Data Care Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). The Data Care Act establishes reasonable duties that will require providers to protect user data and will prohibit providers from using user data to their detriment: Duty of Care Must reasonably secure individual identifying data and promptly inform users of data breaches that involve sensitive information; Duty of Loyalty May not use individual identifying data in ways that harm users; Duty of Confidentiality Must ensure that the duties of care and loyalty extend to third parties when disclosing, selling, or sharing individual identifying data; Federal and State Enforcement A violation of the duties will be treated as a violation of an FTC rule with fine authority. States may also bring civil enforcement actions, but the FTC can intervene. Rulemaking Authority FTC is granted rulemaking authority to implement the Act. Free Press Action welcomes the important contributions the Data Care Act makes to a growing list of good ideas on privacy in the Senate. The bill shifts away from a notice and choice framework alone, where internet users bear all the responsibility and risk of protecting themselves, with few remedies for violations. Instead it moves towards putting the duty on companies and other data collectors where it belongs, to actually prevent such harmful exploitation and honor people's rights. It also does the right thing by empowering the FTC to make rules and impose penalties, and lets state attorneys general enforce the new protections too. We thank Senator Schatz and all the co-sponsors for putting so many ideas on the table, pushing the debate towards even more comprehensive laws, said Sandra Fulton, Government Relations Director for Free Press Action. We commend Senator Schatz for tackling the difficult task of drafting privacy legislation that focuses on routine data processing practices instead of consumer data self-management. It signals an important shift in how Congress views consumer privacy issues and foreshadows a serious privacy debate in 2019, said Michelle Richardson, Director of the Privacy and Data Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology. EFF thanks Senator Schatz for his leadership on protecting consumer data privacy. We generally favor legislation requiring large companies to serve as fiduciaries for their consumers' data, and to satisfy duties of loyalty, confidentiality, and care for their users. We look forward to working with the Senator to improve his bill and to advance information fiduciary protections that will meet the needs of Internet users and adequately safeguard consumer data privacy as a part of comprehensive privacy legislation, said India McKinney, Legislative Analyst for the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-recognizes-50th-anniversary-special-olympics-hawai-i,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Recognizes 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics Hawaii,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today spoke on the House floor in recognition of the 50th year anniversary of Special Olympics Hawaii. Video of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's Speech is Available Here Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: Today, I rise to recognize Special Olympics Hawaii, celebrating 50 years of service to our community. Since their founding in 1968, they have changed lives and served as an indispensable source of strength and empowerment for so many people. Across our state today, they are serving 4,700 participants with the support of nearly 12,000 coaches and volunteers, delivering 10 Olympic-type sports and more than 50 competitions throughout the year. They've taken on issues like inactivity, injustice, intolerance, and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities. They have had an impact on our entire community and our state. They are combating negative stereotypes, bringing joy and a sense of achievement, and creating a culture of respect and inclusion. Mahalo to Special Olympics Hawaii and congratulations on this 50th anniversary. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-hirono-bill-to-prioritize-macadamia-tree-research-as-part-of-2018-farm-bill,Senate Passes Hirono Bill to Prioritize Macadamia Tree Research as Part of 2018 Farm Bill,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 11, 2018 Senate Passes Hirono Bill to Prioritize Macadamia Tree Research as Part of 2018 Farm Bill Passed with Strong Bipartisan Support, the 2018 Farm Bill Provides up to $4 Million in Food Security Grants for Hawaii to Promote Locally Grown Food and Reauthorizes USDA Education Grants for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono successfully included her Macadamia Tree Health Initiative legislation that prioritizes research into combating the macadamia felted coccid, an invasive pest threatening Hawaii's macadamia nut industry in the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report. The bipartisan Farm Bill, which sets policy and funding levels for agriculture and nutrition programs through 2023, wasapprovedin the Senate by a87-13vote. The House of Representatives must now vote on the bill in order to send it to the President for his signature. Today's vote brings much needed federal resources to combat the macadamia felted coccid, which has been ravaging our $46 million macadamia industry for over a decade, Senator Hirono said. This strong bipartisan agreement also protects needy families from painful cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and supports many programs that are critical to Hawaii farmers and growers. I urge the House to pass this legislation and for the president to sign it as quickly as possible. Introduced earlier this Congress, Senator Hirono's Macadamia Tree Health Initiative makes researching and developing management strategies to combat the macadamia felted coccid a high priority at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Additionally, Senator Hironoteamed up with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) to include a floor amendment to provide small grants for individuals, food banks, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and other nonprofit organizations to promote food security and the availability of fresh food for local communities throughout Hawaii. Additional Hawaii priorities Senator Hirono fought to protectand includein the Senate Farm Bill: Reauthorizing the USDA's Education Grants for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions.These grants are provided to eligible Hawaii and Alaska educational institutions which serve Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native students for the purpose of helping with educational needs as they relate to food and agricultural sciences. Protecting current benefits for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).This program provides assistance for more than 42 million participants nationwideincluding 163,000 individuals from 83,000 households in Hawaii. Reauthorizing The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).This program provides federal resources to support low-income individuals and households with fresh food through local food banks. PromotingIndustrial Hemp.The bill includes provisions of the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, a bill that Senator Hirono cosponsored, which promotes the development of industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity. The University of Hawaii as well as the Hawaii Department of Agriculture have been exploring the potential for industrial hemp production in Hawaii. Reauthorizing and Providing Mandatory Funding for Organic Research and Extension. The bill includes permanent, mandatory funding for organic research, makes much-needed improvements to the organic certification process, and provides assistance to farmers that want to transition to organic food production. Reauthorizing the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI).The bill renews funding for SCRI through 2023. Competitive funding from SCRI can be used by research organizations and institutions like the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to conduct research on specialty crops such as floriculture, fruits, nuts, and coffee. Reauthorizing and Maintaining Funding for Conservation Programs.The bill reauthorizes a number of conservation programs through 2023, including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Maintaining Mandatory Funding for Rural Energy Programs.Energy costs have a major impact on farmers, particularly in Hawaii, where we pay some of the highest energy costs in the nation. The bill renews funding for Farm Bill energy programs like the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses install renewable energy systems and improve energy efficiency. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-boozman-introduce-new-legislation-to-ensure-all-underpaid-veterans-are-reimbursed-hold-va-accountable,"Schatz, Boozman Introduce New Legislation To Ensure All Underpaid Veterans Are Reimbursed, Hold VA Accountable",2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz, Boozman Introduce New Legislation To Ensure All Underpaid Veterans Are Reimbursed, Hold VA Accountable Tuesday, December 11, 2018 WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and John Boozman (R-Ark.), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, introduced a bipartisan bill to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses veterans for missed or underpaid Forever GI Bill housing benefits. Secretary Wilkie may be saying the right things, but until the VA has a plan and invests money to address the ongoing staffing and IT challenges facing the claims backlog, our veterans will remain robbed of the benefits they were promised, said Senator Schatz. Our bill will hold the VA accountable and make sure every veteran that was short-changed is made whole. Secretary Wilkie has acknowledged the VA's error and promised that all affected recipients would be compensated, but the department's plans to remedy the situation fall short. This bill aims to hold the department accountable to its promise and ensure that veterans are fully repaid for errors they did not cause, said Senator Boozman. The bipartisan legislation was introduced to address the VA's failure to fully comply with reimbursement rates set by the Forever GI Bill. The improper payments resulted from IT systems that had not been properly updated and lack of internal processes to get the VA the necessary information about payment rates. The VA should have used the Department of Defense's 2018 Basic Allowance for Housing rates which should have been calculated based on the zip code where the student takes the majority of classes, rather than on the zip code in which the school's main campus is located. Instead, some GI Bill recipients have been receiving housing stipends at the 2017 rate and based on the school's zip code. In all cases, the 2018 rate is higher than the 2017 rate. U.S. Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) joined Schatz and Boozman to introduce the Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act, which would require the VA to: End improper payments as soon as possible; Establish a team of specialists who will be responsible to report to Congress a detailed plan to correct this egregious error; Provide a report to Congress by July 2020 that identifies how many beneficiaries were impacted and to what extent, aggregated by state; and Certify the department is fully compliant with the law. When folks volunteer to serve, our nation makes them a set of promises, said Senator Tester. This bipartisan bill ensures that we live up to those promises. It holds the VA accountable for taking the necessary steps to ensure that every student veteran receives every penny they are entitled in a timely manner, and that efforts on behalf of these veterans will not impact the Department's ability to deliver timely benefits for other veterans. VA's contemptible incompetence and inability to provide Post-9/11 GI Bill beneficiaries with timely housing payments is inexcusable. Students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill still don't have a clear understanding of when and if they will receive the benefits they have earned. Our legislation will ensure VA takes immediate corrective action to address this crisis while enabling proper oversight to prevent this from ever happening again, said Senator Blumenthal. Reports of veteran students receiving delayed or inadequate GI Bill payments are concerning, and this misstep should be corrected as soon as possible, said Senator Tillis. While the VA has already started taking important steps to address this ongoing issue, it is important for Congress to continue exercising rigorous oversight to ensure that all GI Bill beneficiaries are made whole. The VA must make every effort to restore confidence with veterans by delivering the care and benefits they have earned, said Senator Moran. The significant problems with the implementation of the Forever GI Bill must be resolved immediately any further delay is unacceptable and will burden those veterans impacted. This legislation will make certain the VA is working to earn back GI Bill beneficiaries' trust. I'm proud to be a part of efforts to make the VA worthy of the service and sacrifice of our nations heroes. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-backed-bill-to-provide-long-term-ids-for-fas-citizens-passes-senate-heads-to-presidents-desk,"Hirono-Backed Bill To Provide Long-Term IDs for FAS Citizens Passes Senate, Heads to President’s Desk",2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2018 Hirono-Backed Bill To Provide Long-Term IDs for FAS Citizens Passes Senate, Heads to President's Desk WASHINGTON, DC The United States Senate unanimously passed legislation supported by Senator Mazie K. Hirono that would remove existing barriers that limit citizens of the Freely Associated States (FAS) from accessing long-term, REAL ID compliant, state-issued driver's licenses and identification. The bill, H.R. 3398, the REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act, corrects a mistake in the 2005 REAL ID Act that inaccurately identifies citizens of the Freely Associated States as citizens of the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands. Representative Don Young (R-Alaska) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives in July 2017, where it passed in September 2018. It makes no sense that FAS citizens, who are freely able to live and work in the United States cannot obtain permanent, REAL ID compliant identification because Congress made a mistake, Senator Hirono said. By fixing it, this legislation will make it much easier for FAS citizens to maintain stable employment and contribute to their adopted homes. We are thankful for Senator Hirono's leadership in urging the Senate to pass H.R. 3398. This bill will enable Hawaii residents who are citizens of the Freely Associated States to receive long-term driver's licenses and state ID cards which will facilitate their employment, housing, health care enrollment, and more, Jocelyn Howard, Program Director at We Are Oceania, said. This issue has been an unnecessary social and economic barrier for the FAS community and we appreciate Senator Hirono's continued support. Today's vote comes just days after Senator Hirono urged quick consideration of the bill in a letter she sent to her Senate colleagues, stating that the bill will relieve an unnecessary burden, not just on FAS citizens residing in the United States, but also on their employers and state agencies, as current practices have resulted in higher administrative costs on states and local authorities to annually renew and process identification cards and driver's licenses. The bill also adds a subsection under the Evidence of Lawful Status that expands the ability of citizens from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau to access longer-term identification. According to a Census Bureau report from 2013, there are 14,700 FAS citizens living in Hawaii. The full text of the letter can be found below: Dear Colleague, Please join me in supporting H.R. 3398, the Real ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act which unanimously passed the House. Under decades-old defense treaties with the U.S. known as the Compacts of Free Association, Americans and citizens from the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republics of the Marshall Islands and Palau (collectively known as the Freely Associated States or FAS) are able to live and work in each other's country indefinitely as non-immigrants. The Compacts also allow FAS citizens to serve in the U.S. military and FAS citizens enlist at per capita rates higher than most U.S. states with many settling in the U.S. after serving. Upon entry into the U.S., FAS citizens are issued appropriate documentation (I-94s) which are marked with the traveler's citizenship but do not indicate a date when their status ends, as they are granted an unlimited length of stay pursuant to the Compacts. H.R. 3398 corrects an outdated term used in the 2005 Real ID Act that refers to the now-defunct Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands (TTPI) rather than the current FAS. This has resulted in unnecessary hardships placed on citizens of three U.S. allies in the Pacific lawfully residing in our country. The error has denied these lawful U.S. residents anything more than a temporary ID or driver's license valid for one year and places an undue burden on their ability to maintain stable employment and contribute to their adopted homes like Springdale, Arkansas, one of the largest Marshallese communities outside the Marshall Islands, Hawaii, and elsewhere. The error also adds unnecessary administrative costs on states and local authorities to annually renew and process identification cards and driver's licenses. The Senate is now in a position fix the problem by passing the Real ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act which would simply replace references in the Act to the defunct TTPI with the FAS. Specifically the bill adds a subsection in the Real ID Act under Evidence of lawful status that states, is a citizen of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau who has been admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant pursuant to a Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Republic or Federated States. This update in terms is fully consistent with the original intent of Congress to provide FAS citizens with access to longer-term identification. In addition, language identical to H.R. 3398 has been included in the Omnibus Territories Act, which has passed the Senate by unanimous consent in the past two Congresses, but has never been acted on by the House. Passing this bill will relieve an unnecessary burden, not just on FAS citizens residing in the U.S. but also on their employers and state agencies, and allow valuable time resources to be redirected toward other priorities. Sincerely, MAZIE K. HIRONO U.S. Senator ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-rep-tulsi-gabbard-joins-pearl-harbor-memorial-ceremony,PHOTOS: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Joins In Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Puuloa, Oahu, HI Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) joined nearly 40 World War II veterans and hundreds of service members, veterans, family members, and others at Pearl Harbor to mark the 77th anniversary of the attack that launched the United States into World War II. December 7, 1941 is a day that forever changed Hawaii and our nation. We saw great loss, but also witnessed unmatched valor and bravery in those who would come to be known as the greatest generation for leading by example in putting service above self, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. More photos available for download here. Following the public service at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, held annually on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day December 7, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard joined Pearl Harbor survivors and officials in a floral tribute alongside the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. The Arizona sank after two bombs hit the ship during the attack, losing 1,177 sailors and Marines, which was the greatest number of casualties from any one ship. More photos available for download here. As we remember those who died on that day, as well as those who answered the call of duty during World War II and beyond, their selflessness in putting service to our country and our people before all else, continues to inspire us all. May their stories and their examples live on forever in the hearts of a grateful nation, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-nomination-of-william-barr-to-serve-as-attorney-general,Hirono Statement on Nomination of William Barr to Serve as Attorney General,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 07, 2018 Hirono Statement on Nomination of William Barr to Serve as Attorney General WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, released the following statement on the nomination of William Barr to serve as Attorney General: The selection of William Barr to serve as Attorney General is another example of Donald Trump's interest in appointing people who will be loyal and cover for him. Over the last two years, Mr. Barr has publicly called for the investigation of Hillary Clinton and criticized the Mueller investigation. He achieved his goal of getting the President's attention and approval, leading to this nomination. Mr. Barr's record presents a troubling parallel for the situation presented in the Mueller investigation. As Attorney General in the George H.W. Bush Administration, Mr. Barr recommended that President Bush pardon six people indicted by Iran-Contra Independent Counsel Lawrence Walsh, including high-ranking officials who were accused of perjury and withholding evidence. This country does not need political interference with law enforcement again today. The Attorney General's job is to protect the American people, not to do the President's bidding.We need an Attorney General who is not only qualified for the job itself, but is also independent. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-announces-maui-high-stemworks-team-winner-congressional-app,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Announces Maui High STEMworks Team as Winner of Congressional App Challenge,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today announced the Maui High School STEMworks Team as the winner of her 2018 Congressional App Challenge. Maya Hickman, Johnel Torrejas, Dane Payba and Katherine Stevens of Maui High created and developed QuadSolver, a tool to check answers for math problems involving the quadratic formula, without using a calculator. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: The Congressional App Challenge provides us the opportunity to recognize the creativity, innovation, and coding abilities of our students across Hawaii and around the country. Ho'omaika'i to Maya, Johnel, Dane, and Katherine and mahalo nui loa to all of the students who submitted an app, all of the judges, teachers, and parents who support our students, and our community for prioritizing STEM skills that set our future leaders up for success in the 21st century economy. This year's panel of local judges included Cheyenne Ehrlich, Founder and CEO of SaferKid; David Brookshire Brook Conner, Assistant Superintendent and Chief Information Officer of the Hawaii Department of Education; and Mellanie Soriano, Software Developer for Jr. DevLeague. Background: The Congressional App Challenge inspires, includes, and innovates efforts around STEM, coding, and computer science education among middle and high school students in Hawaii and across the country. The winners of the Congressional App Challenge will be invited to Washington, DC in the Spring of 2019 to showcase their apps at the #HouseofCode event in the U.S. Capitol. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-dental-health-bill-passes-house-heads-to-presidents-desk,"Bipartisan Dental Health Bill Passes House, Heads to President’s Desk",2018-12-03,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 03, 2018 Bipartisan Dental Health Bill Passes House, Heads to President's Desk Legislation introduced by Hirono, Booker, Cassidy, Scott would increase access to oral health care for underserved communities; the bill passed the Senate in October WASHINGTON, DC After passing the House of Representatives on last week, bipartisan legislation to improve access to dental health services will head to the President's desk to be signed into law. Senators Mazie K. Hirono, Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the legislation, the Action for Dental Health Act of 2018, in June. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent in October.Dental health is critical to overall health outcomes, but far too many individuals and families in Hawaii are unable to access the dental care they need,Senator Hirono said. I thank my Senate and House colleagues for supporting the Action for Dental Health Act, which will expand access to critical dental care services, especially in rural and underserved communities. By increasing access to regular and preventive care for the people of Hawaii, we can avoid more serious health outcomes down the road.""Expanding access to oral health in underserved communities is critically important for Hawaii,"" said Hawaii Dental Association President Dr. Robert Baysa. ""Hawaii keiki have consistently lagged in key measures of oral health. We are encouraged that this legislation will make a difference.""Oral health is an important part of overall health and well-being, but many individuals especially those from underserved communities lack access to dental health essential services, Senator Booker said. This bipartisan bill is a meaningful step toward increasing families' access to oral health treatment and preventive services. I'm grateful to my partners in Congress for their bipartisan leadership on this important issue. ""Dental health and oral care are important facets of overall health. The zip code you are born in shouldn't affect your access to good care and education,"" Senator Scott said. ""I am glad that both houses of Congress have passed the Action for Dental Health Act and look forward to it being signed into law. I have no doubt that this will positively impact those in underserved communities.""Soon this bill will be signed into law by President Trump, giving underserved communities and disadvantaged patients better access to oral health care and education, Dr. Cassidy said. I'm proud to have worked on a bipartisan basis to pass this bill.The legislation will create the Action for Dental Health Program, which seeks to improve oral health by increasing prevention and reducing barriers to dental services, particularly for underserved rural and urban communities in order to reach vulnerable populations. The Action for Dental Health Act also expands a grant program to encourage states to strengthen their oral health workforce in areas of need. The Senate's companion bill in the House, H.R. 2422, was introduced by Representatives Robin Kelly (D-Illinois) and Mike Simpson, DMD (R-Idaho).America's leading dental health organizations support the Action for Dental Health Act, including the American Dental Association, the National Dental Association, American Dental Education Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Oral Health America, American Association of Women Dentists, and several other groups. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-response-to-hirono-and-schatz-advocacy-irs-to-delay-removal-of-aeds-from-honolulu-office,"In Response to Hirono & Schatz Advocacy, IRS to Delay Removal of AEDs from Honolulu Office",2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 30, 2018 In Response to Hirono & Schatz Advocacy, IRS to Delay Removal of AEDs from Honolulu Office WASHINGTON, D.C. The IRS office in Honolulu and 45 other offices across the country will continue to have access to automatic external defibrillators (AED) following intervention from Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) in opposition to the IRS' plan to remove the devices. The IRS suspended its plan to remove AEDs from offices with less than 100 employees pending a reevaluation of the removal plan, which must be completed by April 1, 2019. I commend the IRS' decision to reevaluate its plan to remove these life-saving devices from its office in Honolulu and across the United States, Senator Hirono said. Employees with in-office access to an AED and proper training increase the likelihood of saving the life of someone suffering from cardiac arrest. This decision prioritizes the health and safety of IRS employees and office visitors, and I strongly urge the IRS to keep these devices in place on a permanent basis. I thank the IRS for doing the right thing and keeping this life-saving device in its Honolulu office, Senator Schatz said. Every 40 seconds, someone in our country has a heart attack. The presence of more AEDs in public places like this means we can give more people a better chance to survive. Sen. Hirono and Sen. Schatz are to be commended for their commitment to protecting the health and safety of IRS employees and the taxpayers who come to their offices around the country, National Treasury Employees Union National President Tony Reardon said. We are glad the IRS agrees with NTEU and the senators that this issue of keeping automated external defibrillators in smaller IRS offices deserves a second look. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital each year, and less than 10 percent of those victims survive, said American Heart Association Hawaii Division Board President Kahealani Rivera, M.D., a Honolulu cardiologist. A victim's chance of survival decreases by 7 to 10 percent for every minute that passes without defibrillation. Ensuring that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are available in workplaces, and that employees are trained to use them, can mean the difference between life and death. Earlier this year, sixty-eight employees at the Honolulu IRS office sent a petition to both Senators in support of keeping AED units available to Hawaii IRS employees. IRS employees are represented by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). Last month, Senators Hirono and Schatz sent a letter to IRS Commissioner Charles P. Rettig requesting that IRS reevaluate its plan to remove the AEDs. The move would have forced the removal of AED defibrillators from dozens of IRS offices, including the Honolulu IRS Office and 45 other offices across the country. AED devices are currently available for trained employees to use and to treat victims in the event of a cardiac arrest in IRS workers or members of the public. In July, Senators Hirono and Schatz also offered an amendment to S. 3644, the Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, which would have required the IRS to not spend any allocated funds to remove AEDs from its offices. The amendment was not included in the Senate's version of the bill, which remains in a conference committee between the Senate and the House of Representatives. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-boozman-lead-call-for-inspector-general-investigation-into-vas-failure-to-pay-veterans-full-benefits,"Schatz, Boozman Lead Call For Inspector General Investigation Into VAs Failure To Pay Veterans Full Benefits",2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz, Boozman Lead Call For Inspector General Investigation Into VA's Failure To Pay Veterans Full Benefits Friday, November 30, 2018 WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), lead Democrat on the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, and John Boozman (R-Ark.), Chairman of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, led a group of lawmakers in calling for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General investigation into allegations that the VA would not reimburse veterans for missed or underpaid benefits. Secretary Wilkie may be saying the right things, but until the VA invests money to address the ongoing staffing and IT challenges facing the claims backlog, our veterans will remain robbed of the benefits they were promised, said Senator Schatz. I expect the Secretary to come up with a plan so that the VA can audit and process retroactive payments for underpaid or missed claims. And I look forward to the Inspector General helping us hold him accountable to that plan. When I brought the issue of GI Bill underpayments up to Secretary Wilkie during a hearing in September, he acknowledged the VA's error and promised that all affected recipients would be compensated. When recent news reports suggested the VA was not acting to help veterans who have been shortchanged, the department outlined its plans to remedy the situation. Those plans fall short. These veterans must be fully repaid for errors they did not cause and that is what I expect the VA to do, said Senator Boozman. In their bipartisan letter to the VA's Inspector General, the lawmakers ask about how the technical errors occurred, how quickly any reimbursements will be made, and how the VA plans to make sure all benefits will continue to be paid out without interruption. The VA's continued ambiguity about whether it will fulfill this legal requirement threatens to erode our veterans' confidence in the VA's ability to deliver promised care and benefits and demands close oversight and accountability, the lawmakers wrote. It is important that VA fix the technical and staffing shortages that contributed to its inability to implement the Forever GI bill so that it can continue to provide housing stipends to veterans. However, we remain resolved that VA make veterans whole for any missed or underpaid benefits based on the housing stipend rates that they were legally entitled to when the changes took effect in August 2018. In addition to Schatz and Boozman, lawmakers signing onto the letter include U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.). The text of the full letter follows: Dear Mr. Missal: We are writing to request an investigation into allegations that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will withhold retroactive payments for missed or underpaid monthly housing stipends that it failed to pay veterans during delayed implementation of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act (P.L. 115-48), known as the Forever GI Bill. According to NBC News on November 28, 2018 (Veterans Affairs Dept. tells Capitol Hill it won't repay underpaid GI Bill benefits recipients), VA officials told congressional staff that making retroactive payments to veterans for missed or underpaid housing stipends would not be possible because it would create auditing challenges for the VA and delay future claims processing. That decision would be contrary to law and leave an estimated 360,000 veterans robbed of the benefits owed to them. We understand that Under Secretary for Benefits Paul Lawrence, in testimony before the House Veterans Affairs Committee yesterday, sought to clarify the VA's position by stating that every veteran will be made whole, including with retroactive payments, for their housing benefits. However, it remains unclear if VA intends to provide retroactive payments to veterans for housing stipends based on rates that they were legally entitled to beginning August 1, 2018, or if the VA only intends to make veterans whole based on the rates as they existed before the law took effectand remain in violation of existing law. It is important that VA fix the technical and staffing shortages that contributed to its inability to implement the Forever GI bill so that it can continue to provide housing stipends to veterans. However, we remain resolved that VA make veterans whole for any missed or underpaid benefits based on the housing stipend rates that they were legally entitled to when the changes took effect in August 2018. The VA's continued ambiguity about whether it will fulfill this legal requirement threatens to erode our veterans' confidence in the VA's ability to deliver promised care and benefits and demands close oversight and accountability. In an effort to help us better understand VA's plan to provide complete relief to those veterans impacted by the delayed implementation of the Forever GI Bill, we request your assistance to answer the following: Does the VA intend to apply the August 1, 2018, housing stipend rates, as required by law, for retroactive payments to eligible beneficiaries? If not, under what legal authority would the VA withhold retroactive payments based on the rates required in the Forever GI Bill? Who will be responsible for determining which veterans can receive retroactive payments for missed or underpaid benefits, including adjusted housing stipend rates that took effect on August 1, 2018? How and when will VA process these retroactive repayments to eligible veterans? How, if at all, have IT infrastructure investment decisions at VA's regional processing centers contributed to the current delay in implementing the changes required by the Forever GI Bill, including missed or underpayments owed to veterans? How, if at all, have staffing shortages at VA's regional processing centers contributed to the current delay in implementing the changes required by the Forever GI Bill, including missed or underpayments owed to veterans? How, if at all, is VA leadership organized and prepared to address IT infrastructure investment challenges at its regional processing centers in its fiscal year (FY) 2020 budget request? How, if at all, is VA leadership organized and prepared to address staffing shortages across the VA system, including at the Veterans Benefits Administration that is responsible for processing claims and retroactive payments to veterans, in its FY 2020 budget request? As always, we appreciate your support of our oversight responsibilities. Your prompt attention to this request will help us as we prepare to consider the VA's FY 2020 budget request so that we can evaluate whether the VA has requested the appropriate resources that it needs to make timely beneficiary payments and deliver other promised care to our veterans. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-thomas-farr-should-not-be-confirmed,Senator Hirono: Thomas Farr Should Not Be Confirmed,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"View Copy link to clipboard",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-kilmer-demand-all-underpaid-veterans-be-reimbursed,"Schatz, Kilmer Demand All Underpaid Veterans Be Reimbursed",2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz, Kilmer Demand All Underpaid Veterans Be Reimbursed Lawmakers To Call for IG Investigation Into Mismanagement of VA Payments - VA Failed to Pay Thousands of Veterans Benefits They Are Owed Thursday, November 29, 2018 WASHINGTON Today, following a new report that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will not reimburse veterans who were paid less than they were owed due to technical errors, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), top Democrat on the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, and U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, are demanding that the VA pay back the estimated 360,000 veterans impacted by the errors. The VA's current position is that the only way to fix this is to freeze current payments. That is Orwellian in its incompetence, and it is offensive in the real harm that it does to veterans who put their lives on the line for our country, said Senator Schatz. Technical glitches at the VA caused delayed or inaccurate GI Benefit payments, leaving many veterans struggling to pay their bills. In response, the VA pledged to repay veterans who received incorrect GI Benefit payments. A new report, however, said VA officials told Capitol Hill staffers that the agency will not retroactively reimburse underpaid veterans. The VA's position is unacceptable and deeply ignorant of the financial burden that too many of our veterans and their families now face because of its gross mismanagement. We are not asking the VA to create more problems for itself by expediting a fix for processing housing stipends that could cause further delays or missed payments. But we are demanding that the VA do right by our veterans, the lawmakers wrote. There is no question if we should provide retroactive payments to these veterans; we must. The question is how we will restore our veterans' confidence in the VA's ability to continue to deliver the care and benefits that they earned and we promised them. That is your responsibility. The full text of the letter follows: Dear Secretary Wilkie: We are writing regarding reports that the VA will not provide retroactive payments for missed or underpaid monthly housing stipends that it failed to pay veterans during delayed implementation of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act (P.L. 115-48). According to NBC News on November 28, 2018 (Veterans Affairs Dept. tells Capitol Hill it won't repay underpaid GI Bill benefits recipients), VA officials told congressional staff that making retroactive payments to veterans for missed or underpaid housing stipends would not be possible because it would create auditing challenges for the VA and delay future claims processing. The VA's position is unacceptable and deeply ignorant of the financial burden that too many of our veterans and their families now face because of its gross mismanagement. We are not asking the VA to create more problems for itself by expediting a fix for processing housing stipends that could cause further delays or missed payments. But we are demanding that the VA do right by our veterans. There is no question the government should provide retroactive payments to these veterans; we must. The question is how we will restore our veterans' confidence in the VA's ability to continue to deliver the care and benefits that they earned and we promised them. That is your responsibility. You need to begin by ensuring the VA has the budgetary resources to make timely beneficiary payments. The VA faces critical IT infrastructure challenges at its processing centers and beneficiary claims staffing shortages. We anticipate these challenges getting worse as VA staff shift claims workloads to address retroactive payments and make veterans whole for under- or missed payments of their monthly housing stipend. As you prepare to submit your fiscal year 2020 budget to Congress, we expect your request to include the appropriate funding to improve IT infrastructure, including a plan to acquire commercial off-the-shelf technology that may increase efficiency while saving money. We also expect your request to include a plan to address staffing shortages across the VA system, including those at the Veterans Benefits Administration that will help the VA meet its obligation to provide retroactive housing stipend payments and avoid future benefits processing challenges that risk eroding veterans' confidence in the VA. Thank you for your continued support of our veterans and the families we all serve. We look forward to your response and further engagement as we work to ensure the VA has the resources it needs to continue to deliver high quality healthcare and benefits to our veterans. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-facebook-unite-here-local-5-workers-ratify-new-contract,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook: Unite Here Local 5 Workers Ratify New Contract,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"""Workers in #Hawaii and across the country are forced to work multiple jobs just to survive. With our skyrocketing cost of living, our workers must be able to earn a living wage. @uniteherehawaii members stood their ground in this fight for a living wage and better benefits. We continue to stand in solidarity with those in #SanFrancisco and across the country who continue to fight for a living wage. #1job""-TG http://www.staradvertiser.com/2018/11/28/hawaii-news/unite-here-local-5-workers-ratify-contract-with-kyo-ya/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/11/28/2018/hirono-leads-introduction-of-comprehensive-legislation-to-address-health-disparities-and-achieve-health-equity,Hirono Leads Introduction of Comprehensive Legislation to Address Health Disparities and Achieve Health Equity,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 28, 2018 Hirono Leads Introduction of Comprehensive Legislation to Address Health Disparities and Achieve Health Equity WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced S.3660, the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2018. HEAA lays out a comprehensive roadmap to address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ community, rural populations, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Minority communities and other traditionally underserved populations have faced health care disparities for decades, and we have a long way to go to ensure that these communities have equal, affordable access to culturally competent health care services, Senator Hirono said. HEAA lays out a bold blueprint to deliver on the idea that quality, affordable health care is truly a right for all and not a privilege reserved for some. I thank my Senate and House colleagues, and the hundreds of advocacy groups who support HEAA for their work to ensure that all Americans can access and afford the care that may save their lives. The Health Equity and Accountability Act is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Kamala Harris (D-California), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California) introduced the bill's House counterpart, H.R.5942, in May 2018, and HEAA is supported by over 300 advocacy groups. We commend Senator Hirono, Congresswoman Lee and the Congressional Tri-Caucus for their leadership and commitment to putting us on a path toward health equity, Kathy Ko Chin, President and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum said. Now more than ever, HEAA is needed to both build upon the historic reforms achieved by the Affordable Care Act and to look beyond them to truly create a more equitable health system for our nation. HEAA has been introduced in every Congress since 2007. The bill's many policies are organized under ten titles aimed at effectively addressing health disparities and barriers to access that disproportionately affect minority communities: Title I: Data Collection and Reporting Currently, standard methods for collecting data do not fully capture the experiences of communities of color and other vulnerable populations. Without accurate data, health care policy decisions unintentionally exclude several communities, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, sexual and gender minorities, and rural communities. To address this fundamental problem, Title I requires data to be reported in a way that can be used to address health disparities and participation in health programs, housing, and nutrition. More specifically, Title I also includes a provision to develop and implement a national strategy for identifying and evaluating the health status and needs of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Title II: Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Health and Health Care Access to quality health care and providers are essential to addressing health disparities. Communities of color, people with limited English proficiency, and other minorities often experience challenges seeking care with providers that do not share their backgrounds, do not speak their language, or may lack appropriate cultural sensitivity to the experiences of minority patients. Title II outlines concrete steps to ensure patient access to high quality care by enhancing language access services and providing better information and training on cultural competency to providers. More culturally and linguistically appropriate care will empower patients to access high quality care. Title III: Health Workforce Diversity Title III focuses on improving the diversity of the health workforce through grants for training underrepresented minorities and providers that treat under-served populations. Title III establishes several scholarship and fellowship programs, including the Patsy Mink Health and Gender Research Fellowship program, which awards research fellowships to post-baccalaureate students to conduct research examining gender and health disparities. This title also provides additional supports for workforce development through loan forgiveness and other training programs. Title IV: Improving Health Care Access and Quality Despite progress made through the Affordable Care Act, health care access for minority communities remains a problem in the U.S. Immigrant communities are particularly disadvantaged because under current law they are excluded from public health care and other social programs. Title IV will expand health care access by allowing immigrant communities to qualify for the Affordable Care Act's premium tax credits and cost-sharing reduction payments, as well as allowing lawfully present individuals to qualify for Medicare. It also provides support for the improvement of rural hospitals and health services, for example, through the expansion of telehealth services in Medicare including across state lines. HEAA would also incorporate health equity into quality payment programs in Medicare and Medicaid to ensure that progress being made to improve health quality improves care for everyone. Finally, Title IV would restore access to Medicaid for Compact of Free Association (COFA) communities. Title V: Improving Health Outcomes for Women, Children and Families Title V addresses barriers that disproportionately prevent access to health care and nutrition services for minority women, children, and other marginalized communities. This title includes several provisions to improve maternal mortality and maternity health outcomes and increase diversity in the maternity health care profession. Title V also calls for the development of medically accurate, age appropriate sex education, as well as emergency contraception education and information programs. Title VI: Mental Health Mental health services and treatments are still heavily stigmatized in communities of color. To help expand the understanding and participation of mental health services, Title VI seeks to address social barriers by investing in proper provider training, research on mental health disparities, promotion of mental health among minority populations, and by providing mental health services in schools. Title VII: Addressing High Impact Minority Diseases Racial and ethnic minority populations experience higher rates of many chronic illnesses, including cancer, viral hepatitis and liver cancer, bone marrow disease, cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, lung disease, osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal diseases, sleep disorders, and sickle cell. Title VII outlines steps to ensure programs take into consideration patients of color and diseases that disproportionately affect minorities, such as sickle cell and Hepatitis B. Additionally, this title calls for an increase in federal resources for research, prevention, and treatment of those diseases. Title VIII: Health Information Technology As health information (IT) technology becomes more ingrained in our health care system, it provides an opportunity to reduce health disparities through improved data collection. Title VIII extends funding for health IT in communities with racial and ethnic minorities so that health IT helps to identify and ultimately eliminate health disparities. Title IX: Accountability and Evaluation This title focuses on oversight of federal agencies and programs to ensure the progress and accuracy of work to address health disparities continues and that civil rights in health care are protected. Title X: Addressing Social Determinants and Improving Environmental Justice The environment, housing, school, and nutrition all have a significant influence on a person's health. Efforts to address health disparities must also address these social determinants of health. Title X establishes grants and provides coordination with non-health agencies including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, and Environmental Protection Agency to study and address these social determinants of health. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-introduction-of-comprehensive-legislation-to-address-health-disparities-and-achieve-health-equity,Hirono Leads Introduction of Comprehensive Legislation to Address Health Disparities and Achieve Health Equity,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 28, 2018 Hirono Leads Introduction of Comprehensive Legislation to Address Health Disparities and Achieve Health Equity WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced S.3660, the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2018. HEAA lays out a comprehensive roadmap to address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ community, rural populations, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Minority communities and other traditionally underserved populations have faced health care disparities for decades, and we have a long way to go to ensure that these communities have equal, affordable access to culturally competent health care services, Senator Hirono said. HEAA lays out a bold blueprint to deliver on the idea that quality, affordable health care is truly a right for all and not a privilege reserved for some. I thank my Senate and House colleagues, and the hundreds of advocacy groups who support HEAA for their work to ensure that all Americans can access and afford the care that may save their lives. The Health Equity and Accountability Act is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Kamala Harris (D-California), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California) introduced the bill's House counterpart, H.R.5942, in May 2018, and HEAA is supported by over 300 advocacy groups. We commend Senator Hirono, Congresswoman Lee and the Congressional Tri-Caucus for their leadership and commitment to putting us on a path toward health equity, Kathy Ko Chin, President and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum said. Now more than ever, HEAA is needed to both build upon the historic reforms achieved by the Affordable Care Act and to look beyond them to truly create a more equitable health system for our nation. HEAA has been introduced in every Congress since 2007. The bill's many policies are organized under ten titles aimed at effectively addressing health disparities and barriers to access that disproportionately affect minority communities: Title I: Data Collection and Reporting Currently, standard methods for collecting data do not fully capture the experiences of communities of color and other vulnerable populations. Without accurate data, health care policy decisions unintentionally exclude several communities, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, sexual and gender minorities, and rural communities. To address this fundamental problem, Title I requires data to be reported in a way that can be used to address health disparities and participation in health programs, housing, and nutrition. More specifically, Title I also includes a provision to develop and implement a national strategy for identifying and evaluating the health status and needs of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Title II: Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Health and Health Care Access to quality health care and providers are essential to addressing health disparities. Communities of color, people with limited English proficiency, and other minorities often experience challenges seeking care with providers that do not share their backgrounds, do not speak their language, or may lack appropriate cultural sensitivity to the experiences of minority patients. Title II outlines concrete steps to ensure patient access to high quality care by enhancing language access services and providing better information and training on cultural competency to providers. More culturally and linguistically appropriate care will empower patients to access high quality care. Title III: Health Workforce Diversity Title III focuses on improving the diversity of the health workforce through grants for training underrepresented minorities and providers that treat under-served populations. Title III establishes several scholarship and fellowship programs, including the Patsy Mink Health and Gender Research Fellowship program, which awards research fellowships to post-baccalaureate students to conduct research examining gender and health disparities. This title also provides additional supports for workforce development through loan forgiveness and other training programs. Title IV: Improving Health Care Access and Quality Despite progress made through the Affordable Care Act, health care access for minority communities remains a problem in the U.S. Immigrant communities are particularly disadvantaged because under current law they are excluded from public health care and other social programs. Title IV will expand health care access by allowing immigrant communities to qualify for the Affordable Care Act's premium tax credits and cost-sharing reduction payments, as well as allowing lawfully present individuals to qualify for Medicare. It also provides support for the improvement of rural hospitals and health services, for example, through the expansion of telehealth services in Medicare including across state lines. HEAA would also incorporate health equity into quality payment programs in Medicare and Medicaid to ensure that progress being made to improve health quality improves care for everyone. Finally, Title IV would restore access to Medicaid for Compact of Free Association (COFA) communities. Title V: Improving Health Outcomes for Women, Children and Families Title V addresses barriers that disproportionately prevent access to health care and nutrition services for minority women, children, and other marginalized communities. This title includes several provisions to improve maternal mortality and maternity health outcomes and increase diversity in the maternity health care profession. Title V also calls for the development of medically accurate, age appropriate sex education, as well as emergency contraception education and information programs. Title VI: Mental Health Mental health services and treatments are still heavily stigmatized in communities of color. To help expand the understanding and participation of mental health services, Title VI seeks to address social barriers by investing in proper provider training, research on mental health disparities, promotion of mental health among minority populations, and by providing mental health services in schools. Title VII: Addressing High Impact Minority Diseases Racial and ethnic minority populations experience higher rates of many chronic illnesses, including cancer, viral hepatitis and liver cancer, bone marrow disease, cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, lung disease, osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal diseases, sleep disorders, and sickle cell. Title VII outlines steps to ensure programs take into consideration patients of color and diseases that disproportionately affect minorities, such as sickle cell and Hepatitis B. Additionally, this title calls for an increase in federal resources for research, prevention, and treatment of those diseases. Title VIII: Health Information Technology As health information (IT) technology becomes more ingrained in our health care system, it provides an opportunity to reduce health disparities through improved data collection. Title VIII extends funding for health IT in communities with racial and ethnic minorities so that health IT helps to identify and ultimately eliminate health disparities. Title IX: Accountability and Evaluation This title focuses on oversight of federal agencies and programs to ensure the progress and accuracy of work to address health disparities continues and that civil rights in health care are protected. Title X: Addressing Social Determinants and Improving Environmental Justice The environment, housing, school, and nutrition all have a significant influence on a person's health. Efforts to address health disparities must also address these social determinants of health. Title X establishes grants and provides coordination with non-health agencies including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, and Environmental Protection Agency to study and address these social determinants of health. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-votes-to-advance-resolution-to-end-us-support-for-saudi-led-war-in-yemen,Hirono Votes to Advance Resolution to End U.S. Support for Saudi-Led War in Yemen,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 28, 2018 Hirono Votes to Advance Resolution to End U.S. Support for Saudi-Led War in Yemen WASHINGTON, D.C.-Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) voted today to advance a resolution to end U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Following the vote, Senator Hirono released the following statement: I remain deeply concerned about the Trump Administration's policy toward Saudi Arabia. The President believes that we should overlook Saudi Arabia's role in causing the world's worst current humanitarian catastrophe, as well as their role in the death of Jamal Khashoggi, because they have billions' to buy weapons and will create over a million U.S. jobs.' These are not only lies, but represent a truly abhorrent position for a U.S. President to take. Congress must act. Earlier this year I supported S.J. Res. 54, Senator Bernie Sanders' resolution to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Yemen, and also voted against approving arms sales to the Saudis. Today I voted again to support the resolution to end our military's involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The President's policy is transactional and, in this case, morally bankrupt. We should instead focus U.S. leadership and resources on diplomacy to achieve a lasting ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the conflict. Following this procedural vote, I look forward to a vote on final passage. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-tulsi-gabbard-and-will-hurd-recognize-givingtuesday-opportunity-unite,"Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Will Hurd Recognize #GivingTuesday as Opportunity to Unite Country, Give Back to Community",2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCReps. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Will Hurd (TX-23) today recognized #GivingTuesday as part of a global day for giving, volunteerism, and service to others. The lawmakers introduced a bipartisan resolution (H.Res. 633) last year to recognize the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday as #GivingTuesday, an opportunity to provide charitable giving to those in need. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: United by a common purpose to be of service to others, #GivingTuesday provides an opportunity for us all to come together and support the causes in our communities that inspire us. Today, as millions around the world donate their time, talents, or a piece of their paychecks or simply perform an act of kindness let us be inspired by the spirit of #GivingTuesday and continue to be a force for positive change in our communities. The spirit of giving throughout the holiday season is always an important reminder that much more unites us than divides us. If we focus on these things as Americans, we can continue to be the greatest nation in the world, said U.S. Rep. Will Hurd. Giving Tuesday is the perfect example of how we come together to help those in need, and I'm proud to have worked across the aisle with Rep. Gabbard to make the designation of this important day official. Background: #GivingTuesday, the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving, kickstarts the holiday giving season with a global day dedicated to charitable giving and volunteerism. #GivingTuesday was launched by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation in 2012, and has since become a worldwide movement, harnessing the power of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change. In its first year, #GivingTuesday brought together more than 2,500 organizations in all 50 States, and it has continued to gain momentum every year since, with more than 35,000 partners in the United States and around the world. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-dhs-inspector-general-releases-report-on-false-missile-alert-incident-hirono-calls-for-continued-oversight,"As DHS Inspector General Releases Report on False Missile Alert Incident, Hirono Calls for Continued Oversight",2018-11-26,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 26, 2018 As DHS Inspector General Releases Report on False Missile Alert Incident, Hirono Calls for Continued Oversight Report Was Commissioned at Senator Hirono's Request to Review FEMA's Oversight of Public Alert System WASHINGTON, D.C. In response to a request by Senator Mazie K. Hirono, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report reviewing the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) role in the January 13, 2018 false missile alert sent to Hawaii residents. The OIG's report examined whether FEMA exercises appropriate oversight of the Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS), the messaging platform through which the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency sent the false missile alert. The report identified a number of areas of concern for Hawaii's alert system and alert systems across the countrysuch as FEMA not requiring that alert software have the ability to preview or cancel alerts. Currently, FEMA only recommends that software include these functions as best practices. The report also noted software vendors are not required to provide training to authorities on how to use their software. While the report states that Hawaii's false missile alert did not result from these concerns, the OIG recommended staff training and the inclusion of safeguard capabilities in emergency alert software as alerting authorities may continue to face challenges without them. FEMA concurred with the recommendations, and estimated that both recommendations would be implemented by October 31, 2019. I thank the DHS Inspector General for providing much needed answers on FEMA's role in the false missile alert sent to Hawaii residents and the overall management of the alert system it oversees, Senator Hirono said. The inadequate safeguards found in the report are unacceptable and I will closely monitor FEMA's progress in implementing the Inspector General's recommendations to ensure such an incident never happens again in Hawaii, or in any other state that utilizes an emergency alert system. Following January's false missile alert, Senator Hirono has taken a number of actions to ensure these errors do not happen again and systemic deficiencies are addressed. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Hirono secured a commitment from Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen during an oversight hearing on January 16, 2018 to strengthen federal-state cooperation on emergency alerts, assess potential human and systemic failures, and improve overall readiness in Hawaii and across our country. Senator Hirono is an original cosponsor of Senator Brian Schatz's (D-Hawaii) Authenticating Local Emergencies and Real Threats (ALERT) Act which would give the federal government the primary responsibility of alerting the public of a missile threat and require FEMA to recommend best practices to local officials on initiating, modifying, and canceling alerts. The ALERT Act unanimously passed the Senate on June 28, 2018 and is pending action by the U.S. House of Representatives. Click here to read the full report. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-booker-reed-demand-doj-follow-law-protect-confidential-census-responses,"Schatz, Booker, Reed Demand DOJ Follow Law, Protect Confidential Census Responses",2018-11-26,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz, Booker, Reed Demand DOJ Follow Law, Protect Confidential Census Responses Monday, November 26, 2018 WASHINGTON Following new reports about Department of Justice (DOJ) officials discussing the possibility of violating the confidentiality of information collected during the decennial census, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) called on the DOJ to follow the law and protect the confidentiality of responses collected through the census. We urge you to clarify immediately your understanding of existing law and reiterate your commitment to the confidentiality of information collected through the decennial census, the senators wrote. It is of utmost importance that the 2020 Censusa constitutionally mandated activitybe conducted in a full, fair, and accurate manner to count all persons in our country. Any attempt by the Justice or Commerce Departments to diminish the count of particular communities would be in contravention of the U.S. Constitution. For a PDF copy of the letter, click here. The full text of the letter follows: Dear Assistant Attorney General Dreiband: We are writing to express our deep concerns with reports that the Justice Department discussed the possibility of violating the confidentiality of information collected during the decennial census. We urge you to clarify immediately your understanding of existing law and reiterate your commitment to the confidentiality of information collected through the decennial census. Court filings have revealed a willingness by staff in the Justice Department to leave open the possibility that the Department would reevaluate an existing legal opinion, which found no provision within the USA PATRIOT Act that could be used to compel the Commerce Secretary to release confidential census information. Title 13, Section 9 of the U.S. Code explicitly prevents the Commerce Department and any of its bureaus or agencies from sharing personally identifiable information collected by the census with any external entity or individual. However, even consideration of information sharing between the Commerce Department and, for example, the Justice Department or Immigration and Customs Enforcement will have a chilling effect on participation in the 2020 Census. A national study commissioned by the Census Bureau indicated that the last-minute, untested citizenship question may be a major barrier to participation, with respondents citing a distrust in the federal government's commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of census data. It is of utmost importance that the 2020 Censusa constitutionally mandated activitybe conducted in a full, fair, and accurate manner to count all persons in our country. Any attempt by the Justice or Commerce Departments to diminish the count of particular communities would be in contravention of the U.S. Constitution. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your response. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-blumenthal-whitehouse-challenge-appointment-of-matthew-whitaker-as-acting-attorney-general,"Hirono, Blumenthal, Whitehouse Challenge Appointment of Matthew Whitaker as Acting Attorney General",2018-11-19,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 19, 2018 Hirono, Blumenthal, Whitehouse Challenge Appointment of Matthew Whitaker as Acting Attorney General In a Complaint Filed Today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Senators Lay Out the Constitutional Case for Their Authority to Provide Advice & Consent on Who Serves as U.S. Attorney General WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI.) filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging the constitutionality of President Donald Trump's appointment of Matthew Whitaker as the Acting Attorney General. On November 7, President Trump appointed Whitaker to oversee the Department of Justice including the Special Counsel's investigation in violation of the Constitution's Appointments Clause. The Senators' complaint asks the Court to declareWhitaker's appointment unconstitutional and to enjoin him from serving as, or carrying out the duties of, Acting Attorney General. Donald Trump cannot subvert the Constitution to protect himself and evade accountability,Senator Hirono said. We want the court to make clear that the Senate must confirm Matthew Whitaker's appointment as Acting Attorney Generalotherwise this temporary appointment violates the Constitution's Appointments Clause. Without exception for President Trump's allies, principal officers who report directly to the President must be subject to a hearing and confirmed by the Senate. Installing Matthew Whitaker so flagrantly defies constitutional law that any viewer of School House Rock would recognize it. Americans prize a system of checks and balances, which President Trump's dictatorial appointment betrays,Senator Blumenthal said. President Trump is denying Senators our constitutional obligation and opportunity to do our job: scrutinizing the nomination of our nation's top law enforcement official. The reason is simple: Whitaker would never pass the advice and consent test. In selecting a so-called constitutional nobody' and thwarting every Senator's constitutional duty, Trump leaves us no choice but to seek recourse through the courts. ""The stakes are too high to allow the president to install an unconfirmed lackey to lead the Department of Justice a lackey whose stated purpose, apparently, is undermining a major investigation into the president,Senator Whitehouse said. Unless the courts intercede, this troubling move creates a plain road map for persistent and deliberate evasion by the executive branch of the Senate's constitutionally mandated advice and consent. Indeed, this appointment appears planned to accomplish that goal. Two non-partisan, non-profit law firms represent the Senators in this case: Protect Democracy and the Constitutional Accountability Center. The Constitution's Appointments Clause requires that the Senate confirm high-level federal government officials, including the Attorney General, before they exercise the duties of the office. The Framers included this requirement to ensure that senior administration officials receive scrutiny by the American people's representatives in Congress. The Appointments Clause is also meant to prevent the President, in the words of Alexander Hamilton in Federalist 76, from appointing officers with no other merit than that ofpossessing the necessary insignificance and pliancy to render them the obsequious instruments of his pleasure. Because President Trump has denied the Senate the opportunity to consider whether Matthew Whitaker is fit to serve as a principal Officer of the United States, the full scope of concerns about Acting Attorney General Whitaker is unknown. However, issues that have come to light through public reporting underscore the importance of the Senate's constitutional responsibility to offer advice and consent before high-level executive administrators assume office. President Trump's violation of the Constitution's Appointments Clause, unilaterally preventing members of the Senate from voting on whether or not to consent to Matthew Whitaker serving as a principal Officer, leaves Senators no choice but to seek a remedy through the courts. Anne Tindall, Counsel at Protect Democracy, a non-partisan non-profit whose attorneys are representing the Senators in this case, said,Under the legal theory currently being advanced by the White House, the President could elevate a family member who worked for an agency to lead it without Senate confirmation. The prospect that the Attorney General might seek to serve the President, rather than the American people, reaffirms the importance of a confirmation process that follows the Constitution. President Trump has shown utter disregard for the bedrock constitutional plan for top executive branch officials to receive the advice and consent of the Senate before taking office,added Elizabeth Wydra, President of Constitutional Accountability Center, a public interest think tank and law firm dedicated to promoting the progressive promise of the Constitution's text, history, and values.The prospect that a president's high-level executive branch appointments would be influenced by personal, rather than public, interests is one key reason why the nation's Founders required such appointees to receive the advice and consent of the Senate in the first place. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-announces-new-204-million-visitor-center-at-punchbowl-memorial,Schatz Announces New $20.4 Million Visitor Center at Punchbowl Memorial,2018-11-19,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Announces New $20.4 Million Visitor Center at Punchbowl Memorial New American Battle Monuments Commission-National Cemetery Administration Visitor Center Will Enhance Story of World War II in the Pacific Monday, November 19, 2018 HONOLULU Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announced that the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) and National Cemetery Administration (NCA) confirmed plans to construct a new $20.4 million interpretive center for visitors to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. This new center will give visitors a better understanding of World War II in the Pacific, Hawaii's role, and the sacrifices that so many made for our country, including those whose final resting place is at Punchbowl, said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. I look forward to working with the American Battle Monuments Commission and the National Cemetery Administration to ensure that the center's exhibits convey the contributions that Hawaii's veterans, including the Nisei, made to the Pacific theatre. In 2011, ABMC and NCA began discussions on a new interpretive center for Punchbowl. However, those plans were put on hold due to a lack of dedicated funding. In the fiscal year 2019 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, Senator Schatz secured an additional $28.9 million to support ABMC's broad unfunded cemetery requirements. In addition to funding for the Punchbowl interpretive center, ABMC announced plans to obligate the appropriation to a new visitor center for the Netherlands American Cemetery and a critical irrigation system for the Manila American Cemetery. The $20.4 million for the Punchbowl interpretive center includes costs to complete the interpretive center design, construction of the facility, design and fabrication of exhibits, as well as ABMC's share of utility infrastructure and interior road improvements that will be cost-shared with NCA. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-klobuchar-urge-department-of-justice-to-investigate-claims-that-facebook-retaliated-against-critics,"Hirono, Klobuchar Urge Department of Justice to Investigate Claims that Facebook Retaliated Against Critics",2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 16, 2018 Hirono, Klobuchar Urge Department of Justice to Investigate Claims that Facebook Retaliated Against Critics WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) urged Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to expand any investigation into Facebook and Cambridge Analytica to include whether Facebookor any other entity affiliated with or hired by Facebookhid information and retaliated against critics or public officials seeking to regulate the platform. Recent reportsincluding one from the New York Timesallege that Facebook has taken significant steps to undermine critics, including hiring partisan political consultants to retaliate and spread disinformation about people who have criticized Facebook, which, if not properly disclosed, may have campaign finance implications. Since the 2016 election, both the government and Facebook's own internal investigations have revealed that the company failed to adequately protect the data and trust of its 2.2 billion users. Facebook also failed to implement basic protocols to prevent manipulation by foreign adversaries working to undermine America's political system, the Senators wrote. Given the staggering amount of data that Facebook has collected on both its users even people who have not consented to use of the platform these allegations raise profound concerns about the company's willingness to protect the public and our democracy, they continued. Russia attempted to influence the 2016 presidential election by buying and placing political ads on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google. The content and purchaser(s) of those online advertisements are a mystery to the public because of outdated laws that have failed to keep up with evolving technology. The Honest Ads Act, which was introduced by Senators Klobuchar, Mark Warner (D-Va.), and the late Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), and cosponsored by 30 Senators, including Senators Hirono, Blumenthal, and Coons would regulate social media companies like Facebook to prevent foreign actors from influencing our elections by ensuring that political ads sold online are covered by the same rules as ads sold on TV, radio, and print. The Honest Ads Act would enhance the integrity of our democracy by improving disclosure requirements for online political advertisements by: Amending the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002's definition of electioneering communication to include paid Internet and digital advertisements and requiring proper disclaimers on both electioneering communications and issue ads. Requiring digital platforms with at least 50,000,000 monthly viewers to maintain a public file of all electioneering communications purchased by a person or group who spends more than $500.00 total on ads published on their platform. The file would contain a digital copy of the advertisement, a description of the audience the advertisement targets, the number of views generated, the dates and times of publication, the rates charged, and the contact information of the purchaser. Requiring online platforms to make all reasonable efforts to ensure that foreign individuals and entities are not purchasing political advertisements in order to influence the American electorate. The full text of the letter can be found below: Dear Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein: We write to urge that you expand any investigation into Facebook and Cambridge Analytica to include whether Facebook or any other entity affiliated with or hired by Facebook retaliated against critics or public officials seeking to regulate the platform, or hid vital information from the public. Reports indicate that the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are conducting an investigation into Facebook's failure to prevent and provide notice regarding the compromise of user data and the misuse of the platform by foreign governments. As the Department and other agencies proceed with the investigation, we urge you to consider new information that has come to light regarding Facebook's behavior and to expand the scope of your inquiry accordingly. Since the 2016 election, both the government and Facebook's own internal investigations have revealed that the company failed to adequately protect the data and trust of its 2.2 billion users. Facebook also failed to implement basic protocols to prevent manipulation by foreign adversaries working to undermine America's political system. In addition to the Department of Justice's investigation, elected officials have investigated, held hearings, and proposed legislation to significantly increase regulations on Facebook and similar online platforms. Scrutiny by Congress and the media ultimately forced Facebook to acknowledge Russia's manipulation of the platform. However, disturbing recent reports allege that Facebook took significant steps to undermine efforts to hold them responsible, including hiring partisan political consultants to spread disinformation about people who have criticized Facebook. If not properly disclosed, such steps may have implications for securities and campaign finance law. Given the staggering amount of data that Facebook has collected on both its users even people who have not consented to use of the platform these allegations raise profound concerns about the company's willingness to protect the public and our democracy. We strongly urge you to expand the Department's investigation to include actions the company and its executives took to withhold significant information regarding the abuse of Facebook and its managerial response to the matter. Sincerely, ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-calls-for-matthew-whitaker-to-appear-before-senate-judiciary-committee,Senator Hirono Calls for Matthew Whitaker to Appear Before Senate Judiciary Committee,2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"View Copy link to clipboard",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-calls-congress-end-us-military-support-saudi-arabia-s,VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls on Congress to End U.S. Military Support of Saudi Arabias Genocidal War in Yemen,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCFollowing a move byHouse Republicans to block a vote on bipartisan resolution (H. Con Res. 138), legislation that would have ended U.S. military support for Saudi Arabia's genocidal war in Yemen, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today spoke on the House floor, urging Members of Congress to vote against the Republican ruleand bringH. Con. Res. 138to the floor for a vote. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is also co-leading a bipartisan letter urging Members of Congress to vote later today against this rule that prevents H. Con. Res. 138 from coming to the House floor for a vote. Video of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's Floor Speech is Available Here Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: Last night, House Republicans on the Rules Committee voted to undermine our democracy by blocking the American people and Members of Congress from having a debate and the ability to vote on a bill that would end U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's genocidal war in Yemen a war that has created the world's worst humanitarian disaster in generations, leaving 22 million people in dire need of humanitarian aid, tens of thousands of civilians killed, and many more vulnerable to mass starvation, famine, and cholera. Don't be fooled: If Congress and this Administration truly were concerned about the plight of the Yemeni people and peace, all U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's atrocities would end now. Instead, last night on the Rules Committee, Republicans voted to shut down debate and prevent a vote that would end U.S. support for Saudi Arabia in Yemen. ""Now, later today, Congress has the opportunity to do the right thing. We are faced with a choice. I urge my colleagues to VOTE NO on H.Res.1142 so that Congress can fill our constitutional role, debate, and vote on this critical issue. It is long overdue that we end U.S. complicity in Saudi Arabia's atrocities. We must end all U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's genocidal war in Yemen now. Background: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is a leading voice for peace in Congress, advocating against counterproductive, regime-change wars. She has called for ending support for Saudi Arabia, pushed for additional oversight on acquisition and cross-service agreements (Section 1271 of the FY19 NDAA), supportedH. Con. Res. 81, a bipartisan resolution that sought to stop U.S. military participation in Saudi Arabia's war against the Houthis in Yemen, bipartisan resolution (H. Con Res. 138) to stop U.S. military support for Saudi Arabia's genocidal war in Yemen, bipartisan legislation (H.R. 7082) to immediately stop all military sales and aid to the government of Saudi Arabia, and more. Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Walter Jones also introducedH.Res 922, which wouldreclaim Congress's constitutional right to declare war by: Defining presidential wars not declared by Congress under Article I, section 8, clause 11 (Declare War Clause) as impeachable high crimes and misdemeanors Prohibiting the President from perpetuating ongoing wars or supplying war materials, military troops, trainers, or advisers, military intelligence, financial support or their equivalent in association, cooperation, assistance, or common cause without first receiving congressional authorization Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/gabbard-backed-bill-preserve-hawai-i-world-war-ii-sites-passes-us-house,Gabbard-Backed Bill to Preserve Hawaii World War II Sites Passes U.S. House,2018-11-13,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCBipartisan legislation cosponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) to preserve Pearl Harbor and the Honouliuli Internment Camp in Hawaii unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. The World War II Pacific Sites Establishment Act (H.R. 5706) would establish the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Honouliuli National Historic Site in recognition of preserving these moments in American and world history, and the uniqueness of these sites' roles in World War II. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: Both Pearl Harbor and the Honouliuli Internment Camp in Hawaii hold a powerful place in our country's history, and in the story of the people of Hawai'i. They provide us with important lessons that must never be forgotten. Our legislation will preserve these World War II sites, share the personal stories of those who were there, and provide lessons learned for future generations about the cost of war, courage, selflessness,civil liberties and freedoms. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-rep-tulsi-gabbard-recognizes-coast-guard-hero-maui,PHOTOS: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Recognizes Coast Guard Hero On Maui,2018-11-13,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Khei, Maui, HI Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) was on Maui today to recognize the heroism of U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer (Ret.) Mitchell Lani, who received the U.S. Coast Guard Commendation Medal for his brave actions while training for deployment during the Korean War. Lani was serving as a cook aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Forster in 1953, when a cable got caught in the ship's propulsion system. With the ship immobile in dangerous waters with 12-foot swells, the lifelong waterman jumped into action. After several hours and multiple life-threatening free dives, Lani succeeded in releasing the cable and freeing the Forster. However, Lani went for 66 years without being recognized for his heroic actions that day. Today Coasties gathered with Lani's family and friends as Admiral Kevin Lunday formally recognized Mitchell Lani for his service and courageous actions, presenting him with the U.S. Coast Guard Commendation Medal. See more photos of today's ceremony athttps://www.flickr.com/photos/reptulsigabbard/sets/72157702025977711 In this country, each citizen is encouraged to do their part and to lend a helping hand for the betterment of others, their community, and their nation. Some go above and beyond in answering this call to service. Mitchell Lani is one such man, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said at the awards ceremony. Mitchell displayed bravery, strength, and fearlessness, motivated by aloha and love for his fellow Coasties, his country, and the people of Hawaii. We recognize and honor Mitchell for his care, heroism, and selfless service to our nation. Born and raised in Hoolehua, Molokai, Mitchell Pauole Lani grew up as a waterman in a family where diving and picking opihi was a way of life. He now resides on Maui with his wife Florence, proudly enjoying his eight children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-15-million-in-federal-funding-for-molokai-infrastructure-improvements,Hirono Announces $1.5 Million in Federal Funding for Molokai Infrastructure Improvements,2018-11-13,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 13, 2018 Hirono Announces $1.5 Million in Federal Funding for Molokai Infrastructure Improvements WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) will receive $1.59 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding to improve water infrastructure of the Hoolehua Water System on Molokai. More than 2,000 Molokai residents depend on the Hoolehua Water System for reliable water service, Senator Hirono said. This USDA funding will support DHHL's ongoing efforts to modernize the Hoolehua Water System. I will continue to work with federal stakeholders to ensure that all Hawaii residents, including those living on Hawaiian Home Lands, have access to safe drinking water. The USDA funds will help us to modernize this historic water system that serves our first two homesteads of Hoolehua and Kalamaula, created almost 100 years ago under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, Jobie M.K. Masagatani, Chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission said. And, the federal funds will help ensure continuous water delivery to serve more generations of our beneficiaries on the island of Molokai. The USDA award will assist DHHL in implementing a robust plan to improve the transmission and reliability of the Hoolehua Water System. Additionally, the funding will be used to increase the sustainability of the water system and lessen the number of unexpected losses of water service, as well as reduce the system's annual energy costs through increases in the water storage capacity and improvements to water safety, security, and water pressure. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-joins-west-hawai-i-community-veterans-day,PHOTOS & VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Joins West Hawaii Community For Veterans Day,2018-11-12,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Maniniwali, Kona, HI At a Veterans Day service held at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) joined Hawaii Island veterans, family members and friends to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War I, and to honor America's veterans for their service and sacrifice for our country. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who currently serves as a Majorin the Hawaii Army National Guard, and deployed twice to the Middle East, told the crowd of about 200 that we should look to ourveterans as a living embodiment of the solution to our divided country. For our nation to understand how we can heal the divisive wounds that are tearing our country apart, and truly come together as one, we need look no further than to our veterans, who motivated by love and aloha, are willing to sacrifice all for our country, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. Veterans are the perfect example of individuals who are motivated out of love and aloha, willing to sacrifice themselves, their time, their interests, in service to our country and the American people. Elected to the US House of Representatives in 2012, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has always been a champion for veterans and service members. The first piece of legislation she introduced and passed in the U.S. House in 2013 was the Helping Heroes Fly Act, which improved airport security screening processes for wounded and severely disabled service members and veterans. The Congresswoman has also introduced and passed legislation to address healthcare for veterans, honoring Filipino veterans who served in World War II, and provide for veterans exposed to open burn pits in combat zones. Today's service at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery was hosted by American Legion Post 20 and other Hawaii Island veteran organizations. Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/reptulsigabbard/sets/72157703395528274 B-roll: https://www.dropbox.com/s/0649ou19mpc7r6q/2018-11-11%20TG%20VET%20DAY%20BROLL.mov?dl=0 Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-booker-call-for-doj-investigation-into-reports-of-voter-suppression-in-georgia,"Schatz, Booker Call For DOJ Investigation Into Reports Of Voter Suppression In Georgia",2018-11-12,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz, Booker Call For DOJ Investigation Into Reports Of Voter Suppression In Georgia Georgia's Exact Match Law Blocked Voter Registration for Thousands, Other Measures Made it More Difficult for People to Exercise Their Right to Vote on Election Day Monday, November 12, 2018 WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) called on the Department of Justice to investigate numerous reports of possible voter suppression in the gubernatorial election in Georgia. The Department of Justice still has the authority and the obligation to enforce the Voting Rights Act and protect the right to vote, the senators wrote. In the case of Georgia's election, the DOJ should ensure that all votes are counted and that voters have a meaningful opportunity to ensure their absentee and provisional ballots are counted; and conduct a thorough investigation into the potential voting rights abuses that have been reported before, during, and after the election. In their letter to Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband, the senators outlined measures the state has taken in recent years to slow the pace of registering new voters, purge voter rolls, eliminate polling places, and reject absentee ballots. These measures have all disproportionately impacted African-American, Latino, and Asian American voters, making it difficult for them to exercise their right to vote. For a PDF copy of the letter, click here. The full text of the letter follows: Dear Assistant Attorney General Dreiband: We are writing to express our deep concern about the numerous reports of possible voter suppression in the gubernatorial election in Georgia. We strongly urge the Voting Section of the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division to investigate these reports and ensure compliance with the federal statutes that protect the rights of all Americans to vote. Voters' confusion and disenfranchisement in Georgia started before Election Day. In 2017, the state passed an exact match voter registration law, which was previously rejected under the Voting Rights Act in 2008. As a result of this law, the State Secretary's office put on hold over 53,000 registrations as of last month.Under exact match, a voter's registration could be held for misentry by government officials or minor discrepancies, like a dropped hyphen in a last name. According to a lawsuit filed by several civil rights groups, the exact match law has produced high rates of erroneous no-matches that disproportionately impact African-American, Latino, Asian American, and new citizen voters. In fact, over 70% of the registrants put on hold are African-American. Despite a federal court order that requires the state to notify such voters and provide them the opportunity to vote with proper identification, election monitors from civil rights groups reported that hundreds of voters were improperly turned away on Election Day. In addition, the state has aggressively purged its voter rolls, cancelling 1.4 million registrations since 2012, and 670,000 since 2017. Election monitors also received hundreds of complaints from voters who said the state failed to respond to their requests for absentee ballots. On Election Day, voters who turned out to vote in high numbers faced obstacles to exercising their right to vote, including consolidated precincts and long lines as a result of missing or broken equipment. County election officials have closed 214 precinctsnearly 8 percent of the state's polling placessince 2012. The closures have disproportionately affected poor, rural, and African-American residents in the state. County election officials also kept more than 1,800 voting machines out of commission on Election Day. The shortage of voting machines was particularly severe in Fulton County, where 700 machines were sidelinedresulting in a much lower ratio of machines to registered voters compared to 2014. At one polling place, people were unable to vote for hours because there were no power cords for the machines when the polls opened. Despite the apparent conflict of interest, the Republican candidate for governor, Brian Kemp, also served as the Secretary of State through the election. In this role, he attempted to summarily reject absentee ballots for signature discrepancies until a federal court of appeals ruled that he must afford voters due process by allowing them to verify their identity. He also accused the Democratic Party of trying to hack the state's voter-registration system without citing any evidence, and he provided advice to counties on how to justify closing polling locations. The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy. Any reports of efforts to disenfranchise Americans must be taken seriously. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) was passed to safeguard this right and to prevent state and local officials from passing laws or policies that deny Americans the right to vote on the basis of race. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court undermined a key provision of the VRA, which would have allowed the Department of Justice to review Georgia's election laws and policies to prevent discrimination before the election occurred. Without this important safeguard, Georgiaalong with several other jurisdictions across the countryhave imposed new barriers that prevent Americans from exercising their constitutional right to vote. Even without the ability to prevent discriminatory voting laws, the DOJ still has the authority and the obligation to enforce the VRA and protect the right to vote. In the case of Georgia's election, the DOJ should (1) ensure that all votes are counted and that voters have a meaningful opportunity to ensure their absentee and provisional ballots are counted; and (2) conduct a thorough investigation into the potential voting rights abuses that have been reported before, during, and after the election. We request that you respond as soon as possible to this letter informing Congress of the steps the DOJ is taking to protect voters' rights in Georgia. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-hirono-statement-on-attorney-general-jeff-sessions-forced-resignation,Hirono Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Forced Resignation,2018-11-07,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 07, 2018 Hirono Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions' Forced Resignation HONOLULU Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) released the following statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions' forced resignation: In a direct move to undermine the Mueller investigation, Donald Trump forced Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign. I am concerned that the Mueller investigation will now be overseen by Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker someone who has raised some troubling views about the investigation. The President's actions today make it even more critical that Congress passes bipartisan legislation to protect the Special Counsel's investigation. Our next Attorney General must not only commit to the completion of the Special Counsel's investigation without interference, but also to preserve the independence of the Department of Justice and its law enforcement agencies, enforce our nation's laws fairly, and safeguard the civil and voting rights of all Americans. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hanabusa-joins-108-house-democrats-requesting-answers-trump-border,Hanabusa joins 108 House Democrats Requesting Answers on Trump Border Deployment,2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, joined Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), and 107 other House Democrats to send a letter to Defense Secretary James N. Mattis requesting answers and justification for his deployment of 5,200 additional U.S. troops to the Southern border. Lawmakers asked Secretary Mattis how much the deployment will cost, how long it will last, and what the rules of engagement will be. The letter is attached to this release. The text of the letter is as follows, and a full list of co-signers is below: Dear Secretary Mattis, We are writing today to express our opposition to the decision to use additional troops on the southern border to assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Congress was recently notified that the Administration is sending an additional 5,200 troops to the border without a long-term plan or an analysis of the effectiveness of previous deployments from this year. The United States can maintain a secure border and the rule of law while still upholding our country's values to protect those fleeing persecution and violence. The use of military personnel, however, will not help us meet this challenge and only exacerbates the potential to unnecessarily escalate the situation. This effort is nothing short of a militarization of the southern border to score political points and stoke misleading fears among Americans regarding immigrants. In addition, this decision negatively impacts the readiness of our military personnel who could be training to increase their effectiveness in line with their assigned missions and expertise. This latest announcement follows a series of actions the President has taken this year to use the military to support his failed immigration policies. Earlier this year, National Guard troops were deployed to the southern border at a cost of $103 million, with no evidence to date of the necessity or effectiveness of their deployment. Furthermore, the Department of Defense (DOD) supported requests from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to shelter as many as 20,000 unaccompanied migrant children and 12,000 family members. Lastly, DOD internally approved $7.5 million for advanced planning for a 37-mile border barrier at the Barry M. Goldwater Range that could cost as much as $450 million. Instead of working in a bipartisan manner to make comprehensive, common-sense, and humane reforms to our immigration system, the President continues to turn to politically-motivated fear mongering and uses DOD resources and personnel as means to drive his troubling anti-immigration agenda. The President has exploited the caravan of people traveling to the U.S. to seek asylum for his own political gain, and he continues to politicize and militarize this humanitarian crisis as these men, women, and children are fleeing violence and persecution in an unstable part of the world. This is another example of the President using fear-mongering tactics over a humanitarian issue. This use of military personnel and resources for functions outside of core mission areas warrants additional Congressional oversight. Given this disparate approach, we request an update to answer the following questions: What is the duration of the recent deployment to the southern border for the personnel deployed and to be deployed? How many personnel will come from each component of the military i.e. active duty, National Guard and Reserve? What rules of engagement will troops be under with regard to individuals in the caravan or any other individuals approaching or coming across the southern border? Have any troops been instructed or trained on how to interact or engage in any way with individuals in the caravan? If so, what is the nature of the expected interaction and what training have these troops received for these interactions? How much will this deployment cost the American taxpayer? With all of these pressing concerns in mind, we request a briefing and written response to answer the questions above, and we request an overview of the current strategy. We look forward to your response and thank you for your attention on this matter. Sincerely, Reps. Adam Smith, Bennie G. Thompson, Jerrold Nadler, Elijah E. Cummings, Mark Pocan, David Cicilline, James P. McGovern, Carolyn Maloney, Frank Pallone, Jr., Nydia M. Velzquez, Ruben Kihuen, Joe Courtney, Marcy Kaptur, Colleen Hanabusa, Brenda Lawrence, Henry C. Hank Johnson, Nanette Diaz Barragn, Adriano Espaillat, Richard E. Neal, Robert Brady, Linda T. Sanchez, Wm. Lacy Clay, Yvette D. Clarke, Donald M. Payne, Jr., William R. Keating, Scott Peters, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ruben Gallego, Rick Larsen, Jim Langevin, Madeleine Z. Bordallo, John Garamendi, Jan Schakowsky, Mike Thompson, Debbie Dingell, Suzanne Bonamici, Thomas R. Suozzi, Jim Cooper, Chellie Pingree, Suzan K. DelBene, Peter Welch, Salud Carbajal, Jimmy Panetta, Grace F. Napolitano, Diana DeGette, Seth Moulton, Eric Swalwell, Albio Sires, Steve Cohen, Hakeem Jeffries, Donald Norcross, Pramila Jayapal, Mark Takano, Alcee L. Hastings, Mike Doyle, Luis V. Gutirrez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Darren Soto, Jim Himes, Filemon Vela, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Paul Tonko, Earl Blumenauer, Donald S. Beyer Jr., Marc Veasey, Marcia L. Fudge, Alan Lowenthal, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Frederica S. Wilson, Pete Visclosky, Barbara Lee, David E. Price, Julia Brownley, G.K. Butterfield, Anthony G. Brown, Jose Serrano, Cedric Richmond, Mark DeSaulnier, Gwen Moore, Beto O'Rourke, Daniel T. Kildee, Jamie Raskin, Emanuel Cleaver, II, Dina Titus, John Yarmuth, Richard M. Nolan, Susan Davis, Bobby L. Rush, Ted Lieu, Charlie Crist, Judy Chu, Ro Khanna, John Lewis, Carol Shea-Porter, Ral M. Grijalva, Denny Heck, Keith Ellison, Kathleen M. Rice, Donald McEachin, Norma Torres, Tulsi Gabbard, Karen Bass, Nita Lowey, John B. Larson, Brad Schneider, Danny K. Davis, and Vicente Gonzalez.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-addresses-military-affairs-council,Senator Hirono Addresses Military Affairs Council,2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In the News Email Me About an Issue",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hanabusa-statement-trump-s-claim-he-can-erase-guarantee-citizenship,Hanabusa Statement on Trumps Claim That He Can Erase Guarantee of Citizenship in Constitution,2018-10-30,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HI. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa issued the following statement following President Trump's claim that he can issue an executive order and unilaterally terminate the 14th Amendment's guarantee of citizenship: This is another one of Trump's election year stunts to rile up his extreme right-wing base. Trump cannot end the Constitution's guarantee of U.S. citizenship for children born in the United States to noncitizens with an executive order. In a rare rebuke of his President, house Speaker Paul Ryan dismissed Trump's statement, telling WVLK in Kentucky, Well, you obviously cannot do that.' Just like wasting valuable tax payer resources to send more than 5,000 troops to the Southern border to prepare for a made-up migrant invasion, Trump's birthright comments are nothing more than pandering to the racist extremists in his Republican party. Trump wants to distract Americans from his efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act and take away protections for people with pre-existing conditions. He needs people to forget that his Republican Party will cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security if they retain control of the Congress. Don't buy it; he is making it up as he goes along.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hanabusa-hirono-lead-bicameral-resolution-recognize-filipino-american,"Hanabusa, Hirono Lead Bicameral Resolution to Recognize Filipino American History Month",2018-10-26,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Colleen Hanabusa and Senator Mazie Hirono introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution in the United States Senate to recognize the month of October as Filipino American History Month. The resolution acknowledges the key role Filipino Americans play in shaping our country. Starting with the Sakada, Hawaii has long benefitted from the hard work of Filipino Americans. They fought for this country during World War II, many making the ultimate sacrifice. We owe a lot of our local culture to Filipino contributions,said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa.Today, Filipinos are the largest ethnic group in Hawaii, and continue to help shape the professional and political landscape. We are honored to recognize and laud the rich history of Filipino American contributions to Hawaii and our great nation. In Hawaii, we see the many contributions of the Filipino American community every day. They serve our country in uniform and elected office, teach our children in school, and run successful businesses, Senator Hirono said. During my time in public service, I have fought to honor and recognize the contributions of the Filipino Veterans of World War II, and through this resolution Congress has come together on a bipartisan basis to pay tribute to a community that has given so much to our country. The Senate resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The House resolution is co-sponsored by Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA-27), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI-2), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-7), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Barbara Lee (D-CA-13), Alan S. Lowenthal (D-CA-47), Jerry McNerney (D-CA-9), Grace Napolitano (D-CA-32), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At Large), Scott H. Peters (D-CA-52), Jacky Rosen (D-NV-3), Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP-At Large), Robert C. Bobby Scott (D-VA-3), Eric Swalwell (D-CA-15), Mike Thompson (D-CA-5), Juan Vargas (D-CA-51), Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-hanabusa-lead-bicameral-resolution-to-recognize-filipino-american-history-month,"Hirono, Hanabusa Lead Bicameral Resolution to Recognize Filipino American History Month",2018-10-26,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 26, 2018 Hirono, Hanabusa Lead Bicameral Resolution to Recognize Filipino American History Month HONOLULU- Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Representative Colleen Hanabusa introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution in the United States Senate to recognize the month of October as Filipino American History Month. The resolution acknowledges the key role Filipino Americans play in shaping our country. In Hawaii, we see the many contributions of the Filipino American community every day. They serve our country in uniform and elected office, teach our children in school, and run successful businesses, Senator Hirono said. During my time in public service, I have fought to honor and recognize the contributions of the Filipino Veterans of World War II, and through this resolution Congress has come together on a bipartisan basis to pay tribute to a community that has given so much to our country. Starting with the Sakada, Hawaii has long benefitted from the hard work of Filipino Americans. They fought for this country during World War II, many making the ultimate sacrifice. We owe a lot of our local culture to Filipino contributions, said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa. Today, Filipinos are the largest ethnic group in Hawaii, and continue to help shape the professional and political landscape. We are honored to recognize and laud the rich history of Filipino American contributions to Hawaii and our great nation. The Senate resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The House resolution is co-sponsored by Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA-27), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI-2), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-7), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Barbara Lee (D-CA-13), Alan S. Lowenthal (D-CA-47), Jerry McNerney (D-CA-9), Grace Napolitano (D-CA-32), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At Large), Scott H. Peters (D-CA-52), Jacky Rosen (D-NV-3), Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP-At Large), Robert C. Bobby Scott (D-VA-3), Eric Swalwell (D-CA-15), Mike Thompson (D-CA-5), Juan Vargas (D-CA-51), Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24) Senator Hirono has long advocated for the Filipino American community. In October 2017, after years of advocacy from Senator Hirono and the Hawaii Congressional Delegation, Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Filipino Veterans of World War II. In May 2017, Senator Hirono and Congresswoman Hanabusa introduced the Filipino Veterans Reunification Act, a bill that would expedite the visa process for children of Filipino World War II Veterans so they can be reunified with their families in the United States. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-with-striking-local-5-workers-one-job-should-be-enough,Hirono with Striking Local 5 Workers: One Job Should be Enough,2018-10-26,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 26, 2018 Hirono with Striking Local 5 Workers: One Job Should be Enough HONOLULU Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined Unite Here Local 5 workers on the picket line outside the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel in Waikiki, and stood in solidarity with them in their fight for a higher wages. I'm proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with my brothers and sisters in Local 5 on the picket line, fighting for better working conditions and higher wages for thousands of Marriott workers in Hawaii, Senator Hirono said. When I first immigrated to Hawaii, my mother worked two jobs to support her children as a single parent. I would have loved if my mom could have worked one job to pay for food and rent. I know what it's like to have a parent not at home because they have to work more than one job. I will continue to fight with Local 5 and workers across the state to heed their important call that one job should be enough to live in Hawaii. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/hawai-i-congressional-delegation-urges-president-approve-individual-assistance-0,Hawaii Congressional Delegation Urges President to Approve Individual Assistance for Residents Impacted by Hurricane Lane,2018-10-25,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Hawaii's Congressional Delegation urged President Donald Trump to act swiftly on Governor David Ige's request for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for residents harmed by Hurricane Lane. FEMA's individual assistance programs will help affected residents access critical federal funding and resources to recover. Over the past five months, all four of Hawaii's counties have been the subject of two emergency declarations and at least one major disaster declaration: Severe flooding, the eruption of Kilauea, and Tropical Storm Olivia. These disasters left homes, businesses, public infrastructure, agricultural lands, visitor attractions, and more either damaged, destroyed, or inaccessible. When Hurricane Lane struck in late September, substantial resources had already been expended and our communities and first responders were exhausted from dealing with prior disasters and ongoing recovery,the delegation wrote.We are grateful for your support of Hawaii during the severe weather, tropical cyclones, and volcanic eruptions that our state has suffered this year, and hope that you will give full consideration to Governor Ige's request. For a PDF copy of the letter,click here. Full text of the letter follows: Dear Mr. President: We are writing in support of Governor David Ige's request for reconsideration of the State of Hawaii's appeal of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denial of Individual Assistance for individuals and households impacted by Hurricane Lane (DR-4395). We are grateful for your support of Hawaii during the severe weather, tropical cyclones, and volcanic eruptions that our state has suffered this year, and hope that you will give full consideration to Governor Ige's request. Over the past five months, all four of Hawaii's counties have been the subject of two emergency declarations and at least one major disaster declaration: Severe flooding (April, DR-4365), the eruption of Kilauea (May-August, DR-4366), and Tropical Storm Olivia (September, EM-3404). These disasters left homes, businesses, public infrastructure, agricultural lands, visitor attractions, and more either damaged, destroyed, or inaccessible. The destruction disrupted thousands of lives in some of our most vulnerable communities and will have a long-lasting effect on Hawaii's economy, likely resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars lost, especially from our visitor and agricultural industries. When Hurricane Lane struck in late September, substantial resources had already been expended and our communities and first responders were exhausted from dealing with prior disasters and ongoing recovery. FEMA's current regulations provide the flexibility for you to consider the unusual circumstances Hawaii faces and make a favorable determination for access to Individual Assistance in the recovery from Hurricane Lane (44 CFR 206.48). Moreover, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, which you signed into law on October 5, 2018, explicitly recognizes the discretion implicit to prior law: In making recommendations to the President regarding a major disaster declaration, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall give greater consideration to severe local impact or recent multiple disasters. Further, the Administrator shall make corresponding adjustments to the Agency's policies and regulations regarding such consideration. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the changes made to regulations and policies and the number of declarations that have been declared based on the new criteria. (P.L. 115-554, Section 1232, emphasis added). Congress has recognized that rigid guidelines cannot account for the unique circumstances that states and localities will face, and we urge your compassionate consideration of the totality of Hawaii's circumstances. Finally, we express our sympathy and support for the devastation from Hurricanes Florence and Michael. We support ensuring quick, robust support for those communities in their time of need, while at the same time, urge you to remember the many communities in Hawaii and elsewhere that are still recovering from past disasters. We stand ready to work with you to ensure that the appropriate level of resources to fund both immediate response and longer-term recovery are available to you and your Administration. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusa-s-statement-mail-bombs,Congresswoman Hanabusas Statement on Mail Bombs,2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"We condemn these acts of terror. Thankfully, the Secret Service, United States Postal Service and first responders were able to ensure that no one got hurt. Too much of our political discourse in this country is toxic and divisive. Prior to his comments this afternoon, President Trump routinely employed anger, racism, and violent rhetoric to fire up his supporters and sow division within our communities. Hopefully the President and those who enable him realize that words and actions have consequences and create an environment where those who would commit acts of violence feel empowered. Every individual and organization that received a mail bomb today has been a frequent target of Trump and his backers. Enough is enough. It is time to come together, in true bipartisan fashion, and bring civility and professionalism back to governing and our political debates, said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hanabusa-questions-if-us-intelligence-knew-khashoggi-plot,Hanabusa Questions if U.S. Intelligence Knew of Khashoggi Plot,2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa and her colleagues sent a letter to Daniel Coats, Director of National Intelligence, asking what the U.S. intelligence community knew about the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia's plan to kidnap and kill Washington Post contributing columnist Jamal Khashoggi and when did they know it. As you are aware, Intelligence Community Directive 191, issued in 2015, specifies the duty of the U.S. intelligence community to warn both U.S. and non-U.S. persons of threats of serious bodily injury, kidnapping, and intentional killing, wrote the members. Any U. S. intelligence element that collects or acquires credible and specific information indicating an impending threat' of those actions shall have a duty to warn the intended victim or those responsible for protecting the intended victim, as appropriate'. Given that your office oversees the U.S. intelligence community's duty-to-warn process, we seek urgent answers as to whether Mr. Khashoggi was in fact contacted about the credible threat to his life and liberty posed by the Saudi plot to capture him; the precise date on which any arm of the U.S. intelligence community first became aware of the Saudi plan to detain Mr. Khashoggi; and whether the intelligence community will declassify portions of U.S. intercepts of Saudi officials relevant to Mr. Khashoggi's disappearance. Considering the profound ramifications of this potential crime, U.S. foreknowledge of Saudi plans to detain Mr. Khashoggi, and whether the U.S. intelligence community carried out its duty to warn, we intend to use the full force of Congressional oversight and investigatory powers to obtain these answers should they not be forthcoming, the members wrote. Read the full letter here and below. October 22, 2018 Honorable Daniel Coats Director Office of the Director of National Intelligence Washington, DC 20511 Dear Director Coats: TheWashington Postreportedon October 10th that United States intelligence agencies intercepted Saudi officials' conversations which demonstrated that Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman,de factohead of the Saudi regime, ordered an operation to lureThe Washington Postcolumnist and American resident Jamal Khashoggi into Saudi custody and detention. Preliminary evidence made publicly available suggests that 15 Saudi officials, including aforensics chief and autopsy expert, likelymurderedMr. Khashoggi after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2nd. As you are aware,Intelligence Community Directive 191, issued in 2015, specifies the duty of the U.S. intelligence community to warn both U.S. and non-U.S. persons of threats of serious bodily injury, kidnapping, and intentional killing. Any U.S. intelligence element that collects or acquires credible and specific information indicating an impending threat of those actions shall have a duty to warn the intended victim or those responsible for protecting the intended victim, as appropriate. The State Department'sCountry Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017present evidence of a regular pattern of torture and physical coercion utilized by Saudi officials against detainees. In November 2017, for example, Saudi regime authorities began holding influential Saudi nationals in captivity. At least 17 individuals werereportedto have been hospitalized due to injuries sustained under physical abuse; one apparently died in custody with a twisted neck, a badly swollen body, and other signs of injury. Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Hariri was also reportedlyphysically threatened and intimidated by Saudi officials after arriving in Saudi Arabia in 2017. Given that your office oversees the U.S. intelligence community's duty-to-warn process, we seek urgent answers as to whether Mr. Khashoggi was in fact contacted about the credible threat to his life and liberty posed by the Saudi plot to capture him; the precise date on which any arm of the U.S. intelligence community first became aware of the Saudi plan to detain Mr. Khashoggi; and whether the intelligence community will declassify portions of U.S. intercepts of Saudi officials relevant to Mr. Khashoggi's disappearance. Considering the profound ramifications of this potential crime, U.S. foreknowledge of Saudi plans to detain Mr. Khashoggi, and whether the U.S. intelligence community carried out its duty to warn, we intend to use the full force of Congressional oversight and investigatory powers to obtain these answers should they not be forthcoming. We look forward to your timely response to our inquiry as both the House of Representatives and the Senate consider privileged resolutions this fall, such asH. Con. Res. 138andS. J. Res. 54, which invoke Congress's sole constitutional authority over the offensive use of force to end illegal U.S. military participation with Saudi Arabia in Yemen. In weighing the merits of U.S.-Saudi military cooperation, it is imperative that Members of Congress have a full, detailed grasp of the intelligence community's knowledge of Saudi actions and their potentially harmful impact on the wellbeing of U.S. residents and citizens, as well as any U.S. intelligence failures pertaining to Saudi activities that may have contributed to needless loss of life. Sincerely, Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Walter B. Jones (NC-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Nita M. Lowey (NY-17), Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Tusli Gabbard (HI-02), David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Tim Ryan (OH-13), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Luis V. Gutirrez (IL-04), Peter Welch (VT-At large), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32), Ron Kind (WI-03), Peter A. Defazio (OR-04), Robert A. Brady (PA-01), Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Bobby L. Rush (IL-01), Nydia M. Velzquez (NY-07), Ral M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Filemon Vela (TX-34), Keith Ellison (MN-05), Henry C. Hank Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), John Yarmuth (KY-03), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Jos E. Serrano (NY-15), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), Bill Foster (IL-11), Alma Adams (NC-12), Judy Chu (CA-27), Darren Soto (FL-09), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-stands-unite-here-local-5-workers-fighting-living,PHOTOS & VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Stands with Unite Here Local 5 Workers Fighting for Living Wage,2018-10-22,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HIRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) yesterday joined working men and women of Unite Here Local 5 at the picket line in Waikiki as they fight for a living wage and safe working conditions. Local 5 represents more than 2,700 hotel workers in Hawaii who have been on strike since October 8when contract negotiations reached an impasse. Similar strikes are taking place in cities across the nation. Photos are Available for Download Here Video is Available for Download Here Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: While Marriott makes billions of dollars in profits every year, many of their workers in Hawaii and across the country are living in poverty - forced to work two or three jobs just to make ends meet due to a high cost of living. With a thriving and profitable tourism industry, employers need to recognize and value the hard-working men and women who take care of and serve our guests with aloha and provide them with a great experience. In Hawaii, we have the fourth highest rate of residents living in poverty in the country. This is unacceptable. One full-time job should be enough for our working men and women to keep a roof over their heads and provide for their families. Background: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard continues to push for a living wage and safe working conditions for workers in Hawaii and across the country. She is an original cosponsor of the Raise the Wage Act (H.R. 15), which would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2024 and index the minimum wage to the median wage growth thereafter. The Raise the Wage Act would give more than 41 million low-wage workers a raise, increasing the wages of almost 30 percent of the U.S. workforce. She has also cosponsored legislation like the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.1869) to address wage discrimination across the United States. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-rep-tulsi-gabbard-named-hawai-i-pacific-university-distinguished-alumni,PHOTOS: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Named Hawaii Pacific University Distinguished Alumni,2018-10-18,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Waialae, HI At Hawaii Pacific University's annual Trustee Dinner at the Waialae Country Club last night, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) was honored as the university's 2018 Paul T. C. Loo Distinguished Alumni. A visionary leader and one of the founders of HPU, the late Paul Loo recognized the importance of alumni as a pillar to the success of HPU and the community. A distinguished alumnus is recognized each year in his honor. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is presented the award by HPU President John Gotanda. More photos available here:https://www.flickr.com/photos/reptulsigabbard/albums/72157699307534712 In her remarks, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard thanked HPU leadership, faculty and staff, honored the Loo family, and spoke of the core values of her alma mater and how they continue to guide her. The people of Hawaii and our country are facing many challenges, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The values of pono, kuleana, and aloha that guide the leadership, faculty, staff, and students of Hawaii Pacific University, inspire and guide us all as we find ways to work together for a brighter future, for this generation and the next. I'm grateful to receive this honor from HPU and the Loo ohana. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard graduated from HPU with a degree in International Business in 2009. She completed many of her classes through distance learning during her two Middle East deployments with the Hawaii Army National Guard.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-rep-tulsi-gabbard-receives-ocean-possibilities-award,PHOTOS: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Receives Ocean of Possibilities Award,2018-10-18,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Kaplama, HI -- Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's (HI-02) efforts to help wounded warriors and others with disabilities access the healing, transformative qualities of the ocean have earned her the Ocean of Possibilities Award, given by AccesSurf in a ceremony last night at Natsunoya Tea House in Honolulu. For over a decade, AccesSurf has worked to empower people with mobility impairments by providing adaptive surfing and therapeutic educational programs on water recreation, and enriched lives by helping families access the beach and ocean in a barrier-free environment. We are honoring Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard this year because as a water woman herself, she knows the healing power of the ocean and the importance it plays in people's lives, said Cara Short, Executive Director of AccesSurf. For many years Tulsi has supported AccesSurf programs. She is also a strong advocate for the environment, working hard on legislation to protect our coral reefs and end our addiction to fossil fuels. Photos available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/reptulsigabbard/albums/72157701031980971 AccesSurf's programs include Wounded Warrior Days at the Beach, and the N Koa Wounded Warrior Canoe Regatta for those with service-related injuries, both programs in which Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has supported and participated in the past. The organization also provides technical assistance to government agencies and other organizations to improve ocean accessibility, and has been instrumental in the international growth of adaptive surfing. My first stop when I get off the plane back in Hawaii is almost always a quick dip in the ocean. Surfing is a centering, transformative experience that refreshes, inspires, and motivates in the best possible way, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Whether it's on a surfboard, swimming, or in a canoe, the ocean's healing power transcends just physical fitness and wellbeing. Its' healing, therapeutic, and transformative qualities have an incredible impact on so many. I'm proud to support AccesSurf and their service to help every person experience the ocean, regardless of their physical limitations. Since being elected to Congress in 2012, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been a champion for veterans and wounded warriors. The first piece of legislation she introduced and passed in the U.S. House in 2013 was the Helping Heroes Fly Act, which improved airport security screening processes for wounded and severely disabled service members and veterans. The Congresswoman has also introduced and passed legislation to address healthcare for veterans, honoring Filipino veterans who served in World War II, and provide for veterans exposed to open burn pits in combat zones. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-backed-bill-approving-cost-of-living-increases-for-veterans-compensation-signed-into-law,Hirono-Backed Bill Approving Cost of Living Increases For Veterans’ Compensation Signed Into Law,2018-10-18,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 18, 2018 Hirono-Backed Bill Approving Cost of Living Increases For Veterans' Compensation Signed Into Law Effective December 1, Law Provides The Highest COLA Increase In Six Years HONOLULU Last week, the President signed the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018, legislation co-authored by Senator Mazie K. Hirono. The new law provides a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. VA disability compensation and other benefits earned through their service, provide a critical lifeline for millions of veterans and their families around the country, including thousands in Hawaii, Senator Hirono said. The much needed COLA increase made possible by the Veterans' COLA Adjustment Act helps fulfill our duty to provide the men and women who served our nation in uniform with compensation that keeps pace with a rising cost of living. Many Hawaii veterans and their families rely on their disability compensation and other earned VA benefits to make ends meet,"" said Ron Han, Director of the State of Hawaii Office of Veterans Services. Much appreciation to Senator Hirono for her dedicated work and advocacy in enacting this long-overdue cost-of-living adjustment. Under the law, which is effective December 1, 2018, the new rates for these U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs will be increased by 2.8%, the largest increase since 2012 and consistent with the 2019 COLA increase for Social Security. For a veteran receiving $1,500 a month in benefits payments, the COLA increase equates to an additional $500 over the course of the year. According to the VA, there were over 27,000 disability compensation recipients in Hawaii during Fiscal Year 2017. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Senator Hirono has a long record of fighting to increase and improve veterans' compensation. Hirono has cosponsored Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment laws every year since her Senate term began in 2013. In 2016, her Veterans' Survivors Claims Processing Automation Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama as part of the Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act (Public Law 114-315). ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusa-urges-president-attend-asia-summits,Congresswoman Hanabusa Urges President to Attend Asia Summits,2018-10-16,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa and nine of her colleagues sent a letter to the White House urging the President to attend the annual U.S.-ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Singapore or the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Papua New Guinea this November. The White House previously indicated the President would skip the meetings with leaders from the region. Members serving on the House of Representatives Seapower Subcommittee, the Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee, the Friends of Australia Caucus, the U.S.-Japan Caucus, the Singapore Caucus, and the ASEAN Caucus signed onto the letter. Chinese President Xi Jingping and Russian Vladimir Putin have confirmed their attendance next month. Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to lead the U.S. delegation. Singapore currently holds the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and shares an expansive and enduring relationship with the United States. The ten members of ASEAN, with a GDP of $2.4 trillion and 630 million citizens, comprise the fifth largest economy in the world, and its middle class is expected to double by 2030. ASEAN is at a truly historical juncture, and your presence would emphasize the importance of U.S. engagement with this bloc at the center of the Indo-Pacific, the lawmakers wrote. Papua New Guinea is the most populous Pacific Island state, and this will be the first APEC forum attended by the leaders of Chile, Peru, Malaysia, and Australia. The summit is an opportunity for leaders to push for their nation's priorities and to boost international trust and cooperation. Your presence would enable the United States to have a full seat at the table as the group addresses current and emerging economic issues and works towards new understandings.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-receives-meritorious-service-award-from-national-coalition-for-homeless-veterans-,Hirono Receives Meritorious Service Award from National Coalition for Homeless Veterans,2018-10-16,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 16, 2018 Hirono Receives Meritorious Service Award from National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Hirono is First Elected Official to Receive NCHV's Meritorious Service Award and Public Policy Award WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, was selected by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) to receive its 2018 Meritorious Service Award in recognition of her years of work to advance policies that help end veteran homelessness. Established in 1990, NCHV is the leading advocacy, resource and technical assistance center for community-based homeless veteran service providers including Hawaii's U.S.VETS at Barbers Point. I thank the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans for this special honor and for all they do to ensure veterans have access to necessary resources and a permanent, stable roof over their heads, Senator Hirono said. I look forward to continuing my close partnership with NCHV and organizations like U.S.VETS in Hawaii as we work together toward ending veteran homelessness in our state and across the country. Senator Hirono has consistently and staunchly defended VA's homeless programs when they have come under threat, in one case playing a key role in preventing a cut of $49 million to VA's Grant and Per Diem program, said Joshua Stewart, NCHV's Director of Policy. She has not only protected these programs, but has also led the way in increasing funding for them. NCHV was proud to award her our 2018 Meritorious Service Award. U.S.VETS is pleased to see Senator Hirono recognized nationally for her tireless advocacy on behalf of Hawaii's veterans and their families,said Darryl Vincent, U.S.VETS' Chief Operating Officer.Her selection to receive the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans' Meritorious Service Award is a direct reflection of the culmination of her many years of leadership in defense of crucial federal programs and funding that local providers like U.S.VETS rely on to help reintegrate homeless and at-risk veterans and their families into their communities in Hawaii and across the country. She is very deserving of such an honor. Senator Hirono is a longtime advocate for federal funding and policies that help end veteran homelessness. Since 2015, she has led the bipartisan effort with Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) to pass legislation preventing key federal veteran homelessness programs from lapsing as they were set to expire on September 30, 2018. Last month, provisions from the Hirono-Boozman Keeping Our Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act (S. 3419) were enacted as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act (Public Law 115-251) extending seven programs run by the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Labor that provide housing, job training and health care to veterans and their families. The seven extended programs serve approximately 725 veterans and their families across Hawaii. Senator Hirono also remains engaged with state agencies by receiving monthly information from the Homeless Veterans Task Force, which is made up of City and State agencies and non-governmental organizations actively working to address veterans' homelessness. In 2016, NCHV also honored Senator Hirono with their 2016 Public Policy Award which goes to an elected official who has taken on a leadership role in creating or changing policies to support efforts to end veteran homelessness. In its award citation, NCHV credited her actions for reversing a proposed cut of $49 million from the VA's Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program which funds grants to community organizations that provide transitional housing and supportive care for homeless veterans. Last year, the GPD program funded over 100 supportive housing beds at U.S.VETS Barbers Point. Hirono is the first individual to have received both NCHV's Public Policy and Meritorious Service awards. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-applauds-social-security-cost-of-living-increase,Hirono Applauds Social Security Cost of Living Increase,2018-10-15,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 15, 2018 Hirono Applauds Social Security Cost of Living Increase HONOLULU Last week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that beneficiaries will receive a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for 2019, the highest increase since 2012. Social Security is an earned benefit that provides a critical source of income for millions of individuals and families around the country, including thousands in Hawaii, Senator Hirono said. The 2019 COLA increase is welcome news for Hawaii seniors and other beneficiaries who worked hard, but more must be done to ensure fair and regular benefit increases to keep pace with rising living expenses. That is why I will continue working to advance legislation that protects and expands Social Security and will keep up the fight against efforts to cut benefits. While the 2019 COLA is the largest increase Social Security beneficiaries have received in several years, it isn't enough to keep up with the rising cost of living for seniors. We strongly urge Congress to tie future Social Security COLAs to the CPI-E, which takes into account the things seniors must purchase, especially prescription drugs, health care and housing, Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans said. The Alliance applauds Senator Hirono for her dedication to Hawaii retirees through her appearances at our state meetings and her 100% lifetime score on our Congressional Voting Record. Her commitment to expand Social Security and ensure an accurate COLA is another example of her leadership. This year's cost of living increase is relatively good news for Social Security beneficiaries and their families. Yet it will be quickly consumed by rising expenses, particularly healthcare costs, Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works said. That's why we are fighting alongside Senator Hirono and other champions in Congress to expand Social Security, including enacting a more accurate formula for calculating COLAs that reflects the real costs seniors and Americans with disabilities face. Senator Hirono has a long record of fighting for Social Security, and last year reintroduced legislation to restore fairness in contributions and provide a more accurate measure of COLA that takes into consideration increasing costs for seniors and other beneficiaries year after year through the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly, or CPI-E. At the time, SSA estimated that her legislation would also provide an additional 25 years of solvency for Social Security benefits. More recently, Senator Hirono renewed her call for Congress to strengthen Social Security, and joined the bicameral Expand Social Security Caucus to increase benefits for current beneficiaries, and strengthen the program for years to come. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusas-statement-international-day-girl-2018,Congresswoman Hanabusa's Statement on International Day of the Girl 2018,2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"""As we celebrate the International Day of the Girl 2018, let us remember that more than 130 million young women around the world are growing up without a primary and secondary education. We have come a long way in our fight for women's rights, but we still have to scrap for equal pay, control of our healthcare, access to professional opportunities, and, too often, basic human decency. Education is the best investment we can make in our future and we must work together to create opportunities and empower young women everywhere. We must build upon the momentum of#MeTooand the cultural awakening that continues to teach girls growing up that they are equal and if they work hard they can achieve whatever they want in this world.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/in-the-news/removing-barriers-to-higher-ed,Removing Barriers to Higher Ed,2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, October 11, 2018 Removing Barriers to Higher Ed By: Andrew Kreighbaum Thursday, October 11, 2018 A college education typically is out of reach for people who are in prison, and even formerly incarcerated students often face questions about their past in the admissions process. Senator Brian Schatz, a Hawaii Democrat, wants to remove those restrictions for students who have been involved with the criminal justice system. He is spearheading bills that would restore Pell Grants for incarcerated students and encourage colleges to drop admissions questions about applicants' criminal histories. If we're really committed to allowing people after they pay their debt to society to become productive members of their communities, we have to allow them to pursue their education, he said in an interview withInside Higher Ed. For the last quarter century, federal law has barred incarcerated students from receiving Pell Grants. And many colleges and universities ask about students' criminal convictions or disciplinary records -- policies that critics have said can perpetuate discrimination against students from minority groups, and which are beingtargeted for removalby a national ban the box movement. Schatz made a foray into the college affordability debate this year withlegislationthat would make higher education debt-free, a more ambitious plan than even the free collegeproposaloffered by Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Independent. He said the criminal justice legislation is a related push. The overall goal is to increase access to higher education, he said. And that's got to include people who are currently and formerly incarcerated. Public policy has made it difficult or impossible, Schatz said, for those students to earn a postsecondary degree either behind bars or after being released -- a relic of the tough-on-crime era of the 1990s that produced numerous laws restricting government benefits to individuals with criminal convictions. In February, Schatz introduced theREAL Actto restore Pell eligibility for students who are behind bars. And he followed that up last month with theBeyond the Box for Higher Education Act. Both bills count among their Democratic co-sponsors potential 2020 presidential contenders like Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand and Bernie Sanders. (House lawmakers have introduced corresponding legislation for both bills.) Noticeably absent from the bills' co-sponsors are any Republican lawmakers. But Schatz sees signs of bipartisan momentum behind policies to make college more accessible for students who are caught up in the criminal justice system. The U.S. Department of Education says it'scommitted to continuingthe Second Chance Pell experiment, which launched in 2016 and allows students at a limited number of correctional institutions to receive the grants. Major conservative donors like the Koch family also have thrown their support behind efforts to reform the broader criminal justice system -- a rare policy goal shared by some right-wing activists and progressive organizers. Tiffany Jones, director of higher education policy at the Education Trust, said the new federal proposals follow the efforts of activists who have been working for years to tackle the consequences of the school-to-prison pipeline and mass incarceration. We talk about this as something that is a natural evolution of the momentum we've seen to address mass incarceration and the challenges it's created for society as a whole, she said. Higher education is a natural part of that organizing because postsecondary credentials increasingly have become required for decent-paying jobs. That's why you see so many states adopting attainment goals, Jones said. That's why you see us talking nationally about the need to address degree completion. Going Beyond the Box Schatz is making the case to colleagues in Congress that higher education programs for incarcerated students benefit society and taxpayers by lowering the chances an individual ends up back behind bars. ""One of the best ways to reduce recidivism is to allow people to get educated,"" he said. ""It's as simple as that."" The national recidivism rate is 43.3percent within three years of release. But Schatz's office cites a study from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, which found that the recidivism rate falls to 13.7percent for formerly incarcerated students who earned an associate's degree, 5.6percent for those who earned a four-year degree and less than 1percent for those who complete a master's degree. The benefits of a college education have helped the REAL Act get endorsements from groups like correctional officers' unions. While that bill would simply overturn the 1994 ban on Pell Grants for incarcerated students, Schatz's ban-the-box proposal would give discretion to colleges to determine how they ask about criminal histories, if at all. For example, it would recommend that they re-examine those policies and assess whether they are necessary for admission decisions. And it calls on the Education Department to issue guidance to colleges on how they can alter their admissions practices. Syrita Steib-Martin, the founder and executive director of Operation Restoration, said the group had hoped the legislation would direct institutions to no longer ask questions about students' criminal backgrounds. It's not relevant, she said. We don't ask people their sexual orientation, what trauma they've been through. We don't ask those questions ahead of time. And data indicate that information is not a good predictor of future crime on campus, she said. Operation Restoration worked with lawmakers in Louisiana and Maryland to pass state-level ban-the-box legislation. While she said the Schatz bill should go further, Steib-Martin said federal legislation could encourage even more states to pass similar laws. Jones said her group understands the urge to allow some discretion on the question -- she said some campus presidents have said they want to offer targeted servicers to formerly incarcerated students but sometimes don't know who they are. It's complicated, she said. We have to be paying attention to outcomes intended and unintended. She said the group's biggest goal is to reduce the chance that students are discriminated against based on criminal histories. Even before introducing the beyond-the-box legislation, Schatz was pushing higher ed to take on the issue. In February he senta lettersigned by 17 other Democratic senators to higher ed associations that asked them to ban the box. Passing a bill takes a long time. Even really good bipartisan ideas can take a couple of years at a minimum, Schatz said. I try to use whatever influence my office has to advance this cause. That pressure has shown some results. The Association of American Colleges and Universitieswroteto its 1,400 member colleges in May urging them to drop questions about criminal justice histories from their applications for admission. And the Common App saidin Augustit would drop a question about criminal histories, although individual colleges who use the app may still ask themselves, and a question about disciplinary records remains. Schatz is under no illusion that his debt-free college plan will garner Republican support -- he talks about that proposal as an attempt to move the Democratic Party on college affordability as much as anything else. But to the extent possible, he wants to keep the push for college opportunity for students with criminal histories from becoming a partisan fight. That approach recognizes the role both Republicans and Democrats played in enacting tough on crime policies and the real chances he sees for winning broader support for removing those barriers. Whether you're the Koch brothers or the ACLU, you realize the architecture of our criminal justice system -- which includes how we treat people who are incarcerated and formerly incarcerated and includes our attitude toward their educational attainment -- is preposterous, and inhumane, and terribly expensive, Schatz said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/hawaii-to-receive-more-than-200-million-in-federal-funding-to-improve-ala-wai-canal-prevent-flooding-and-protect-surrounding-communities,"Hawaii To Receive More Than $200 Million In Federal Funding To Improve Ala Wai Canal, Prevent Flooding, And Protect Surrounding Communities",2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hawaii To Receive More Than $200 Million In Federal Funding To Improve Ala Wai Canal, Prevent Flooding, And Protect Surrounding Communities Wednesday, October 10, 2018 Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) voted to pass legislation to improve water resources and infrastructure in Hawaii and across the country. The sweeping bipartisan bill includes more than $212 million to improve the Ala Wai canal and watershed, reduce flood risks in the area, and strengthen flood warning systems. This major investment will make sure the Army Corps has the funding it needs to strengthen the canal and protect residents against flooding,said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. According to a plan developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Ala Wai Canal and the watershed that flows into it requires significant upgrades to prevent catastrophic flooding in the event of a major storm. The federal funding in the legislation passed today would go towards implementing the Army Corps' plan to reduce flood risks by improving the flood warning system, and constructing six in-stream debris and detention basins in the upper reaches of Makiki, M?noa and P?lolo streams, one standalone debris catchment feature, three multi-purpose detention areas in open spaces through the developed watershed, and concrete floodwalls averaging 4 feet high along one or both sides of approximately 1.9 miles of the Ala Wai Canal. ###??",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-i-stand-in-solidarity-with-unite-here-local-5-members-on-strike,Hirono: I Stand in Solidarity with Unite Here Local 5 Members on Strike,2018-10-09,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 09, 2018 Hirono: I Stand in Solidarity with Unite Here Local 5 Members on Strike WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) released the following statement in solidarity with Unite Here Local 5 members striking at Marriott-operated hotels on Oahu and Maui: I stand in solidarity with Hawaii's hotel workers. Their collective action to go on strike is a powerful reminder that big corporations' profits and success come from the labor of thousands of dedicated workers in Hawaii and elsewhere. If a corporation wants to succeed in the long run, workers' voices need to be heard and heeded, and in this case the workers' demand is perfectly reasonableone job should be enough to live in Hawaii. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-stands-with-hawaii-postal-workers-,Hirono Stands with Hawaii Postal Workers,2018-10-09,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 09, 2018 Hirono Stands with Hawaii Postal Workers WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) released the following statement in support of Hawaii U.S. Postal Service (USPS) workers' rally to oppose the Trump administration's efforts to privatize USPS: To the more than 2,000 hardworking employees of the U.S. Postal Service in Hawaii, I stand in solidarity with you and strongly oppose President Trump's push to privatize the U.S. Postal Service. Privatization means prioritizing profits over people. President Trump's plan would hurt low-income and rural communities in Hawaii because servicing these areas is often less profitable than urban areas. Cutting or outright ending services would be devastating to so many communities throughout Hawaii and the country. We must stand together against yet another harmful effort by the President to hurt workers and our communities. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-hanabusa-s-statement-kavanaugh-confirmation,Congresswoman Hanabusas Statement on Kavanaugh Confirmation,2018-10-06,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"A very sad day for the people. As the demographics of our country continue to change dramatically over the next 25 years, this Supreme Court will not change with us. This is a devastating example of why it matters who sits in the Oval Office. It matters who controls the Senate and the House. And it highlights the dire need to elect more Democratic women. His behavior before the Senate Judiciary committee displayed a partisanship and a lack of judicial temperament that should have been disqualifying, in and of itself. In addition to the serious, credible criminal allegations against Judge Kavanaugh, Trump's Republican Party confirmed a pro-business conservative, who opposes stricter gun laws and environmental regulations. Judge Kavanaugh supports the Trump administration's work to undermine the Affordable Care Act, including Americans dealing with pre-existing conditions. Trump's Republican Party now has their long awaited chance to reverse decades of progress to end discrimination, expand healthcare coverage, and advance the rights of women, workers, the LGBTQ community, minority communities and Native people. Despite this setback, we must remain engaged and active in our democratic process. It is essential to ensuring that balance, basic decency, and regular order is someday restored to our three branches of government.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-we-must-all-be-the-change-that-our-country-needs,Senator Hirono: We Must All Be the Change That Our Country Needs,2018-10-06,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"View Copy link to clipboard",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-and-schatz-urge-irs-to-reconsider-plan-to-remove-lifesaving-devices-from-offices-in-hawaii_other-states,Hirono & Schatz Urge IRS to Reconsider Plan to Remove Lifesaving Devices from Offices in Hawaii & Other States,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 05, 2018 Hirono & Schatz Urge IRS to Reconsider Plan to Remove Lifesaving Devices from Offices in Hawaii & Other States WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) urged the new Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service Charles P. Rettigto reconsider the IRS' plan to remove automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) from IRS offices with fewer than 100 employees, including the Honolulu IRS Office and 45 other offices. We have serious questions as to how the removal of equipment that can save the life of an employee or a visitor in the case of an emergency contributes to employee well-being, and on what basis it was determined that removal of this equipment is an appropriate course of action, the Senators wrote. With in-office access to an AED and proper training, IRS workers can learn to recognize the signs of sudden cardiac arrest and can provide immediate assistance with an AED, which greatly increases the odds for victims. The AED devices are currently available to be used by trained employees to treat cardiac arrest in IRS workers or members of the public. Sixty-eight employees of the IRS office in Honolulu, Hawaii sent a petition to the Senators in support of keeping AED units available to Hawaii IRS employees. IRS employees are represented by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). NTEU appreciates the concern of Sen. Hirono and Sen. Schatz for the health and well-being of IRS employees and the taxpayers who visit the offices, Tony Reardon, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union said. They are absolutely right to question whether this is an appropriate action to take given the proven benefit of automated external defibrillators, and I thank them for their letter. Senators Hirono and Schatz offered an amendment to the Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill that would fund the IRS and many other government agencies (S.A. 3644 to H.R. 6147), to specify that the IRS should not spend funds to remove AEDs from IRS offices. The amendment was not included in the Senate's version of the bill, which remains in a conference committee between the Senate and the House of Representatives. For a PDF copy of the letter, click here. Full text of the letter follows: Commissioner Charles P. Rettig Office of the Commissioner Internal Revenue Service 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20224-0004 Dear Commissioner Rettig, We write to express our deep concerns about plans to remove automated external defibrillators (AED) from IRS posts with fewer than 100 personnel. Every year, over 350,000 Americans suffer from cardiac arrest, and of these incidences, nearly 10,000 occur in the workplace. Cardiac incidents account for approximately 15 percent of workplace deaths. While the general likelihood of a cardiac emergency increases with age, high stress jobs increase risk for heart disease and cardiac arrest. The IRS recognizes this and offers wellness programs to its employees to help deal with the inherent stress of the job. Given this recognition, we have serious questions as to how the removal of equipment that can save the life of an employee or a visitor in the case of an emergency contributes to employee well-being, and on what basis it was determined that removal of this equipment is an appropriate course of action. We understand that the IRS notified the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) in December 2017 of its plans to remove AEDs from 46 IRS offices around the country, which all have fewer than 100 employees. Although the most recent contract signed with the NTEU only requires the IRS to provide AEDs for offices with more than 100 employees, we are concerned that it is short-sighted for the IRS to carry out its plan to remove AEDs. The average cost of an AED is $1,500-$2,000, and typically, devices only require minimal maintenance. In an emergency, a victim's chance of survival decreases by seven to ten percent for every minute that passes without defibrillation. Therefore, with in-office access to an AED and proper training, IRS workers can learn to recognize the signs of sudden cardiac arrest and can provide immediate assistance with an AED, which greatly increases the odds for victims. Given the clear benefit of having AEDs onsite we would like to know: What cost savings does the IRS expect from removing the AEDs in offices of 100 employees or fewer? Did the IRS evaluate the number of lives that could be saved by maintaining access to AEDs in all IRS offices? Did the IRS evaluate the potential for higher medical costs to the government if AEDs are not available and a more serious medical condition results from cardiac events in employees or members of the public at IRS facilities? Did the IRS consider the unique circumstances of each office that it plans to remove AEDs from with respect to whether there is onsite emergency medical care, or how fast off-site medical care can be activated in the case of an emergency? Did the IRS consider the unique characteristics of each IRS unit that would be affected, for example, the number of staff present in each office on an average day, the location of staff members in proximity to one another, and other factors that could influence staff's ability to assist one another or call for outside help in the case of an emergency? We look forward to your prompt response to these questions so that we can better understand the justification for this action and how it supports the health and safety of the IRS workforce. Sincerely, Mazie K. Hirono Brian Schatz United States Senator United States Senator ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-brett-kavanaugh-misstates-facts-misapplies-law,"Senator Hirono: Brett Kavanaugh Misstates Facts, Misapplies Law",2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In the News Email Me About an Issue",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-calls-congress-pass-readi-act-improve-nationwide-emergency,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls on Congress to Pass READI Act to Improve Nationwide Emergency Alert System,2018-10-04,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HIFollowing the test of the federal Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) yesterday in Hawaii and across the country, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) called on Congress to immediately pass legislation she introduced on July 18 to improve delivery of emergency alerts to the American people. The nationwide EAS system, operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), transmits critical information, updates, and alerts in the event of emergencies and imminent threats to public safety. The Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act (H.R. 6427) would expand access to emergency alerts on mobile phones, televisions, and radios by eliminating the option to opt-out of emergency alerts. The legislation would also explore new ways of alerting the public through online video and audio streaming services; create best practices for issuing alerts, avoiding false alerts, and retracting false alerts if they occur; and build the infrastructure to report and track false alerts. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: Yesterday's nationwide test of the emergency alert system was a powerful reminder of the fact that in a real emergency, we must ensure that every American receives accurate and timely information. Our bicameral legislation will expand the ability to deliver emergency alerts, and explore tech, streaming, and other platforms to deliver emergency information. We must take these steps today before a future disaster to ensure the preparedness, safety, and welfare of our people. Background: The Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act of 2018 (H.R. 6427) would: Ensure more people receive emergency alerts by eliminating the option to opt out of receiving certain critical federal alerts, including missile alerts, on mobile phones; Require active alerts issued by the President or FEMA to be repeated. Currently, alerts on TV or radio may only be played once; Explore establishing a system to offer emergency alerts to audio and video online streaming services, such as Netflix and Spotify; Encourage State Emergency Communications Committees to periodically review and update their State Emergency Alert System Plans, which are often out of date; Compel FEMA to create best practices for state, tribal, and local governments to use for issuing alerts, avoiding false alerts, and retracting false alerts if they occur, as well as for alert origination training and plans for officials to contact each other and federal officials during emergencies; and Establish a reporting system for false alerts so the FCC can track when they occur and examine their causes. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has also introduced several measures following the false missile alert in Hawaii to identify mistakes, establish best practices, and strengthen the emergency alert protocols and civil defense procedures. The Civil Defense Accountability Act of 2018 (H.R. 4949) that would improve accountability by ensuring transparent investigations and disclosure into the incident and establish best practices to strengthen state and national preparedness and disaster communications plans, among other measures. The Civil Defense Preparedness Act of 2018 (H.R. 5399) would expand existing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) terrorism and catastrophic event grant programs to include improving nuclear, biological, and chemical attack preparedness. The Authenticating Local Emergencies and Real Threats (ALERT) Act of 2018 (H.R. 4965) would improve the emergency alert system and give the federal government the primary responsibility of alerting the public of a missile threat. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-rep-tulsi-gabbard-speaks-peace-unity-service-others-13th-annual-mahatma,"PHOTOS: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Speaks of Peace, Unity, Service to Others at 13th Annual Mahatma Gandhi Day",2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HIRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) yesterday spoke at the 13th Annual Mahatma Gandhi Day at the Gandhi statue in Kapiolani Park on O'ahu. The event, hosted by the Gandhi International Institute for Peace, focused on bringing communities together to celebrate the birth of Mahatma Gandhi and his legacy of peace, love, and respect for all people. Hawaii is the first state in the nation to recognize October 2nd as Mahatma Gandhi Day. This year's ceremony also recognized the historic sister-state partnership between Hawaii and Goa, India, which was finalized at a signing ceremony at Washington Place on O'ahu on Friday. The Goan delegation, led by Gurudas Pilarnekar, Director of Art and Culture, Goa State Government, has conducted multiple visits and engagements across the islands in various sectors like education, security, culture, agriculture, and more. Photos are Available for Download Here Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: Mahatma Gandhi's legacy continues to inspire generations. Dr. Martin Luther King spoke about how much Mahatma Gandhi's life and message inspired his own work for peace, justice and equality in America. Both Dr. King and Mahatma Gandhi shared the universal message of love and respect for all, regardless of their race, ethnicity or religion. Their leadership and example were critical for their time, and their universal message of love continues to be so necessary for our country and the world, as we are faced with ever deepening divides. May we continue to be inspired by them, and defeat bigotry and hatred with love and aloha. Background about Goa, India: Goa's per capita GDP is one of the highest in India, a country that currently boasts the third largest GDP in the world. Goa has a growing market for US food and retail products, with imports of US agricultural food products doubling in 2015 to $20.6 million. Goa is a top tourist population globally (7,785,693 visitors in 2017), known for its beaches, abundant seafood, tropical climate, and historic architecture, which has also attracted film opportunities. Goa has many multinational companies with offices in the state covering various sectors like fisheries, pharmaceuticals, information technology, tourism, and hospitality. Goa's biodiversity is rich and is home to thousands of species ranging from plants, animals, and marine life. Hawaii's agreement with Goa highlights the continued growth of US-India relationships, with the US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue concluding earlier this month. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/agreement-reached-to-include-australia-in-global-entry-program-,Agreement Reached to Include Australia in Global Entry Program,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 03, 2018 Agreement Reached to Include Australia in Global Entry Program Agreement Follows Hirono-led Bipartisan Effort in the Senate to Boost Tourism, Expedite Customs Process WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) hailed an agreement reached between the United States and Australia to launch a pilot program allowing Australian citizens to apply for expedited customs clearance through U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Global Entry program. Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is one of 57 airports nationwide that participate in the program. Expanding Global Entry and other trusted traveler programs helps grow Hawaii's international visitor industry while facilitating secure travel to our country, Senator Hirono said. Last year, Australian visitors spent more than $872 million and supported over 10,000 jobs in Hawaii, and we can only expect Australian visitor arrivals and spending to grow with expedited screening provided by the Global Entry program. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, over 324,000 Australian citizens visited Hawaii in 2017. Australia represents Hawaii's third largest international visitor market after Japan (1.5 million visitors) and Canada (518,000 visitors). In addition, the U.S. Commerce Department estimates approximately 1.3 million Australians visited the United States in 2017 and spent $8.6 billion, placing Australia among the top 10 markets for U.S. travel and tourism exports. In August 2018, Senator Hirono led a bipartisan coalition of 26 Senators to urge Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen to approve Australia's inclusion in the Global Entry program. Senator Hirono is a longtime advocate of expanding Global Entry and other trusted traveler programs that help grow Hawaii's international visitor industry while promoting more effective security processes. Senator Hirono has also led similar efforts in support of Japan, India, Singapore and Taiwan's inclusion in the Global Entry program. The Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and Airports Council International North America supported Senator Hirono's effort. ""Hawaii's hotel and tourism industries welcome the addition of Australia, one of our top travel markets, to the Global Entry Program, said Mufi Hannemann, President and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association. Given the very close and longstanding ties between our nations, both as allies and trading partners, we're delighted that Senator Hirono has made ease-of-travel a legislative priority and continued to demonstrate the leadership we need to support the state's number-one contributor to the economy. The agreement signed to expand this valuable and trusted traveler program to include Australia is certainly good news for both travelers and businesses in Hawaii, said Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President & CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara. We are pleased to see the strengthening of our abilities to promote travel, trade and economic cooperation between the U.S. and Australia which is a major international market for Hawaii exports. Airports applaud the addition of Australia to the Global Entry program, said Kevin M. Burke, President and CEO of Airports Council International North America. The United States and Australia already enjoy a great deal of business and leisure travel between the two countries. Today's announcement is a big step forward for more as Global Entry offers trusted travelers the opportunity to expedite their international arrivals process at dozens of U.S. airports and preclearance locations. Also supporting Sen. Hirono's letter are the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Travel Association, Global Business Travel Association, and the American Society of Travel Advisors. Once finalized, Australia would join Canada, Mexico, South Korea, the Netherlands, Panama, Germany, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Switzerland, Argentina, India, and Taiwan as participants in CBP's Global Entry and other trusted traveler programs. In addition to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents may also apply for Global Entry membership. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/congress-passes-hirono-measures-to-support-hawaiis-aviation-workforce-and-rural-air-service-,Congress Passes Hirono Measures to Support Hawaii’s Aviation Workforce and Rural Air Service,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 03, 2018 Congress Passes Hirono Measures to Support Hawaii's Aviation Workforce and Rural Air Service FAA Reauthorization Bill Includes Relief for Disaster-Impacted Communities, Expanded Worker Protections, Strong Oversight of Airlines Serving Kalaupapa WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) voted today for the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which passed the Senate 93-6. The bill provides nearly $1.7 billion in disaster relief funds, and includes provisions authored by Senator Hirono which help ensure reliable air service to Kalaupapa, Molokai; close loopholes that leave veterans working for the FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) without full veterans' preference protections; set minimum rest periods for flight attendants equal to pilots; and make permanent the TSA's policy of extending automatic PreCheck eligibility to active-duty service members, National Guard, and Reserve members, including their accompanying children. Hawaii families depend on air travel, and will benefit from this update to federal laws governing the FAA, Senator Hirono said. In addition to updates to important air travel regulations, this bill sets aside $1.7 billion to help communities across our country, including in Hawaii, recover from natural disasters. I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to secure this funding, bolster oversight to ensure air service to Kalaupapa meets the needs of the community, protect the rights of the Hawaii veterans working at the FAA and TSA, set 10 hour minimum rest periods for flight attendants, and continue TSA PreCheck benefits for the men and women serving in our Armed Forces. Senator Hirono's measures in the FAA Reauthorization Act follow her efforts to hold the Department of Transportation accountable for reliable air service to Kalauapapa, provide equitable rest periods for flight attendants, introduction of her bipartisan FAA Veterans' Preference Protection Act last year, and her longstanding support for TSA PreCheck and other trusted traveler programs. Air transportation made possible by the Essential Air Service program is Kalaupapa's lifeline to the outside world not only for us residents who need to travel for medical needs and to conduct personal business in Honolulu, but also to see our families and to allow family members and friends to visit us and pay respects to the graves of their relatives who died here, Clarence Boogie Kahilihiwa, President of Ka Ohana O Kalaupapa said. We appreciate Senator Hirono's longstanding leadership in support of Kalaupapa and for passing her legislation to strengthen oversight over the Essential Air Service program to ensure air service quality and community satisfaction. The VFW Department of Hawaii thanks Senator Hirono for her leadership in fixing a longstanding inequity for veterans working at the FAA and TSA, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Hawaii Commander Maria B. Vaa-Igafo said. Passage of this legislation is necessary to ensure FAA and TSA veteran employees in Hawaii, American Samoa, and across the country have the same ability to address violations of their veterans' preference rights in the hiring, selection, and promotion process that their counterparts in other federal agencies have. Flight Attendants are cheering the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 that includes a provision to combat Flight Attendant fatigue by increasing minimum rest from 8 hours to 10 hours, Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA said. Senator Mazie Hirono was the first to introduce this language when she served in the House of Representatives and she kept up the fight in the Senate for our safety, health, and equality. We thank Senator Hirono for her relentless efforts to close this safety loophole and harmonize minimum rest with our counterparts in the flight deck. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 would benefit Hawaii by: Extending Federal Airport Infrastructure Funding: Authorizes over $3 billion per year through 2023 for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). For Fiscal Year 2018, Hawaii received more than $28 million in AIP funding, which goes toward improving airport runways and other critical infrastructure. Continued Support For Essential Air Service at Kalaupapa, Waimea and Hana Airports: Maintains current funding levels for the Essential Air Service Program which currently ensures minimum standards for reliable air service at Kalaupapa, Waimea, and Hana airports. A provision authored by Sen. Hirono requires the U.S. Department of Transportation's Inspector General to review the agency's oversight over unsubsidized carriers to ensure air service quality and community satisfaction. Providing Over $1 Billion In Disaster Relief For Hawaii and Other Affected States: The bill provides $1.68 billion for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief program for disaster-affected states like Hawaii to assist with infrastructure, housing, and economic recovery. Expanded Protections For Hawaii's Aviation Workforce: The bill includes a provision pushed by Sen. Hirono to increase minimum rest periods from 8 to 10 hours for Hawaii's 3,500 flight attendants so that they are equal to pilots. Also included is Sen. Hirono's bipartisan FAA Veterans' Preference Protection Act which ensures all veterans' preference laws apply to the FAA and TSA which employ around 300 veterans in Hawaii. To address sexual misconduct, the bill establishes national task force to review air carriers' responses to allegations and instances of sexual misconduct, allegations, and increases the civil penalty for interfering with cabin or flight crew. Consumer Protections For Travelers: Prohibits involuntary removal of passengers who have already boarded and directs the FAA to set minimum leg room, width and length requirements for passenger seats in commercial flights. Simplifying Travel For Military Families: Codifies TSA's policy of extending automatic PreCheck eligibility to active military, National Guard and Reserve members and accompanying children aged 12 and under. Approximately 100,000 military personnel and dependents reside in Hawaii according to the 2017 State of Hawaii Data Book. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/legislation-to-keep-seats-and-legroom-space-on-planes-from-shrinking-passes-senate-set-to-become-law,"Legislation To Keep Seats And Legroom Space On Planes From Shrinking Passes Senate, Set To Become Law",2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation To Keep Seats And Legroom Space On Planes From Shrinking Passes Senate, Set To Become Law Schatz Has Been a Vocal Advocate For Consumers Against Increased Attempts to Cut Legroom and Seat Sizes On Airplanes Wednesday, October 3, 2018 WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. Senate passed legislation to keep seats and legroom space on airplanes from shrinking. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), who voted to pass the legislation, has been a vocal advocate for consumers against increased attempts by airlines to cut the size of seats. Hawaii travelers are tired of getting less and less space for their hard-earned money. This bill, which will soon be law, gives the FAA the authority step in and say enough is enough, said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security. The legislation, which was included in the sweeping Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018, will require the FAA to collaborate with experts and consumer advocates to mandate minimum seat size standards consistent with airline passengers' health and safety needs. The bill would direct the FAA to set minimum standards for seat pitch, width, and length on all commercial passenger planes. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-presidential-alert-test,Schatz Statement On Presidential Alert Test,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Statement On Presidential Alert Test Wednesday, October 3, 2018 Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), the lead Democrat on the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, released the following statement on today's test of the national wireless emergency alert systems. In order to make sure our national alert system works the way it should, we need to test it. This test is mandated by law, and it's the right thing to do. We have strong laws and federal rules to ensure any use of these kinds of alerts, which are activated directly by FEMA, and not the president, are used appropriately. There are lots of things to worry about right now, but this test is not one of them.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-passes-schatz-legislation-to-expand-use-of-telehealth-to-treat-opioid-addiction-and-fund-new-research-on-opioid-misuse-chronic-pain-treatment,"Senate Passes Schatz Legislation To Expand Use Of Telehealth To Treat Opioid Addiction And Fund New Research On Opioid Misuse, Chronic Pain Treatment",2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Schatz Legislation To Expand Use Of Telehealth To Treat Opioid Addiction And Fund New Research On Opioid Misuse, Chronic Pain Treatment Wednesday, October 3, 2018 WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. Senate passed sweeping legislation to address the nation's opioid crisis, including measures authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). Schatz's provisions would fund new research on non-addictive, non-opioid alternatives to treat and prevent pain and expand the use of telehealth to treat opioid addiction. Opioid addiction is a national epidemic, and we need a comprehensive approach to address it, said Senator Schatz. Our bill will use technology to help connect health care professionals with more patients and help providers access the continuing education they need to treat addiction. It also invests in more research to find alternative treatments for pain so that we can try to stop opioid addiction before it starts. The Schatz provisions will: Fund training for health professionals to treat opioid addiction based on the Project Extension for Community Health Outcomes, also known as the ECHO model. The ECHO model has already been proven effective in addressing opioid addiction, having successfully helped states like New Mexico increase the number of physicians qualified to dispense or prescribe medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction; Give the National Institutes of Health more authority to spur research on the understanding of pain and the discovery of non-addictive painkillers to help treat chronic pain; and Increase access to substance use disorder treatment through telehealth technology under Medicare. The provision eliminates originating site geographic restrictions for telehealth services to treat substance use disorders. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-14-senators-call-for-inspector-general-to-investigate-political-interference-in-science-at-the-department-of-the-interior,"Hirono, 14 Senators Call for Inspector General to Investigate Political Interference in Science at the Department of the Interior",2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 02, 2018 Hirono, 14 Senators Call for Inspector General to Investigate Political Interference in Science at the Department of the Interior WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono led 14 Senators in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) Inspector General Mary Kendall to investigate any political interference in scientific research or communications at the Department. In April of this year news surfaced alleging political interference with a report by the National Park Service on sea level rise. In response to that news, a number of us wrote a letter requesting that you open an investigation into the matter, the Senators wrote. While the final NPS sea level rise report maintained the science originally included, we have no reason to believe that the attacks on science and pressure by political appointees to alter science to fit the administration's narrative will cease. Political interference with scientific work at the Department means the public is misinformed, policies are misguided and risks to the nation's resources are not fully recognized. We fully support Sen. Hirono's important request, said Dr. Andrew Rosenberg, Director, Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also signed the letter. In the letter, the Senators highlighted results of a recent study published by Union of Concerned Scientists that found a significant percentage of scientists working across federal agencies including the NPS, Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are concerned about the influence of political appointees on their work. They also note previous activities by DOI leadership that illustrate their animosity towards science, including the implementation of an unprecedented grant review by a political appointee late last year as well as requests for steep budget cuts to science-based programs, such as the Climate Adaptation Science Centers at USGS. In April, Senator Hirono led four of her colleagues in requesting that the DOI Inspector General investigate potential censorship of a report about the impact of sea level rise and storm surge at America's National Parks. The letter followed up on reporting from Reveal, from the Center for Investigative Reporting, suggested that DOI employees have been internally editing out any mentions of anthropogenic climate change from a past-due National Park Service scientific report. The article contradicted testimony given by Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke in response to Senator Hirono's questioning about censorship of science at DOI during a March hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Click here to download a copy of the letter. The letter text is available below: Ms. Mary L. Kendall Deputy Inspector General U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Ms. Kendall: We are writing to request that you monitor and investigate instances of potential alterations to scientific reports, documents, or communications produced by the Department of Interior (DOI) as well as instances of political pressure influencing science at DOI. In April of this year news surfaced alleging political interference with a report by the National Park Service (NPS) on sea level rise. In response to that news, a number of us wrote a letter requesting that you open an investigation into the matter. While that report was ultimately released without politically-influenced edits or alterations, we remain concerned with DOI's ongoing treatment of scientists and scientific experts. Earlier this month a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists titled Science under President Trump was released that surveyed scientists and scientific experts working for this administration. Across the 16 federal agencies surveyed, problems reported by those at DOI were among the most severe. Nearly 80 percent of respondents working for NPS reported that political interests impacted the ability of NPS to make science-based decisions. Within the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) nearly 70 percent of respondents noted that the greatest barrier to science-based decisions was political influence. Nearly 80 percent of respondents working for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a research-focused arm of DOI, reported that their attendance at scientific conferences over the past year is not similar to their attendance at conferences during the previous administration. Numerous other examples that illustrate the animosity held by DOI leadership towards science include the NPS's rescinding of Director's Order #100, which provided guidance on resource stewardship within the NPS for the 21st Century, the unprecedented grant review process at DOI that requires every grant over $50,000 to be reviewed by a political appointee who is not a subject matter expert but instead a close childhood friend of the Secretary, a new policy that prohibits scientists from communicating their results to the media without advance approval of content, the steep budget cuts proposed by this administration that reduce the federal workforce and target science-based programs, such as the Climate Adaptation Science Centers within USGS, the reassignment of career scientists to arbitrary positions, and complete disregard that climate change is occurring and caused by humans, despite the scientific consensus regarding the issue. Actions by this administration have clearly illustrated disrespect for the important contributions that science makes to the decision-making process. While the final NPS sea level rise report maintained the science originally included, we have no reason to believe that the attacks on science and pressure by political appointees to alter science to fit the administration's narrative will cease. As such, we request that you remain diligent on this topic and open an investigation if any of the following come to your attention: Instances of DOI employees, who are not subject matter experts, editing scientific reports, documents, or other scientific communications; Instances where DOI's publication of scientific information is delayed or suppressed; Instances where a political appointee denies or delays a scientific grant or cooperative agreement to suppress a topic; 4.Instances where industry inappropriately influences DOI science; 5.Instances of interference with scientific reports and scientific communications released or being prepared by DOI employees, including but not limited to responses to media requests and public presentations by scientific staff at the Department; and 6.Any activities at DOI that may violate DOI Manual Part 305 Chapter 3: Integrity of Scientific and Scholarly Activities. Thank you for your attention to this request. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-votes-to-advance-key-bills-to-protect-public-lands-natural-resources,"Hirono Votes to Advance Key Bills to Protect Public Lands, Natural Resources",2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 02, 2018 Hirono Votes to Advance Key Bills to Protect Public Lands, Natural Resources Hirono-Supported Bills to Make Land and Water Conservation Fund Permanent, Strengthen Conservationist Pipeline Advance to Full Senate WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, voted to advance bills that would make the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanent, increase federal resources for programs that engage young people and veterans in conservation careers, and address the more than $12 billion deferred maintenance backlog at America's National Parks. Hawaii's native ecosystems have benefitted from LWCF investments for decades,Senator Hirono said. Advancing permanent LWCF legislation and other key public lands bills will ensure that Hawaii's environment is protected for future generations and will strengthen the pipeline of future conservationists. Senator Hirono is an original cosponsor of the Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act, which makes the LWCF permanent and ensures full funding. Over the past 50 years, the LWCF has provided nearly $250 million to protect and conserve lands in Hawaii. Senator Hirono has been a longtime champion of the LWCF, most recently supporting Hawaii's Island Forests at Risk proposal, which from Fiscal Year 2016 through 2018, received $22 million in funding to expand the Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge, $12 million to expand Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and $6 million for Haleakala National Park. Senator Hirono is also a cosponsor of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act, which passed by voice vote. The 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act provides important federal resources to help train young people and veterans on environmental stewardship, which would strengthen groups in Hawaii, such as Kupu, that train the next generation of conservationists. Finally, Senator Hirono voted in favor of advancing the Restore Our Parks Act, whichaddresses the deferred maintenance backlog within the National Park Service. As of Fiscal Year 2017, there was an over $238 million backlog in infrastructure needs in Hawaii's National Parks. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-483000-in-federal-funding-to-assist-agriculture-community-in-volcano-recovery-efforts,"Hirono Announces $483,000 in Federal Funding to Assist Agriculture Community in Volcano Recovery Efforts",2018-10-01,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"October 01, 2018 Hirono Announces $483,000 in Federal Funding to Assist Agriculture Community in Volcano Recovery Efforts WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono today announced that the Synergistic Hawaii Agriculture Council (SHAC) will receive more than $483,000 in federal funding from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to assist farmers impacted by the volcanic activity on Hawaii Island. In July, I met with members of Hawaii Island's floriculture industry whose livelihoods were devastated by the volcanic eruption. They told me that despite the challenges they face, they want to restart their businesses as soon as possible,Senator Hirono said. I am committed to ensuring that Hawaii Island's agriculture community receives the assistance they need as recovery efforts continue. The MBDA disaster relief grant will fund the creation of a business recovery hub that will provide assessments, financial planning resources, and marketing and skills training to agricultural businesses who need assistance in returning to production. The funding will also be used to create a central quarantine location to facilitate importation of new seeds and plants material; establish a training center to expand international sales; and set up a baseyard to bring down the costs of materials for individual farmers. Since the eruption began in May, Senator Hirono has been a persistent advocate for affected residents. Senator Hirono wrote to the MBDA in support of the SHAC's grant application as part of her ongoing advocacy to assist Hawaii Island farmers. In June, Senator Hirono secured a provision in the Senate Farm Bill that would allow volcano-impacted farmers to retroactively apply for coverage under the Non-insured Crop Assistance Program. Last month, the Hawaii Congressional Delegation wrote to the U.S. Department of Agriculture requesting direct assistance to farmers impacted by volcanic activity and other natural disasters. In July, Senator Hirono convened a meeting with the Hawaii Island floriculture community to hear more about the ongoing challenges they face in recovering from volcanic activity. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-recognized-champion-human-trafficking-survivors,PHOTOS & VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Recognized as Champion for Human Trafficking Survivors,2018-09-30,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) yesterday received the Ho'ola Na Pua Advocacy Award for her dedication to serving and empowering human trafficking survivors in Hawaii. The award was announced at the annual Pearl Gala that recognizes individuals, organizations, and companies, who have demonstrated courage and advocacy in fighting against sexual exploitation of children in Hawaii. Watch Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's Video Message Here Photos are Available for Download Here Download B-Roll Hereand Here Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: Unfortunately, tens of thousands of men, women, and children are victims of human trafficking every year around the world, and in Hawaii. Kids as young as ten or eleven years old have been taken from schools, beaches, and malls through an intricate network of sex traffickers. Too often these cases remain under-reported and under-prosecuted. I'm grateful for the great leadership and service that Ho'ola Na Pua provides, shining a light on this epidemic, and supporting, caring for, and empowering female sex trafficking survivors. I am humbled to receive the Ho'ola Na Pua Advocacy Award and will continue to do my best to support these courageous survivors and ensure they get the care they need to heal and move forward with their lives. ""Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has a long-term passionate record and commitment to bringing increased awareness and systematic change to the anti-human trafficking movement both nationally and locally, said Ho'ola Na Pua. Background: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has fought to combat human trafficking throughout her time in Congress. She is an original co-sponsor of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (H.R.459) and has supported a series of human trafficking bills, including the Global Child Protection Act (H.R. 1862), the Strengthening Children's Safety Act of 2017 (H.R. 1842), the Adam Walsh Reauthorization Act of 2017 (H.R. 1188), the Targeting Child Predators Act of 2017 (H.R. 883), the Child Protection Improvements Act of 2017 (H.R. 695), and the TARGET Act (H.R. 1625). Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-brett-kavanaugh-lacks-credibility-candor-character,"Senator Hirono: Brett Kavanaugh Lacks Credibility, Candor, Character",2018-09-30,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In the News Email Me About an Issue",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-reacts-to-walking-out-of-judiciary-committee-markup,Senator Hirono Reacts to Walking Out of Judiciary Committee Markup,2018-09-30,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In the News Email Me About an Issue",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-we-cant-put-a-political-operative-on-the-supreme-court,Senator Hirono: We Can't Put a Political Operative on the Supreme Court,2018-09-30,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"View Copy link to clipboard",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-rep-tulsi-gabbard-leads-historic-sister-state-partnership-between-hawai-i,"PHOTOS: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Leads Historic Sister-State Partnership Between Hawaii and Goa, India",2018-09-28,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCWhen Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) visited India, she stopped in Goa and began the process to form a special partnership between Goa and Hawaii.Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard today congratulated the formal signing ceremony for this historic sister-state agreement between Hawaii and Goa.The sister-state partnership will strengthen relations between our two cities and nations through the promotion of trade, tourism, and information technology, and the exchange of best practices in health and wellness, agriculture, and education. It will also include cultural programs and partnerships between public and private sector organizations and universities in both Hawaii and Goa. This will be Hawaii's first sister-state relationship with any jurisdiction in India. Governor David Ige was joined by Gurudas Pilarnekar, Director of Art and Culture, Goa State Government, and other local leaders at the Washington Place on O'ahu to sign this agreement into law. The delegation from Goa will be conducting multiple visits and engagements throughout our state in various sectors like education, security, culture, agriculture, and more. Photos are Available for Download Here Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: When visiting Goa, India, I was immediately struck by the many similarities between our two statesthe warmth and openness of the people, the diversity of culture and traditions to include a strong Portuguese influence, the strong agriculture industries, a tourism-based economy, and much more. Today, after many years of hard work and dedication by the many stakeholders involved, I'm proud to see this historic sister-state partnership has finally come to fruition. This agreement will lay the groundwork to foster deeper ties between our people and our nations, inviting investment into our local economy, and creating boundless opportunities for mutual cultural, economic, political, and educational cooperation. The U.S.-India partnership is an important one, and the Hawaii-Goa relationship will help strengthen this bond, said Gov. David Ige. We welcome people from Goa to invest in Hawaii's economy, and share their traditional and cultural values with us. Dr. Raj Kumar, President of Indian-America Friendship Council (Hawaii chapter) and Gandhi International Institute for Peace, stated: This historic agreement represents a mutual commitment to begin a fruitful relationship that will promote the economic, educational and cultural development of two great states. This affiliation will unite the people of Goa and Hawaii. Our new sister-state relationship allows Hawaii to advance business, academic and cultural areas, and engage with the world to increase economic opportunities for Hawaii, said Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism Director, Luis P. Salaveria. State Sen. Brian Taniguchi noted that: India is not only the world's largest democracy, but it also has one of the fastest growing economies. Educational and intellectual exchanges between our schools and institutions of higher learning can greatly benefit from this relationship. State Rep. Ken Ito added: I look forward to Hawaii developing more business and cultural linkages with Goa, India, for the benefit of both. India's rich heritage fits well in the fabric of Hawaii's rich mix of cultures. Hawaii's sister-state relationship with Goa, India, serves to facilitate greater foreign investment between the two states and increased opportunities for mutual economic, educational, tourism and cultural exchanges, said Chamber of Commerce Hawaii president & CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara. We look forward to exploring the possibilities of this new collaborative agreement. Background about Goa, India: Goa's per capita GDP is one of the highest in India, a country that currently boasts the third largest GDP in the world. Goa has a growing market for US food and retail products, with imports of US agricultural food products doubling in 2015 to $20.6 million. Goa is a top tourist population globally (7,785,693 visitors in 2017), known for its beaches, abundant seafood, tropical climate, and historic architecture, which has also attracted film opportunities. Goa has many multinational companies with offices in the state covering various sectors like fisheries, pharmaceuticals, information technology, tourism, and hospitality. Goa's biodiversity is rich and is home to thousands of species ranging from plants, animals, and marine life. Hawaii's agreement with Goa highlights the continued growth of US-India relationships, with the US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue concluding earlier this month. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/gabbard-backed-bill-provide-identification-essential-jobs-housing-healthcare,"Gabbard-Backed Bill to Provide Identification Essential for Jobs, Housing, Healthcare for COFA Migrants Passes House",2018-09-27,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02)'s bipartisan legislation to extend identification services to citizens of the Freely Associated States who reside in Hawaii and across the United States, unanimously passed the House yesterday. The REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act (H.R. 3398) would amend the REAL ID Act of 2005 and enable citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau to obtain a driver's license or personal identification card, which is essential for stable employment and other lawful activities. Under current law, a citizen of those countries is eligible for a temporary driver's license or personal identification card, creating an unnecessary difficulty in obtaining employment, accessing healthcare, and more. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: This legislation rights a wrong to ensure that tens of thousands of COFA migrants living in the United States, including more than 17,000 in Hawaii, are able to access the services they need, empowering themselves and their families. Our bipartisan legislation makes a necessary technical fix to existing law and provides access to basic ID cards which will make it easier to apply for healthcare services, buy or rent a home, get a quality education and more, relieving the difficulty of uncertainty for COFA migrants who call Hawaii home. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-tulsi-gabbard-colleen-hanabusa-vote-keep-government-open-strengthen-missile,"Reps. Tulsi Gabbard, Colleen Hanabusa Vote to Keep the Government Open, Strengthen Missile Defense, Fund Opioid Abuse Treatment, Support Community Health Centers in Funding Bill",2018-09-27,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCReps. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) yesterday voted to pass an appropriations package that would extend the Violence Against Women Act, secure critical funding for missile defense, military readiness, community health centers, opioid abuse prevention and treatment, child care, education and more. The FY 2019 Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations package (H.R. 6157), which would fund the government through December 7, 2018, passed the House by 361-61, and now heads to the President's desk for signature. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: While I have concerns about some provisions in this legislation, ultimately this bipartisan funding bill will take care of our troops and help provide essential services for the people of Hawaii and across the country. It provides a pay raise for our servicemembers, support for disaster recovery, funding for critical missile defense programs, including Hawaii's Homeland Defense Radar, burn pits research for our veterans, opioid prevention and treatment, and more. It also invests in funding for Impact Aid schools, and funding for Hawaii's fifteen community health centers that provide service for those in rural communities and those most in need. Our families all across Hawaii face many challenges - we must put their well-being before politics and continue to find ways to deliver results for them. It is encouraging that the Congress, despite the partisan battles that dominate news coverage, is slowly returning to the regular order when it comes to funding the operations of the government. This is the fifth bipartisan spending bill that we moved before the deadline and it is my sincere hope that we continue to put our differences aside and do the work of funding the federal initiatives and programs that our communities need, said Congresswoman Hanabusa. This is a solid compromise that funds important programs for Hawaii and our nation. It includes money to support Hawaii's 15 Federally Qualified Community Health Centers that serve more than 150,000 people who need help finding access to quality, affordable health care and money for Title X programs that help with family planning and related health services for uninsured and underinsured patients. We were able to provide significant resources to support our veterans and men and women serving on active duty in Hawaii, including the most significant pay raise for our soldiers in nearly a decade. These funding measures demonstrate what is possible when we put country before party and serve the needs of our citizens. We thank our colleagues in the House for their work on this compromise and urge the Senate to continue with the regular order. Provisions of the 2019 Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act and the 2019 Continuing Appropriations Act (H.R. 6157) would: Provide $150.7 billion for military personnel and increase military pay by 2.6% -- the largest military pay raise in nine years. Make available up to an additional $7.9 billion in the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund for disaster response and recovery, including Hurricane Florence and those affected by natural disasters in Hawaii Direct $35 million for continued implementation and expansion of the Sexual Assault Special Victim's Counsel Program, the same as the FY 2018 enacted level, to provide judge advocates who represent the interests of survivors throughout the military justice process. Provide $606.5 billion in base funding for the Department of Defense. Direct $10.3 billion for the Missile Defense Agency, including programs that strengthen the defense of Hawaii, like funding $136.7 million for Sea Based X-Band Radar, $62.2 million for Hawaii/Homeland Defense Radar, and $95.7 million for Aegis ballistic missile defense tests, and more. Fund $39.1 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), $2 billion above the FY 2018 enacted level, to support research to improve prevention, treatment, and cures to life-threatening illnesses and diseases such as Alzheimer's cancer, HIV/AIDS, influence and diabetes. Provide $34.4 billion for defense health programs, including cancer research, traumatic brain injury and psychological health research, breast cancer research, prostate cancer, and more. This funding includes $1 million for Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs coordination for burn pits research and $22 million for Gulf War illnesses research. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has introduced the bipartisan Burn Pits Accountability Act (H.R. 5671) to evaluate the exposure of U.S. servicemembers and veterans to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals. Allocate $4.4 billion, $0.1 billion above the FY 2018 enacted level, for programs to respond to the opioid crisis, including prevention, treatment, surveillance, research to develop non-opioid pain medication, behavioral health workforce training, and support for children and families. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Opioid Crisis Accountability Act of 2018 (H.R. 5782) to hold drug companies and executives accountable for profiting from the opioid epidemic. Provide $7.9 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), $125 million above the FY 2018 enacted level for CDC's public health programs and activities. Provide $1.6 billion in discretionary funding for Community Health Centers (CHCs), the same as the FY 2018 enacted levels. Combined with $4.0 billion in mandatory funding, total funding for Community Health Centers is $5.6 billion, which is $200 million more than the FY 2018 enacted level. Hawaii is home to 15 Community Health Centers that serve about 150,000 people, including those in low-income, rural, and underserved communities. Fund $286 million for Title X Family Planning, the same as the FY 2018 enacted level, supporting family planning and preventive health services to millions of low-income, uninsured, and underinsured Americans each year, including more than 13,335 people in Hawaii. Direct $5.3 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, $50 million more than the FY 2018 enacted level, providing much needed investment in CCDBG programs in Hawaii, which currently only cover 11 percent of eligible keiki. Provide $10 billion for Head Start, $200 million more than the FY 2018 enacted level. Provides $1.1 billion for TRIO, $50 million above the FY 2018 enacted level. Allocate $3.7 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), $50 million more than the FY 2018 enacted level, helping keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. Provide $1.4 billion for Impact Aid, $32 million more than the FY 2018 enacted level. During the 2013-2014 school year, the State of Hawaii supported more than 28,000 federally connected students. The average Impact Aid reimbursement for a student is about 15 percent of the total cost leaving Hawaii taxpayers and the State government to fund the remaining balance. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced the bipartisan Survey Our Military Impacted Schools Act to evaluate the unmet renovation, repair, and expansion needs of elementary and secondary schools that serve many dependents of U.S. military personnel and federal government employees. Allocate $300 million for Veterans Employment and Training, $5 million more than the FY 2018 enacted level. Permit the use of funds to pay for death gratuities to dependents of servicemembers killed in action in the event of a government shutdown. Provide $1.2 billion for Environmental Restoration Accounts, $13.2 million more than FY 2018 enacted level, to clean up active, inactive, formerly used lands, and lands and resources affected by past Department of Defense releases of hazardous substances. Direct the Secretary of HHS to submit a family reunification plan to Congress and fund trauma counseling services for separated children, to increase transparency and oversight of HHS and help provide care and services to children in HHS custody. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is a cosponsor of The Keep Families Together Act (H.R. 6135) that would prevent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from taking children from their parents at the U.S. border, except in extraordinary circumstances such as trafficking, abuse, or neglect. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-tulsi-gabbard-colleen-hanabusa-vote-keep-government-open-strengthen,"Reps. Tulsi Gabbard, Colleen Hanabusa Vote to Keep the Government Open, Strengthen Missile Defense, Fund Opioid Abuse Treatment, Support Community Health Centers in Funding Bill",2018-09-27,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCReps. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) yesterday voted to pass an appropriations package that would extend the Violence Against Women Act, secure critical funding for missile defense, military readiness, community health centers, opioid abuse prevention and treatment, child care, education and more. The FY 2019 Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations package (H.R. 6157), which would fund the government through December 7, 2018, passed the House by 361-61, and now heads to the President's desk for signature. It is encouraging that the Congress, despite the partisan battles that dominate news coverage, is slowly returning to the regular order when it comes to funding the operations of the government. This is the fifth bipartisan spending bill that we moved before the deadline and it is my sincere hope that we continue to put our differences aside and do the work of funding the federal initiatives and programs that our communities need,said Congresswoman Hanabusa.This is a solid compromise that funds important programs for Hawaii and our nation. It includes money to support Hawaii's 15 Federally Qualified Community Health Centers that serve more than 150,000 people who need help finding access to quality, affordable health care and money for Title X programs that help with family planning and related health services for uninsured and underinsured patients. We were able to provide significant resources to support our veterans and men and women serving on active duty in Hawaii, including the most significant pay raise for our soldiers in nearly a decade. These funding measures demonstrate what is possible when we put country before party and serve the needs of our citizens. We thank our colleagues in the House for their work on this compromise and urge the Senate to continue with the regular order. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: While I have concerns about some provisions in this legislation, ultimately this bipartisan funding bill will take care of our troops and help provide essential services for the people of Hawaii and across the country. It provides a pay raise for our servicemembers, support for disaster recovery, funding for critical missile defense programs, including Hawaii's Homeland Defense Radar, burn pits research for our veterans, opioid prevention and treatment, and more. It also invests in funding for Impact Aid schools, and funding for Hawaii's fifteen community health centers that provide service for those in rural communities and those most in need. Our families all across the Hawaii face many challenges - we must put their well-being before politics and continue to find ways to deliver results for them. Provisions of the 2019 Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act and the 2019 Continuing Appropriations Act (H.R. 6157) would: Provide $150.7 billion for military personnel and increase military pay by 2.6% -- the largest military pay raise in nine years. Make available up to an additional $7.9 billion in the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund for disaster response and recovery, including Hurricane Florence and those affected by natural disasters in Hawaii Direct $35 million for continued implementation and expansion of the Sexual Assault Special Victim's Counsel Program, the same as the FY 2018 enacted level, to provide judge advocates who represent the interests of survivors throughout the military justice process. Provide $606.5 billion in base funding for the Department of Defense. Direct $10.3 billion for the Missile Defense Agency, including programs that strengthen the defense of Hawaii, like funding $136.7 million for Sea Based X-Band Radar, $62.2 million for Hawaii/Homeland Defense Radar, and $95.7 million for Aegis ballistic missile defense tests, and more. Fund $39.1 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), $2 billion above the FY 2018 enacted level, to support research to improve prevention, treatment, and cures to life-threatening illnesses and diseases such as Alzheimer's cancer, HIV/AIDS, influence and diabetes. Provide $34.4 billion for defense health programs, including cancer research, traumatic brain injury and psychological health research, breast cancer research, prostate cancer, and more. This funding includes $1 million for Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs coordination for burn pits research and $22 million for Gulf War illnesses research. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has introduced the bipartisan Burn Pits Accountability Act (H.R. 5671) to evaluate the exposure of U.S. servicemembers and veterans to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals. Allocate $4.4 billion, $0.1 billion above the FY 2018 enacted level, for programs to respond to the opioid crisis, including prevention, treatment, surveillance, research to develop non-opioid pain medication, behavioral health workforce training, and support for children and families. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Opioid Crisis Accountability Act of 2018 (H.R. 5782) to hold drug companies and executives accountable for profiting from the opioid epidemic. Provide $7.9 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), $125 million above the FY 2018 enacted level for CDC's public health programs and activities. Provide $1.6 billion in discretionary funding for Community Health Centers (CHCs), the same as the FY 2018 enacted levels. Combined with $4.0 billion in mandatory funding, total funding for Community Health Centers is $5.6 billion, which is $200 million more than the FY 2018 enacted level. Hawaii is home to 15 Community Health Centers that serve about 150,000 people, including those in low-income, rural, and underserved communities. Fund $286 million for Title X Family Planning, the same as the FY 2018 enacted level, supporting family planning and preventive health services to millions of low-income, uninsured, and underinsured Americans each year, including more than 13,335 people in Hawaii. Direct $5.3 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, $50 million more than the FY 2018 enacted level, providing much needed investment in CCDBG programs in Hawaii, which currently only cover 11 percent of eligible keiki. Provide $10 billion for Head Start, $200 million more than the FY 2018 enacted level. Provides $1.1 billion for TRIO, $50 million above the FY 2018 enacted level. Allocate $3.7 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), $50 million more than the FY 2018 enacted level, helping keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. Provide $1.4 billion for Impact Aid, $32 million more than the FY 2018 enacted level. During the 2013-2014 school year, the State of Hawaii supported more than 28,000 federally connected students. The average Impact Aid reimbursement for a student is about 15 percent of the total cost leaving Hawaii taxpayers and the State government to fund the remaining balance. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced the bipartisan Survey Our Military Impacted Schools Act to evaluate the unmet renovation, repair, and expansion needs of elementary and secondary schools that serve many dependents of U.S. military personnel and federal government employees. Allocate $300 million for Veterans Employment and Training, $5 million more than the FY 2018 enacted level. Permit the use of funds to pay for death gratuities to dependents of servicemembers killed in action in the event of a government shutdown. Provide $1.2 billion for Environmental Restoration Accounts, $13.2 million more than FY 2018 enacted level, to clean up active, inactive, formerly used lands, and lands and resources affected by past Department of Defense releases of hazardous substances. Direct the Secretary of HHS to submit a family reunification plan to Congress and fund trauma counseling services for separated children, to increase transparency and oversight of HHS and help provide care and services to children in HHS custody. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is a cosponsor of The Keep Families Together Act (H.R. 6135) that would prevent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from taking children from their parents at the U.S. border, except in extraordinary circumstances such as trafficking, abuse, or neglect.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-christine-blasey-ford-reminds-us-that-character-matters,Senator Hirono: Christine Blasey Ford Reminds Us That Character Matters,2018-09-27,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In the News Email Me About an Issue",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-questions-judge-kavanaugh-on-character-temperament,"Senator Hirono Questions Judge Kavanaugh on Character, Temperament",2018-09-27,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In the News Email Me About an Issue",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-lawmakers-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-stop-us-military,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Stop U.S. Military Support for Saudi Arabias Genocidal War in Yemen",2018-09-26,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCInvoking the War Powers Resolution,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) joined a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers today in introducing a privileged resolution to stop U.S. military support for Saudi Arabia's genocidal war in Yemen. U.S. support of this war continues tofuel the world's worst humanitarian crisis, killing thousands of civilians, with millions suffering from mass starvation, famine and cholera. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: For too long, the United States has supported Saudi Arabia, turning a blind eye to the horrifying atrocities committed against millions of Yemeni civilians since the start of this genocidal war in 2015. Even after Saudi Arabia dropped a bomb ona school bus that killed 40 childrenlast month, the Trump Administration reaffirmed its support for this illegal warreportedly to avoid jeopardizing a $2 billion arms dealwith Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It is long overduefor Congress to reassert itsrole and responsibility provided within the Constitution, and end our illegalsupport for Saudi Arabia's war now. Background: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is a leading voice for peace in Congress, advocating against counterproductive, regime-change wars. She has called for ending support for Saudi Arabia, pushed for additional oversight on acquisition and cross-service agreements (Section 1271 of the FY19 NDAA), supportedH. Con. Res. 81, a bipartisan resolution that sought to stop U.S. military participation in Saudi Arabia's war against the Houthis in Yemen, and more. Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Walter Jones also introducedH.Res 922, which wouldreclaim Congress's constitutional right to declare war by: Defining presidential wars not declared by Congress under Article I, section 8, clause 11 (Declare War Clause) as impeachable high crimes and misdemeanors Prohibiting the President from perpetuating ongoing wars or supplying war materials, military troops, trainers, or advisers, military intelligence, financial support or their equivalent in association, cooperation, assistance, or common cause without first receiving congressional authorization Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-tulsi-gabbard-and-colleen-hanabusa-pass-federal-funding-hawai-i-disaster,Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa Pass Federal Funding for Hawaii Disaster Relief,2018-09-26,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCReps. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) today voted to pass critical disaster relief and recovery funding for Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, and other areas recovering from recent Presidentially declared disasters. The 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act (H.Res 1082) would include $1.68 billion for theDepartment of Housing and Urban Development'sCommunity Development Block Grant Disaster Relief program for cities, counties, and states, likeHawaiito assist with disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure, housing, and economic revitalization funding. The legislation passed by a vote of 398-23. In April, heavy rains fell on Kauai and Oahu, with nearly 50 inches falling in a 24-hour period, resulting in damage to more than 760 homes. In May, volcanic eruptions began on Hawaii Island, covering over 6,000 acres of land, destroying more than 700 homes, and burying or isolating roughly 1,600 acres of farms in the Puna area. Finally, in late August, Tropical Storm Lane caused further damage with flooding and wildfires on Maui and Oahu, eroded beaches, and other devastation across our islands, further straining resources in our state, damaging 152 homes and causing more than $35 million in damage. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: The people of Hawaii have been hit especially hard by natural disasters this year -- from major flooding and landslides on Kauai and Oahu in April, the volcanic eruptions on Hawaii Island, and the recent flooding and wildfires on multiple islands related to Tropical Storm Lane. This funding is essential to communities like ours that have been challenged in so many ways, with very limited resources to help with relief, recovery, and rebuilding. Despite all of our challenges, the strength and resilience wecontinue to see from the people in our communities is inspiring, as neighbors help neighbors, share their aloha, and pull together to recover from devastation.This funding will be available to support ongoing efforts to repair damaged farms and homes, revitalize our communities, and assist those affected in getting back on their feet."" This has been a difficult year for too many Hawaii communities. These funds are critical to helping those impacted by April's historic rains, Kilauea's ongoing eruption and Tropical Storm Lane. People have lost homes and businesses and are working to rebuild and restore some semblance of normalcy to their lives. We are working with our state and county partners to ensure every federal resource is available to help with the recovery. We would like to thank our colleagues for reaching this important bipartisan compromise, said Congresswoman Hanabusa. Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-tulsi-gabbard-and-colleen-hanabusa-pass-federal-funding-hawai-i,Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa Pass Federal Funding for Hawaii Disaster Relief,2018-09-26,2018,2018-09,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCReps. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) today voted to pass critical disaster relief and recovery funding for Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, and other areas recovering from recent Presidentially declared disasters. The 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act (H.Res 1082) would include $1.68 billion for theDepartment of Housing and Urban Development'sCommunity Development Block Grant Disaster Relief program for cities, counties, and states, likeHawaiito assist with disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure, housing, and economic revitalization funding. The legislation passed by a vote of 398-23. In April, heavy rains fell on Kauai and Oahu, with nearly 50 inches falling in a 24-hour period, resulting in damage to more than 760 homes. In May, volcanic eruptions began on Hawaii Island, covering over 6,000 acres of land, destroying more than 700 homes, and burying or isolating roughly 1,600 acres of farms in the Puna area. Finally, in late August, Tropical Storm Lane caused further damage with flooding and wildfires on Maui and Oahu, eroded beaches, and other devastation across our islands, further straining resources in our state, damaging 152 homes and causing more than $35 million in damage. Thishas been a difficult year for too many Hawaii communities. These funds are critical to helping those impacted by April's historic rains, Kilauea's ongoing eruption and Tropical Storm Lane. People have lost homes and businesses and are working to rebuild and restore some semblance of normalcy to their lives. We are working with our state and county partners to ensure every federal resource is available to help with the recovery. We would like to thank our colleagues for reaching this important bipartisan compromise,said Congresswoman Hanabusa. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said: The people of Hawaii have been hit especially hard by natural disasters this year -- from major flooding and landslides on Kauai and Oahu in April, the volcanic eruptions on Hawaii Island, and the recent flooding and wildfires on multiple islands related to Tropical Storm Lane. This funding is essential to communities like ours that have been challenged in so many ways, with very limited resources to help with relief, recovery, and rebuilding. Despite all of our challenges, the strength and resilience wecontinue to see from the people in our communities is inspiring, as neighbors help neighbors, share their aloha, and pull together to recover from devastation.This funding will be available to support ongoing efforts to repair damaged farms and homes, revitalize our communities, and assist those affected in getting back on their feet.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z