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/hirono-chu-recognize-asian-american-and-native-american-pacific-islander-serving-institutions-week,"Hirono, Chu Recognize Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"While the Trump Administration slashes funding for Minority-Serving Institutions, Members of Congress recognize the importance of AANAPISIs in expanding access to higher education for all

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving-Institutions (AANAPISI) Week, from September 27-October 3, 2026. This week honors the vital role of AANAPISIs in expanding access to quality higher education for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students.

“In Hawaii and nationwide, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions help students thrive in the classroom and prepare them for success after graduation. As the Trump regime continues its ideological attacks on Minority-Serving Institutions, supporting AANAPISIs and the communities they serve is critical,” said Senator Hirono. “By establishing AANAPISI Week, this resolution celebrates diversity in education and recognizes these institutions and the services they provide.”

“As a former community college professor, I’ve seen what happens when students get real support. They don’t just graduate, they can transform their families and their communities for generations. AANAPISIs make that possible for students who need it the most, including first generation, and low-income students of color, by breaking down barriers and making sure all students have an equal shot at higher education,” said Representative Chu, CAPAC Chair Emerita. “That’s why the Trump administration’s decision to terminate MSI funding, and now redirect $235 million of it to HBCUs and tribal colleges, is so disappointing. Every MSI deserves full investment, but pitting them against each other isn’t the solution, it is a step backward. This AANAPISI Week, I remain committed to fighting for these institutions and for every student’s right to the education they deserve.”

Since its authorization under the 2007 College Cost Reduction and Access Act, the AANAPISI program has provided grants to institutions serving AANHPI undergraduate students to help expand their capacity to serve all students. These institutions have played a crucial role in opening the door to higher education for minority students, especially those who are low-income or first-generation. Today, AANAPISIs enroll 46 percent of all AANHPI undergraduate students in the United States, and award over 50 percent of the associate degrees and nearly 45 percent of the bachelor’s degrees attained by all AANHPI college students across the country.

This resolution comes days after the Trump Administration illegally diverted an additional $235 million in federal funding that Congress designated for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). Instead of increasing investment in all institutions that serve minority communities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), AANNAPISIs, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (ANNHSIs), Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), the Trump Administration has approached support for minority communities as a zero-sum game.

“During this AANAPISI Week, APAHE extends our deepest gratitude to CAPAC for their steadfast leadership in defending the federal AANAPISI designation amid ongoing efforts by the Department of Education to dismantle these critical programs. AANAPISIs are vital to educational equity and AA&NHPI student success, and we must aggressively defend this essential resource from being stripped away,” said Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng, President, Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE).

Senator Hirono has long advocated on behalf of AANHPI students in Hawaii, the U.S., and Pacific Island nations and territories. She has introduced this legislation every year since 2022, leading a bicameral coalition to designate Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving-Institutions Week. In April, she led a press conference calling out the Trump Administration’s attacks on Minority-Serving Institutions following its redirection of $350 million in federal funding away from MSIs. In May, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Senator Hirono marking May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. In February, Senator Hirono held a spotlight forum titled, “ED’s Attacks on Minority Students: Defunding Programs, Limiting Opportunities,” which highlighted the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) efforts to dismantle support for over 800 Minority-Serving Institutions, including AANAPISIs.

A companion resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Grace Meng (D-NY), and Mark Takano (D-CA).

The full resolution text is available HERE.

###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-quick-approval-of-emergency-declaration-request-ahead-of-tropical-storm-nolo,Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Urges Quick Approval of Emergency Declaration Request Ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement of support after Governor Josh Green requested an emergency declaration from the president ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo.

“An emergency declaration is critical to ensuring Hawai‘i has the federal resources it needs to prepare for and respond to Tropical Storm Nolo as we continue recovering from Hurricanes Lala and Lowell. With parts of our state facing the threat of strengthening hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and mudslides, federal support will help our state and counties protect communities, maintain essential services, and respond quickly to damage and other emergency needs.

“We urge swift approval of Governor Green’s request for an emergency declaration and the additional federal assistance it will provide.”

###",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/09/24/2026/senate-passes-schatz-wicker-resolution-designating-telehealth-awareness-week,Senate Passes Schatz-Wicker Resolution Designating Telehealth Awareness Week,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) designating September 20-26 as “Telehealth Awareness Week.” The resolution recognizes that telehealth has helped millions of Americans across the country access quality health care and has become a critical component of health care delivery. The resolution is cosponsored by members of the bipartisan Senate Telehealth Working Group, U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).

“Telehealth helps people access quality health care when and where they need it, and our resolution highlights the broad, bipartisan support for raising awareness of and expanding access to telehealth,” said Senator Schatz, co-chair of the Senate Telehealth Working Group.

“Telehealth has reduced barriers to health care across Mississippi, yet too many patients around the country are not fully aware of its benefits,” said Senator Wicker. “Our resolution shines a light on the value of telehealth services and encourages further action to expand the offerings and outcomes around this innovative type of care.”

The resolution affirms the bipartisan support in Congress for telehealth and encourages expanded access to telehealth services for all people, including members of rural and underserved communities. It notes that 23 percent of Medicare beneficiaries used telehealth services at least once in 2025, and that more than 90 percent were satisfied with their experience. And it underscores that “Telehealth Awareness Week” unites the efforts of patients, caregivers, health care providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance the role of telehealth in health care.

Schatz has led efforts to expand access to telehealth, including reintroducing the CONNECT for Health Act, the most comprehensive bipartisan telehealth legislation in Congress. Since its first iteration in 2016, several provisions from the bill have been signed into law.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-climate-change-is-why-disasters-are-piling-up,Schatz: Climate Change is Why Disasters are Piling Up,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Video of Senator Schatz’s Remarks Available Here

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor about recent storms in Hawai‘i and the warming planet’s role in making disasters more frequent and severe. Schatz highlighted the damage and disruption caused by Hurricanes Lala and Lowell in recent weeks and the need for the federal government to help communities across the country not just respond to, but also prepare for, disasters as they occur more often.

“In recent weeks, Hawai‘i experienced two separate hurricanes which destroyed homes and roads, closed schools and offices, and left thousands of people in the dark. 90 percent of the island of Kaua‘i lost power during Hurricane Lowell earlier this month – that’s how extensive the damage was – and crews are still working to restore power. People on Hawai‘i Island, meanwhile, are still picking up the pieces from Hurricane Lala last month which damaged 267 homes; washed out roads, bridges, and even a cemetery; and left people without water and power. And now, the state is bracing for yet another storm,” said Senator Schatz.

“There is a reason these destructive disasters are piling up one after another, leaving communities exhausted and governments depleted. It’s the warming planet,” Senator Schatz added. “Disasters used to be an unfortunate reality you had to deal with from time to time. Now, we’re getting back-to-back hurricanes on top of historic floods that dumped more than two trillion gallons of water on the state earlier this year and catastrophic fires that leveled Lahaina three years ago. That is not normal.”

A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here.

In recent weeks, Hawai‘i experienced two separate hurricanes which destroyed homes and roads, closed schools and offices, and left thousands of people in the dark. 90 percent of the island of Kaua‘i lost power during Hurricane Lowell earlier this month – that’s how extensive the damage was – and crews are still working to restore power. People on Hawai‘i Island meanwhile are still picking up the pieces from Hurricane Lala last month which damaged 267 homes; washed out roads, bridges, and even a cemetery; and left people without water and power. And now, the state is bracing for yet another storm. According to the National Hurricane Center this one could bring “life-threatening, catastrophic flooding and mudslides” across parts of Hawai‘i Island and Maui. It has been one storm after another this year.

We grieve those who died in the storms. And as always, we’re so grateful to the neighbors, first responders, linemen, and state and local officials who have been working together to help people in need. In the hours after the storms, people brought over shovels to clear debris from streets and driveways and checked in on neighbors while their own power was out. And in the days following, crews worked around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible. That’s what we do in Hawai‘i…we take care of each other. That’s the aloha spirit. And as response gives way to recovery, we will do everything we can to make sure federal support is available for as long as it’s needed.

But today, I want to talk about something I’ve been reluctant to raise in my 14 years in the United States Senate. And that’s that there is a reason these destructive disasters are piling up one after another, leaving communities exhausted and governments depleted. It’s the warming planet.

Now, look, when someone’s sitting in the dark without power for days, or worse, they’ve lost a loved one or their home, they don’t want to hear about how drier fields and warmer oceans are the culprits for their pain. And they’re right. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, our collective obligation – but especially the government’s obligation – is to set politics aside and help. Not to make a point you’ve always wanted to make or say, “I told you so,” but to help. And so I’ve always hesitated talking about disasters in this context.

But the reason I feel so strongly that it’s time we named the problem, as uncomfortable as it is, is that we can’t go on like this. Disasters used to be an unfortunate reality you had to deal with from time to time. Now, we’re getting back-to-back hurricanes on top of historic floods that dumped more than 2 trillion gallons of water on the state earlier this year and catastrophic fires that leveled Lahaina 3 years ago. That is not normal.

Now, it’s true that we’re in an El Niño year, and a particularly bad one at that. But this isn’t isolated to just this year nor is it limited to just Hawai‘i. For three years in a row now, we’ve had more than 20 disasters nationwide, each costing over a billion dollars in damages. And the world’s eight hottest months ever on record have all been in the past three years. You can chalk that all up to being a terrible coincidence – maybe it’s the weather fairy acting up. Or, you can trust your own eyes. Because we all see it and feel it.

You feel it when you go to the park and your kids can’t breathe because of smoke from a wildfire that’s burning hundreds of miles away. You feel it when you have to board up your windows and gather up supplies as yet another storm approaches. You feel it when you move to a new state and find out you can’t get home insurance anymore. You don’t need a fancy science degree to understand what’s happening, nor do you need to love the outdoors to want to do something about it. We’re all paying the price for our inaction.

And so what do we do about it? The most obvious answer is to scale clean energy and reduce pollution as aggressively as we possibly can. But that’s not going to happen overnight and these disasters are on our doorsteps today. And so we need a plan to help communities prepare for and respond to disasters in the here and now. Improving evacuation routes. Hardening power lines. Pre-positioning equipment and supplies. Making sure people have access to AC and heating. Clearing underbrush to slow or stop fires. Building infrastructure to reduce the risk of flooding. These are the kinds of steps we need to be taking right now to protect people.

Most of my colleagues here know that disasters aren’t a partisan problem. Hurricanes and floods and tornadoes and fires don’t pick and choose their targets based on how the last election went. This week, it’s Hawai‘i. It was Texas and Indiana earlier in the summer. It will be somewhere else next. There, but for the grace of God, go I. And so we need to step up here. States and localities are lurching from one disaster to the next, and they need help. And every day Congress pretends like we don’t know what’s happening, more and more people will get hurt.

###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-warner-to-take-to-senate-floor-to-demand-passage-of-new-ai-security-legislation,"Schatz, Warner To Take To Senate Floor To Demand Passage
Of New AI Security Legislation",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, introduced sweeping legislation to establish enforceable safety and security standards for the most advanced artificial intelligence systems. Later today, Warner and Schatz will speak about the legislation on the Senate floor.

The Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act of 2026 comes as leading AI companies and cybersecurity researchers have issued increasingly urgent warnings about the rapidly advancing capabilities of frontier AI systems. Leading AI companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Deepmind, Meta, and Microsoft have issued warnings about the rapidly advancing cybersecurity capabilities of their models, warning that the newest frontier models can identify and exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities without human guidance. Recent incidents have also highlighted alarming deficiencies in frontier labs’ security practices. The combination of these factors underscores a rapidly emerging challenge: AI systems are becoming increasingly capable of performing sophisticated cybersecurity tasks that can be enormously valuable to defenders but could also pose serious risks if misused or inadequately secured.

“Every day, we’re seeing new reports of AI models going rogue and hacking systems without our knowledge or oversight. The risks of AI are not theoretical – they are happening in real-time,” said Sen. Schatz. “Our bill is about making sure humans remain in control of AI models and preventing future breaches with rigorous standards, testing, and oversight. Immediate risk requires immediate action.”

“The companies building the most powerful AI systems in the world are sounding the alarm: the step-change increase in AI models’ capacity for cyber-offense, combined with clear failures to securely host and deploy these capabilities, could pose serious risks to our national security, our critical infrastructure, and the systems Americans rely on every day,” said Sen. Warner. “I remain enormously optimistic about the potential of AI, but optimism cannot be an excuse for inaction, nor can we normalize these kinds of concerning incidents. If a model is capable of finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in a bank, a water system, or our electric grid, we ought to know that before it is released to the public – not after something goes catastrophically wrong. This legislation establishes basic, enforceable rules of the road to make sure the most powerful models are tested, secured, and responsibly deployed.”

The Warner-Schatz legislation would establish a permanent Artificial Intelligence Safety Board within the Department of Commerce, bringing together representatives from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), and Department of the Treasury, along with independent technical experts, to evaluate emerging AI risks and establish technical safety and security standards.

Critically, developers of frontier AI models would be required to provide the Board access to their models at least 45 days before public release, including model weights, configuration files, runtimes, and software libraries necessary to operate the model, allowing experts to evaluate powerful models before deployment.

The legislation would also require AI developers to create and follow Model Safety Plans identifying the capabilities and risks of their systems, the specific steps they will take to mitigate those risks, and the corporate officer responsible for implementing the plan.

Under the legislation, the AI Safety Board would develop enforceable standards for evaluating frontier models and securing testing environments, including safeguards and monitoring procedures for models capable of discovering and exploiting software vulnerabilities without direct human prompting. Developers would be legally required to comply with applicable standards, with violations subject to civil penalties of up to $250,000 per violation, per day.

The bill would also:

Create a secure reporting process and a national AI incident database to track AI safety and security incidents, recurring flaws, and near misses so researchers, government agencies, and developers can learn from failures across different systems. The database would be established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in coordination with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Require frontier AI companies to report serious safety and security incidents, generally within 30 days, and within 72 hours when an incident poses an imminent threat to national security, critical infrastructure, or public safety. Critical infrastructure operators using AI to manage industrial control systems or other operational technologies would also be covered.

Establish secure federal testing environments that can use resources at the National Security Agency and Department of Energy National Laboratories to conduct sensitive pre-deployment testing of frontier models.

Develop new standards specifically for autonomous AI agents, including risks involving identity, authentication, authorization, access to data and systems, and differing levels of autonomy.

Require standardized documentation for AI agents, including their intended uses, authority boundaries, access to data and tools, known limitations, and results of independent evaluations where applicable.

The legislation specifically focuses on advanced artificial intelligence models – systems that exhibit, or could be modified to exhibit, high levels of performance on tasks posing serious risks to national security, national economic security, or public health and safety.

The legislation is designed to address a range of risks associated with increasingly capable AI systems, including their potential to facilitate cyberattacks, evade the control of their developers or operators, assist in the development of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or other weapons, or have their model weights stolen or maliciously modified.

Text of the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act of 2026 is available here.

###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-and-video-hirono-holds-spotlight-forum-on-national-private-school-voucher-program-highlights-funding-diversions-from-public-schools,"PHOTOS & VIDEO: Hirono Holds Spotlight Forum on National Private School Voucher Program, Highlights Funding Diversions from Public Schools",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) held a spotlight forum titled: “Raising the Alarm: How the National School Voucher Program Will Be Harmful to Students,” examining how the new national private school voucher program will harm the over 50 million students who rely on public schools. During the forum, a panel of witnesses comprised of policy and legal experts, education advocates, district leaders, and classroom educators spoke about how the national private school voucher program is set to divert over $51 billion each year in taxpayer funding—which could otherwise be used for public education—to private schools. The panel also outlined the potential ramifications for states that participate in the national program and the negative impacts the program will have on low-income students, rural students, students with disabilities, students of color, and LGBTQ+ students.

“Donald Trump and his allies have long championed private school voucher programs under the pretense of ‘school choice,’ but we all know where the real choice lies: not with families, but with private school voucher organizations and private schools, said Senator Hirono. “By diverting more than $51 billion each year—by some estimates—to school vouchers, the national program will drain funding that we could otherwise use to strengthen public schools. The result will be a two-tiered system: exclusive private schools for the wealthy, and underfunded public schools for everyone else.”

Last year, the enactment of H.R. 1 created the first ever national private school voucher program, which lets individuals claim a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations of up to $1,700 made to “scholarship granting organizations” (SGOs) that distribute school vouchers—meaning that none of the funding from this program will go directly to the states, school districts, or schools that actually serve our students. Instead, these SGOs will determine which students receive the vouchers and private schools will decide whether to accept those students. The program is expected to cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars—with some estimates showing that it could cost as much as $51 billion per year.

In June, the Treasury Department previewed its guidance for the program and indicated that the full guidance for the program would be available in September—giving state governors only three months to decide whether they should “opt-in” or “opt-out” of the program before it goes into effect on January 1, 2027. At the time of the spotlight forum, Treasury had not yet released the full guidance for the program. Even more concerning, the preview of the guidance confirmed that so-called “opt-in” states will be significantly limited in terms of how they can regulate the program, with governors being prevented from placing substantive requirements on SGOs that provide scholarships to students in their states.

In addition to these concerns, Senator Hirono also highlighted how the program is designed to function as tax break for wealthy families whose children are already enrolled in private schools, rather than offering a true “choice” to more students. While federal programs designed to support low-income students and students with disabilities remain underfunded, this program diverts tens of billions of public dollars to third-party organizations, which will significantly benefit from the program.

“Every dollar claimed is federal revenue unavailable for public schools or other essential services. That structure raises three fundamental questions for policymakers, families, and taxpayers alike: Who benefits? Who is protected? And who is accountable? The [Federal Voucher Tax Credit] falls short on each,” said Augustus Mays, Vice President of Partnerships & Engagement, EdTrust. “Rather than funneling public dollars into private, exclusionary institutions, we must invest these billions of dollars back into our public education system, explicitly targeting the students who are most underserved.”

“Protecting the rights of students with disabilities has always been a critical government interest; therefore, it is so deeply troubling that this program, funded with federal tax dollars, will be implemented without regulation or further clarification of rights and protections for students with disabilities. A program that was designed to fund private school tuition is not a solution for public schools. Instead, we need to increase federal funding for IDEA and other programs that help our public schools serve students with disabilities,” said Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer, National Center for Learning Disabilities.

“Connecticut has consistently rejected voucher programs. As a direct result of investing in public education, our state boasts the highest average ACT score in the nation and ranks #3 overall in academic outcomes. This success is not an anomaly: the top-performing states in the nation- and all top five performing state systems-do not divert public funds to private or religious voucher schemes. High standards and strong outcomes are built through robust public investment and committed professionals— not privatization,” said Dr. Maureen Brummett, Superintendent, Newington Public Schools

“During the 2025 Legislative cycle, Texas had a surplus of $24 billion dollars. Yet the legislature has made a choice. They have chosen not to fully fund our public schools, but to divert funding instead to private school vouchers, which overwhelmingly help wealthier families whose children were already enrolled in private schools,” said Alejandra Lopez, President, San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel. “Imagine if policymakers at all levels of government were committed to fully funding public education instead of undermining and privatizing it. Fully funded public schools would mean full staffing where students are able to get the support they need from the professionals who are committed to serving them.”

""There is ZERO reliable evidence that vouchers improve student success. In fact, numerous recent studies show that vouchers consistently lead to drops in student achievement. What conclusive evidence does show is that investing more money in public education improves student achievement,” said John Quesenberry, High School Teacher, Woodrow Wilson High School. “Vouchers subsidize tuition for families who are already paying for it. America cannot afford to fund two education systems—one private and one public. It should be a federal priority to strengthen public education, not undermine it.""

“States should not opt in to the federal voucher program, and Congress should repeal it. Like all vouchers, the federal program is part of a broader assault on public education. State and federal efforts must instead focus on supporting and adequately resourcing our public schools, which serve the vast majority of America’s students and are a keystone common good underpinning American democracy,” said Jessica Levin, Litigation Director, Education Law Center.

Senator Hirono has consistently fought back against President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ attacks on public education. In April 2026, she and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) led 34 of their Democratic Senate colleagues in introducing the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act , which would fully repeal the private school voucher program. The bill currently has 34 other cosponsors in the Senate, and a companion bill has 107 cosponsors in the House. Senator Hirono has also hosted seven spotlight forums, bringing together educators, students, administrators, advocates, and experts, to demonstrate the widespread consequences of President Trump’s efforts to undermine public education. Her most recent forum highlighted the dangerous consequences of the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for our nation’s students with disabilities and their families.

Videos from the forum can be found here and photos can be found here.

A full transcript of Senator Hirono’s opening remarks can be found below:

Aloha, thank you all for being here today as we discuss the national private school voucher program and its threats to public education.

This fall, students across the country returned to school. But instead of supporting the over 50 million students who rely on public schools, Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are sending tens of billions of dollars in critical taxpayer funding to private school voucher organizations and private schools.

Donald Trump and his allies have long championed private school voucher programs under the pretense of “school choice,” wrongfully claiming these programs allow families to choose the best educational opportunities for their children.

But we all know where the real choice lies: not with families, but with private school voucher organizations and private schools.

Because unlike public schools, which are required to serve all students, regardless of family income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status, private schools have discretion about which students they admit and what services they provide.

They have the freedom to do so as private schools. For that same reason, they should not be able to access public funds for private education. Which is exactly what the private school voucher program is going to do: take public funds to be used for private education.

While the national program is new, state programs have existed for decades; currently, two-thirds of states nationwide have school voucher programs. We are still awaiting guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding how this program will be implemented. But data from existing state voucher programs shows us how voucher programs have failed to meet students’ needs.

First, there is no guarantee that vouchers will cover the full cost of tuition at private schools. On average, private schools charge around $32,000 per year.

Nationally, state vouchers only cover around $8,000 per year.

Even worse, there have been specific examples of private schools increasing their tuition as soon as vouchers were implemented.

In Iowa, private schools increased their tuition by up to 25 percent for kindergarten, and 16 percent for other grades, shortly after the state adopted a universal voucher program.

Designed by the Big Ugly Bill (H.R. 1), the national voucher program gives Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) the ultimate say on which students get the funding, and how much they receive.

Without clear guidance on which students can get funding or how much they can get, middle class families cannot depend on the program to cover the cost of private school tuition.

Instead, wealthy families can continue sending their kids to private schools, with the potential bonus of receiving a government subsidy to help cover the cost.

Second, school vouchers are not accessible to all students, such as those with disabilities.

Some states like Florida and Louisiana have reported that around 8-30 percent of students with disabilities who received vouchers later returned them because their parents could not find private schools that were willing or able to meet their children’s needs.

Third, school vouchers do not deliver funding directly to schools. Rather than sending funding directly to states, school districts, or schools, the national program will send funding to private school voucher organizations that decide which students benefit.

In fact, states that “opt-in” will not even be able to regulate these organizations after the program goes into effect next year. They will be very restricted.

Lastly, reports on how voucher funds have been used by families in states with existing programs raise alarms about whether these funds are going to education at all. In states like Arizona and Florida, school vouchers were used for driving lessons and flatscreen TVs, at golf stores and ski resorts, and even at Disney World.

There has been very little oversight of these state programs to prevent this kind of misuse of funds, and I have no reason to believe the national program will be any different.

By diverting more than $51 billion each year by some estimates to school vouchers, the national program will drain funding that we could otherwise use to strengthen public schools.

To compare, last year, Congress provided $18 billion to Title I programs and $15 billion to IDEA—both federal programs that support public education for low-income students and students with disabilities. These are the kinds of public programs we should be increasing support for with our public dollars.

Instead, this national private school voucher program will result in a two-tiered system: exclusive private schools for the wealthy, and underfunded public schools for everyone else.

In the coming months, governors will need to decide whether they should “opt-in” to the national program.

How can they make an informed decision without clear guidance from Treasury, or a full understanding of how this program will be implemented? They need to hear these concerns.

In the meantime, we are working to build support for the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act, which Senator Kelly and I, along with 33 other senators, have introduced to fully repeal the national program.

Families deserve a government that defends the rights of all students to receive a quality public education. But Donald Trump is doing everything he can to undermine public education from the inside out.

Today, we are going to hear directly from K-12 education leaders, disability advocates, civil rights advocates, and educators about the harm that the national private school voucher program will have on our students.

I look forward to hearing more from my colleagues and today’s panelists as we work to keep our public funding in our public schools.

Mahalo.

###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-blackburn-lead-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-calling-for-release-of-wrongfully-detained-american-journalist-in-iran-urge-state-department-to-step-up-efforts,"Schatz, Blackburn Lead Bipartisan Group of Senators in Calling for Release of Wrongfully Detained American Journalist in Iran, Urge State Department to Step Up Efforts",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) today urged the U.S. Department of State to prioritize and step up efforts to bring wrongfully detained American journalist Reza Valizadeh home. Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen and former broadcast journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Persian language service Radio Farda, was arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in September 2024 and was charged and sentenced, without legal due process, for “collaborating” with the United States. The vague charge, often used by the Iranian regime to target those who are critical of the government, stems from Valizadeh’s work reporting on the Iranian regime’s corruption and repression.

In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the senators wrote, “As partners in the effort to secure Mr. Valizadeh’s release, we ask that his freedom and welfare be an urgent priority through all available diplomatic channels with Iranian officials.”

The senators continued, “Mr. Valizadeh is currently being held in Evin Prison, which is notorious for its inhumane conditions and arbitrary executions of political prisoners. His health has significantly deteriorated in custody, where he has consistently been denied medical care, including the inhaler he needs to treat his asthma. With every day of continued detention, Mr. Valizadeh’s life is in danger. We are extremely concerned that Iranian authorities could take sudden, arbitrary actions to endanger his life.”

In addition to Schatz and Blackburn, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.).

The full text of the letter can be found below and is available here.

Dear Secretary Rubio,

We write to draw your urgent attention to the case of Reza Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen who has been wrongfully detained in Iran since September 2024. Mr. Valizadeh is a former broadcast journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Persian language service Radio Farda, which is funded by Congress. In May 2025, you formally recognized Mr. Valizadeh as “wrongfully detained.”

Mr. Valizadeh is serving an unjust ten-year sentence for “collaborating” with the United States. These charges stem from his U.S. citizenship and work for Radio Farda, where he reported from 2012 to 2022 on the Iranian regime’s corruption and repression. You designated Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention, pursuant to the authority in Executive Order 14348. Mr. Valizadeh’s case is part of Tehran’s long history of targeting journalists and dual nationals.

Mr. Valizadeh is currently being held in Evin Prison, which is notorious for its inhumane conditions and arbitrary executions of political prisoners. His health has significantly deteriorated in custody, where he has consistently been denied medical care, including the inhaler he needs to treat his asthma. With every day of continued detention, Mr. Valizadeh’s life is in danger. We are extremely concerned that Iranian authorities could take sudden, arbitrary actions to endanger his life. As you know, Iran is not afraid to use American citizens as political pawns.

As partners in the effort to secure Mr. Valizadeh’s release, we ask that his freedom and welfare be an urgent priority through all available diplomatic channels with Iranian officials. We look forward to working with you to bring him home.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/trump-admin-set-to-impound-or-redirect-billions-of-dollars-in-foreign-policy-investments-congress-made,Trump Admin Set to Impound or Redirect Billions of Dollars in Foreign Policy Investments Congress Made,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s refusal to spend foreign assistance investments Congress made as intended as the end of the fiscal year quickly approaches on September 30.

“Cracking down on fentanyl trafficking, countering Putin, protecting Americans from global health threats—these are priorities just about everyone supports. But instead of spending funding Congress provided to support these common-sense objectives, the Trump administration is on track to permanently impound nearly a billion dollars and to commit billions more to pay for its brazen dismantlement of USAID instead of following the law that Congress passed and using those funds to save lives and advance bipartisan U.S. foreign policy objectives.

“Far from cutting wasteful spending, the Trump administration has created more of it. This administration is now using funding Congress provided for countering health threats and autocrats alike to cover legal bills Trump and DOGE incurred from illegally razing USAID to the ground and cutting off lifesaving work in the blink of an eye.

“Congress passed a law to invest in saving lives, protecting the American people, and advancing our interests abroad; it did not hand Trump a checkbook to spend on whatever he pleases while blocking funding for everything else. The Trump administration needs to rework its plans and spend these resources as Congress intended, and we need Republicans in Congress to finally join us in insisting that happens.”

When Congress provides federal funding, it specifies how long that funding is available to be expended. Most foreign assistance funding is available to be spent down for two fiscal years, and as the end of the fiscal year nears on September 30, the Trump administration plans to:

Raid $2.5 billion provided in fiscal year 2025 for global health programs ($1.3 billion) and development assistance ($1.2 billion) to pay for “USAID closeout costs.” While provided for USAID, these funds remain available through FY26 for the State Department to spend down on the same priorities that Congress provided them for: to advance U.S. interests, combat global health threats, and save lives. In fact, the State Department has already tapped some of the funds to belatedly invest in the Ebola response after it previously cancelled related global health work. But instead of expending the remainder of the $2.5 billion in funding, the Trump administration is raiding these funds and obligating them to cover costs incurred when dismantling USAID—despite the fact that other balances already exist that could cover these costs.

Permanently impound $725 million provided in fiscal year 2025 to: combat the international illicit narcotics trade, human trafficking, and other international crimes ($115 million); counter Russia with U.S. assistance in Europe and Eurasia ($310 million); and invest in secure supply chains and American competitiveness through economic growth programs ($300 million). These investments were provided by Congress to spend through September 30, 2026, but President Trump has, at Russ Vought’s urging, illegally refused to spend them.

Senators Murray and Schatz have been pushing the administration to get every appropriated dollar out as Congress intended. In June, Senator Murray called out the administration’s withholding of these funds, and Senator Schatz pressed Secretary Rubio on the matter.

###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-murray-trump-admin-set-to-impound-or-redirect-billions-of-dollars-in-foreign-policy-investments-congress-made,"Schatz, Murray: Trump Admin Set to Impound or Redirect Billions of Dollars in Foreign Policy Investments Congress Made",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s refusal to spend foreign assistance investments Congress made as intended as the end of the fiscal year quickly approaches on September 30.

“Cracking down on fentanyl trafficking, countering Putin, protecting Americans from global health threats—these are priorities just about everyone supports. But instead of spending funding Congress provided to support these common-sense objectives, the Trump administration is on track to permanently impound nearly a billion dollars and to commit billions more to pay for its brazen dismantlement of USAID instead of following the law that Congress passed and using those funds to save lives and advance bipartisan U.S. foreign policy objectives.

“Far from cutting wasteful spending, the Trump administration has created more of it. This administration is now using funding Congress provided for countering health threats and autocrats alike to cover legal bills Trump and DOGE incurred from illegally razing USAID to the ground and cutting off lifesaving work in the blink of an eye.

“Congress passed a law to invest in saving lives, protecting the American people, and advancing our interests abroad; it did not hand Trump a checkbook to spend on whatever he pleases while blocking funding for everything else. The Trump administration needs to rework its plans and spend these resources as Congress intended, and we need Republicans in Congress to finally join us in insisting that happens.”

When Congress provides federal funding, it specifies how long that funding is available to be expended. Most foreign assistance funding is available to be spent down for two fiscal years, and as the end of the fiscal year nears on September 30, the Trump administration plans to:

Raid $2.5 billion provided in fiscal year 2025 for global health programs ($1.3 billion) and development assistance ($1.2 billion) to pay for “USAID closeout costs.” While provided for USAID, these funds remain available through FY26 for the State Department to spend down on the same priorities that Congress provided them for: to advance U.S. interests, combat global health threats, and save lives. In fact, the State Department has already tapped some of the funds to belatedly invest in the Ebola response after it previously cancelled related global health work. But instead of expending the remainder of the $2.5 billion in funding, the Trump administration is raiding these funds and obligating them to cover costs incurred when dismantling USAID—despite the fact that other balances already exist that could cover these costs.

Permanently impound $725 million provided in fiscal year 2025 to: combat the international illicit narcotics trade, human trafficking, and other international crimes ($115 million); counter Russia with U.S. assistance in Europe and Eurasia ($310 million); and invest in secure supply chains and American competitiveness through economic growth programs ($300 million). These investments were provided by Congress to spend through September 30, 2026, but President Trump has, at Russ Vought’s urging, illegally refused to spend them.

Senators Murray and Schatz have been pushing the administration to get every appropriated dollar out as Congress intended. In June, Senator Murray called out the administration’s withholding of these funds, and Senator Schatz pressed Secretary Rubio on the matter.

###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-murray-shaheen-reed-warner-coons-statement-on-deadly-iranian-wedding-strike,"Schatz, Murray, Shaheen, Reed, Warner, Coons Statement on Deadly Iranian Wedding Strike",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Mark Warner (D-Va.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement on an apparent errant U.S. strike on a home hosting a wedding in Kuhestak, Iran on September 1st.

“Reports that a strike on a home in Kuhestak, Iran that killed four civilians, including women and a child, and injured more than 60 others was likely caused by an errant U.S. bomb are shocking and deeply troubling. This is not the first time that U.S. strikes have resulted in civilian casualties during this war of choice, and it once again raises grave concerns about the Trump administration’s disregard for protecting civilian life. This incident must be fully and impartially investigated, and the full investigation must be shared publicly with Congress and the American people. We have yet to receive the full investigation of the Pentagon’s inquiry into a February 28th strike on a school in Minab that killed 175 civilians, mostly children. The public deserves to know what led to these failures and what is being done to prevent similar incidents in the future. This war must end.”

###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-young-introduce-legislation-to-help-stop-child-labor,"Schatz, Young Introduce Legislation to Help Stop Child Labor",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) introduced legislation to help stop illegal child labor. The bipartisan Stop Child Labor Act would increase maximum fines for violations, establish new criminal penalties, allow victims harmed by violations to file private lawsuits, and encourage collaboration between employers and government to stop child labor violations before they occur.

“Right now, our laws are allowing some of the worst employers to get away with exploiting kids for labor with nothing more than weak fines,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will strengthen our child labor laws, hold bad employers accountable, and protect kids from this illicit practice.”

“Recent data shows that child labor exploitation is not a thing of the past or a problem limited to the developing world. We have a responsibility to enforce the law, protect American children, and ensure that those who exploit them are held accountable,” said Senator Young. “This bipartisan bill would strengthen our nation’s labor laws to do just that.”

Federal child labor violations are at or near record levels, according to the most recent enforcement data from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). In fiscal year 2025, the Department's Wage and Hour Division closed 976 cases involving child labor violations, more than in any year since the Great Recession, including 773 employed in violation of hazardous occupation standards. That represents a 72 percent increase in affected children since fiscal year 2019. Currently, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) imposes weak fines for violations, making it financially easier for companies to skirt child labor laws. In 2023, it was revealed that migrant child labor is being used for hazardous jobs in factories making products for well-known brands like Cheetos, Fruit of the Loom, and Lucky Charms. That same year, DOL found that Packers Sanitation Services Inc., a sanitation contractor to major meat producers including JBS Foods, had employed at least 102 children, ages 13 to 17, in hazardous occupations on overnight shifts at 13 meat processing facilities across eight states. At least three minors were injured, but DOL could assess only the statutory maximum of $15,138 per count.

To stop child labor and hold bad employers accountable, the Stop Child Labor Act would:

Increase child labor violation civil penalties to:

$5,000 minimum – $132,270 maximum for routine violations;

$25,000 minimum – $601,150 maximum for each violation that causes the death or serious injury of a minor;

Create criminal penalties for a repeat or willful violation of child labor laws to include a fine of up to $50,000 and a year in jail;

Allow children harmed by violations of the law to seek compensation;

Start a grant program aimed at helping employers recognize, avoid, and prevent child labor violations; and

Permanently establish a National Advisory Committee on Child Labor.

The bill is endorsed by the Child Labor Coalition, National Consumers League, Global March Against Child Labor, First Focus Campaign for Children, National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, and Center for Law and Social Policy.

The full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-pocan-introduce-legislation-to-end-student-loan-debt-crisis,"Schatz, Pocan Introduce Legislation to End Student Loan Debt Crisis",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) introduced the Debt-Free College Act, legislation that will reverse the growing student debt crisis in the United States. The bill restores a path to affordable college by providing states incentives through matching grants to increase investments in public higher education and provide students with debt-free college.

“Solving the student loan debt crisis means focusing on the full cost of college – that includes books, room and board, and supplies,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill brings states back to the table and leverages federal dollars to reinvest in public education and help students and their families cover the real cost of college.”

“Every student in America deserves the opportunity to get a college education without student debt crushing them for years after graduation,” said Representative Pocan. “The Debt-Free College Act creates a federal-state partnership that would enable students to attend college debt-free within five years. Student debt isn’t just about tuition—it’s books, housing, supplies, and food. This bill reflects those true costs. If we believe in the value of our education system, then we should make it easier for students to pursue higher education, not financially burdensome for years to come. This bill helps ensure that college is accessible to all.”

The Debt-Free College Act would establish a state-federal partnership that provides a dollar-for-dollar federal match to state higher education appropriations in exchange for a commitment to help students pay for the full cost of attendance without having to take on debt. The bicameral legislation, first introduced in 2018, was the first proposal to go beyond free tuition, and ensure that students leave college without the financial burden of student loan debt.

According to the Education Data Initiative, 72 percent of student debt holders believe their student loan debt will delay homeownership. A 2025 survey from The Institute for College Access & Success found that student loans negatively impacted the ability to cover basic needs for more than 4 in 10 borrowers. 52 percent of borrowers reported that their loans negatively impacted their ability to save for retirement while nearly a third said loans impacted their plans to get married and start a family.

The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.).

In the House, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Jesús García (D-Ill.), and Cleo Fields (D-La.).

The text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-fbi-director-kash-patel-on-abuse-of-power-leadership-failures,"Hirono Presses FBI Director Kash Patel on Abuse of Power, Leadership Failures",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~ Watch Senator Hirono’s Statement Here ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, pressed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel on his repeated failure to uphold the ideals of the agency he leads. During a full Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Senator Hirono questioned Patel on his “VIP snorkel tour” and partying in Milan, following his failure to respond to her previous requests that he disclose his personal travel and its costs to American taxpayers. During her time, Senator Hirono traced a pattern of Patel’s mismanagement of the FBI and raised concerns about his ability to lead an agency tasked with enforcing the law and investigating public corruption.

“You have been at the helm of the FBI for almost two years, and the list of your failings is long and frankly growing,” said Senator Hirono.

Senator Hirono began her statement by highlighting Director Patel’s irresponsible use of taxpayer money and disrespect for the sailors honored and entombed at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial during his “VIP snorkeling trip,” raising concerns about Patel’s broader pattern of conducting personal travel events on American taxpayers’ dime. Since 2020, these Pearl Harbor snorkeling tours have only been available to senior Defense officers, members of the military, and one American Congressman who served in the Special Forces—with the notable exception of Director Patel, who is neither a member of defense leadership, nor a member or veteran of the American military.

“If this snorkel tour were a one-off incident, that would be one thing. But it’s part of a broader pattern of using your office to benefit yourself, showing your lack of judgment and character,” said Senator Hirono. “You have wasted untold taxpayer dollars driving around in foreign luxury cars, partying in Italy, and flying a private jet to play golf and watch hockey.”

Senator Hirono raised alarms about the mass firings at the FBI under Patel’s leadership, including 12 Iran experts who were dismissed shortly before the beginning of the war in Iran. She also called attention to changes in FBI hiring policy under Patel that removed theft from an employer, sex solicitation, and bestiality from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications.

“I think all of us would love to know why an organization charged with investigating theft should bring thieves into its midst,” said Senator Hirono.

Senator Hirono listed some of the FBI’s responsibilities, which include investigating sex crimes, drug trafficking, corruption, and foreign malign influence, as well as defending the nation against domestic threats, including ethnically and racially motivated extremists.

“The good work still being done by the remaining FBI agents and analysts on the sort of cases you describe is happening in spite of, and not because of, your leadership,” said Senator Hirono.

Senator Hirono concluded her statement by highlighting Patel’s failure to investigate multiple examples of public corruption the Trump Administration has engaged in, including the $400 million gifted jet from Qatar, offering tech billionaires special White House access in exchange for payment for the White House ballroom, and recent reporting of a Russian oligarch contributing $170,000 for Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding.

“The FBI is supposed to be investigating this sort of blatant public corruption,” she said.

To see the full video of Senator Hirono’s statement click here.

A full transcript of Senator Hirono’s statement is available below:

Mr. Patel, the FBI Director should at least try to be above reproach. But there are many questions and concerns raised about your judgment and character.

For example, in August 2025, you took a VIP snorkeling tour around the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, a sacred site. Sacred. That is why these tours are rare.

Since 2020, only senior Defense officials, members of the military, and one congressman who was a special forces veteran have participated. And then came you.

When this incident came to light in May, Senators Schumer, Durbin, and I sent you a letter.

And we asked you three simple questions:

First: what personal travel have you taken as FBI Director?

Two: what non-official activities have you attended as part of official travel?

Three: what has been the cost to taxpayers of these kinds of activities?

Three months later, we have received no response.

Mr. Patel, when can we expect your response to that letter?

Is there a date anywhere when we can expect a response? I don’t have a response, do you have it with you? Maybe you can hand it to me.

The reason I ask that is because I had a director who said that there was a report that he had, right then and there. And then it didn’t come to me until a lot later.

If you have a response, give it to me right now please. I assume there is no response.

I’m not going to be holding my breath that you will provide that response.

If this snorkel tour were a one-off incident, that would be one thing. But it’s part of a broader pattern of using your office to benefit yourself, showing your lack of judgement and character.

You have wasted untold taxpayer dollars driving around in foreign luxury cars, partying in Italy, and flying a private jet to play golf and watch hockey.

There has been bipartisan criticism. I’m glad to know that some of my Republican colleagues actually criticized some of this activity, and they have criticized this waste and abuse. Maybe today one of my Republican colleagues will demand an explanation.

Now, Mr. Patel, you have clearly politicized the FBI. And whenever you are asked, even today, questions you don’t feel like answering you respond it’s “ongoing” it’s “part of an investigation.” You think that covers everything and so you don’t answer.

That is what you’ve resorted to, aside from, I’ve just watched you today in a very combative mode with my colleague Senator Welch and you attacking him, which is also the way you approach questions that you don’t want to answer.

And then I note your recent appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ll get to that in a bit.

To be clear, there are many things you should answer for. You have been at the helm of the FBI for almost two years, and the list of your failings is long and frankly growing.

You have decimated the FBI workforce. The FBI today is down thousands of dedicated professionals who worked to keep our country safe. And frankly, your answers to questions along those lines have been unbelievable.

If I thought I could get a truthful answer out of you, I’d ask you questions like what the hell you were thinking firing a dozen Iran experts on the eve of an illegal war with Iran.

The good work still being done by the remaining FBI agents and analysts on the sort of cases you describe are happening in spite of, and not because of you.

You have lowered hiring standards to allow applicants with a history of bestiality and theft to serve as FBI employees.

I think all of us would love to know why an organization charged with investigating theft should bring thieves into your midst. But you won’t give a straight answer as to why this change was made to your hiring, even to Senator Kennedy’s questions this morning.

I think he’s still pretty mystified that bestiality was taken off the list.

You have been so drunk that briefings have been rescheduled so you could sleep it off.

When challenged by Senator Van Hollen at the Appropriations hearing several months ago to take an alcoholism test, you agreed. Sen. Van Hollen has posted the results of his test. We’re all still waiting to see post the results of your test.

The FBI has long identified Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists, including White Nationalists, as the most lethal group of domestic terrorists in our country. Your FBI no longer talks about that threat. You no longer post about it. And it’s not because the threat has gone away.

You approved so-called “surges” where FBI agents were diverted to low-level, non-criminal, immigration enforcement, something we know is near and dear to the President’s heart, when these agents should be focused on important missions such as preventing sex crimes, elder fraud, and drug trafficking.

You have undermined prosecutions by posting details to your social media. You testified today to questions you don’t feel like answering “it’s ongoing, it’s under investigation, can’t talk about it” and yet, you have actually posted for things that are ongoing and where you should keep your mouth shut.

Your FBI executed a raid of an elections office in Fulton County, Georgia, and seized ballots in an effort to prove the President’s unhinged conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. Another thing near and dear to the President’s heart in which you sought to help him out on.

And yet, you have done nothing about the rampant corruption now taking place at the highest levels of the executive branch:

We all know that President Trump accepted a $400 million dollar jet from Qatar, which he plans to keep after he leaves office.

Tech billionaires received special access to the White House in exchange for paying for the President’s new ballroom vanity project.

Pardons have been available for $1 million dollar contributions to the President’s campaign.

And just this week, it has been revealed that a Russian Oligarch paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for Donald Trump Jr. to have his wedding on a private island.

The FBI is supposed to be investigating this sort of blatant public corruption, not turning a blind eye.

Mr. Patel, this country needs an FBI who will give us straight answers, not the kind of rhetoric that you have provided once again today. It is a disservice to this Committee’s oversight functions and certainly a disservice to the American people.

It is no wonder former AG Bill Barr said you would take a leadership role at the FBI over his dead body. And yet, here you are.

Mr. Chairman, I’m done with this witness.

###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-joins-van-hollen-kaine-sanders-senators-in-introducing-privileged-resolution-seeking-answers-on-west-bank-violence,"Schatz Joins Van Hollen, Kaine, Sanders, Senators in Introducing Privileged Resolution Seeking Answers on West Bank Violence",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) are leading 20 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a 502B privileged resolution requiring the Department of State to report to Congress on increasing violence in the West Bank, including the killings of Americans in the West Bank. Nine Americans have been killed in the West Bank in recent years – and more detained – and none have received accountability or justice from either the Israeli or United States Governments. The Senators’ resolution would require the Department of State to provide information and assessments related to investigations of the killing of United States citizens by violent Israeli settlers or Israeli security forces in the West Bank, as well as an assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank, specifically related to the detention of Palestinian children.

They were joined in introducing the resolution by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).

“Settlers have attacked and killed Palestinians and Americans in the West Bank for years, too often without any real accountability from the Israeli government. We need answers about why this violence has been allowed to continue and what concrete steps are being taken to prevent future tragedies. When settler violence goes unchecked, it puts lives at risk and further undermines the prospects for lasting peace in the region,” said Senator Schatz.

“This Administration has said ensuring the safety and security of American citizens abroad is one of its highest priorities. And yet, as we’ve seen violence rise in the West Bank, American citizens have been killed time and again, and they have received no justice and no accountability. It’s past time we get answers on their deaths – and on the growing violent Israeli settler attacks and the injustices Palestinians in the West Bank face on a daily basis. This resolution will require the State Department to begin to produce these answers, which are owed to the families of those who have lost loved ones, to the American people, and to all of those who want to ensure recipients of U.S. taxpayer dollars are acting in line with our laws and our values,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“The violence committed by Israeli settlers in the West Bank is reaching an unprecedented level, and as a result more and more Americans and Palestinians are being killed and injured. These actions—and the Israeli government’s lack of response to this violence—are unacceptable and threaten the long-term safety and security of the entire region,” said Senator Kaine. “Friends need to listen to each other, and my colleagues and I have repeatedly urged Israeli leaders to take firmer action to curtail illegal settlements in the West Bank, prosecute violent settlers, and protect Palestinian residents as well as American citizens living in or visiting the West Bank. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this resolution to require the State Department to conduct a formal assessment and provide a report to Congress on the situation in the West Bank, in particular the safety and security of Americans.”

“Every day, Palestinians in the West Bank experience horrific violence at the hands of Israeli settlers and security forces — and for years, the Israeli government has offered impunity instead of accountability. Enough is enough. The United States cannot keep bankrolling this violence and looking the other way — it’s time to end our complicity, once and for all,” said Senator Sanders.

“In my visits to the West Bank, I’ve heard numerous stories about the organized strategy of harassment and violence settlers are inflicting upon Palestinian villagers and Palestinian Americans. Tactics include cutting off villagers from their wells, their vineyards, and their orchards, burning their vehicles, and assaulting defenseless individuals, all with the implicit support of the Netanyahu government. This is wrong under every moral code,” said Senator Merkley. “This resolution demands answers about these abuses and accountability for those responsible.”

“The Netanyahu government has failed to stop Israeli security forces and settler attacks in the West Bank for years, including attacks that killed American citizens. The Trump administration has even gone so far as to reverse sanctions against individuals connected to this pattern of horrific violence. It's long past time for the U.S. government to stand up for human rights, investigate this violence against Americans and Palestinian civilians, provide full information to Congress, and hold the perpetrators accountable,” said Senator Warren.

“Israeli settlers in the West Bank have perpetrated violent crimes against Palestinians, including American citizens, with impunity. It is completely reasonable for Congress to demand our own government to report who was involved in these attacks. The United States has a moral obligation to seek justice for both our own citizens and Palestinians, including many children, targeted by Israeli security forces or settlers in the West Bank,” said Senator Smith. “A mature democracy can face up to its failures and commit to doing better. I am not at all convinced that Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is up to that task, which is why it’s up to the United States.”

“We have a responsibility to protect Americans abroad and seek justice when Americans are killed,” said Senator Luján. “The escalating violence in the West Bank and lack of accountability for the deaths of American citizens are deeply concerning. This resolution will help us get the answers we need, demand accountability, and ensure that we have a better assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank.”

“Israeli military and police forces are a leading perpetrator of deadly violence against American civilians—including 9 killed since 2022,” said Senator Welch. “Too often there are no serious investigations and there is no accountability after violent attacks. Israel should be held to the same standards as every other nation when it comes to the lives of American citizens—that’s what this resolution demands.”

“Violent, lethal lawlessness on the West Bank is a betrayal of Israel’s moral standing and our shared values, and must be stopped. This resolution is now necessary, after so many have urged action and violence only continues to rise. Failing to enforce clear legal prohibitions and protections has cost American and Palestinian lives – and deeply threatens a peaceful, stable future for all Israelis and Palestinians,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“I have long said that continued settlement activity is one of the obstacles to a long term two-state solution. Recent settler violence only further undermines this goal and demands a serious response from the Netanyahu government—a message this resolution clearly conveys,” said Senator Durbin.

“We have a responsibility to ensure the killing of American citizens is thoroughly investigated anywhere in the world,” said Senator Shaheen. “These killings and extremist settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank undermine the rule of law and threaten a two-state solution. I’m proud to join this resolution to send the message from Congress that the United States will not sign off on unchecked escalation. I encourage the Trump Administration to continue to make clear that the U.S. opposes annexation of the West Bank and extremist settler policies.”

""The United States cannot look the other way when Americans are killed or when Palestinians are subjected to violence and displacement, and neither can Israel. We must send a clear message to the Trump administration and the Israeli government: New Mexicans will not stand by while U.S. citizens are killed by violent Israeli settlers and the Israeli military,” said Heinrich. ""We need to end the bloodshed and work toward lasting peace in the region. That starts with holding President Netanyahu accountable for the human rights abuses taking place in the West Bank and making clear that American taxpayers will not provide a blank check for the Israeli government to kill U.S. citizens and kill and displace Palestinians. This resolution will get us closer to real accountability from the Trump Administration and the Israeli Government.”

“The escalating settler violence in the West Bank has claimed the lives of Americans and innocent Palestinian civilians. Both the Trump administration and Netanyahu government have failed to ensure accountability and justice for these families or meaningfully provide for the safety and security of those in the West Bank. This resolution will help Congress receive information it needs to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars do not bankroll such abuses,” said Senator Wyden.

The resolution draws upon Section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act, which allows Congress to file a privileged resolution that, if passed, would require the State Department to provide information on any country receiving U.S. security assistance and that country’s observance of internationally-recognized human rights. After introduction, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has ten days to consider it in committee, and if it fails to do so, the resolution can be called up for a vote on the Senate floor. If the resolution passes the Senate, the Trump Administration must submit the report within 30 days or the majority of security assistance authorized to Israel would be prohibited. If the resolution passes, and following the receipt of the State Department report, Congress may consider any necessary changes to U.S. security assistance to that country in light of the information received. If the Administration declines or fails to submit the required report, the Administration’s decision would prompt the termination of certain covered security assistance programs for Israel.

Text of the resolution is available here.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-approval-of-presidential-disaster-declaration-requests-following-hurricanes-lowell-and-lala,Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Urges Approval of Presidential Disaster Declaration Requests Following Hurricanes Lowell and Lala,2026-09-13,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) today urged for the approval of Governor Josh Green’s requests for Presidential Major Disaster Declarations for communities across the state impacted by Hurricanes Lowell and Lala. President Donald Trump’s approval of the requests would help ensure that affected communities can access critical federal funding and resources needed to support response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.

In their letter to the president, the delegation wrote, “We request that you act quickly to grant Hawai‘i access to all available assistance from federal agencies to speed our recovery from a succession of extreme events in less than six months: the Kona Lows (March), the Kona earthquake (May), Hurricane Lala (August), Tropical Storm Moke (August), and Hurricane Lowell (September). The cumulative impact of these events exceeds the capacity of the State and our counties, warranting federal assistance.”

“Swift approval of these requests would ensure urgently needed aid to Hawai?i residents who have been impacted by these disasters, including expanded eligibility for food assistance under the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) for individuals who experienced disaster-related losses or the interruption of their income due to Lala,” the delegation continued.

The full text of the delegation’s letter can be found below and is available here.

Dear President Trump:

We request that you act quickly to grant Hawai‘i access to all available assistance from federal agencies to speed our recovery from a succession of extreme events in less than six months: the Kona Lows (March), the Kona earthquake (May), Hurricane Lala (August), Tropical Storm Moke (August), and Hurricane Lowell (September). The cumulative impact of these events exceeds the capacity of the State and our counties, warranting federal assistance.

Specifically, we write in support of:

Governor Josh Green’s September 9, 2026, expedited request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the Counties of Kaua‘i and Maui as a result of Hurricane Lowell; and

The Governor’s September 9, 2026, request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Hawai‘i as a result of Hurricane Lala, followed by Tropical Storm Moke.

Swift approval of these requests would ensure urgently needed aid to Hawai?i residents who have been impacted by these disasters, including expanded eligibility for food assistance under the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) for individuals who experienced disaster-related losses or the interruption of their income due to Lala.

We are grateful for your disaster declarations for the Kona Lows and the Kona Earthquake and respectfully ask your continued support for the recovery of the people of Hawai‘i.

Hurricane Lowell

Hurricane Lowell had extreme impacts on Kaua‘i and Maui Counties’ basic infrastructure, which left communities isolated. At its peak, Lowell brought gusts of 87 miles per hour in Nawiliwili and 84 miles per hour in Lihu‘e. Rainfall reached 17 inches in Kauai‘i’s higher elevations, and storm surge of 2 to 4 feet impacted the south and west coasts of the islands of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. Lowell also brought storm surge and heavy rains throughout the state.

The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative reported that approximately 90 percent—more than 33,000 of its 36,000 member accounts—experienced a power outage during the storm. Thousands of Kauai‘i’s residents still lack electricity to refrigerate their food and medications. At its peak, Lowell forced the closure of all of Kaua‘i’s commercial ports and Lihu‘e airport, which effectively shut down external access to the island. Compounding these impacts, numerous roads were impassable due to fallen trees, other debris, and flooding, which isolated communities and has made it difficult for the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative to assess and repair damaged electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Lana‘i’s Kaumalapa‘u Harbor, the sole commercial cargo access to the island of Lana‘i, was also damaged during Lowell and is inoperable. Lana‘i’s three thousand residents depend on Kaumalapa‘u Harbor for food, fuel, medical supplies, and all construction and repair materials.

Hurricane Lala

From August 14 to 16, 2026, Hurricane Lala brought severe impacts across the State of Hawai‘i. Some areas of the State received between 20 to 40 inches of rain, which caused flooding, runoff, and landslides that had significant impacts to communities, transportation systems, utilities, and public infrastructure across the state.

Communities in Hawai‘i County’s Ka‘u district sustained particularly heavy impacts. These communities are connected to the rest of the county by a single primary highway corridor, known as Highway 11, which suffered major damage from the flash flooding, mudslides, and heavy debris caused by Lala. As a result, community members were physically isolated while they lost access to electric and cellular service, fuel, groceries, and medical care. Severe slope failure at Na‘alehu Cemetery caused the disinterment of human remains, creating an urgent public health, cultural, and operational challenge.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) validated Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment confirms over $67 million in damages statewide that would be eligible under Categories A – G of FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program. Assessments of damage to residences eligible under FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program confirm 267 damaged residences statewide across three counties, with Hawai‘i County accounting for 217 of the damaged residences.

Federal Assistance

To effectively respond and recover from these two hurricanes, we support the Governor’s requests for federal assistance. Specifically, we urge you to approve for Hurricane Lowell:

A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Hawai‘i;

All applicable categories of FEMA’s PA program for Kaua‘i and Maui Counties;

All applicable categories of FEMA’s IA program for Kaua‘i and Maui Counties, including the Other Needs Assistance program;

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (statewide); and

the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program for Kaua‘i and Maui Counties.

We also urge you to approve the following regarding Hurricane Lala:

A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Hawai‘i;

All applicable categories of FEMA’s PA program for Hawai‘i, Honolulu, and Maui Counties;

All applicable categories of FEMA’s IA program for Hawai‘i, Honolulu, and Maui Counties, including the Other Needs Assistance program;

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (statewide); and

Direct federal assistance as required.

We are grateful for your consideration of these requests and look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead to help Hawai‘i recover and rebuild.

###",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-roundtable-discussion-on-improving-repatriation-of-native-hawaiian-remains-cultural-items,"Schatz Leads Roundtable Discussion on Improving Repatriation of Native Hawaiian Remains, Cultural Items",2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Schatz’s Efforts To Press Museums, Institutions Has Resulted In Over 400% Increase In Notices Of Intent To Repatriate Items

HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led a roundtable discussion on the status of repatriating Native Hawaiian ancestral remains and cultural items under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and ways to improve the law’s implementation in Hawai‘i.

“We’ve seen a significant uptick in efforts by museums and institutions to comply with federal law and repatriate remains and cultural items back to Native Hawaiians and other Native communities, where they belong,” said Vice Chair Schatz. “But our work is not over, and this discussion was a chance to hear about what Congress can do to strengthen the law to improve compliance and speed up repatriation.”

Joining Schatz in the roundtable discussion were Kaiali‘i Kahele, Chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Dr. Kristofer Helgen, President and CEO of the Bishop Museum; Dr. Halena Kapuni-Reynolds, Associate Curator of Native Hawaiian History and Culture at the National Museum of the American Indian; Dr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer, Dean and Professor at the Hawai?inuiakea School of Hawaiian Knowledge and the University of Hawai?i at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law; and Dr. Kehaunani Abad, Vice President of Uluhiwa Strategy and Experience at Kamehameha Schools.

Since 2023, Schatz has repeatedly pressed more than 70 institutions with the largest unrepatriated NAGPRA collections to comply with the law. As a result, notices of intent from museums and institutions to repatriate NAGPRA items have increased by over 400 percent. Schatz is working on new legislation to strengthen NAGPRA in several areas, including creating opportunities for improved relationships between museums and communities, compliance, enforcement, and funding.

###",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-schatz-mcmahon-agreement-education-department-set-to-deliver-nearly-30-million-in-federal-funding-to-hawaii-providers-by-friday,"Following Schatz-McMahon Agreement, Education Department Set to Deliver Nearly $30 Million in Federal Funding to Hawai‘i Providers by Friday",2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – Following an agreement between U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the U.S Department of Education finalized an extension to fully fund the Native Hawaiian Education Program for another year and today awarded $29.7 million of that funding, which is set to go to Hawai‘i providers by Friday. The remaining funding from the extension agreement is expected to be released in the coming weeks. Federal funding for the Native Hawaiian Education Program supports more than 60 early childhood education sites across Hawai‘i and sustains other critical education programs, including home visiting for children under 5, workforce development for parents, and Hawaiian language immersion programs. The federally funded programs serve more than 3,000 Hawai‘i families.

“This is good news for Hawai‘i. This money helps thousands of young kids develop learning skills and gives Native Hawaiian families more affordable child care options,” said Senator Schatz, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “I’m grateful to Secretary McMahon for working with us to protect this funding and will continue fighting every day to make sure Hawai‘i gets its fair share of federal dollars.”",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-local-leaders-discuss-expanding-housing-access-for-native-hawaiians,"Schatz, Local Leaders Discuss Expanding Housing Access for Native Hawaiians",2026-08-30,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led a roundtable discussion with local leaders about innovations and partnerships that are helping to expand housing access for Native Hawaiians.

“Hawai‘i’s housing crisis affects everyone, including Native Hawaiians,” said Vice Chair Schatz. “We simply have to make it easier to build housing. I appreciated hearing directly from leaders who are working every day to get more housing built about what we can do to help.”

Schatz was joined in the discussion by Hawai‘i State Representative Kirstin Kahaloa; Kali Watson, Chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission; Kuhio Lewis, President and CEO of the Hawaiian Council; Lee Wang, Executive Director of Housing Hawai‘i’s Future; and Damien Waikoloa, Chapter Lead of Hawai‘i YIMBY.

Earlier this year, he introduced the NAHASDA Modernization Act, comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and modernize federal housing programs serving Native Hawaiians and other Native communities.

###",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-usda-announcement-hirono-encourages-agricultural-producers-impacted-by-lala-to-apply-for-federal-disaster-assistance,"Following USDA Announcement, Hirono Encourages Agricultural Producers Impacted by Lala to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance",2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU, H.I. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be offering technical and financial assistance to help Hawaii’s farmers, ranchers, and livestock producers recover from Hurricane Lala. Impacted Hawaii agricultural producers could be eligible for multiple federal programs designed to support farmers and ranchers after natural disasters.

“As we continue assessing the damages from Hurricane Lala and begin our recovery efforts, I’m committed to ensuring that Hawaii’s farmers, ranchers, and livestock producers receive the resources they need,” said Senator Hirono. “The federal assistance from USDA’s emergency loans and land restoration programs will help our state’s agricultural producers rebuild quickly and receive compensation for their losses. I urge all impacted operators to document their losses immediately and connect with their local USDA Service Center.”

USDA announced that Hawaii’s farmers, ranchers and livestock producers could be eligible for the following programs aimed at supporting recovery efforts from Hurricane Lala:

Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP): Producers who experience livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality or sell injured livestock at a reduced price may be eligible. To participate in LIP, producers must provide acceptable documentation of death losses or evidence of reduced sales resulting from an eligible adverse event, including an adverse weather event, and submit a notice of loss to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) no later than March 1, 2027, for 2026 calendar year losses.

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP): Provides eligible livestock producers with compensation for feed and grazing losses. For honeybees, ELAP may cover colony loss and damage to hives and purchased or produced feed. ELAP may also cover purchased or produced farm-raised fish feed losses for feed that was intended to be fed to eligible farm-raised fish along with any physical inventory loss of the eligible farm raised fish. For ELAP, producers are required to complete a notice of loss and submit a payment application to their local FSA office no later than March 1, 2027, for 2026 calendar year losses.

Tree Assistance Program (TAP): Provides eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers with cost-share assistance to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes or vines. TAP complements the?Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program?(NAP) or crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. For TAP, a program application must be filed within 90 days of the disaster event or the date when the loss of the trees, bushes or vines is apparent

Additionally, FSA offers a variety of direct and guaranteed?farm loans, including operating and emergency farm loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing. Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low interest?emergency loans?to help them recover from production and physical losses. Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover family living expenses or refinance farm-related debts and other needs.

Additionally, FSA offers several loan servicing options available for borrowers who are unable to make scheduled payments on their farm loan programs debt to the agency because of reasons beyond their control.????

The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) provides low-interest financing so producers can build, repair, replace or upgrade facilities to store commodities. Loan terms vary from three to 12 years. Producers who incurred damage to or loss of their equipment or infrastructure funded by the FSFL program should contact their insurance agent and their local USDA Service Center. Producers in need of on-farm storage should also contact USDA.??

Additional USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov. Those resources include the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, Loan Assistance Tool, and Natural Disasters and Crop Insurance fact sheet. Additionally, FarmRaise offers an FSA educational hub with LIP and ELAP decision tools as well as farm loan resource videos. For FSA and NRCS programs, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent.

###",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-approval-of-emergency-declaration,Schatz Statement on Approval of Emergency Declaration,2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s approval of an emergency declaration that will bring significant relief to communities impacted by Hurricane Lala. Last week, Schatz and the Hawai‘i congressional delegation urged the president to quickly approve Governor Green’s emergency declaration request.

“This emergency declaration will bring critical federal resources to communities impacted by Hurricane Lala and help with restoring essential services, clearing debris, and repairing damaged infrastructure.

“We will continue working with Governor Green, county leaders, and the administration to make sure Hawai‘i gets the support it needs to recover.”

###",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-quick-approval-of-emergency-declaration-request-following-hurricane-lala,Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Urges Quick Approval Of Emergency Declaration Request Following Hurricane Lala,2026-08-22,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement of support after Governor Josh Green requested an emergency declaration from the president following Hurricane Lala.

“An emergency declaration is critical to ensuring Hawai?i has the federal resources it needs to continue recovering from Hurricane Lala. On Hawai?i Island, communities are still experiencing power outages and damaged infrastructure, while local resources continue to be stretched thin by the recovery effort. Additional emergency federal support will help the state and counties immediately restore essential services, clear debris, repair critical roads, and support people affected by the hurricane.

“With another storm approaching, it is especially important that these recovery efforts continue without delay. We urge swift approval of Governor Green’s request for an emergency declaration and the additional federal assistance it will provide.”

###",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-urging-from-schatz-transportation-department-approves-initial-6-million-in-emergency-federal-funds-for-hurricane-lala-recovery,"Following Urging From Schatz, Transportation Department Approves Initial $6 Million In Emergency Federal Funds For Hurricane Lala Recovery",2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai?i) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved an initial $6 million in Emergency Relief “quick release” funds to help Hawai?i repair transportation infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Lala. The approval follows a call from Schatz to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy on Sunday, urging quick approval of the federal funding.

“This will help Hawai?i move quickly from emergency response to recovery and get our communities back on their feet,” said Senator Schatz. “Lala brought devastating flooding, damaged roads and bridges, knocked out power, and left communities isolated. These federal funds will help Hawai?i move quickly to clear debris, restore access, and begin making the repairs our roads and highways need.”

The $6 million in “quick release” funding will provide immediate federal assistance as the state continues assessing storm-related transportation damage and carrying out recovery work. Additional federal funding and resources for Hawai‘i are expected in the coming weeks and months.

###",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-transportation-secretary-duffy-discuss-federal-support-for-hawaiis-recovery-from-tropical-storm-lala,"Schatz, Transportation Secretary Duffy Discuss Federal Support for Hawai‘i’s Recovery from Tropical Storm Lala",2026-08-16,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy today about providing federal support as Hawai‘i recovers from Tropical Storm Lala. Schatz urged Secretary Duffy to approve a forthcoming request from the state for emergency funding to help clear debris and repair roads and highways that have been damaged by the storm.

“I had a constructive conversation with Secretary Duffy, and he offered to help with Hawai‘i’s recovery from Tropical Storm Lala,” said Senator Schatz. “Clearing and restoring roads is a top priority, and we’re working closely with state and federal agencies to deliver the resources needed to do it as quickly as possible.”

###",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-talks-story-with-small-business-owners-students-law-enforcement-officers-and-staff-across-maui,"Schatz Talks Story With Small Business Owners, Students, Law Enforcement Officers And Staff Across Maui",2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"KAHULUI – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) met with students, small business owners, and law enforcement officers and personnel across Maui. Schatz listened to their priorities and concerns, provided updates on his work in the Senate, and took questions on rising costs, federal funding for Maui, disaster recovery, housing, and education, among other topics.

“I always appreciate the chance to hear directly from people across Maui about their priorities and concerns. Mahalo to everyone who joined us for productive conversations,” said Senator Schatz. “We’re going to continue working to make life more affordable and deliver federal resources to every part of Maui Nui.”

Schatz first met with Maui Police Department officers and staff in Wailuku. He then joined a roundtable of more than a dozen small business owners hosted by the Maui Economic Development Board in Kihei, followed by a discussion with nearly two dozen youth leaders in Kahului.

Senator Schatz addresses federal and local issues with the Maui Police Department Leadership Cohort.

Senator Schatz discusses disaster recovery with small business owners affected by the Maui fires and Kona low storms.

Senator Schatz with youth leaders from Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island.

###",1,2026-08-14T06:13:05Z,2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-marking-three-years-since-maui-wildfires,Hirono Statement Marking Three Years Since Maui Wildfires,2026-08-08,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) issued the following statement commemorating the third anniversary of the Maui wildfires.

“August 8th is a day the people of Maui, and Hawaii, will never forget. Three years later, we still feel the weight of the devastating losses the wrought by the wildfires, especially the 102 community members whose lives were tragically lost.

As we mourn these losses, we also recognize the incredible strength and unity shown by the people of Maui over the past three years. To support the community's resilience, over $2.8 billion in federal recovery aid has been delivered to date. These critical resources span every step of the rebuilding process—direct assistance to displaced families, SBA disaster loans for homeowners and small businesses, and more than $740 million in FEMA grants to restore Lahaina’s core infrastructure.

The progress made over the past three years is inspiring, but the road to full recovery remains long. I remain fully committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to advocate for the ongoing federal funding and long-term support Maui needs to fully rebuild.”

###",1,2026-08-09T05:47:57Z,2026-08-09T05:49:40Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-blanche-confirmation-vote,Hirono Statement on Blanche Confirmation Vote,2026-08-08,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, released the following statement after voting against Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as the next U.S. Attorney General:

“The Attorney General of the United States must be independent from the president and committed to upholding the rule of law. Todd Blanche’s unyielding loyalty to Donald Trump makes clear that he cares about neither independence nor the rule of law.

From gaslighting Epstein survivors to pursuing political witch hunts, Todd Blanche has helped Donald Trump transform the Department of Justice into a department of revenge, retribution, and corruption. As Attorney General, he will continue to enable this regime’s rampant illegalities, which is why I voted against his confirmation.”

###",1,2026-08-09T05:47:57Z,2026-08-09T05:49:40Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-congratulates-pearl-city-little-league-on-senior-league-world-series-win,Schatz Congratulates Pearl City Little League On Senior League World Series Win,2026-08-08,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement congratulating Pearl City Little League on winning the 2026 Senior League World Series.

“Congratulations to Pearl City Little League on an incredible win! These young athletes represented Hawai?i with heart and determination. Hawai?i is proud of you. Congratulations, champions!”

###",1,2026-08-11T05:54:29Z,2026-08-11T05:56:25Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-hegseth-on-critical-munitions-inventory-raises-alarms-about-readiness-impacts,"Hirono Presses Hegseth on Critical Munitions Inventory, Raises Alarms About Readiness Impacts",2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"“I write to express my deep and continuing concern regarding the state of the United States military’s critical munitions inventory.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, pressed U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth on the state of the United States military’s critical munitions inventory, following reports of depleted weapons shortages as a result of the ongoing illegal war in Iran. In a letter to Secretary Hegseth, Senator Hirono raised alarms about the impacts of munitions shortages on the United States military’s overall readiness, demanding an accurate update on the impacts of these shortages.

“A recent Washington Post report details a disturbing confrontation at Camp David last week, where President Trump reportedly expressed frustration over being misled regarding the severity of offensive and defensive weapons shortages in pursuit of this illegal war in Iran. I note what was not said – how the shortages are negatively impacting overall military readiness and our ability to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Despite the President and your own dismissals of the reporting as “NOT TRUE”, your recent $87 billion-dollar supplemental funding request to Congress includes $21 billion alone for “munitions procurement”, highlighting the urgency of this issue,” wrote Senator Hirono.

In her letter, Senator Hirono outlined that even prior to the war in Iran, Congress had expressed concerns over the alarming state of the United States military’s munitions inventory, especially if the United States were to be pulled into a large-scale military conflict with a near peer adversary. She highlighted how the ongoing munitions expenditures in the Middle East at an unsustainable rate could create a strategic vacuum in other theaters, including the Indo-Pacific.

“This leaves the United States unacceptably vulnerable to aggression from near-peer adversaries like China,” she continued.

Senator Hirono demanded that DOD provide prompt and accurate responses, including a classified accounting of munitions stockpile levels prior to the Iran War; an assessment of how critical munitions shortages have affected military options, strike planning, and defense postures during the ongoing conflict; the mitigation strategies at DOD to ensure deterrence is not compromised in the Indo-Pacific; and resources required to replenish and bolster the munitions inventory.

The full letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Hegseth,

I write to express my deep and continuing concern regarding the state of the United States military’s critical munitions inventory. Even prior to the war in Iran, senior military leaders, defense analysts, and members of Congress were worried about the alarming state of our inventory, especially if the United States was pulled into a large-scale military conflict with a near-peer adversary. This illegal, five-month war with Iran has only exacerbated these concerns because of the expenditure of hundreds of offensive precision guided missiles and air-defense interceptors, leaving our arsenal dangerously depleted.

A recent Washington Post report details a disturbing confrontation at Camp David last week, where President Trump reportedly expressed frustration over being misled regarding the severity of offensive and defensive weapons shortages in pursuit of this illegal war in Iran. I note what was not said – how the shortages are negatively impacting overall military readiness and our ability to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Despite the President and your own dismissals of the reporting as “NOT TRUE”, your recent $87 billion-dollar supplemental funding request to Congress includes $21 billion alone for “munitions procurement”, highlighting the urgency of this issue.

By expending critical munitions at an unsustainable rate in the Middle East, the Department is creating a severe strategic vacuum in the Indo-Pacific. This leaves the United States unacceptably vulnerable to aggression from near-peer adversaries like China. To fulfill my constitutional oversight responsibilities, I request that the Department provide answers to the following questions no later than August 31, 2026:

A complete, classified accounting of current stockpile levels for all critical munitions, along with an accounting of the stockpile levels prior to the start of the Iran War in February 2026. For purposes of this request, “critical munitions” are defined as the fourteen priority weapons systems identified by the Pentagon’s Munitions Acceleration Council (MAC).

To what extent have critical munitions shortages influenced or restricted military options, strike plans, or defense postures in the ongoing war with Iran?

What specific mitigation strategies is the Department executing to ensure that expenditures in the Middle East do not compromise our deterrence posture and forward-deployed units in the Indo-Pacific?

The MAC is the Department’s primary body established to rapidly scale up critical munitions production. What steps is the MAC currently taking to expand critical munitions procurement, and what additional authorities or actions may Congress consider to help with this process?

Given that manufacturing lead times for critical munitions often span years, what is the realistic timeline for the restoration of inventories to pre-Iran War levels in February 2026? What is the realistic timeline for bolstering the inventory of critical munitions to the level required by U.S. Pacific Command’s operational plan (OPLAN) related to a potential conflict with China over Taiwan?

The cost disparity between expensive U.S. missile interceptors and cheap one-way attack drones has been highlighted in the Iran War, with the cost ratio often exceeding 100 to 1, an unsustainable amount not only for this illegal war, but also potential wars of the future with near-peer competitors. What steps is the Department taking to actively develop and procure cheaper low-cost interceptors and offensive strike missiles in order to address this problem?

I appreciate your prompt attention to these questions and expect a timely and complete response.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-block-trump-administrations-so-called-public-charge-rule,"Hirono, Chu Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Block Trump Administration’s So-Called “Public Charge” Rule",2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) introduces the Protect American Values Act, legislation that would prevent federal funds from being used to implement, administer, enforce, or otherwise carry out the Trump Administration’s finalized “public charge” rule. Scheduled to take effect on September 18, 2026, the rule would make it more difficult for immigrants who rely on certain government benefits to obtain green cards or adjust their immigration status.

“By removing any guidance for what qualifies as ‘public charge’ the Trump Regime’s rule creates fear and prevents immigrants and their families from accessing services they need—even if they are still entitled to them. In making the pathway to attaining a green card more confusing, the anti-immigrant ideology of this regime is abundantly clear,” said Senator Hirono. “The Protecting American Values Act ensures that American tax dollars cannot be used for promoting the anti-American principles the Trump Regime is attempting to implement.

“Donald Trump is once again weaponizing our immigration system against families who are simply trying to build better lives in America,” said Representative Chu. “His revived ‘Public Charge’ rule is even more expansive and harmful than the version from his first term, when it was ultimately struck down in court. Unlike the previous rule, this finalized policy does not even identify which benefits will be considered in a public charge test, giving Trump’s immigration officers sweeping discretion to deny green card applications based on subjective judgement instead of clear legal standards. We know exactly what the result will be. Millions of immigrants and mixed-status families will be forced to choose between putting food on the table, getting health care, keeping a roof over their heads, or protecting their future in America. And when families are driven away from health care, nutrition assistance, and other basic services they are legally entitled to, every community pays the price through worse health outcomes, greater strain on providers, and a weaker economy. It is cruel, it is arbitrary, and it is fundamentally un-American. That is why I am proud to reintroduce the Protect American Values Act with Senator Hirono to ensure not a single federal dollar can be used to implement this shameful policy.”

The Trump Administration’s finalized rule rescinds the Biden Administration’s 2022 reinstatement of the longstanding public charge policy, which made clear that the use of non-cash public benefits—including SNAP, Medicaid, and housing assistance—could not be considered when making public charge determinations. The public charge test is intended to determine whether an individual is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for support and use that as grounds for denying admission to the United States or adjustment of lawful permanent resident status.

This new rule’s open-ended approach will have a massive chilling effect on the lawful use of benefits by legal permanent residents and even U.S. citizens. As noncitizens do not know which public benefits could result in a green card denial, many will likely avoid using any means-tested public benefits despite their eligibility. Furthermore, because this new rule removes the bright-line limitation on adjudicators considering benefit use by the immigrants’ family members, the new rule discourages the use of public benefits by U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents in mixed-status families. While the Trump Administration claims this rule would result in reduced government spending, much of this saving will likely come from reduced benefits usage from U.S. citizens and children.

In addition to Senator Hirono, the Protecting American Values Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

“Since the beginning of his second term, President Trump has normalized cruel immigration policies and stoked fear across immigrant communities,” said Senator Bennet. “This rule isn’t about securing our borders or more efficient spending, its purpose is to punish immigrants who only seek to make a better life for themselves and their families. The Protect American Values Act sends a clear message that, as a nation, we will continue to stand up for our communities and fight this Administration’s inhumane efforts.”

“It’s already law that most noncitizens are not eligible for public benefits. Yet the Trump-Vance Administration, hellbent on terrorizing immigrants, is now trying to hurt their U.S. citizen children and family members by allowing low-level adjudicators to weaponize those citizens’ use of any public benefits against their noncitizen families when they apply for green cards,” said Senator Kaine. “We don’t have to imagine the negative consequences this policy will have on the health and well-being of our communities, because when President Trump previously instituted a similar policy, it led to widespread avoidance of medical care and other important programs, including among U.S. citizen children. I urge my colleagues to join us in stopping this horrible move in its tracks.”

“Trump’s ‘public charge’ rule is a yet another cruel, un-American assault on immigrants and their families,” said Senator Duckworth. “As the daughter of an immigrant who relied on food stamps to survive, I’m proud to join my colleagues in pushing back on this heartless rule. Nobody should have to choose between receiving citizenship or going hungry.”

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-press-trump-administration-on-proposed-forest-research-and-development-facility-closures-demand-transparency,"Hirono, Colleagues Press Trump Administration on Proposed Forest Research and Development Facility Closures, Demand Transparency",2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) a senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), led 16 Senate Democratic colleagues in urging U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to provide Congress with a full breakdown of the Service’s decision to close up to 57 U.S. Forest Service Research and Development (R&D) Facilities, including the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF) in Hilo, Hawaii. Despite multiple inquiries from both the Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. Forest Service has still failed to provide Congress with a comprehensive accounting of the framework used to evaluate facilities slotted for closure. In a letter to Chief Schultz, the senators demanded the Administration provide them with the information Congress has been requesting for the past several months.

“Since announcing the list of facilities being evaluated for possible closure in March, very little detail or analysis has been provided to Congress or the public on the factors being considered for each facility,” wrote the senators. “Instead, official responses rely on broad assurances- stating only that the agency is assessing ‘operating costs, amount of space, utilization rate, number of employees’ and proximate facilities – without revealing the actual methodology or criteria driving these determinations.”

Since 1905, Forest Service R&D has used forests as “living laboratories” to help researchers, governments, and communities alike better understand their surrounding natural environment. The 57 Forest Service Research and Development sites that are expected to close span 31 states and each perform critical, specialized research that cannot be easily replicated or relocated. In their letter the Senators highlighted IPIF, which not only covers the State of Hawaii, but a region in the Pacific covering an area larger than the Continental United States, as well as the Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory in Seattle and the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Wenatchee, both of which conduct crucial wildfire research and forecasting for the Pacific Northwest region which is currently experiencing a record wildfire season. As the only research facilities of their kind in the regions they serve, the Senators raised alarms about the consequences of their closure.

“We are very concerned that missing from the list of considerations are factors such as current benefits of research services provided to surrounding communities, what research services would be lost with facility closures, estimate of travel expenses resulting from facility closures, estimate on the number of staff unwilling or unable to relocate or travel an additional distance as a result of closing a facility, the replacement costs of each facility, etc.,” the senators continued.

The senators concluded their letter by emphasizing the importance of consulting with local communities and governments when analyzing sites for closure, raising alarms that such community collaboration has not, to their knowledge, occurred.

In addition to Senator Hirono, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).

To read the full letter, click here or below:

Dear Chief Schultz:

We write to request a detailed breakdown of all criteria and factors driving the decision to potentially close the 57 U.S. Forest Service Research and Development Facilities announced on March 31, 2026. Spanning 31 states, these facilities perform critical, specialized research that cannot be easily replicated or relocated – nor can it be terminated without jeopardizing long-term environmental and economic priorities.

Despite repeated inquiries from both the House and Senate, the U.S. Forest Service has failed to provide a transparent, detailed accounting of the analytical framework used to evaluate these facilities. Instead, official responses rely on broad assurances- stating only that the agency is assessing ‘operating costs, amount of space, utilization rate, number of employees’ and proximate facilities – without revealing the actual methodology or criteria driving these determinations.

The establishment of many of these facilities took decades of thoughtful work by numerous experts and stakeholders. They were designed to serve a specific purpose and fill a critical gap in forestry needs within their geographic region. For example, the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry facility in Hawaii took roughly 60 years to be realized and serves the islanded forestry needs of the entire Pacific Region. The next closest U.S. Forest Service-owned office space is in California. Similarly, the Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory in Seattle and the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Wenatchee conduct crucial wildfire research and forecasting for the Pacific Northwest region. Closing both of those facilities in Washington State will leave numerous communities throughout that entire region vulnerable to increasing wildfire threats. In fact, according to reporting, 20 of the 57 facilities being considered for closure conduct important wildfire prevention research.

Since announcing the list of facilities being evaluated for possible closure in March, very little detail or analysis has been provided to Congress or the public on the factors being considered for each facility. We are very concerned that missing from the list of considerations are factors such as current benefits of research services provided to surrounding communities, what research services would be lost with facility closures, estimate of travel expenses resulting from facility closures, estimate on the number of staff unwilling or unable to relocate or travel an additional distance as a result of closing a facility, the replacement costs of each facility, etc.

Decisions as significant as closing 57 facilities across 31 states must include consultation with local communities and governments. To the best of our knowledge, these consultations have not occurred. Indeed, community outcry has been so great that the Forest Service was forced to walk back their initial March 31 announcement that these facilities would close and instead announced that these facilities are being analyzed for closure.

To help us and impacted communities all across the nation better understand what factors you are utilizing to determine whether to close these facilities, please avail your staff for a briefing on, or provide in writing, the complete list of criteria that you are using for each of the 57 facilities, a list of local stakeholders that you are consulting with on each of these determinations, and a timeline for which you expect to make a determination for each facility no later than August 19, 2026.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-14-senators-in-introducing-new-bill-to-restore-press-freedom-at-pentagon,Schatz Leads Group Of 14 Senators In Introducing New Bill To Restore Press Freedom At Pentagon,2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today led a group of 14 senators in introducing the Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act. The new legislation would restore press access at the Department of Defense, reversing attempts by Secretary Pete Hegseth to suppress independent reporting at the Pentagon. In addition to Schatz, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).

“At a time of war, transparency and independent, accurate reporting matter more than ever,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will reverse the Pentagon's effort to shut out the free press and make sure the public gets the information it deserves.”

Since taking office, Secretary Hegseth imposed a series of unreasonable and retaliatory restrictions on credentialed journalists’ access to the Pentagon and their ability to report. These measures go well beyond reasonable rules of conduct and reverse the Pentagon’s longstanding approach to the press, which has been maintained by officials from both parties.

The Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act would:

Restore press access to areas of the Pentagon that were accessible prior to the 2025 restrictions, including the “Correspondents’ Corridor”;

Restore unescorted press access to areas of the Pentagon that were accessible without an escort prior to the 2025 restrictions;

Require the Secretary to ensure the integrity of the process to issue to reporters a Pentagon credential, ensuring the security review process is conducted by career officials in the Pentagon Force Protection Agency without unnecessary delays or political influence; and

Prohibit any changes to press access at the Pentagon, including the designation of press workspaces, access areas, and press credentials, without prior congressional consultation.

As the co-author of the Global Press Freedom Act, Schatz has been leading efforts to protect press freedom around the world, including a resolution recognizing World Press Freedom Day.

The Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act is supported by Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and Reporters Without Borders.

The text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-and-video-hirono-holds-spotlight-forum-on-interagency-agreements-that-will-harm-students-with-disabilities,PHOTOS & VIDEO: Hirono Holds Spotlight Forum on Interagency Agreements that will Harm Students with Disabilities,2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) held a spotlight forum titled: Breaking the Promise: How Relocating the IDEA will be Detrimental to Students and Families,” highlighting the dangerous consequences of the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for our nation’s students with disabilities and their families. During the forum, a panel of witnesses comprised of former ED leaders, civil rights advocates, and parent advocates spoke about how outsourcing ED’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which oversee critical federal programs for students with disabilities, to other agencies will harm millions of students with disabilities nationwide.

“These agreements are not just harmless administrative shifts,” said Senator Hirono. “What we are witnessing is nothing short of a deliberate effort to dismantle the programs that support students with disabilities and their families, particularly for those with nowhere else to turn.”

In June, the Trump Administration announced that OSERS would be moving away from ED to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and OCR would be moving to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). OSERS has been responsible for enforcing compliance of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)— which helps guarantee that every child with a disability can receive a free and appropriate public education that responds to their needs— since the law was passed five decades ago.

Senator Hirono raised alarms about how moving OSERS to HHS, an agency that lacks the personnel and infrastructure to enforce the IDEA could threaten the over 8 million students who rely this civil rights law to provide them with adequate services. Senator Hirono also highlighted how shifting OCR—the agency responsible for investigating potential violations of students’ rights— to DOJ would exacerbate an already severe backlog of over 23,000 cases.

At the forum, Senator Hirono was also joined by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

“I have heard from hundreds of my constituents in New Hampshire about this Administration’s moves to dismantle the Department of Education, and they’re concerned about what would happen—particularly for our young children with disabilities,” said Senator Shaheen. “Thank you to the witnesses for sharing your knowledge and experience with us today and helping to sound the alarm around the harms that would come to instruction and services for children with disabilities if special education were removed from the Department of Education.”

""Students come to the classroom with varying backgrounds and abilities, but they each deserve to pursue an education with peace of mind. OCR has supported this goal since the late 1960s, but the Trump administration's decision to move this office to the Department of Justice will hinder these efforts,"" said Senator Blunt Rochester. ""I'm proud to stand with Senator Hirono and my colleagues to push back against President Trump's attempts to dismantle the Department of Education, and I'll continue fighting to put our students' well-being and success first.""

“A quality education is the cornerstone of our children’s success, and the Department of Education has been responsible for ensuring students with disabilities have equal access to a public education since the passage of the IDEA’s predecessor half a century ago. The Trump Administration’s illegal decision to move that responsibility to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice – agencies with none of the expertise or experience necessary to best serve our students – will worsen educational outcomes and delay civil rights protections. We will fight to keep IDEA and the Department of Education alive to provide every student in America equal access to a high-quality education,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“All children deserve a strong education that meets their emotional and academic needs. The Trump Administration’s removal of crucial programs from the Department of Education will harm students with disabilities. Shuttling the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and Office for Civil Rights to agencies that lack experience serving students with disabilities hinders students’ access to a safe and high-quality learning environment and the recourses they are entitled to if they face discrimination,” Senator Durbin said.

The forum featured testimony from:

Laurie VanderPloeg, Associate Executive Director for Professional Affairs, Council for Exceptional Children

Katy Neas, Chief Executive Officer, The Arc of the United States

Valerie C. Williams, Former Director, Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education

Seth Galanter, Senior Fellow, Edley Center on Law & Democracy

Elizabeth Tang, Senior Counsel for Education and Workplace Justice, National Women’s Law Center

""I ran the office that administers IDEA, and I am the mother of a son who happens to have Down syndrome,"" said Valerie C. Williams, CEO of Apokrisis Consultants and former Director of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). ""From both chairs the answer is the same: children with disabilities are students first, not patients, and the work that protects their right to learn belongs in the Department of Education, not scattered across agencies that have never done it.""

""OCR's tradition valuing every complaint by students and families is nothing like DOJ's impact-litigation culture -- you can't swap one for the other,"" said Seth Galanter, Senior Fellow at the Edley Center on Law and Democracy and former OCR official in the Biden and Obama Administrations. ""The Department shouldn't be paying DOJ to be a poor substitute for the office it's dismantling.""

""These changes will leave a lasting gap in the leadership and support that helps states improve special education. The result will be pockets of excellence, while vast parts of the country struggle to meet their responsibilities to children with disabilities,"" said Laurie VanverPloeg, Associate Executive Director for Professional Affairs, Council for Exceptional Children.

“Behind every complaint of discrimination that OCR receives is a student who has experienced real harm,” said Elizabeth Tang, senior counsel for education and workplace justice at National Women’s Law Center. “Those tens of thousands of students are in danger of being ignored if the Department of Education and its civil rights office continue to be systematically neutered and dismantled. Every child deserves to feel safe and included at school—we owe it to them to fight for a world where they will be.”

Videos from the forum can be found hereand photos can be found here.

A full transcript of Senator Hirono’s opening remarks is available below.

Aloha, thank you all for being here today as we discuss the threats the Trump Administration’s Interagency Agreements pose to students with disabilities.

As you may know, President Trump has been working to undermine the U.S. Department of Education (ED) at every turn, with the stated goal of dismantling the entire Department.

Following Donald Trump’s illegal Executive Order to dismantle ED, the Trump Regime has issued a total of 14 “Interagency Agreements,” or IAAs, to move programs from ED to other agencies.

These agreements are not just harmless administrative shifts. The result will be weakening and removing federal government support for these programs.

Today we are here to discuss two of these agreements and their impacts on students with disabilities. First, transferring the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, or OSERS, to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and second, moving the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Fifty years ago, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to help guarantee that every child—regardless of disability, zip code, or family income—has access to a free and appropriate public education that responds to their needs.

Currently, there are more than 8 million students with disabilities who receive services under the IDEA.

Since the IDEA was created, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) has been responsible for ensuring that schools comply with the IDEA so students get the services they need.

Handing that responsibility to The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proves this regime doesn't give a rip about students with disabilities. HHS has zero experience dealing with the IDEA.

And with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly calling autism an “individual tragedy that destroys families,” I have serious concerns about his department’s ability to adequately serve students with special needs.

To make matters worse, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR)—the agency responsible for investigating violations of student rights, including special education access—is being moved to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division.

That division has already significant staffing cuts and was never designed to advocate for individual students.

Consider the difference: while the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is required to review every complaint it receives—amounting to thousands of cases each year—the DOJ Civil Rights Division, by contrast, selectively picks a few dozen high-impact cases annually.

We are already experiencing a severe backlog of OCR cases: over 23,000 cases—about half of which concern students with disabilities. In moving this mountain of cases to the DOJ Civil Rights Division, we can expect this backlog to get even worse. Thousands of legitimate complaints could end up buried, ignored, or summarily dismissed.

What we are witnessing is nothing short of a deliberate effort to dismantle the programs that support students with disabilities and their families, particularly for those with nowhere else to turn.

Families deserve a government that will defend students’ rights, support disability programs, and strengthen public education for all. Instead, this regime continues to attack our nation’s public education system and the tens of millions of families across our country that rely on it.

Today, we are going to hear directly from education leaders, civil rights advocates, and parent advocates, about the implications related to these moves. I look forward to hearing more from my colleagues and today’s panelists as we work to defend special education across our public schools.

###",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-trump-republicans-are-raising-prices-on-purpose,"Schatz: Trump, Republicans Are Raising Prices On Purpose",2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor today about how President Donald Trump and Republicans are raising prices for Americans on purpose.

“The price of everything is up and that's on purpose,” said Senator Schatz. “The President of the United States has decided that Americans should pay more for everything. And so, while he's busy lining his pockets with crypto schemes and insider information subscription programs, regular people can't afford their lives.”

Senator Schatz continued, “It is common for presidents have to deal with the problems related to the economy. And specifically, what can be a real political killer is the question of inflation. But this is very unusual and maybe unprecedented in American history. You have a President of the United States whose stated policy on tariffs, on energy, on Iran, on health care, on food, is to raise the price of everything. That is not a sort of accidental outcome of his economic policy. People are going broke, and they are doing it to you on purpose.”

A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here.

The price of everything is up and that's on purpose. It's on purpose because Donald Trump made it so. We are not in the middle of a pandemic or a recession or a national emergency. But the President of the United States has decided that Americans should pay more for everything. Food, gas, electricity, health care, housing, clothes – everything. And so, while he's busy lining his pockets with crypto schemes and insider information subscription programs, regular people can't afford their lives.

Now, I say he's doing this on purpose because these are deliberate policy choices that he's made. First, it was the tariffs that jacked up the prices of goods across the board. Tomatoes went up 40%. Coffee went up by 20%. Clothes and car seats were up by 20%. Electronics shot up by hundreds of dollars. And so it wasn't as if you could avoid the hit by not shopping at a particular store for a particular thing. And people in Hawai‘i are very expert at figuring out, okay, turkey's high, let's get chicken. Okay, pork is high, let's get beef.

The difference now is there's no escape. Literally everything is up. And that's because the president of the United States has decided through this Iran war, through the tariffs, through the energy bans, through the Medicaid and Medicare cuts, through the ACA cuts, through the nutrition cuts to make literally every aspect of your life more expensive.

Then came the One Big Beautiful Bill where in order to cut taxes for billionaires, Trump and the Republicans slashed subsidies for affordable health care and food assistance. And I want you to understand this sounds like the kind of thing a partisan would say. And it is. But it's also true that the way they paid for tax cuts for the wealthiest people and the wealthiest corporations on this planet, the way they literally paid for it, is to take away people's health care. Without the enhanced premium tax credits, ACA premiums went up by close to 60%. And as a result, millions of Americans are living without health care this year. Millions of Americans are living without health care this year – not by choice, but by force. And I want to read some of what those people had to say about it. A man in Texas said, “The prices are simply too high. I don't think we can afford our mortgage if I had to pay for health insurance. If I had catastrophic health event, it makes more sense for me to just declare bankruptcy than it would for me to be delinquent on our other payments.” Here's another, a 38-year-old from Alabama: “I can't afford insurance, I can't afford health care without insurance. So basically just hoping and praying I don't get sick.” People are having a gamble on their health so that the richest people ever to live can pay even less in taxes. And the price hikes aren't over yet, because premiums are set to rise by double digits again next year, according to proposals from insurers.

Aside from health care, the Republican tax bill also compounded Trump's ban on wind and solar energy. They are banning wind and solar energy, which is not only clean and helps us to address the climate crisis, it's just the quickest and cheapest energy that we can possibly get on the grid. And so it's not like we're in 1970 and we're arguing about the climate crisis versus the price that people pay on their utility bills. Now, the way to address the climate crisis is to do a lot more wind and solar. And the benefit is that it's the cheapest form of energy. And yet this president has banned wind and solar energy through their administrative actions. And that is spiking the price of utilities across the country.

And that's all before you factor in the war in Iran, which in addition to being a spectacular failure that has achieved very little of Trump's own stated goals, has also caused gas and energy and food prices to spike everywhere. Gas is over four bucks right now nationally, and it's even higher in Hawai‘i at $5.45. Diesel is $1.60 more than it was a year ago, which means that we're all paying more at stores and for deliveries. In Hawai‘i, electricity bills went up 20% in one month – 20% in one month – because of skyrocketing oil prices. And food prices continue to climb everywhere as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz extends a global fertilizer shortage.

It is common for presidents have to deal with the problems related to the economy. And specifically, what can be a real political killer is the question of inflation. But this is very unusual and maybe unprecedented in American history. You have a President of the United States whose stated policy on tariffs, on energy, on Iran, on health care, on food, is to raise the price of everything. That is not a sort of accidental outcome of his economic policy. It is his economic policy to raise the price of everything. People are going broke, and they are doing it to you on purpose.

###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-judiciary-committee-hirono-votes-against-advancing-blanche-confirmation,"In Judiciary Committee, Hirono Votes Against Advancing Blanche Confirmation",2026-08-04,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~ Watch Senator Hirono’s Statement Here ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, voted against advancing Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as the United States Attorney General. In a Judiciary Committee executive business meeting, Senator Hirono raised concerns about Mr. Blanche’s ability to lead an independent U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) committed to enforcing the rule of law.

“Mr. Blanche has demonstrated that his words to us at his hearing do not matter. I intend to judge Mr. Blanche not by his words but by his actions. Even though he said he would cooperate with the New Mexico Epstein investigation, he will not actually do so. Even though he claims to follow the constitution and the law, he acts as the President’s lawyer, catering to his whims,” said Senator Hirono. “At a time when DOJ has lost thousands of career attorneys with millennia of combined experience, and when DOJ’s independence from politics is no longer in existence, I cannot vote in favor of someone whose actions so clearly make him ineligible to serve as Attorney General—even of a department as compromised as this Department of Justice, which is basically the Department of Retribution and Revenge.”

Since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, Senator Hirono has been fighting back against the Trump Administration’s flagrant attacks on the rule of law. Last month, during Mr. Blanche’s nomination hearing, Senator Hirono pressed Blanche on his role in weaponizing the DOJ against President Trump’s perceived enemies, his failure to rescind the anti-weaponization slush fund, and his commitment to assisting the state of New Mexico’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch. In March, on the Senate Floor, Senator Hirono opposed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act which, unlike its name suggests, would make it significantly harder for Americans to exercise their right to vote. Additionally, Senator Hirono has consistently raised alarms about the Administration’s failure to adequately address cryptocurrency related crimes. Senator Hirono has also consistently sought justice for sexual assault survivors, including those assaulted by Jeffrey Epstein and President Trump.

Watch the video of Senator Hirono’s statement here. A full transcript of Senator Hirono’s statement is available below:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I asked Mr. Blanche questions in three broad areas during his hearing two weeks ago.

First, I asked him about the Epstein files. Specifically, I asked whether he would cooperate with the New Mexico Department of Justice’s investigation into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch. And I asked if he would help state law enforcement get the information that it was seeking from the Epstein files.

At the hearing, he said DOJ would cooperate. But in follow-up questions for the record, he dodged. And I understand that DOJ is actually stonewalling the New Mexico Department of Justice in its request for information in its investigation.

This public show of concern contrasted with private dismissiveness is how he treated the survivors who met with him, the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein.

I asked one of those survivors about the meeting that he finally had with the survivors.

She said, “We walked away with a feeling of demoralization because he did not come into that meeting looking to work with us in good faith.”

I thank and commend the survivors for their courage in fighting for justice.

The second category of questions I asked Mr. Blanche two weeks ago centered on DOJ’s independence. I asked him the simple question, “Do you believe it is the President’s ‘right’ and ‘duty’ to order the investigation or prosecution of his perceived enemies?”

Mr. Blanche responded, “I can’t answer that yes or no.” He might as well just have said yes.

In follow-up questions for the record, I asked him the simple question, “If confirmed, will your highest duty be to the Constitution of the United States or to the President of the United States?”

He left the answer to that question blank. Blank. When he is sworn in as Attorney General, he will swear to uphold and defend the Constitution, but we know that oath will take a back seat to his loyalty to the President.

The third category of questions I asked him was related to the slush fund. At his hearing, I asked him whether he had rescinded the Order dated May 18, 2026, setting out parameters for the anti-weaponization fund. He testified that he had rescinded it.

In questions for the record, I asked him on what date he had rescinded the order and this fund. He did not answer the question with a date.

He refused to end this felon fund in writing until he was forced into it in order to secure needed votes from my Republican colleagues. And how can we trust that this so-called “death” will be lasting when he has shown that his words to us at his hearing do not matter? He was under oath at the hearing, but he’s hardly going to prosecute himself for lying to Congress, which he did.

Mr. Chairman, I intend to judge Mr. Blanche not by his words but by his actions.

Even though he said he would cooperate with the New Mexico Epstein investigation, it seems he will not actually do so. Even though he claims to follow the constitution and the law, he acts as the President’s lawyer, catering to his whims and protecting him.

And even though he said repeatedly that the anti-weaponization fund is dead, he had to be forced literally kicking and screaming to memorialize that death in written.

That non-binding writing will mean little when the President wants the fund and is loudly saying so. Who do you think Mr. Blanche will side with?

Is he going to uphold this so-called non-binding statement made to secure today’s vote from some of my Republican colleagues? Or the wishes of the President to whom he is loyal above all?

At a time when DOJ has lost thousands of career attorneys with millennia of combined experience, and when DOJ’s independence from politics is no longer in existence I cannot vote in favor of someone whose actions so clearly make him ineligible to serve as Attorney General—even of a department as compromised as this Department of Justice, which basically is a Department of Retribution and Revenge.

And I urge my colleagues to vote no as well.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

###",1,2026-08-05T07:37:37Z,2026-08-05T07:38:44Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-duckworth-colleagues-introduce-warrior-act-to-codify-womens-right-to-serve-in-combat,"Hirono, Duckworth, Colleagues Introduce WARRIOR Act to Codify Women’s Right to Serve in Combat",2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services (SASC), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led 19 of their Democratic colleagues in the Senate in introducing the Women Add Resourcefulness and Resilience to Improve Operational Readiness (WARRIOR) Act, legislation reinforcing the principle that the U.S. military has always relied upon: standards must be based on the demands of the job, not gender. This legislation is critical for maintaining rigorous, gender-neutral standards, especially in light of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to order a study examining “the effectiveness of women in combat jobs,” despite there being no evidence that the presence of women in combat units lowers standards. If passed, the WARRIOR Act would codify the commonsense DOD policy that ensures every service member is evaluated on validated and merit-based standards.

“From blocking the promotions of qualified servicewomen to ordering an unnecessary study re-examining what a decade of service has already proven, it’s clear that Secretary Hegseth is more interested in attacking women service members than he is in protecting the security of our nation. Building and maintaining the strongest military in the world depends on giving every qualified servicemember a fair chance to meet the required standards to serve our country,” said Senator Hirono. “This commonsense legislation honors the service of thousands of women who have served in combat roles with distinction, while strengthening our military by ensuring that every qualified service member is judged by their ability, not their gender.”

“Our nation would never be ready for battle without our brave women in uniform who have earned their place in our military,” said Senator Duckworth. “For all his bluster about meritocracy, Pete Hegseth continues to find slimy ways to push out warriors who have earned their right to serve. This threatens morale and readiness at every level. We must curb this Administration’s moronic agenda against our women in uniform by requiring gender-neutral standards that are scientifically rigorous and prohibiting gender-based exclusion in our Armed Forces, before our military is weakened any further.”

The WARRIOR Act updates outdated provisions of federal law to align with current DOD policy that ensures military occupational standards are based on validated requirements of the job and applied equally to all qualified service members. This bill codifies what more than two decades of experience has already proven: maintaining rigorous, gender-neutral standards strengthens our military readiness.

Despite this long-standing tradition of merit-based promotions and standards, recent reporting revealed that Secretary Hegseth blocked the promotions of seven senior Navy officers, five of whom are women or people of color. Secretary Hegseth’s unprecedented decision to overrule the promotion board means that for the first time in more than a decade, no female active-duty naval officers are likely to be promoted to admiral this year, officials said. These actions underscore the need for statutory protections to ensure that qualified service members are evaluated on merit, rather than gender.

Specifically, the WARRIOR Act reinforces merit-based standards in our Armed Forces by:

Establishing a clear, statutory prohibition on excluding any service member from a military occupational specialty, career field, or assignment based on gender;

Removing outdated language limiting protections to roles already “open to both male and female members,” ensuring all positions are covered;

Mandating that military occupational standards reflect the actual requirements of the job, including technical, tactical, cognitive, physical abilities, and requiring standards to be developed through a scientifically rigorous process;

Expanding congressional review of proposed changes, including costs, data, and rationale, and extending the review period to 180 days and requiring the Department of Defense to submit annual reports to Congress including

Changes to occupational standards

Data on involuntary reassignments and separations

Justifications for personnel decisions;

Requiring that service members in good standing have at least 18 months to meet any new or revised standard and incorporating input from DoD medical and research experts, and;

Mandating submission to Congress of the full, unredacted study on combat unit effectiveness ordered by the Secretary of Defense in December and requiring a follow-up review by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

In addition to Senators Hirono and Duckworth, the WARRIOR Act was cosponsored by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ed Markey (D-MA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NY), John Fetterman (D-PA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

“Those who defend our freedoms deserve and must receive fair treatment,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The WARRIOR Act prevents the unjust exclusion of women from combat roles in our armed forces and establishes objective standards that will improve military readiness. I am proud to support this important legislation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to honor the sacrifice that women service members have made for our country.”

“Arbitrarily blocking women from serving in combat roles hurts our military readiness and makes Americans less safe. We should be opening doors to anyone who meets our already high standards to serve - that’s what keeps our military strong,” said Senator Warren.

“Time and time again, Secretary Hegseth has proven that he is willing to jeopardize our nation’s security to promote his extreme ideology and deny qualified servicemembers the roles they have earned. Our servicewomen are essential to our nation’s military strength and readiness and must be given the same opportunity to serve as everyone else,” said Senator Rosen. “The WARRIOR Act ensures that every single servicemember is judged not by their gender, but by their ability to meet the merit-based standards that are the bedrock of our military effectiveness.”

“Women have long been integral to our status as the world’s strongest military. Questioning their effectiveness with unnecessary studies or dismissing qualified female officers undermines readiness and weakens national security,” said Senator Kelly. “This bill preserves gender-neutral standards and ensures any changes are driven by evidence and mission requirements, not politics.”

""Our fighting force is stronger when any American — regardless of their gender — can meet the toughest military standards in the world. With Pete Hegseth at the helm of the Department of Defense, it's critical that we send a clear mission that no position should be off limits solely based on gender,"" said Senator Shaheen.

""If we want to ensure our military remains the greatest in the world, it is absolutely critical that we pass the WARRIOR Act so that every service member is evaluated based on the demands of the job, not on their gender,"" said Senator Alsobrooks.

“Instead of unifying to celebrate our many strengths and celebrating the diversity of our servicemembers, the Trump Administration and Secretary Hegseth are focused on undermining women in our military. Ensuring that the United States military reflects the talents of all Americans and supports women servicemembers is critical to its strength and success. This legislation reinforces the long-held principle that every service member must be judged on merit-based standards, not partisan metrics or gender,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Pete Hegseth has denigrated the role of women in the military in ways that are completely detached from the reality of the meaningful contributions of women servicemembers. As Secretary of Defense, he is stripping women’s roles in the military and stalling women servicemembers’ promotions. The contributions of our women servicemembers, their courage, and the immense sacrifices they make to keep us safe should never be demeaned,” said Senator Murray. “I am proud to lead this legislation alongside my colleagues to make it clear that servicemembers should be evaluated on merit-based standards, not their gender. And I want to send a strong message to every woman who bravely serves our nation: we stand with you, we celebrate you, and our country is forever grateful for your service.”

“Our military should judge every service member by their ability, not their gender,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “The more than 5,000 women who have served our nation with distinction in combat have shown that every qualified American who meets the appropriate standards deserves the opportunity to serve. This bill ensures this administration can't play politics with the careers of the service members who risk their lives to keep Americans safe.”

“Anyone with the will to serve their country and the ability to do the job shouldn’t be shut out of combat units due to their gender,” said Senator Wyden. “Pete Hegseth has made no secret of his contempt for women and transgender servicemembers. That's why Congress must pass the WARRIOR Act—to protect the fact that every qualified servicemember should be judged by merit, not by chauvinistic and outdated perceptions of gender roles.”

The WARRIOR ACT is endorsed by the: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Service Women's Action Network (SWAN), Minority Veterans of America, Women in Service Coalition Inc. (WiSCI), National Women's Law Center Action Fund, Former JAGs Working Group, Vet Voice Foundation.

“Women play critical roles across the U.S. military, including in ground combat arms, and are integral to our miliary readiness. Removing qualified women from these roles would disrupt units, damage morale, gut retention and recruiting, and send an anti-women message with far-reaching impact across the force. WiSCI supports the WARRIOR Act to ensure that changes in personnel policy are based on evidence of impact to combat capability and not bias,” said Brenda S. ""Sue” Fulton, Executive Director WiSCI: Women in the Service Coalition, Inc.

""Service members have been meeting rigorous, job-specific standards for decades, particularly in operational and combat roles where requirements are tied to mission demands. This legislation affirms that service members must meet the standards required to succeed in today’s military and recognizes that excellence is defined by skill, performance, and ability, not gender,” said Lindsay Church, Executive Director of Minority Veterans of America. “Military readiness is best ensured by allowing every qualified person the opportunity to serve in any role, including in combat.""

“Women serve an invaluable role in our military, displaying courage, skill, and commitment. Our national security and today’s military readiness, recruitment and retention depend on the many women serving their country in the military, including in combat,” said Gaylynn Burroughs, Vice President for Education and Workplace Justice at NWLC AF. “But as this administration has made clear, too often their role is undermined and even attacked. The WARRIOR Act reinforces that individuals should be judged on individual merit and ability, not gender-based stereotypes. The bill recognizes the important role of women in the military by prohibiting any exclusions from military occupational specialties or assignments because of gender. We thank Senators Hirono and Duckworth for taking action and introducing this timely and important legislation.”

“The end of the discriminatory direct ground combat exclusion policy in 2013 and the opening of all jobs and units in 2016 was long overdue and much heralded. This change finally actualized the fundamental principles of meritocracy and skill that guide our institutions, rejecting policy premised on stereotypes and ideology,” said Mike Zamore, National Director of Policy and Government Affairs, ACLU. “For the past decade, service women have continuously met the standards and excelled in ground combat roles — all of which is now at risk. We applaud Sen. Hirono and Sen. Duckworth for introducing the WARRIOR Act. The legislation bars exclusions based on gender and authorizes congressional oversight of changes that may undermine the integration of women in combat roles. We urge all Members of Congress to support this legislation.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Maggy Goodlander (D-NH), Gil Cisneros (D-Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Maggy Goodlander (D-NH), Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Pat Ryan (D-NY), Mike Thompson (D-CA), and Derek Tran (D-CA).

To read the full text of the legislation, click here.

###",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-urges-president-to-approve-hawaiis-disaster-declaration,Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Urges President To Approve Hawai‘i’s Disaster Declaration,2026-07-29,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) urged President Donald Trump to act swiftly on Governor Josh Green’s request for a presidential disaster declaration for areas impacted by a recent 6.0 earthquake on Hawai‘i Island. The declaration will help ensure that the affected communities can access important federal funding and resources to recover.

“We ask that you consider expediting all federal assistance possible to help the State recover from the impacts of a magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Hawai‘i Island on May 22, 2026, particularly the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program,” the delegation wrote in their letter to the president. “It is difficult to overstate the stress that the earthquake has placed on this community, where approximately 20 percent of the population lives at or below the poverty line, and roughly 20 percent of the general population reports having a disability. State and county governments are also stretched to their capacities by the successive disasters the State has faced since 2018.”

Full text of the letter follows and is available here.

Dear President Trump:

We write in support of Governor Josh Green’s July 20, 2026, request that you issue a Major Disaster Declaration for Hawai‘i. We ask that you consider expediting all federal assistance possible to help the State recover from the impacts of a magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Hawai‘i Island on May 22, 2026, particularly the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program. We appreciate your continued efforts to support Hawai‘i as we recover from multiple natural disasters.

A powerful 6.0 earthquake struck the western side of Hawai‘i Island on the evening of May 22, 2026. Centered near the Honaunau-Napo?opo?o area, the initial seismic shock severely damaged local roadways, triggering multiple rockslides that completely blocked the highway. The earthquake also caused widespread power outages that affected roughly 1,330 utility customers and commercial agricultural operations throughout the island.

In total, state and local governments received reports of damages to 548 homes on Hawai‘i Island. The Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment evaluated 313 of these properties and determined that 110 homes either sustained major structural damage or were completely destroyed. Notably, many of the homes in the affected region are not connected to county water infrastructure and rely on rain catchment and cesspool systems for their water infrastructure. 105 homes suffered the total loss of the water catchment systems, creating a health and safety hazard for residents and potentially the broader community.

It is difficult to overstate the stress that the earthquake has placed on this community, where approximately 20 percent of the population lives at or below the poverty line, and roughly 20 percent of the general population reports having a disability. Due to the extremely high cost of earthquake insurance in this volcanically active region, only 5.2 percent of the 548 homes reporting damage have a standard homeowner’s policy, and only two homes had earthquake insurance. State and county governments are also stretched to their capacities by the successive disasters the State has faced since 2018.

To effectively respond to these needs, we support the Governor’s request for the following assistance:

A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Hawai‘i;

Authorization to activate the Individual Assistance Program for Hawai‘i County; and

Authorization of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

We are grateful for your consideration of this request, and we look forward to working with your agency in the months and years ahead to help Hawai‘i recover and rebuild.

###",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-provide-paid-family-medical-leave-for-federal-employees,"Schatz, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Provide Paid Family, Medical Leave For Federal Employees",2026-07-29,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a group of 8 senators in introducing the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act, legislation to expand federal paid leave to include 12 weeks of family and medical leave. In addition to Schatz, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).

“Right now, our laws are forcing federal workers to make the impossible choice between caring for their families and keeping their jobs,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will provide federal workers with 12 weeks of paid leave, giving them the time they need to take care of their own health and their loved ones.”

Currently, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees in the private sector can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a newborn or an ill family member without fear of losing their jobs. For federal employees, while parental leave is paid due to the passage of Senator Schatz’s Federal Employee Paid Leave Act in 2019, family and medical leave continues to be unpaid.

Studies have shown that providing paid leave for federal employees would save the government at least $50 million annually in turnover and replacement costs. With federal agencies struggling to recruit and retain young talent, family-friendly policies are necessary to maintain a robust workforce. Just six percent of the federal workforce is under the age of 30, while roughly 40 percent of the workforce is eligible to retire within the next three years.

The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act will guarantee 12 weeks of paid family leave for federal employees in all instances covered by the FMLA, including:

In order to care for the spouse, child, or parent of the employee, if such spouse, child, or parent has a serious health condition;

Because of a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of the employee’s position; and

Because of any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the spouse, child, or parent of the employee is on covered active duty (or has been notified of an impending call or order to covered active duty) in the Armed Forces.

The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act is supported by the American Federation of Government Employees, National Treasury Employees Union, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, National Federation of Federal Employees, NARFE, National Association of Letter Carriers, American Postal Workers Union, and American Association of University Women.

“AFGE thanks Senator Brian Schatz for once again championing federal workers and their families by reintroducing the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act. Expanding paid family and medical leave ensures federal employees never have to choose between caring for themselves or a loved one and serving the American people. This legislation will strengthen the federal workforce, improve employee retention, and help the government remain a competitive employer for the dedicated public servants our nation depends on,” said Everett Kelley, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees.

“Federal employees should never have to choose between caring for their loved ones and paying their bills on time. The Comprehensive Paid Family Leave Act would provide federal workers with the flexibility and support they need during some of life's most significant moments. As the federal government works to attract and retain talented public servants, providing comprehensive paid family leave is both the right thing to do and a smart investment in the workforce. NTEU is proud to endorse this legislation and appreciates Senator Schatz's continued leadership in advancing policies that strengthen the federal workforce and support working families,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union.

The text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-trump-administration-releasing-600-million-for-gavi-to-provide-vaccines-save-lives,"Schatz Statement On Trump Administration Releasing $600 Million For Gavi To Provide Vaccines, Save Lives",2026-07-28,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released the following statement after Secretary of State Marco Rubio took steps to provide $600 million in funding provided by Congress for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The funding will support Gavi's work to protect millions of children from preventable diseases, safeguard Americans from infectious disease threats, and ensure critical vaccine stockpiles – including for Ebola, cholera, and mpox – remain available.

“Gavi is one of the most effective health partnerships in the world. This funding will help save lives around the world and protect Americans here at home by making vaccines available to those who need it and stopping the spread of preventable diseases.

“While I’m glad the administration is finally following the law and taking the necessary steps to provide this funding, it must also release the billions of dollars in global health funding that it continues to withhold, wasting resources while people needlessly die and disease and hunger rapidly spread.”

###",1,2026-07-30T07:32:48Z,2026-07-30T07:34:08Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-colleagues-in-pressing-hegseth-on-inaccurate-casualty-reporting-demanding-transparency-on-human-cost-of-war-in-iran,"Hirono Leads Colleagues in Pressing Hegseth on Inaccurate Casualty Reporting, Demanding Transparency on Human Cost of War in Iran",2026-07-23,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services (SASC), led all of her Democratic colleagues on SASC in demanding a full and accurate accounting of all service members who were killed, wounded, and injured in support or in connection with Operation Epic Fury. In a letter to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine; Commander of United States Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper; and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Anthony Tata, the senators raised alarms about multiple inconsistencies between the Pentagon’s public casualty number and official statements. The senators pressed DOD to be transparent with the American people, servicemembers, and their families on the human cost of the ongoing war in Iran.

“The American people, Congress, service members, and their families are entitled to a full and accurate accounting of the human costs of war. The information currently available to the public suggests that the Department has not consistently provided timely and comprehensive public casualty reporting throughout the conflict,” wrote the Senators.

While DOD has reported that the Pentagon’s Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) is accurate and “regularly updated,” the Senators raised inconsistencies both in overall casualty and injury reporting since the beginning of the conflict, and during the month of July. For example, on July 20, DOD spokesman Sean Parnell publicly stated: ""While nearly 100 service members were deemed to have some degree of injury since July 7, 2026, 96% have returned to duty."" These injuries, however, were not included total casualty count and July’s monthly casualty report. In the same report, DCAS listed 14 servicemembers killed, despite wide reporting of 18 service members killed as of July 20, 2026. While the number of service members killed has been updated as of July 23, these inconsistencies raise significant concerns about the DOD’s overall transparency and timely reporting.

“This lack of transparency undermines confidence that military families and the American people are receiving a complete and accurate accounting of the sacrifices made by those serving in uniform,” the Senators continued.

The Senators requested prompt, detailed responses from DOD by Thursday, July 30, 2026, including an exact casualty breakdown, an explanation for the total and month-of-July reporting discrepancies, data on traumatic brain injuries, undisclosed attacks in Jordan, and an assessment of mass casualty response capabilities and overall readiness in the theater. They concluded their letter by emphasizing the importance of transparency to servicemembers, their families, and the American people.

“We appreciate your prompt attention to these questions and expect a timely and complete response. Our service members and their families deserve nothing less than a full and honest accounting of the costs of this war,” they concluded.

In addition to Senator Hirono, the letter was signed by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) SASC Ranking Member, Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

The full text of letter is available here and below.

Secretary Hegseth:

We write to express our concern regarding the Department of Defense's (DoD or the Department) public reporting of U.S. military casualties associated with Operation Epic Fury and to formally request a comprehensive accounting of the number of service members who have been killed, wounded, or injured in support of the operation.

The American people, Congress, service members, and their families are entitled to a full and accurate accounting of the human costs of war. The information currently available to the public suggests that the Department has not consistently provided timely and comprehensive public casualty reporting throughout the conflict.

The Pentagon's Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS), which the Department has described as being ""regularly updated,"" has reported inconsistent casualty figures, raising additional questions about the transparency and reliability of the Department's public reporting and statements.

For example, on July 20, 2026, the DoD’s chief spokesman, Sean Parnell, publicly stated: ""While nearly 100 service members were deemed to have some degree of injury since July 7, 2026, 96% have returned to duty"" (Statement posted to X, @SeanParnellASW, July 20, 2026). However, DCAS listed 14 service members killed (despite wide reporting of 18 service members killed as of July 20, 2026) and 447 injured during Operation Epic Fury as and recorded zero wounded in action for the month of July as of July 21, 2026. Both the total casualties and the monthly July casualty data do not reflect the Department's public acknowledgment on July 20th of nearly 100 additional injuries in July. We are concerned that DCAS is not being maintained at the granular level and calls into serious question the completeness and reliability of the aggregate totals. Stars and Stripes also reported on this data inconsistency. Such discrepancies prevent Congress and the public from determining the true human cost of the ongoing operation.

Congress has a constitutional responsibility to oversee military operations and ensure that casualty reporting is both timely and accurate. From the start of Operation Epic Fury in February 2026, this administration has failed to provide timely updates on the military readiness, personnel, and financial impacts of this war. Delays or inconsistencies in publicly reporting these casualty figures further impede Congress's ability to conduct oversight and limit the public's understanding of the operation's costs. This lack of transparency undermines confidence that military families and the American people are receiving a complete and accurate accounting of the sacrifices made by those serving in uniform.

To better understand the Department's casualty reporting practices during Operation Epic Fury, we request responses to the following questions no later than Thursday, July 30th, 2026:

As of the date of your response, what is the total number of U.S. service members who have been killed, wounded in action (or received care for injuries sustained while supporting Operation Epic Fury, including those who returned to full duty after care?

As reported in DCAS, please provide details on the casualty types (hostile vs. non-hostile), and all DCAS reporting categories (Grade, Age, Sex, Component, Race, Ethnicity) across each Service.

Do these numbers include all battle injury (BI) and disease and non-battle injury (DNBI) reporting provided to the Services by U.S. Central Command?

If not, please provide the corresponding figures from U.S. Central Command.

According to The New York Times, a U.S. military official stated that U.S. Central Command is not required to publicly disclose information about injured service members, particularly when they quickly return to duty. Does the Department still receive this information from CENTCOM, even if it’s not posted publicly on DCAS? Please explain the communication and updates OSD receives from CENTCOM, including the frequency and timing.

How does U.S. Central Command determine whether a service member has returned to duty ‘quickly enough’ to not publicly disclose this injury?

In how many cases has U.S. Central Command determined that a service member has returned to duty ‘quickly enough’ for it to not disclose those injuries to the public?

Are there service members who were killed or wounded in action while deployed to the region in support of another named operation (e.g., Operation Inherent Resolve) who are not included in the Defense Casualty Analysis Systems’ accounting for Operation Epic Fury?

If so, how many by category? Please specify for each DoD casualty reporting category in detail, as of the date of your response.

As referenced earlier in this letter, why does the DCAS ""Casualties by Month"" report not reflect the July 2026 injuries the Department has publicly acknowledged, as of July 21, 2026?

Has the underlying July casualty data been entered into DCAS? If so, why is it not displaying? If not, when will it be publicly available?

Given that the granular monthly data is incomplete, what specific assurance can the Department provide that the aggregate operation totals are complete and accurate?

What is the Department's standard process and timeline for entering monthly casualty data into DCAS, and who is responsible for ensuring its accuracy?

How frequently is DCAS updated for Operation Epic Fury? What is the average lag between a casualty event and its entry into DCAS, and what accounts for the July wounded-in-action figure still displaying zero (as of July 21, 2026)?

Provide a breakdown of all Operation Epic Fury casualties that separates hostile-fire wounded in action from non-battle injuries. Given the Department's statement that the wounded total includes injuries ""entirely unrelated to combat operations,"" how does the Department define ""injury,"" ""wounded in action,"" and ""casualty"" for the purpose of Operation Epic Fury reporting?

How many service members have been screened for, and diagnosed with, a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) in connection with Operation Epic Fury? Are those cases counted within the wounded-in-action total, and what is the Department's process for updating casualty counts as delayed TBI diagnoses emerge?

With respect to the three Iranian attacks on U.S. forces in Jordan reported to have occurred in the week before the July attack:

How many service members were injured in each attack?

Are those injuries reflected in DCAS? If not, why not?

Who authorized the decision not to publicly disclose those attacks or the associated injuries, and on what legal or policy basis?

Given the number of casualties sustained to date, what is the Department's and CENTCOM's current assessment of the operation's impact on personnel, unit readiness, and operational capability in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility? Please include the following in your response or in a classified annex:

The readiness and manning of affected units, including any degradation resulting from casualties;

Availability and sustainability of medical and personnel resources in theater; and

Overall operational capability to sustain current and projected mission requirements.

Given the number of casualties sustained to date, does the Department and U.S. Central Command assess that sufficient medical, evacuation, personnel recovery, and other support resources are in place to respond to a mass casualty scenario in the theater?

If yes, please describe the capabilities, resources, and contingency plans currently in place, including any recent adjustments made based on casualty trends observed during the operation.

If no, what are the capability gaps, resource constraints, or additional requirements needed to ensure an adequate response to a mass casualty event?

Will the Department commit to providing Congress with a comprehensive written casualty accounting on a recurring, weekly basis that draws directly on U.S. Central Command's casualty reporting? If so, which office will be responsible for producing it?

We appreciate your prompt attention to these questions and expect a timely and complete response. Our service members and their families deserve nothing less than a full and honest accounting of the costs of this war.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-trump-administration-on-grant-review-process-raises-alarms-on-politically-motivated-delays,"Hirono Presses Trump Administration on Grant Review Process, Raises Alarms on Politically Motivated Delays",2026-07-23,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), pressed Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Kevin Lilly on his repeated failure to provide straightforward answers on the agency’s grant review process. In a letter to Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Lilly, Senator Hirono highlighted Lilly’s failure to provide clarifying follow-up on the grant review process, following his inability to answer Hirono’s questions on the matter at an ENR hearing held in June.

“Your refusal to be forthcoming or provide any substantive information about activities that appear to be politically motivated raises serious concerns about the process that’s being applied,” wrote Senator Hirono. “Not only should these grants be awarded consistent with the Administration’s priorities, but also consistent with the law which is written by Congress.”

During an ENR hearing on June 23, 2026, Senator Hirono asked Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Lilly about his review of grants totaling more than $50,000, specifically how many grants were awaiting his review and the sum of those grants. While Lilly was unable to answer during the hearing, he committed to providing the information in writing. Despite this pledge, Senator Hirono did not receive enlightening follow-up. Instead, Lilly’s response said:

“As I said at my hearing, we take the opportunity to provide grants very seriously. The Department is working through a judicious and thorough review of all of these grants to ensure that they are awarded appropriately and consistent with the Administration’s priorities.”

Senator Hirono highlighted the impact of Lilly’s incomplete follow-up and delayed grant review on the agency Lilly is responsible for running.

“For decades the Department of the Interior has cultivated relationships with trusted partners to carry out projects that contribute to the Department’s mission—maintenance of trails, protection of wildlife, etc. Politically motivated delays in the administration of grants jeopardize that critical work from being completed and run the risk of ruining those relationships and the Department’s ability to execute its mission in the future,” wrote Senator Hirono.

Senator Hirono also raised alarms about the consistent refusal from appointees across the Trump Administration to provide Congress with transparent information about the agencies Congress is constitutionally obligated to oversee.

The full text of letter is available here and below.

Dear Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Lilly:

During your nomination hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on June 23, 2026, I asked you about your review of grants totaling more than $50,000. I asked you how many grants were awaiting your review and the sum of these grants. You did not have the information available at that time. Subsequently, I submitted the following questions for the record to allow you to access that information and provide it to me in writing:

What are the criteria that you are using to review these grants?

How many grants are currently awaiting your review?

How much money do these backlogged grants total?

What is the current average grant review timeline?

What, if any, groups have expressed concern about delays in reviewing grants?

Instead of answering these questions and providing transparency to Congress and the public about the Department’s handling of taxpayer dollars, you provided the following response:

“As I said at my hearing, we take the opportunity to provide grants very seriously. The Department is working through a judicious and thorough review of all of these grants to ensure that they are awarded appropriately and consistent with the Administration’s priorities.”

My question was not about the seriousness with which you approach grant administration. Your refusal to be forthcoming or provide any substantive information about activities that appear to be politically motivated raises serious concerns about the process that’s being applied. Not only should these grants be awarded consistent with the Administration’s priorities, but also consistent with the law which is written by Congress.

As a nominee appearing before Congress, it is expected that you will answer questions to the best of your ability. Yet, it has become standard practice for Trump Administration officials appearing before Congress not to provide any information about what is going on at their agencies-agencies Congress is charged with overseeing.

For decades the Department of the Interior has cultivated relationships with trusted partners to carry out projects that contribute to the Department’s mission—maintenance of trails, protection of wildlife, etc. Politically motivated delays in the administration of grants jeopardize that critical work from being completed and run the risk of ruining those relationships and the Department’s ability to execute its mission in the future.

As you claim that you take opportunity to provide these grants very seriously, I expect you to provide my serious questions with very serious answers.

Sincerely,",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-condemns-state-departments-delays-in-providing-global-health-funding,Schatz Condemns State Department’s Delays In Providing Global Health Funding,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations subcommittee, criticized the Trump State Department for not providing global health funding appropriated by Congress to entities like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Fund. Speaking on the Senate floor, Schatz condemned the State Department for not following the law, endangering lives, and spending money on projects that are not core to U.S. national security interests.

“It shouldn't be this difficult to get the State Department to follow the law,” said Senator Schatz. “Earlier this year, when we passed the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill on a bipartisan basis, we were very clear that the spending requirements in it were not suggestions – they were a matter of law. And yet, we are still having to fight tooth and nail with State Department officials to get money out to the people and places around the world that are counting on the United States of America.”

Senator Schatz continued, “Every day this money doesn't get to where it's supposed to go; every contribution, worth hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars, is delayed, people go hungry, people get sick, people die.”

A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here.

It shouldn't be this difficult to get the State Department to follow the law. Earlier this year, when we passed the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill on a bipartisan basis, we were very clear that the spending requirements in it were not suggestions – they were a matter of law. We are not asking the State Department to do us a favor and spend the money that we provided. We made a law. And yet, we are still having to fight tooth and nail with State Department officials to get money out to the people and places around the world that are counting on the United States of America.

Let's take funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. For months, the administration has been withholding $600 million, which are meant to help millions of children get vaccinated against preventable diseases, including Ebola, cholera and mpox. And even though the Secretary has told us repeatedly, including in a hearing last month, that he will personally see to it that this money is released, it's still stuck. Why? Because people at HHS, who have their own views and theories about vaccines, keep blocking it. But here's the thing. This funding is in the State Department's budget. HHS has no jurisdiction here. And I want to be really clear about this. Sure, this is a jurisdictional dispute. Sure, this is a legal matter. A, this is a law, not a suggestion. B, this just doesn't go through HHS. They have no jurisdiction here.

But why am I so animated about it? It’s because little kids are not getting vaccinated right now. Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, they come to us and they articulate to us that children across the planet are getting sick unnecessarily because they're not getting vaccinated. And what happened was, because of the COVID pandemic and the disagreement about mandatory COVID vaccines, now certain people are so brain-poisoned that we think we shouldn't even prevent disease in children. And kids are dying because the United States is sitting on its butt, not disbursing money. That is a matter of law.

Here's another example with the Global Fund. Last week, after months of fighting to release funding, the administration finally made a $661 million contribution to the Global Fund which will help fight deadly epidemics like HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria by providing medicines and strengthening health infrastructure. But even then, the administration is still withholding close to $2 billion in additional contributions, all while HIV prevention is falling, malaria is surging, and we're trying to contain multiple outbreaks globally, including Ebola.

When Congress got all animated about attacking USAID, it was because, “Hey, we want to help PEPFAR. We want to help Gavi. We want to help the Global Fund. We want to be the good guys around the world. But let's not do all this cultural stuff. Let's not waste all this money on superfluous stuff.” And you know what's happening? They eliminated a tiny portion of the tens of billions of dollars that get pushed out every year. Tiny, and I mean, we're talking tens of millions versus tens of billions that was cultural stuff, and arguably – arguably – progressive or left wing. Tiny portion of it. But I want everybody to understand what they did in the process. They cut previously bipartisan priorities, and lots and lots of people died.

These are not bureaucratic mix-ups. Every day this money doesn't get to where it's supposed to go; every contribution, worth hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars, is delayed, people go hungry. People get sick. People die.

And that's what made what happened last year at USAID particularly cruel. The richest man in the world wanted to send USAID to the woodchipper. And this Congress and this Senate ratified those decisions. And yet, we worked with the Secretary, and we worked with appropriators on both sides of the aisle, and we worked with the great late Senator Lindsey Graham – may his memory be a blessing – to reestablish the principle that the United States is the good guy and that it is not just the example of our power, but the power of our example.

That the United States is the indispensable nation. We are the good guys. And when a batch of aid – medicine or communications infrastructure or food – arrives with that little patch with the United States of America on it, people go, “Help is on the way. The good guys are here.” And so we got through this process on the appropriations side to reestablish the principle that USAID in its new iteration, under mostly the State Department, is still a bipartisan priority. And there are lots of people who believe that. But the State Department is not executing on these dollars. And the consequences are geopolitical, but they're also human. People are still literally dying because we're not pushing this money out.

And just so you know that I don't think this is an entirely partisan question. There were Democrats, people who consider themselves Democratic strategists, who said out loud that Democrats were walking into a trap because USAID doesn't poll well. I don't care if it polls well. I am not here to have a pollster tell me that I shouldn't care that kids are getting malaria. I am not here to get talked out of the United States being the good guys, because health care polls higher, because the cost of gasoline pulls higher. I'm not deciding what to put into a 30-second spot. I'm deciding how to use the power given to me by the people of the state of Hawai‘i. And I think they care about whether people die unnecessarily because of the stupidity of this Congress.

And I want everybody to know what's happening now, in addition to all that money still being throttled. So there were parades and festivals and other things that were funded that ended up in a Fox News chyron that were embarrassing to USAID. And I would say about two thirds of them were just flatly untrue. But some of them actually happened. And so I went to Lindsey, I went to Marco, I went to Mario Diaz-Balart, I went to Lois Frankel, I went to John Thune, I went to others, and I said, “Look, you're pushing on an open door. If the principle here is the U.S. should stick to its knitting, stay in a narrow couple of lanes for military financing, economic assistance, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. We should do nothing superfluous. You’re pushing on an open door if you would like USAID to be a little more aligned with the State Department and not working against each other's interests, even in-country. Fine. You're pushing on an open door.”

And so that's what we tried to ratify in the last appropriations bill. But here's the crazy thing. It's not that they’re not spending money on ideological projects. They've just decided to spend money on their own ideological projects. So instead of vaccinating little kids against deadly diseases, they're now spending millions of dollars to help British nonprofits – one of them recently established and now receiving $7 million from United States taxpayer dollars – report on whether free speech is being censored in London. This is how they explain the funding: “American diplomacy should continue to stand up for genuine democracy, freedom of expression, and unapologetic celebrations of European nations, individual character, and history.” Just so we're all clear, they're trying to get out of the business of saving lives in order to get into the business of promoting unapologetic celebrations of European nations, individual character, and history. That's what we're now paying for with our tax dollars.

Here's another one. They want to send millions of dollars to protect free speech and foster dialog in the UK, Europe, and Australia. Not Equatorial Guinea or Eswatini, which, despite being among the world's most repressive governments, the Trump administration is still sending tax dollars to them. They're going after our allies. Is the UK or the EU or Australia a threat to democracy?

One more example. The State Department set up a $200 million fund to make private sector investments in and around Armenia. And the guy they appointed to lead it just so happens to be one of Trump's ballroom donors and has deep business ties in the region.

You could have made a credible argument that USAID strayed from its central mission by supporting societal and cultural activities. And that it tried to do too many things in too many places, and that, actually, focusing our efforts on a few key priorities was a better strategy. But they didn't do that. They've just picked their own right-wing version of wokeness to fund with taxpayer dollars.

And so we are only partially through metabolizing what has happened to foreign aid globally and in the United States. The good news is that we've reestablished a bipartisan principle that we should still be present in the world, that we should still alleviate suffering, that we should still provide economic assistance, that we should still respond to disasters, that we should still do foreign military financing, and that all of that is the right thing to do, because we are the good guys. And also all of that is the right thing to do because it is way cheaper than any military engagement. And winning hearts and minds is just a hell of a lot cheaper than going to war. And so we’ve reestablished that principle in the legislative context. But now the State Department has to start executing on what the law says.

And this is not like the USAID thing where we gave them a pile of money and gave them the authority to do a bunch of grants and then they canceled a bunch of grants and moved things around. I may have objected to that, but that was permissible. What they're doing now is not permissible. PEPFAR money is not a choice they get to make – it’s a choice we already made. Gavi money is not a choice they get to make – it’s a choice we already made. The Global Fund money is not a choice they get to make – it’s a choice we already made. These are things in statutory law. This is not the Ford Foundation where they say, “Well, we've changed our grant criteria.” This is a matter of federal law, and they have to follow it.

###",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-presses-secretary-hegseth-on-failure-to-achieve-trumps-iran-war-goals,Schatz Presses Secretary Hegseth On Failure To Achieve Trump’s Iran War Goals,2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on a supplemental budget request, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the Trump administration’s failure to meet the goals it set out at the beginning of the war in Iran, including regime change and destroying Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

“I go back to the original five objectives. And none of them have been met. Some of them have changed, but none of them have been met,” said Senator Schatz.

“About 190,000 people in the state of Hawai‘i, believe it or not, voted for Donald Trump. And I know a lot of them, and I represent all of them. And one of the reasons that they were enthusiastic about Donald Trump and you, Mr. Secretary, was they thought that we were going to have a new foreign policy,” said Senator Schatz. “People were pretty thrilled about the idea that America First, in their mind, meant that we were going to not do this kind of adventurism.”

Video of Senator Schatz’s exchange with Secretary Hegseth is available here.

###",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-death-of-first-lieutenant-tyler-j-feehan,Hirono Statement on Death of First Lieutenant Tyler J. Feehan,2026-07-20,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the death of First Lieutenant Tyler J. Feehan, of Ewa Beach, who was killed in action on July 18, 2026 in an attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan:

“I join people across Hawaii and throughout our nation in mourning the tragic loss of First Lieutenant Tyler J. Feehan of Ewa Beach. Today, my thoughts and aloha are with 1st Lt Feehan’s family, and the families of all the brave servicemembers killed and injured in this war. As we honor their service and sacrifice, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to bring an end to this war.”

###",1,2026-07-21T07:32:02Z,2026-07-21T07:33:33Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-death-of-first-lieutenant-tyler-james-feehan,Schatz Statement On Death Of First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan,2026-07-20,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement on the death of First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, of ‘Ewa Beach, who was killed in action on July 18, 2026 at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan of ?Ewa Beach, who gave his life while serving our country. My thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and fellow soldiers as they grieve this unimaginable loss. May his memory be a blessing.”

###",1,2026-07-21T07:32:02Z,2026-07-21T07:33:33Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-schatz-led-efforts-to-boost-medicare-funding-for-hawaii-hhs-increases-state-medicare-reimbursements-for-hospitals-by-nearly-17-million-every-year,"Following Schatz-Led Efforts To Boost Medicare Funding For Hawai‘i, HHS Increases State Medicare Reimbursements For Hospitals By Nearly $17 Million Every Year",2026-07-16,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Following legislation and efforts led by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it will begin the process to increase the amount that hospitals in Hawai‘i can be reimbursed by Medicare to perform outpatient care, such as emergency department visits and imaging services, for enrolled seniors. Once the proposed change is finalized, Hawai‘i is set to receive an estimated $17 million in additional Medicare funding every year.

“This is a big win for Hawai‘i. With millions more in Medicare funding for Hawai‘i hospitals every year, seniors across the state will continue to have access to the health care services they need,” said Senator Schatz.

Historically, rural states have faced significant cost disparities for Medicare reimbursement that drive up costs for both hospitals and patients. Schatz has led legislation that recognizes the unique cost-of-living challenges that hospitals in Hawai‘i face and would increase reimbursements for hospitals in Hawai‘i to ensure that they can continue to serve seniors.

###",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:00:34Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-attorney-general-nominee-todd-blanche-on-doj-weaponization-rule-of-law,"Hirono Presses Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche on DOJ Weaponization, Rule of Law",2026-07-15,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~ Watch Senator Hirono’s Questions Here ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, pressed Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche on his role in weaponizing the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) against President Trump’s perceived enemies during Mr. Blanche’s nomination hearing. During her question line, Senator Hirono also questioned Mr. Blanche on his failure to rescind the anti-weaponization slush fund and got Blanche to commit on the record to cooperating with the state of New Mexico’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch.

“Mr. Blanche, you see nothing wrong with the President treating DOJ as his own personal law firm to use against his perceived enemies and as a way of helping his friends,” said Senator Hirono. “You oversaw the botched release of the Epstein files, denying justice once again to survivors who have been waiting so long for it. You have no business being the Attorney General of the United States.”

Earlier in the hearing, following a question by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), Mr. Blanche asserted that he is “the President’s lawyer.” Senator Hirono raised alarms about Blanche’s role in enabling DOJ to serve as President Trump’s personal law firm. She cited a social media post from President Trump calling for George Soros to be criminally charged, and a DOJ investigation into Soros that was opened shortly after that post. Senator Hirono also highlighted DOJ’s lawsuits seeking full voter lists as part of a campaign to suppress the votes of American citizens, asking Blanche if any of the judges in the 14 resolved lawsuits have sided with DOJ.

“The answer is no,” said Senator Hirono. “These 14 federal judges, some of them were Trump appointees, disagreed with DOJ’s position.”

Senator Hirono asked Blanche about public statements he previously made declaring “war” on federal judges who were ruling against the administration. Blanche clarified that he did not believe federal judges should be impeached for ruling against the administration.

Senator Hirono concluded her line of questioning by pressing Blanche on his memo that effectively terminated DOJ’s cryptocurrency investigations and prosecutions. Senator Hirono led her colleagues in calling on DOJ to reconsider that memo. When the memo was issued, Blanche held significant cryptocurrency assets. Senator Hirono led her colleagues in a letter questioning Blanche’s cryptocurrency conflicts, but he has not responded. Since Blanche’s memo eviscerating cryptocurrency enforcement work, Americans have reported over $11 billion in crypto fraud losses to the FBI in the past year.

“It is clear to me your leadership will be a continuation of what we have seen so far at the Trump Department of Justice. You are more likely to be called the Department of Retribution and Corruption,” said Senator Hirono.

Since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, Senator Hirono has been fighting back against the Trump Administration’s flagrant attacks on the rule of law. In March, on the Senate Floor, Senator Hirono opposed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act which, unlike its name suggests, would make it significantly harder for Americans to exercise their right to vote. Additionally, Senator Hirono has consistently raised alarms about the Administration’s failure to adequately address cryptocurrency related crimes. Senator Hirono has also consistently sought justice for sexual assault survivors, including those assaulted by Jeffrey Epstein and President Trump.

To see the full video of Senator Hirono’s questions click here.

###",1,2026-07-16T07:21:44Z,2026-07-16T07:23:13Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-deliver-faster-disaster-aid-becomes-law,Schatz Legislation To Deliver Faster Disaster Aid Becomes Law,2026-07-14,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – A bipartisan housing package, which includes the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act, became law over the weekend. The Reforming Disaster Recovery Act, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), will help communities recover from major disasters more quickly by establishing a permanent and predictable funding process at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“Right now, each time a disaster happens, communities in crisis are forced to wait for Congress to pass a disaster funding bill before HUD can help. Our new law will now mean they no longer have to wait. As soon as a disaster strikes, HUD will be able to help communities begin the process of recovery,” said Senator Schatz.

The provision will accelerate assistance to disaster-impacted communities by:

Creating a disaster recovery fund to allow HUD to predictably assist communities;

Authorizing HUD to issue regulations to codify program requirements and reduce unnecessary red tape, delays, and unpredictability that stems from the current process;

Supporting resilience as a part of – rather than separate from – disaster recovery;

Authorizing “quick release” funds to support grantee capacity right after an event;

Improving federal coordination by establishing an office at HUD devoted to disaster recovery and resilience; and

Reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and interagency requirement conflicts.

The full text of the provision is available here.

###",1,2026-07-15T07:12:08Z,2026-07-15T07:13:45Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-24-million-heading-to-hawaii-to-replace-bridges-on-hna-highway,Schatz: $24 Million Heading To Hawai‘i To Replace Bridges On Hāna Highway,2026-07-08,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation will receive $24 million in federal funding to rehabilitate and replace approximately six bridges within the Hana Highway Historical District with modern, resilient structures.

“This funding will help modernize our aging infrastructure and help people in East Maui get to where they need to go,” said Senator Schatz.

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz has worked to ensure Hawai‘i receives its fair share of federal funding to improve infrastructure statewide.

###",1,2026-07-15T07:12:08Z,2026-07-15T07:13:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-johnson-introduce-legislation-to-increase-judiciary-transparency,"Hirono, Johnson Introduce Legislation to Increase Judiciary Transparency",2026-06-29,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member on the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, and U.S. Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee over Federal Courts, introduced the Open Meetings Act, legislation to require Judicial Conference meetings to be more open and accessible to the American people. The Judicial Conference is the policymaking and administrative governing body for the federal court system. By granting public access to these meetings by default, this bill will increase transparency in the Judiciary.

“The federal judiciary is a key pillar of our constitutional system of government,” said Senator Hirono. “Americans need to have confidence that the judiciary is beholden only to the law and not to any ideological agendas or special interests. By requiring meetings of the judiciary’s policymaking and administrative arm to be open to the public by default, this commonsense bill will help increase transparency and support that confidence.”

Currently, the policies that govern much of the administration of the federal judicial system are discussed and implemented during semiannual Judicial Conference meetings—all behind closed doors. While the Conference publishes an official report and press release summarizing the meeting activities after the meetings have concluded, there is no advance notice of the topics to be discussed, and no transcripts are made available.

The Open Meetings Act would make Judicial Conference meetings accessible to the public through livestreamed audio recordings and published meeting agendas. The Judicial Conference would still be permitted to close certain sensitive portions of its meetings as long as it provided an explanation for doing so. By lifting the curtain that stands between the Judicial Conference and the American people, this legislation would help ensure that the governance of the federal Judiciary remains apolitical and transparent to the public.

Led by Representative Hank Johnson, companion legislation was co-sponsored in the U.S. House of Representatives by Steve Cohen (D-TN), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), and Shri Thanedar (D-MI).

###",1,2026-06-30T06:29:10Z,2026-06-30T06:30:42Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-illegal-sports-gambling-indictment,Schatz Statement On Illegal Sports Gambling Indictment,2026-06-29,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement after federal prosecutors announced that that two former NBA players have been indicted on sports gambling charges. Schatz is set to introduce legislation regulating gambling in professional sports, which includes a ban on micro prop bets.

“This indictment is the latest example of how the explosion of unregulated sports betting is undermining the integrity of professional sports. While these players are rightly being held accountable, DOJ enforcement alone is not enough to crack down on the rampant misconduct. We need stronger federal regulation and oversight of prop bets to protect fans and restore public trust in sports.”

###",1,2026-06-30T06:29:10Z,2026-06-30T06:30:42Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-ossoff-introduce-right-to-vote-act,"Hirono, Ossoff Introduce Right to Vote Act",2026-06-26,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) introduced the Right to Vote Act, legislation to create the first-ever affirmative federal voting rights guarantee for all eligible citizens. As the Trump Administration continues to threaten the voting rights of millions of Americans nationwide, this legislation would enshrine the fundamental right to vote into law.

“Nothing is more fundamental to our democracy than ensuring that all citizens can exercise their fundamental right to vote. Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans know their agenda is deeply unpopular, but instead of delivering for the American people, they are working overtime to disenfranchise millions of voters who have the constitutional right to vote them out of office,” said Senator Hirono. “By empowering voters to fight back against restrictions on their voting rights, this legislation will help ensure that every voice can be heard on Election Day.”

The Right to Vote Act would protect American citizens’ fundamental right to vote by establishing a first-ever statutory right to vote in federal elections — protecting U.S. citizens from laws that make it harder to cast a ballot. This legislation would allow Americans to enforce that right by challenging in court any policy that unduly restricts ballot access. States attempting to restrict voting access would have to meet a high bar to justify any policy that makes it harder for U.S. citizens to participate in federal elections.

Senator Hirono has long fought to ensure all American voters can cast their ballots. On the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Senator Hirono introduced the Time Off to Vote Act, legislation that would require employers to provide at least two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in federal elections. Last Congress, she joined her colleagues on National Voter Registration Day in introducing a resolution recognizing September as “National Voting Rights Month.” Additionally, Senator Hirono has previously cosponsored the Election Worker Protection Act and the Youth Voting Rights Act, legislation that would also help increase election safeguards and voting access.

Senator Hirono has also consistently fought back against repeated attempts to disenfranchise millions of voters. Following the Supreme Court’s Callais decision, which effectively gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Senator Hirono raised alarms about the dangerous ideological agenda promoted by the Supreme Court majority that would dilute the voting power of minorities, influencing elections for years to come. In March, on the Senate Floor, Senator Hirono opposed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act which, unlike its name suggests, would make it significantly harder for Americans to exercise their right to vote. In her speech, she highlighted how the proposed legislation would prevent millions of American citizens—including servicemembers and their families, married women, and those without a passport— from being able to vote.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Ossoff, the Right to Vote Act is co-sponsored by Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angus King (I-ME), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).

###",1,2026-06-27T06:16:17Z,2026-06-27T06:17:30Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-wolford-v-lopez-supreme-court-decision,Hirono Statement on Wolford v. Lopez Supreme Court Decision,2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled to change longstanding Hawaii gun regulation and make it easier for people to bring guns onto private property in its Wolford v. Lopez decision:

“Hawaii has the lowest rate of gun deaths in the country, largely because of our historically strong gun safety laws. Once again, this out-of-control Supreme Court majority is placing political ideology above protecting lives, making our state and our country less safe by expanding the presence of firearms. As this Court exacerbates our nation’s gun violence crisis, I remain committed to working towards the common-sense gun safety policies our country desperately needs.”",1,2026-06-26T06:29:35Z,2026-06-26T06:31:46Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-schatz-condemns-disastrous-consequences-of-iran-war,Schatz Condemns Disastrous Consequences Of Iran War,2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, yesterday spoke on the Senate floor about the disastrous consequences of President Donald Trump’s war in Iran.

“Not only was this war reckless and illegal and unnecessary, but it also didn't get us anything. It's made a lot of things worse,” said Senator Schatz. “The mistake is not ending the war, it was starting it in the first place. Every day this war went on only compounded that catastrophe. And so we ought to be relieved that it may be over and that diplomacy is being given another chance, because it is the only viable path forward. But none of that obviates the fact that we are suing for peace because it's the least bad option. That a diplomatic solution was within reach all along, before a single bomb was dropped. That after several months of a deadly and costly war, things are worse, not better.”

A transcript of Senator Schatz's remarks is below. Video is available here.

For every American who is wondering what on earth the war in Iran over the past three and a half months was for, the answer is relatively simple: next to nothing. 13 American service members are dead. Thousands of Iranians have been killed. We spent tens of billions of dollars in taxpayer money. Gas shot up to $5.70 in Hawaii. Grocery bills and energy bills spiked everywhere. We depleted our stockpiles of critical weapons systems. We alienated even our closest allies, who understandably wanted nothing to do with this regime change war of choice. And what was it all for? What did we get out of it?

Well, if you take one look at the memorandum of understanding that Donald Trump signed last week, what is plainly obvious is that not only was this war reckless and illegal and unnecessary, but it also didn't get us anything. It's made a lot of things worse. We don't have a nuclear agreement yet, only a framework to try to reach something close to the original Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. So, to be clear, pre-Trump, we had a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. We had the ability for the IAEA to come in to Iran and do intrusive inspections. We had a plan to dispose of the fissile material in a third party country and to be able to verify it. And now what we have is an MOU to negotiate. And if we are very fortunate, if things break absolutely in every correct direction, we will get back to where we were 12 years ago.

The same regime is still in place, but now it's younger and more radical, and they've demonstrated that they have substantial leverage in the Strait of Hormuz. The opposition in Iran is weaker. One of the hopes of this regime change war was they were going to see the destruction coming from the American and Israeli military, and it would rally the opposition. And the ayatollahs would collapse and give up, and there would be a regime change and a new era in Iran. It's gotten worse. They're younger and more radical, and they have more leverage.

Now, I want to be really clear here. The mistake is not ending the war, it was starting it in the first place. Every day this war went on only compounded that catastrophe. And so we ought to be relieved that it may be over and that diplomacy is being given another chance, because it is the only viable path forward. But none of that obviates the fact that we are suing for peace because it's the least bad option. That a diplomatic solution was within reach all along, before a single bomb was dropped. That after several months of a deadly and costly war, things are worse, not better.

On February 27th, the day before the war started, the Strait of Hormuz was open. Oil and other commodities like fertilizer flowed freely to all of the places around the world. Now, under the MOU, the strait is open again, but only for 60 days, after which Iran is reserving the right to charge a fee for ships to pass. Do you understand how unprecedented it is in terms of international law, in terms of international commerce, in terms of the way this planet works with freedom of navigation? That one belligerent country now gets to charge a fee if you want to move something through international waters. That is not a W. That is not good for this country or regional stability.

Under the original Iran agreement that President Obama signed and Trump later ripped up, Iran promised not to develop a nuclear weapon. It was right there on the first page of the JCPOA. And what it meant was that Iran would not produce the kind of highly enriched uranium that could be used in a nuclear weapon. They've renewed that commitment in the MOU, except for a much higher price this time. Under the JCPOA, and I remember I was on the floor, I was a baby senator here. And my colleagues on the other side of the aisle said, oh my God, you are unfreezing Iranian sanctioned money assets to the tune of many billions of dollars. Can you believe how much money we are giving to Iran in exchange for this pause in the development of their nuclear program? Can you believe that you're giving money to Iran? Look how belligerent they are in the region. That was the argument, okay? I thought it was worth it because it was basically buying us 15 years of them not being capable to develop a nuclear weapon.

But under this and by the way, not in exchange for a nuclear agreement, in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. So I want you to understand what they are getting is enormous. But it's also not even for a nuclear agreement. It's for an agreement to stop choking the global economy. Not only will their assets be unfrozen, they will be able to sell their oil freely on the open market for the first time in 30 years. That is not some $1.7 billion concession. That is not some $10 billion concession. That changes generations of bipartisan policy against the Iranian regime. One of the reasons that they were not even more belligerent, even more powerful, was that we were heavily sanctioning their oil, and we are lifting it in exchange for not a nuclear agreement for them, but just for them to take their boot off the neck of the global economy.

And so I reiterate this point. Keep two thoughts in your head. First of all, the main error was in starting this stupid regime change war in the first place, and that you don't have to be some member of the Foreign Relations Committee, or some fancy foreign policy expert, or some professor at some school that studies the Middle East to say, hey, you know what? These same dudes keep asking for a new regime change war in the Middle East about every decade. They usually get it and it always fails. And they did it again. And it failed again. And that is a different thing from me demanding that they continue this idiocy. I am not demanding that they continue this idiocy. I am glad that they are finally folding. But make no mistake, they are folding. And they are folding because they played a terrible hand as terribly as you could possibly play it.

And so all I'm asking if you're an Iran hawk, if you're a dove, if you're anywhere in between us, let's have a logical foreign policy. Let's understand that Iran is a belligerent country. They are not our allies, and that almost every single time, not every time, but almost every single time, kinetic engagement without any kind of strategy doesn't work and always backfires. And by the way, that's generally speaking, true. It is extraordinarily, predictably true in the Middle East.

And I want to make one final point. It's the same people every time. It's the same foreign policy think tanks. It's the same people in the media. It's the same nonprofits. It's the same members of Congress. They just look around the planet for a place to remake with force. And there may be a couple of examples in human history when you can remake a place with force, but usually it backfires spectacularly. And it did here again.

###",1,2026-06-26T06:29:35Z,2026-06-26T06:31:46Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-curtis-warner-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-provide-more-transparency-on-ai-generated-content,"Schatz, Curtis, Warner Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Provide More Transparency On AI-Generated Content",2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), John Curtis (R-Utah), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide more transparency on digital content generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The bill will help ensure people know when they are viewing AI-made content or interacting with an AI chatbot by requiring clear labels and disclosures.

“People deserve to know whether the videos, photos, and content they see and read online are real or not,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill is simple – if any digital content is made by AI, it should be labeled so that people are aware and aren’t fooled or scammed.”

“As AI-generated content becomes more refined and realistic, people deserve to know whether what they’re seeing is created by a human or generated by artificial intelligence,” said Senator Curtis. “Our bipartisan AI Labeling Act establishes clear, commonsense transparency standards that help consumers make informed decisions, promote trust in digital content, and discourage bad actors from using AI to deceive the public.”

The AI Labeling Act will:

Require both visible and machine-readable disclosures identifying AI-generated digital content, including image, video, or audio content;

Require AI developers and all major social media platforms to collaborate to ensure users can identify the authenticity of shared content; and

Establish a working group to create technical standards so users and social media platforms can identify AI-generated content and support content provenance.

“Jurisdictions around the globe are moving to adopt common-sense rules around labeling AI-generated content – it’s time for the U.S. to catch up and in fact lead the world with a disclosure and anti-circumvention model that should be the global standard,” said Senator Warner.

In May 2023, an AI-generated photo of an explosion near the Pentagon went viral, triggering a dip in the stock market. Deepfake images of President Trump being arrested were viewed by millions on social media, demonstrating the types of manipulation we could see during elections. And fraudsters are already abusing AI systems to generate scam calls, impersonating a loved one’s voice and scamming Americans out of their hard-earned money. As generative AI becomes increasingly convincing and widespread, it is critical that companies take steps to ensure that American consumers can identify AI-generated content.

The AI Labeling Act is endorsed by the American Society for Collective Rights Licensing INC (ASCRL); Authors Guild; Common Cause; Consumer Action; Consumer Federation of America (CFA); Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE); International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); Music Creators North America (MCNA); National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA); National Consumers League (NCL); Public Citizen; SAG-AFTRA; Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL); Songwriters Guild of America (SGA); Writers' Guild of America East (WGAE).

“The National Association of Voice Actors proudly supports the AI Labeling Act. Audiences deserve to know what is real, ensuring consumers can make informed decisions about the content they engage with. Voice actors are already seeing their voices cloned, synthesized, and deployed without any clear disclosure. For audiences and voice actors, transparency is fundamental to protecting trust and preserving the value of human performance while creating a marketplace where authenticity is not left to guesswork. The AI Labeling Act takes an important step toward that goal by establishing clear disclosure and provenance requirements for AI-generated content. We thank Senators Schatz and Curtis for their leadership and look forward to working with Congress to move this legislation forward,” said Tim Friedlander, President and Co-Founder, National Association of Voice Actors.

""The Authors Guild applauds Senators Schatz and Curtis for reintroducing the AI Labeling Act. Readers deserve to know whether what they're reading was written by a human author or generated by a machine. As generative AI floods the market with synthetic books and articles, clear and conspicuous labeling is essential to protecting both the integrity of authorship and the public's trust in what they read. We are proud to endorse this commonsense, bipartisan bill,” said Mary Rasenberger, CEO, The Authors Guild.

""AI-generated deception is becoming a routine part of everyday life. Deepfakes and synthetic media increasingly appear in our social media, political discourse, and even messages shared by trusted friends and family. Americans shouldn't have to play detective every time they open a text, scroll through a newsfeed, or watch a video online. The AI Labeling Act is a commonsense transparency measure that helps restore trust in our information ecosystem by ensuring consumers can identify AI-generated content. In a world where seeing is no longer believing, transparency becomes the prerequisite for trust, accountability, and an informed public,” said J.B. Branch, AI Governance and Technology Policy Counsel, Public Citizen.

The full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-06-26T06:29:35Z,2026-06-26T06:31:46Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-murray-blunt-rochester-baldwin-grijalva-introduce-bicameral-resolution-to-commemorate-54th-anniversary-of-title-ix,"Hirono, Murray, Blunt Rochester, Baldwin, Grijalva Introduce Bicameral Resolution to Commemorate 54th Anniversary of Title IX",2026-06-24,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced a bicameral resolution commemorating the 54th anniversary of the passage of Title IX. In 1972, Title IX was signed into law, outlawing sex-based discrimination in federally-funded education programs, while expanding educational opportunities for women and girls. As the Trump Administration, Congressional Republicans, and others have tried to weaponize this landmark civil rights law to harm and exclude vulnerable students—including transgender women and girls—this resolution reaffirms the importance of Title IX, recognizes that more work remains to fulfill the promises of Title IX, and condemns those who have tried to use Title IX to harm students.

“More than 50 years ago, Title IX was signed into law, advancing equity and creating countless opportunities for women to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in their workplace. But instead promoting diversity in education, Congressional Republicans and the Trump regime are twisting Title IX to tear minorities down,” said Senator Hirono. “This resolution celebrates the true legacy of Title IX. I remain committed to standing up for students and helping them reach their fullest potentials.”

“For decades, Title IX has opened countless doors for women and girls in education and sports. Congress should be working to strengthen Title IX and the Education Department, expand opportunities for women and girls in our schools, and protect them from harassment and assault,” said Senator Murray. “Instead, we are seeing the Trump administration utterly fail to protect women and girls—they will fearmonger about trans kids until the sun comes up, but the fact is this administration has all but decimated the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education, leaving egregious instances of sexual harassment and assault, and so much else, totally unaddressed. Rather than focus on working through the backlog of cases at the Department of Education, Trump wants to pass off this work to the Department of Justice, an agency that is not prepared to do this work—creating bureaucratic delays for students and incurring new costs for taxpayers. You can’t strengthen Title IX by abolishing the Department of Education, any more than you can strengthen a bridge with a wrecking ball—I’ll be fighting back every step of the way for women and girls at schools and college campuses everywhere.”

“54 years ago, Title IX was enacted to ensure students can pursue an education free from discrimination. Now as modern challenges continue to arise, its principles feel even more important,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “This resolution reaffirms our commitment to the promises laid out in Title IX and serves as a reminder that every student should be afforded equitable treatment under the law.”

“Title IX changed what was possible for generations of women and girls – in classrooms, laboratories, boardrooms, and on playing fields,” said Senator Baldwin. “On the 54th anniversary of this landmark legislation, I am proud to lead this resolution with Senator Hirono and will continue to fight to ensure that all women and girls have the protections they need and deserve.”

“Title IX has opened doors for generations of women and girls, expanding access to education, athletics, and opportunities that were too often denied. Fifty-four years later, its promise remains as important as ever: every student deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed free from discrimination. That includes transgender students, who deserve the same dignity, safety, and educational opportunities as anyone else. As we celebrate the progress made under Title IX, we must remain committed to protecting its promise for all students,” said Representative Adelita Grijalva.

Title IX signed into law in 1972 and was spearheaded by Hawaii Congresswoman Patsy Mink, who called education equity “the best route to equity and social justice.” While Title IX remains one of the most consequential pieces of civil rights legislation ever passed in U.S. History, advancing gender equity remains a challenge in schools across the nation. As Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration promote their anti-diversity education agenda, Title IX is being weaponized to roll back protections for transgender students and restrict the ways schools can address systemic gender discrimination.

This resolution pushes back against the false narratives that diversity in schools harms students. Specifically, this resolution celebrates the true legacy of Title IX by:

Celebrating the progress of Title IX and the increased protections and opportunities it has created for millions of students across the country;

Applauding the accomplishments of women and girls in all areas of life in the United States;

Recognizing that, despite progress being made, much work still remains to secure the rights and opportunities guaranteed by title IX, so that no federally funded educational institution shall discriminate against any individual on the basis of sex;

Calling upon the executive branch to protect the rights of individuals to fairness and safety at school by working to ensure schools prevent and respond to discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex, including based on—

(A) pregnancy and related medical conditions;

(B) actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics;

(C) sex stereotypes; and

(D) sex-based harassment, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and sex-based stalking; and

Condemning the weaponization of title IX to harm vulnerable students, particularly women and girls who are transgender and intersex, and nonbinary students, and to dismantle programs aiming to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion of women and girls in education.

“The National Women’s Law Center was founded the same year Title IX was enacted decades ago,” said Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of National Women’s Law Center. “Since then, we have fought for every student to be protected from sex discrimination in education, and tremendous progress has been made. But with the far-rights' distortion of this crucial law and this administration’s recent attacks on our most vulnerable student populations, it is more imperative than ever that we come together to fight for safe and inclusive schools. I commend Senator Hirono, Senator Murray, and Representative Grijalva for introducing this important resolution that affirms Title IX’s true purpose and the work that remains to make its promise a reality for all students.”

“With this resolution we are reminded that there are still leaders who will show up for our rights, our families, and a brighter future for all of us. Just as advocates and Congressional leaders came together 54 years ago to promise a future free from sex discrimination, we must raise our voices together again and say that we demand all of our rights here and now,” said Liz King, Principal, All, Here, and Now LLC.

This resolution was endorsed by Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), Advocates for Youth, Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, American Association of University Women (AAUW), Arab American Institute (AAI), California National Organization for Women (CA NOW), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Clearinghouse on Women's Issues, Delaware Alliance Against Sexual Violence, Equal Justice Society, Equal Rights Advocates, Feminist Majority Foundation, FL National Organization for Women, Girls Inc. of Orange County, Greater Orlando National Organization for Women, HerSports, Human Rights Campaign, interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth, Justice + Joy National Collaborative, Know Your IX, Legal Momentum, the Women's Legal Defense & Education Fund, MANA, A National Latina Organization, NADOHE--National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Council of Jewish Women, National Education Association, National Organization For Women, National Women's Political Caucus, National Women's Studies Association, New America Higher Education Policy Program, Out Accountability Project, PFLAG National, Public Counsel, Public Justice, Reproductive Freedom for All, SafeBAE, School Staff Against Sexual Violence, Sexual Violence Prevention Association, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN), Stop Sexual Assault in Schools, The New York Women's Foundation, The Every Voice Coalition, The Feminist Majority, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Victim Rights Law Center, Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Women Employed, Women’s Law Project, WorkLife Law, Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA), and Just Solutions.

Senator Hirono has long been a champion of Title IX and other efforts to limit harassment and discrimination in federally-funded education programs. In November, she led 130 members of Congress in filing an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in the cases of West Virgina v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, where the Court will be considering whether categorical bans on transgender students participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity violate Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause. Last Congress, she reintroduced the Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act (GEEA), which would provide additional resources for ED’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to better implement Title IX. In 2023, she blocked Republicans from passing the anti-transgender Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act—legislation that would have banned transgender women and girls from participating in sports consistent with their gender. Senator Hirono has also introduced legislation to strengthen civil rights protections against harassment and discrimination in schools. On the 50th anniversary of Title IX, she delivered remarks at the portrait unveiling for the late Congresswoman Patsy Mink at the U.S. Capitol, where she celebrated the life and legacy of Congresswoman Mink, who introduced and championed Title IX.

###",1,2026-06-25T06:30:03Z,2026-06-25T06:31:21Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-murray-reed-whitehouse-pocan-scott-introduce-bill-to-make-college-more-affordable-double-pell-grant,"Hirono, Murray, Reed, Whitehouse, Pocan, Scott Introduce Bill to Make College More Affordable, Double Pell Grant",2026-06-23,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA) introduced bicameral legislation to make higher education more affordable for millions of working and middle-class students across the country. The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 would nearly double the Pell Grant maximum award, index the maximum award for inflation, and make other changes to expand the award for working students, while also protecting the program from budget shortfalls and eligibility changes.

“For thousands of students in Hawaii and millions of students across the country, Pell Grants have helped to make higher education more affordable. But as costs continue to rise, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for students to pursue the college and career opportunities that will allow them to succeed in the future,” said Senator Hirono. “By increasing the Pell Grant maximum award, indexing the maximum award for inflation, and protecting the program from future cuts, this legislation will allow students across the country to reach their full potential.”

“While Trump is driving up the cost of just about everything, including college—Democrats are instead putting forward reasonable proposals to make sure everyone who is willing to work hard can pursue a higher education,” said Senator Patty Murray. “There is absolutely no reason students should be saddled with mountains of debt if they want to get a college degree. Government should be helping to open doors for American students, not slamming them shut like Trump is doing. Every year, I fight to protect and expand the Pell Grant—this bill would increase Pell Grants for millions of students to help them afford a postsecondary education and further their careers while helping ensure the Pell Grant is there to support students for generations to come.”

“For decades, Pell grants have been the cornerstone of our federal financial aid programs. Today, with the costs of higher education continuing to increase, these grants cover a shrinking percentage of the actual cost of college. Students should not have to rack up mountains of debt just to continue their education and earn their degree,” said Senator Reed. “It is past time we double the power of Pell grants and ensure this essential financial aid keeps up with inflation. This legislation would help expand access to Pell grants, lower student debt, strengthen our economy and workforce, and help deserving students reach their full potential.”

“Pell Grants, one of Senator Claiborne Pell’s enduring legacies, have helped generations of Rhode Islanders get a high-quality education while taking on less debt,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Our bill would increase the purchasing power of a Pell Grant and inflation-proof the awards to bring us closer to realizing Senator Pell’s vision of affordable higher education for all.”

“No one should be denied a chance at a higher education if they are smart and capable enough but are unable to afford it. As a recipient of the Pell Grant myself, I know just how instrumental of a tool it is to make college accessible for all,” Congressman Pocan said. “Unfortunately, skyrocketing tuition costs and perpetual underfunding continue to undermine this critical program. The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act would not only double the maximum Pell Grant, it would protect the program from future cuts, expand eligibility to include DREAMers, and ensure that postsecondary education is attainable for every student, regardless of their socioeconomic status.”

“The Pell Grant is the most important tool we have to help students afford college. Unfortunately, due to Republicans' attacks on federal student aid — including slashing loans in annual appropriations and refusal to fully fund the Pell Grant program in the 'Big Ugly Bill' — students now face a significant Pell Grant shortfall, made worse by the rising cost of college. Simply put, Pell Grants' purchasing power has severely eroded, making it even more difficult for students to afford higher education,” said House Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott. “By doubling the maximum Pell Grant award and moving the program to mandatory funding, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act directly addresses this shortfall and begins to restore purchasing power to help millions of students earn a quality degree without being forced to take on excessive debt.”

The federal Pell Grant program, which currently serves more than 7 million students nationwide, has been the cornerstone of federal student aid for more than 50 years. But with rising costs, the purchasing power of the Pell Grant maximum award has significantly declined over the years—from covering more than three-quarters of the cost of attendance at a four-year, public institution when the program was first created, to now covering less than one-third of the cost of attendance today. At the same time, the Pell Grant program faces a substantial shortfall, putting it at severe risk of future cuts.

In response, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 would double the Pell Grant maximum award—from $7,395, to $15,000—over six years, index the maximum award for inflation to maintain its purchasing power, and make the program fully mandatory funding to protect it from future cuts. In addition, the bill would also expand the program to include DREAMers and restore lifetime eligibility to 18 semesters—among other important changes that will benefit students.

“The Pell Grant program is our nation’s foundational investment in college affordability, but the award has not kept pace with rising costs, and the program’s funding structure puts it at ongoing risk of cuts. We strongly support the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act, which not only increases the maximum Pell award to make college far more affordable for millions of students, but expands, protects, and strengthens the program for years to come,” said Michele Zampini, Associate Vice President, Federal Policy & Advocacy at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS).

“The Pell Grant is the cornerstone of federal financial aid, but its funding is perpetually one shortfall away from cuts and the maximum award now covers less than a quarter of the cost of attending an in-state public four-year college. Students cannot meet their most basic needs—food, housing, child care—on a grant that no longer keeps pace with what college actually costs,” said Bryce McKibben, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University. “The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs strongly supports the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act as a transformative proposal that will dramatically cut the cost of higher education borne by students. By funding Pell as a permanent program, this legislation finally frees the program from the annual budget brinkmanship that leaves millions uncertain whether their financial aid will be there next year. It also overhauls outdated red tape, administrative burdens, and eligibility restrictions that prevent millions of deserving students from getting aid when they need it most. This bill is a clear statement that a low-income student's path to a degree is worth protecting, for this generation and the ones to come.”

“EdTrust is proud to support the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act, a comprehensive package of reforms that will strengthen the Pell Grant for millions of students from low-income backgrounds and students of color. By doubling the maximum Pell award and making the program fully mandatory, among other important improvements, this bill addresses financial barriers that make it harder for college students to earn a degree and ensures the program will not face budget shortfalls like the current one. This bill is a tremendous step toward ensuring that higher education remains accessible for millions of students who otherwise would not have the ability to pursue their dreams and gain valuable skills. We salute U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono, Patty Murray, Jack Reed , and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Mark Pocan and Bobby Scott for their leadership on behalf of students from low-income backgrounds and students of color and urge Congress to pass the bicameral Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act,” said Denise Forte, President and CEO at EdTrust.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Murray, Reed, and Whitehouse, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 is co-sponsored Tim Kaine (D-VA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angus King (I-ME), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Jon Ossoff (D-GA).

In addition to Representatives Scott and Pocan, companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives was co-sponsored by Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OH), Danny Davis (D-IL), Suzan DelBene (D-MI), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Shomari Figures (D-AL), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Pablo Hernandez (D-PR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Summer Lee (D-PA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), John Mannion (D-NY), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Frank J. Mrvan (D-IN), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Simon, Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Juan Vargas (D-CA), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

The bill is endorsed by The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS), The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs (Hope Center), The Education Trust (EdTrust), Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), United States Student Association (USSA), National College Attainment Network (NCAN), Southern California College Attainment Network (SoCal CAN), HawaiiKidsCAN, Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Coalition on Human Needs (CHN), New America Higher Education Program, Legal Defense Fund (LDF), Third Way, College Possible, FuturesNW, Denver Scholarship Foundation, Capital Area College Access Network (CAPCAN), OHIO YAB (Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board), ACTION Ohio (Alumni of Care Together Improving Outcomes Now Ohio), Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation, and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

The full text of the bill is available here. A fact sheet is available here.

###",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-schatzs-bipartisan-bill-to-deliver-faster-relief-to-disaster-survivors,Senate Passes Schatz’s Bipartisan Bill to Deliver Faster Relief to Disaster Survivors,2026-06-22,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today voted 85-5 to pass a bipartisan housing package which includes the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act. The provision, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), will help communities recover from major disasters more quickly by establishing a permanent and predictable funding process at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“Right now, each time a disaster happens, communities in crisis are forced to wait for Congress to pass a disaster funding bill before HUD can help. Our provision changes the law so they no longer have to wait. As soon as a disaster strikes, HUD will be able to help communities begin the process of recovery,” said Senator Schatz.

The provision will accelerate assistance to disaster-impacted communities by:

Creating a disaster recovery fund to allow HUD to predictably assist communities;

Authorizing HUD to issue regulations to codify program requirements and reduce unnecessary red tape, delays, and unpredictability that stems from the current process;

Supporting resilience as a part of – rather than separate from – disaster recovery;

Authorizing “quick release” funds to support grantee capacity right after an event;

Improving federal coordination by establishing an office at HUD devoted to disaster recovery and resilience; and

Reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and interagency requirement conflicts.

The full text of the provision is available here.

###",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-celebrates-two-hawaii-chefs-on-national-competition-show-wins,Schatz Celebrates Two Hawai‘i Chefs On National Competition Show Wins,2026-06-18,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today celebrated a pair of wins for two Hawai‘i chefs who recently competed and won major national cooking competition shows. Chef Rhoda Magbitang, a Hawai‘i Island resident and executive chef at CanoeHouse, was crowned the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef this month, while Lee Anne Wong, a Maui resident, owner of Koko Head Cafe on O‘ahu, and a former Top Chef finalist, won Season 3 of the Food Network’s 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing.

In remarks on the Senate floor celebrating their wins, Schatz said, “Both chefs displayed incredible skill and perseverance in their respective competitions and showcased what makes Hawai‘i’s food scene so special, with our unique blend of cultures and cuisines. We’re lucky to have Chefs Magbitang and Wong and so many outstanding chefs who make Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i. Congratulations on your wins, you’ve made Hawai‘i proud.”

Video of the Senator’s remarks is available here.

###",1,2026-06-23T06:27:52Z,2026-06-23T06:29:20Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-donald-trump-is-distracted-with-things-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-peoples-lives,Schatz: Donald Trump Is Distracted With Things That Have Nothing To Do With People’s Lives,2026-06-18,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke today on the Senate floor about President Donald Trump’s preoccupation with building monuments and hosting sporting events while Americans across the country struggle to make ends meet amid rising prices.

“$600 million to build a ballroom at the White House. $100 million to build a triumphal arch. $250 million to renovate the Kennedy Center. And $60 million to host a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House. These are the things Donald Trump is putting his time and energy into right now, along with a whole lot of taxpayer money,” said Senator Schatz.

Senator Schatz continued, “People all across the country are eating less and driving less and saving less and seeing the doctor less because of his actions. Wars, tariffs, tax cuts for billionaires, paid for by cutting working people’s health care. And yet, all he can think about is where his next military adventure might be or what new monument he can build himself.”

Senator Schatz’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below. Video is available here.

$600 million to build a ballroom at the White House. $100 million to build a triumphal arch. $250 million to renovate the Kennedy Center. And $60 million to host a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House. These are the things Donald Trump is putting his time and energy into right now, along with a whole lot of taxpayer money. Meanwhile, gas is more than 4 bucks a gallon nationally and $5.58 in Hawai‘i. Grocery prices keep going up. Electricity bills are through the roof. Millions of Americans don’t have health insurance this year. And rents and mortgages are impossible to keep up with.

This is not a question of whether you like sports or monuments. I like sports. I think the capital city of the most powerful nation in the history of the world should be beautiful and modern and vibrant. But this is not that. This is a president who is so thoroughly distracted with his own personal pet projects that he has no time to do anything to lower prices and fix people’s actual problems. It’s not like these are events that have overtaken his agenda – this is his agenda. These are his initiatives that he came up with.

It’s plainly obvious that the Donald Trump is distracted with things that have nothing to do with regular people’s lives. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Last week, after inflation reached the highest level in 3 years, he said, “I love the inflation.” And a few weeks ago, as a war of his own making was ravaging people’s paychecks, he said, “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation.” I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. This is not me making a partisan accusation – those are his words!

People all across the country are eating less and driving less and saving less and seeing the doctor less because of his actions. Wars, tariffs, tax cuts for billionaires, paid for by cutting working people’s health care. And yet, all he can think about is where his next military adventure might be or what new monument he can build himself.

It’s not hard to imagine a focused, energetic president who exerts his authority to make people’s lives better, easier, more affordable, more fulfilling. And in the past, even when we didn’t agree with a president from the other party on solutions, we at least agreed on the problems. But not with Donald Trump. The problem was never that the Kennedy Center was too woke. The problem was never that gas was too cheap. No one woke up thinking, gee, I wish we were involved in more wars. Or man, we really ought to be throwing bigger parties for the president’s birthday.

No one asked for this. No one wants this. But we have a president who is at the end of his political career, with nothing to lose electorally. And all he can think about is himself and his legacy – not you.

###",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-set-to-receive-nearly-25-million-for-native-hawaiian-health-care,Schatz: Hawai‘i Set To Receive Nearly $25 Million For Native Hawaiian Health Care,2026-06-18,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the five Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems and Papa Ola Lokahi, which coordinates health care programs and services for Native Hawaiians, will receive nearly $25 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This funding, provided through the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program, will help the centers provide health education, promotion, disease prevention, and basic primary care services for thousands of people across Hawai‘i.

“These health centers are essential for keeping local families healthy,” said Senator Schatz, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This federal funding will help these clinics all across the state keep their doors open and deliver the health care people rely on every single day.”

The funding includes:

$3,088,269 for Hui No Ke Ola Pono on Maui

$2,530,712 for Na Pu?uwai on Molokai

$3,246,769 for Ho?ola Lahui Hawai?i on Kaua‘i

$3,001,484 for Hui Malama Ola Na ?Oiwi on Hawai‘i Island

$2,924,208 for Ke Ola Mamo on O‘ahu

$10,000,000 for Papa Ola Lokahi

###",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-kim-duckworth-release-statement-following-the-senate-vote-on-michelle-steel-for-us-ambassador-to-republic-of-korea,"Hirono, Kim, Duckworth Release Statement Following the Senate Vote on Michelle Steel for U.S. Ambassador to Republic of Korea",2026-06-17,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm former Congresswoman Michelle Steel as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea:

“The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community is the fastest growing minority community in America. As the three United States Senators of AANHPI descent, we have a deep understanding of the way our communities are perceived at home and abroad. When leaders in our community weaponize division and hate, it is not representative of who we are as Americans.

“Congresswoman Steel has a disturbing history of using racially-based attacks and tropes. She has targeted AANHPI leaders – including Americans who have served our country in uniform – to divide and push us further apart.

“The role of a United States Ambassador is more than executing the policies of the United States Government; it is to serve as a symbol of what America is and what it should be to people around the world. As we work to advance the U.S.-ROK alliance, it is critical that the connections between our people are grounded in unity and building broader coalitions both domestically and globally.

“This is not a question of political affiliation, but one of whether the actions of Congresswoman Steel represent the vision of America we want to project to the world and to AANHPI members at home. To us, the answer is no unless she steps up, disavows her previous behaviors and acts as the leader the region deserves. The relationship with the ROK is too important to be undermined by petty politics.”

###",1,2026-06-18T06:41:00Z,2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-bill-to-harden-infrastructure-against-floods-extreme-weather,"Schatz Introduces Bill To Harden Infrastructure Against Floods, Extreme Weather",2026-06-17,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) joined colleagues in introducing the Federal Flood Risk Management Act, legislation to ensure that federally-funded infrastructure projects are built to withstand the impacts of flooding and other extreme weather. Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Hawai‘i and nationwide, most recently evidenced during the Kona low storms earlier this year.

“Extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more severe in Hawai‘i and across the country, and it’s taking a huge toll on our infrastructure. Our bill will help ensure that federally-funded infrastructure is built to be more resilient to the impact of floods and other disasters,” said Senator Schatz.

The Federal Flood Risk Management Act will codify the standards first set forth by President Barack Obama in 2015 but later rescinded by President Donald Trump. The bill will ensure that federal investments account for the impacts of climate change in order to protect infrastructure, save taxpayer dollars, safeguard businesses from flood damage, and keep communities safe.

The text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-presses-museums-and-universities-to-quickly-return-native-ancestral-remains-and-items-comply-with-native-american-graves-protection-and-repatriation-act,"Schatz Presses Museums And Universities To Quickly Return Native Ancestral Remains And Items, Comply With Native American Graves Protection And Repatriation Act",2026-06-17,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, renewed calls to 15 museums and universities to promptly repatriate Native ancestral remains and cultural items to the communities they belong to and meet their obligations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The renewed call follows efforts Schatz has led over the past few years to address the slow repatriation process by many U.S. institutions who continue to hold tens of thousands of Native remains and items.

""It shouldn’t take this long to return Native remains to their communities. Indigenous people have waited long enough. It's time for these museums and universities to stop the delays and finally do the right thing,” said Senator Schatz.

The 15 museums and universities Schatz wrote to include Ohio History Connection, Illinois State Museum, Harvard University, University of California Berkley, Indiana University, University of Tennessee Knoxville, University of Kentucky, University of Alabama, University of Arizona, University of Florida, University of Missouri, University of Oklahoma, Center for American Archeology, University of Texas at Austin, and Milwaukee Public Museum. Each were asked to update their compliance with NAGPRA, explain why NAGPRA items remain in their possession, and report any barriers to compliance, among other follow up questions unique to each institution’s initial responses.

The letters Schatz sent to the institutions are available here.

###",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-uk-social-media-ban-for-kids-under-16,Schatz Statement On UK Social Media Ban For Kids Under 16,2026-06-17,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his government’s plans to ban access to social media for all children under the age of 16. Schatz is the lead author of the Kids Off Social Media Act, bipartisan legislation that will keep kids off social media and help protect them from its harmful impacts.

“The UK is the latest example of a country stepping up to protect kids online. More and more governments are recognizing that addictive social media platforms are causing real harm to kids. Parents are asking for help, and lawmakers should listen. It’s time to pass the Kids Off Social Media Act.”

###",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-foreign-relations-committee-advances-schatz-bipartisan-bill-to-promote-geothermal-in-indo-pacific,Senate Foreign Relations Committee Advances Schatz Bipartisan Bill To Promote Geothermal In Indo-Pacific,2026-06-17,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced the Pacific POWER Act, bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) to promote geothermal exploration and production in the Indo-Pacific by leveraging the United States’ expertise as the world leader in geothermal electricity generation capacity. In addition to Schatz, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Curtis (R-Utah), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.).

“With energy demand rising and countries experiencing shortages, we have an opportunity to extend our leadership in geothermal energy and help our allies and partners become more energy secure,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Our bill will harness the expertise, capabilities, and financial tools of the U.S. public and private sectors to promote geothermal research and deployment in the Indo-Pacific in ways that support our economic interests and national security.”

Geothermal energy has the potential to meet a significant portion of the growth in electricity demand globally over the next few decades. But geothermal development is lagging globally because of challenges including high exploration costs and the need for stronger policy and supply chains. The United States, as the global leader in geothermal electricity generation, has the resources, expertise, and commercial capabilities necessary to support allies and partners develop geothermal capacity and become more energy secure in ways that also benefit U.S. security and economic businesses.

The Pacific POWER Act will:

Establish a new geothermal program at the U.S. Department of State, tasked with working bilaterally and multilaterally to develop goals for geothermal deployment;

Direct the Department of State to assess global geothermal resources, determine areas of highest potential that benefit U.S. security and economic interests, strengthen geothermal supply chains, and develop financial tools to help advance geothermal projects; and

Require the Department of State to create public-private partnerships for geothermal research, exploration, and production in at least five countries, three of which must be in the Indo-Pacific.

The text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-blackburn-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-stop-people-from-sending-unwanted-nude-photos,"Schatz, Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Help Stop People From Sending Unwanted Nude Photos",2026-06-16,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced legislation to curb the sending of sexually explicit images online, also known as cyberflashing, by creating a federal private right of action for victims who receive such images and imposing civil penalties for individuals who send them. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.) and Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas).

“No one should fall victim to unwanted flashing, whether in real-life or online,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “By providing a federal private right of action and imposing penalties, this bill will help prevent sexual harassment and hold perpetrators accountable.”

“AI has opened the door for bad actors to produce explicit images quickly and cheaply to abuse or harass more victims, especially targeting young women,” said Senator Blackburn. “The bipartisan CONSENT Act would provide victims with a civil right of action and relief when they receive unwanted sexual images or videos on dating apps, text messages, and other forms of online communication.”

Cyberflashing can occur on social media, dating apps, over text, or even via AirDrop, and disproportionately impacts women. According to the Pew Research Center, more than half of women and more than a third of men between 18-29 have received such images. Additionally, victims may face barriers to reporting including fear of retaliation, stigma, and procedural barriers. In addition, artificial intelligence has enabled a new form of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), which can be generated quickly and cheaply. A 2024 study found that 15% of K-12 students were aware of at least one NCII deepfake that depicts an individual associated with their school. These deepfakes can cause lasting trauma whether the videos or images are real or fake, or whether the recipient is the one being depicted.

The CONSENT Act would enable civil right of action and relief to victims who receive intimate digital depictions or intimate digital forgery without their consent. It also provides an exception for transmissions of intimate visual depictions for a good faith medical, education, or law enforcement purpose. An individual may obtain relief in the form of:

Statutory damages of up to $1,000 or compensatory damages for emotional distress;

Reasonable attorney fees and costs; and

A temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction ordering the defendant to cease transmitting intimate visual depictions to the plaintiff without consent.

The CONSENT Act is endorsed by Bumble, SafeBAE, RAINN, the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline), National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), National Women's Law Center Action Fund, and Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA).

“For years, Bumble has championed efforts to criminalize cyberflashing and protect people from unsolicited explicit content online. While we are proud of the progress that has been made at the state level, millions of Americans, especially women, remain unprotected without a federal standard. That’s why we support the bipartisan CONSENT Act, which empowers individuals to take legal action against those who knowingly send nonconsensual explicit content. Congress has an opportunity to make it clear that these acts are unacceptable and that everyone deserves a safer, more respectful online experience. Thank you to the bill sponsors who are helping move this critical legislation forward,” said Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder and CEO of Bumble.

""Cyberflashing is not a harmless prank or minor inconvenience. It is digital sexual violence. It violates the victims consent and can threaten their safety. Right now, digital sexual violence is the most rapidly increasing form of sexual violence. Yet, victims are left without avenues for justice and perpetrators are encouraged to continue their harm without consequences. The CONSENT Act changes this. It empowers survivors with the tools to seek justice in the form of civil restitution. Accountability and action change culture. The CONSENT Act will prevent future cyberflashing by changing the norms around accountability and action,” said Omny Miranda Martone, Founder and CEO of the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA).

“Unsolicited intimate images are a deeply invasive form of technology-facilitated abuse that can be used to harass, intimidate, and control victims and survivors,” said Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “The CONSENT Act would create an important pathway for accountability and help ensure that survivors, including minors and those targeted by AI-generated abuse, have meaningful options to protect their safety, privacy, and dignity. The Hotline is grateful for continued bipartisan leadership to address the evolving ways technology is being used to cause harm.”

“The sending of unsolicited intimate images has been commonplace for decades, but federal law has failed to keep pace with technology-facilitated sexual harassment,” said Elizabeth Tang, Senior Counsel for Education and Workplace Justice at the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund. “The CONSENT Act closes this gap by allowing recipients of unsolicited sexual images to go to court to stop the harassment and recover reasonable damages, attorney fees, and court costs from their harasser. We urge Congress to act swiftly to pass this important and long-overdue bill.”

“The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) strongly supports the CONSENT Act and applauds Representatives McClellan and Moran and Senators Schatz and Blackburn for introducing this bipartisan, survivor-centered legislation. Survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse increasingly face serious harm from the non-consensual sharing and transmission of intimate images. By creating a clear pathway for survivors to seek accountability and injunctive relief, the CONSENT Act helps address a critical gap in existing law. NNEDV is proud to support this effort to strengthen protections against technology-facilitated abuse and ensure survivors have meaningful tools to pursue justice in the digital age,” said Tonia Moultry-Pace, Interim CEO and President of NNEDV.

The CONSENT Act takes an important step forward to acknowledge the harm caused to victims from receiving non-consensual sexual images, and, importantly, increases accountability for those engaged in this harm. We support the creation of a private right of action allowing recipients to seek damages and injunctive relief against individuals who knowingly transmit intimate images without consent,” said Terri Poore, Policy Director for the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence.

The full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-06-18T06:41:00Z,2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-committee-passage-of-fy27-national-defense-authorization-act,Hirono Statement on Committee Passage of FY27 National Defense Authorization Act,2026-06-12,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Ranking Member of the Readiness and Management Support Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Committee passed its draft of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) earlier this week:

“I’m proud to have secured numerous provisions in the Senate’s FY27 NDAA that invest in military readiness, Hawaii, the Indo-Pacific Region, and our servicemembers and their families, while also holding the Army accountable on the military training land lease negotiations. However, I could not in good conscience vote to advance a bill that paves the way for an up to 40% increase in year-over-year Department of Defense spending, especially as this administration wages an illegal war in Iran with no plan or end in sight.

“Our nation’s strength depends not only on our military power, but also on the economic well-being of our people. At a time when families across the country are struggling with skyrocketing costs, the Trump Administration is asking Congress to authorize a massive increase in defense spending just months after slashing programs like SNAP and Medicaid upon which millions of Americans rely. Equally concerning, this bill comes amid Pentagon leadership’s racist and sexist war on diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the firing and withheld promotion of dozens of officers, most of whom are women or persons of color. While I’m proud of many of the provisions in this bill that support our servicemembers and our national security, I voted against authorizing a massive increase in military spending for this regime. I remain committed to working toward a final version of the bill that balances the importance of our national security with the domestic needs of the American people.”

Despite her opposition to the bill, Senator Hirono secured and supported several key provisions in the FY 2027 NDAA. Specifically, the bill includes provisions introduced by Senator Hirono that:

Deliver for Hawaii

Directs the Secretary of the Army to seek from the State of Hawaii, on terms acceptable to both the Army and the State, a renewal of expiring training land leases. As part of this, requires the Army to expeditiously resubmit their Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) for the leased lands and address deficiencies identified by the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Reinforces efforts to safely and expeditiously close the Red Hill Fuel Facility by adding $10 million above the President’s Budget for environmental restoration and remediation and $5 million for community engagement initiatives.

Prohibits the use of funds to carry out a hiring freeze, reduction in force, or hiring delay without cause at all four public shipyards, including Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.

Provides authority to conduct Electrical and Infrastructure Upgrades on Former Naval Air Station Barber’s Point (Kalaeloa) and directs the Navy to transfer and make available $14 million in funds to support this effort.

Adds $17 million for the Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative (P3I), which creates a local skilled workforce to meet DOD demand for intelligence, IT, and cyber professionals in Hawaii and address cuts in the President’s Budget.

$9.5 million increase for the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), which mitigates the large program cuts in the President's Budget.

Adds $20 million for the High-Performance Computing Modernization program to address cuts in the President’s Budget.

Establishes a grant program to help small businesses and nontraditional contractors cover Level 2 Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification costs.

Authorizes $50 million for supplemental impact aid to educational agencies affected by the enrollment of military and DOD civilian dependents, $10 million for impact aid for children with severe disabilities, and $20 million for local educational agencies determined to have high concentrations of military children with severe disabilities.

Encourages the DOD to identify opportunities to strengthen domestic shipbuilding and repair capacity through investments in infrastructure, industrial modernization, and workforce development.

Provides flexibility for 8(a) companies by modifying the Small Business Act's ""bona fide place of business"" requirement for DoD construction contracts awarded under the 8(a) program, allowing an 8(a) participant to satisfy the requirement by certifying they will establish a staffed, physical office in the designated geographic area within 60 days of the contract award.

Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to limit divestment and to submit a report and briefing on the MQ-9 aircraft, while directing the MQ-9 to increase inventory by 2028.

Requires a briefing from the Secretary of the Navy on the recent decision to shift the homeport of USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) from Honolulu to San Diego.

Invest in Critical Infrastructure:

Invests over $2.2 billion for 17 military construction projects in Hawaii:

$507 million for the next increment of funding for the Dry Dock 3 replacement at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH).

$380 million for a new aircraft maintenance hangar at Wheeler Army Airfield.

$248 million for the next increment of funding for the water treatment plant at JBPHH.

$183 million for the Pacific Warfighting Center expansion at Ford Island.

$142 million for the next increment of funding for airfield pavement upgrades at Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands.

$134 million for the company command compound at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay.

$129 million for electrical distribution and modernization at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay.

$79 million for the Air traffic control tower at Wheeler Army Airfield.

$76 million for the Armory expansion at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay.

$72 million for costs to complete the wells and storage tanks at Helemano Military Reservation.

$71 million for costs to complete the water well and booster pump at Fort Shafter.

$49 million for the main gate entry control point at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay.

$30 million for a new fire station at Schofield Barracks.

$26 million to complete the elevated tank and distribution lines at Schofield Barracks.

$21 million to complete the water storage tank at Schofield Barracks.

$3.6 million for the secure integration support lab and land acquisition at Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site.

$3.3 million in planning and design funds for the aircraft clear water rinse facility at Wheeler Army Airfield.

Report and briefing on the Navy’s alternative plans for the Waterfront Production Facility at Pearl Harbor

Support Servicemembers, Veterans, and their Families:

Authorizes a 3.6 percent pay raise for all military members.

Requires the DoD to report on their implementation of chaperone policies for sensitive examinations across the Department.

Requires the DoD to provide the complete, unredacted report on the effectiveness of women serving in ground combat roles, including all underlying background information and methodology, to the Government Accountability Office to support an independent third-party study.

Directs the DoD to assess how reversing the influenza vaccine requirement may affect military readiness and report the findings to Congress.

Protects military retiree freedom of speech by prohibiting DoD leaders from weaponizing the Uniform Code of Military Justice against them.

Expands the Department’s new Defense Health Agency complaint system to explicitly include tracking, reporting, and handling of issues related to women’s healthcare.

Codifies a requirement for the military to notify relevant state medical boards when a licensed medical professional is being investigated or charged with misconduct.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide Congress a briefing on the Public Schools on Military Installations Program (PSMI) priority list, which includes several Hawaii schools. The briefing must cover an assessment of costs of construction/renovation and a recommended federal/state cost share ratio for funding.

Allows the Secretary of Defense to establish the pay of wage-grade employees located at any defense industrial base facility in order to make rates of pay comparable to the private sector and surrounding areas.

Requires the DoD to institute the “Smitty Checks” policy, which are mandatory, in-person wellness checks for injured, ill, or recovering servicemembers. This provision is named in honor of Private First Class Caleb “Smitty” Smither, U.S. Army. who tragically passed away in 2020 after suffering a head injury and returning to his barracks.

Directs the Defense Health Agency to provide a briefing and report on the feasibility of DoD administering an H. pylori testing and treatment program, guidelines to treat H. Pylori, and prevalence of gastric conditions such as stomach cancer and ulcers among active duty servicemembers and veterans.

Requires the Department to address the oversight gap in the military-to-civilian transition by standardizing the performance metrics for the transition assistance program.

Expands protected communications of tenants of privatized military housing who report housing-related issues relative to the privatized housing.

Requires timely notification to both Congress and affected officers when the promotion of an officer is delayed, including the basis, expected duration, and status of any associated review or investigation.

Requires DoD and the VA to establish an access to health care pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of expanding reciprocal access to health care facilities, personnel, and services between the DoD and VA.

Requires the Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments to ensure that the disclosure of telework and remote work eligibility, as well as exemptions for return-to-in-person-work requirements, is considered for all announcements of vacant positions in the DOD to encourage all agencies of the Department to utilize these flexibilities to support the employment of military spouses.

Expands eligibility for hearing aids to include children of retirees enrolled in family coverage under TRICARE Select.

Requires DoD to notify the Armed Services Committees after a material failure affects patient care in an operating room, critical care unit, intensive care unit, or emergency department at a military medical treatment facility.

Directs the Comptroller General to assess DOD’s use of nondisclosure agreements and to conduct a study on whistleblower protections within the Department.

Authorizes the Department to increase the maximum tuition assistance benefit.

Prohibits the DoD from reducing the number of personnel assigned to service review agencies that provide critical administrative relief and records correction services for servicemembers and veterans.

Increases maximum authorized amounts for hostile fire and imminent danger pay, as well as aviation incentive pays and bonuses, to better recognize operational demands and support retention in critical specialties.

Requires briefings on how each Service is ensuring that retention efforts focus not only on meeting end strength requirements, but also on retaining high-performing servicemembers and personnel in critical skill areas.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to standardize the collection and reporting of data related to childcare capacity, workforce readiness, and waitlists across the Armed Forces and military installations, including disaggregated data on utilization, staffing, unmet demand, and fee assistance programs.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to declassify or make such information available for family members to review, any record, live-sighting report, or other information in the custody of the DOD that relates to the location, treatment, or condition of any prisoner of war or missing in action from World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.

Directs each service to develop a service-wide strategy for scaling human performance technology to advance mental health, sleep, and wellness tracking for servicemembers.

Strengthen Our Ability to Protect the Indo-Pacific Region:

Authorizes and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI).

Directs the INDOPACOM Commander to provide an independent assessment of how transfers of personnel, platforms, equipment, munitions, and other capabilities from INDOPACOM affect the command’s ability to deter and, if necessary, prevail in conflict in the Indo-Pacific.

Extends the admission of H-2B nonimmigrant visas to Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands by two years and adds Wake Island to the list of locations to support military construction projects.

Authorizes multi-year procurement for certain munitions.

Enhances DoD’s ability to train ally and partner foreign security force capacity by adding additional authorities (foreign internal defense, disaster risk reduction/response operations, and space domain awareness/space operations) to the list of eligible programs the U.S. would be allowed to provide assistance under security assistance authorities.

Supports the Navy’s accelerated procurement of amphibious warfare ships by expanding the multi-ship authority.

Increases the INDOPACOM Commander’s minor military construction threshold from $30 million to 35 million to bolster posture in the Indo-Pacific.

Increases the unspecified minor military construction threshold from $9 million to

$15 million and relieves the area cost factor adjustments for Alaska, Hawaii, and other

islands in the Indo-Pacific for a period of 5 years.

Requires certification that there is a continuity of operations plan before the Guam command and control facility is declared operational.

Redesignates the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative as the First Island Chain Security Cooperation Initiative (FICSCI) and makes the Philippines eligible to receive assistance under this authority. It also extends FICSCI to 2032 and authorizes up to $1.5 billion in assistance in FY 2027.

Authorizes the Department to establish a War Reserve Stockpile program for Taiwan.

Prohibits a reduction in U.S. military posture on the Korean Peninsula or a change in wartime operational control over the Combined Forces Command until the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest. Further directs the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the INDOPACOM Commander, and U.S. Forces Korea to conduct an independent risk assessment of any changes.

Directs INDOPACOM, Space Force, and key stakeholders to brief Congress on integration of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities into current and future joint exercises with our allies and partners.

Requires a strategy for crisis management in the South China Sea.

Prohibits DOD from retiring or decommissioning in FY 27 any oceanographic research vessels, including the Kilo Moana operated by the University of Hawaii.

Directs a report detailing U.S. support to Japan in the development and fielding of an operational counterstrike capability.

Directs a briefing on efforts to enhance combined United States-Republic of Korea operational capabilities and interoperability using emerging technologies.

Revitalizes the AUKUS partnership by designating the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Armaments Cooperation as the Senior Defense Official with responsibility for AUKUS and extends the timeframe for this function until 2032.

Modifies the authorization of the sale of nuclear attack submarines in the AUKUS agreement to allow for the transfer of up to three in-service subs.

Directs a plan in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual to remove unnecessary procedures and regulations related to AUKUS.

Requires a report assessing planned use of mobile networking and resilient command and control architecture in Taiwan.

Direct the Navy to do a report/analysis on the required number of submarine tenders to support the larger future fleet of submarines.

Directs the Department to brief Congress every quarter on the status of planning for and implementation of core Homeland defense priorities, including plans for responding to a major attack on the Homeland in the context of military operations in other areas of responsibility – this briefing includes Hawaii and Alaska.

Authorizes a pilot program to replace a chiller or chiller-related facilities that support subsistence resiliency within INDOPACOM at locations that have been deemed remote and isolated.

Directs a briefing on efforts to expand and deepen bilateral military exercises with India in the space domain.

Requires a report on how DoD can more efficiently work with our partners in the Freely Associated States to speed up dual-use military construction projects.

Modernize the Force:

Directs the establishment of a DOD-wide ecosystem for the deployment and enterprise use of agentic artificial intelligence systems at scale and speed.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to brief Congress on the use of collaborative planning platforms to ensure it is cost effectively procuring and implementing such platforms.

Accelerates software procurement to remove bureaucracy that will support the speed and development of critical software programs.

Codifies in statute the DOD review process for autonomous weapon systems and AI capabilities, specifying standards for human judgment, validation and testing requirements, prohibited uses, and a centralized incident reporting repository.

Requires artificial intelligence training as part of the DoD’s Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) process.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop authoritative security standards and guidance for artificial intelligence agents across the DOD.

Directs a briefing on the feasibility and advisability of piloting autonomous welding across the organic industrial base.

Provides key authority for servicemembers to repair their own equipment under urgent conditions (right to repair).

Directs an independent review of whether CYBERCOM is adequately organized and resourced to meet its expanding authorities and responsibilities.

Directs a briefing on artificial intelligence enabled biological threat detection.

Requires a comprehensive assessment of the effects of the adoption of artificial intelligence systems by personnel of the DOD on the maintenance and retention of essential warfighter skills.

Authorizes an increase of more than $1 billion for maritime unmanned systems.

Directs a briefing on the Department’s strategy to scale the production, procurement, and deployment of small, unmanned aircraft systems to tactical units.

Directs the Secretary of the Army to report on its efforts related to autonomous surface vessel technology.

Directs a briefing on the automation and efficiency of munitions production.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing on increasing and diversifying munitions inventories.

Requires a Department of the Air Force integrated air and space capabilities electronic warfare roadmap.

Directs a briefing on the procurement of low-collateral, non-kinetic solutions for Counter-small Unmanned Aerial Systems swarms.

Requires a streamlined process for developing, negotiating, and concluding international agreements relating to science and technology cooperation, including memoranda of understanding and project agreements.

Directs a briefing on Department’s plans to expand the use of advanced software and artificial intelligence technologies and its evaluation of real-time audit capabilities.

Prioritize Sustainability and the Environment:

Secures an additional $20 million in funding for DOD’s REPI Program to avoid land use conflicts near military installations, address environmental restrictions that limit military activities, and increase military installation resilience.

Requires DoD to review and take action within 180 days on proposals for alternative energy projects (like wind) that could impact national security. This provision responds directly to the current administration’s hostility towards these types of projects.

Amends the law to include combatant commands as eligible entities to recover and reinvest operational energy cost savings.

Requires the DoD to establish a public-private partnership program on recycling strategic and critical minerals.

Ensures that electrical systems within facilities of the DOD are capable of operating in islanded mode during grid outages, thereby enhancing energy resilience, security, and operational continuity.

Aligns major military installation master plans to the new definition for military installation resilience requested last year by the DOD and adopted in the FY26 NDAA.

Clarifies that the expansion of the footprint of existing facilities or infrastructure is not allowed outside of very limited criteria.

Requires a report on Taiwan’s Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) supply and storage and recommendations on resiliency.

Hold this Administration Accountable:

Closes loophole that could allow defense contractors to avoid financial consequences for providing inaccurate pricing data, helping ensure the Pentagon gets a fair deal for taxpayers.

Shifts burden of proof to contractors to justify restrictions on technical data.

Limits the DoD’s Ability to reassign Military Uniformed JAG attorneys to the Department of Justice to serve as Immigration Law Judges.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to conduct a review of the ownership structure and any conflicts of interest before obligating or disbursing any funds for an equity investment and adds stronger oversight of the Economic Defense Unit.

Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from entering into a contract for goods or services, unless the contractor agrees to not purchase equity security, pay dividends, or make any other capital distribution with respect to equity securities unless the contractor has a waiver from the Secretary of Defense.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to report on the implementation of civilian harm and mitigation response directives and regulations.

Increases oversight of the use of counter-drone capabilities on the southern border.

Requires the DOD and key stakeholders to brief Congress on the Maven Smart Systems (MSS) program of record transition, including lessons learned, responsibility structures, and oversight mechanisms following the program’s transition.

Creates accountability measures for implementing generational acquisition reform from the FY26 NDAA.

Prohibits the reduction in U.S. military force posture in Europe or relinquishment of U.S. command of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe position until the Secretary of Defense assesses the impact on U.S. and NATO interests and certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest. Further directs the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Commander of U.S. European Command to conduct an independent risk assessment of any such changes.

Prohibits the use of funds to remove the Army’s Prepositioned Stocks in Europe.

Prohibits funds authorized in the NDAA from being obligated or expended to implement any activity that recognizes the sovereignty of Russia over the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.

Authorizes the Civil Military Coordination Center as a subsidiary of the Board of Peace to oversee the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire in pursuit of Hamas’ complete and permanent disarmament.

###",1,2026-06-13T06:32:19Z,2026-06-13T06:34:27Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-hirono-and-hawaii-chamber-of-commerce-host-10th-annual-hawaii-on-the-hill-in-washington-dc,"PHOTOS: Hirono and Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Host 10th Annual “Hawaii on the Hill” in Washington, D.C.",2026-06-11,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee welcomed more than 200 individuals from Hawaii, representing over 90 businesses and nonprofits from across the state, for the 10th annual “Hawaii on the Hill.” Hawaii on the Hill, a partnership between Senator Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce (CoC) Hawaii, provides members of the Hawaii business community with the opportunity to showcase Hawaii businesses and products, meet directly with Congressional leaders, and share the aloha spirit with Members of Congress, their staff, and the D. C. community.

“As Hawaii families continue to struggle under the Trump regime’s cost of living crisis, it’s critical we fight to boost our state’s economy. For 10 years, that’s what Hawaii on the Hill has been all about, bringing the best of Hawaii—our small businesses, local entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors— to Washington D.C.,” said Senator Hirono. “From our policy summit with Congressional leaders, to the flagship Taste of Hawaii I am proud to carry on this tradition of partnering with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii to support our small businesses and show the rest of the country what the aloha spirit is all about.”

""Hawaii on the Hill has always been about bringing Hawaii's voice directly to Washington, and this year's 10th annual event was our most impactful yet,"" said Sherry Menor, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. ""Anchored by our 2030 Blueprint for Hawaii, our state's roadmap for a more diversified, resilient economy, this year's program was designed to advance Hawaii's future on the national stage. In honor of our 10th anniversary, we hosted 10 events, from record-breaking attendance at Taste of Hawaii on the Hill to our largest-ever Kama'aina Come Home gathering and our first-ever Appropriations 101 session led by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono's staff, we connected Hawaii's business community directly to the federal opportunities that matter most. We are deeply grateful to U.S. Senator Hirono and her team for their partnership, and we look forward to building on this momentum together.""

In addition to Senator Hirono and CoC Hawaii, Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi served as an Honorary Co-Chair of Hawaii on the Hill.

At the beginning of the week, Senator Hirono participated in a talk story event moderated by Sherry Menor, CoC Hawaii President and CEO. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Senator Hirono about her work in the Senate to support Hawaii businesses and communities and also engaged with the Senator in a Q&A.

The following day, Senator Hirono hosted the Hawaii on the Hill Policy Summit, which featured remarks from; Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH); Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI); and Lauren Bealore, Board member of the Main Street Alliance.

The speakers discussed a variety of issues important to businesses in Hawaii and across the country, including the unique challenges local businesses in Hawaii face, programs that provide support for businesses and nonprofits in Hawaii, and building community resilience and partnerships. Specifically, the speakers shared updates on the states of agriculture, tourism, small businesses, and tariffs after almost 18 months of the Trump Administration.

On Wednesday, Senator Hirono and CoC Hawaii hosted the highly anticipated Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill. Over 1,600 people attended this year’s event, which allowed Members of Congress and their staff to experience and learn more about Hawaii’s unique culture through cuisine, music, and more. Attendees enjoyed live music performed by Hawaii artists as they visited different tables and sampled different products from across the islands. Some of this year’s exhibitors included: Hawaii Farm Bureau; Aloun Farms; Kauai Kookie; Koloa Rum; Lappert’s Ice Cream; The Orchid Lei Company; Hawaiian Chip Company; Maui Gold; and the University of Hawaii.

Photos of the Talk Story are available here.

Photos of the Policy Summit are available here.

Photos of the Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill are available here. Video is available here.

###",1,2026-06-12T06:37:16Z,2026-06-12T06:39:00Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/more-than-41000-hawaii-residents-join-schatzs-statewide-telephone-town-hall,"More Than 41,000 Hawai‘i Residents Join Schatz’s Statewide Telephone Town Hall",2026-06-11,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – More than 41,000 Hawai‘i residents joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz’s (D-Hawai‘i) statewide telephone town hall today. Senator Schatz heard from constituents about their priorities, provided updates on his work in the Senate, and took questions on rising costs, federal funding, housing, health care, among other topics.

“I always appreciate the chance to hear directly from people across Hawai‘i about their priorities and concerns,” said Senator Schatz. “Mahalo to everyone who joined us today for a productive conversation. We’re going to continue working to make life more affordable and deliver federal resources to every part of the state.”

###",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-reports-of-tribal-citizens-being-questioned-and-detained-schatz-durbin-demand-answers-from-trump-administration-on-immigration-enforcement-targeting-of-native-people,"Following Reports Of Tribal Citizens Being Questioned And Detained, Schatz, Durbin Demand Answers From Trump Administration On Immigration Enforcement, Targeting Of Native People",2026-06-08,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today demanded answers from the Trump administration on concerning reports that some immigration enforcement personnel have refused to recognize Tribal IDs and unnecessarily questioned and detained Tribal citizens.

“It is well-established law that Tribal citizens born within the United States are U.S. citizens, yet many Tribal citizens have met resistance from DHS personnel when attempting to establish their citizenship using their Tribal IDs,” the senators wrote in their letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “We urge DHS promptly to adopt formal guidance that recognizes Tribal IDs as acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, ensure immigration personnel are trained on such guidance, and share such guidance externally with Tribes.”

“Tribes have a trust and treaty relationship with the United States rooted in the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and court decisions. Federal agencies are obligated to establish clear policies and engage in meaningful government-to-government consultation whenever federal decision-making affects Tribes. Despite this obligation, DHS has not engaged in meaningful consultation with Tribes on the use of Tribal IDs as proof of citizenship, nor, as DHS carries out expanded immigration enforcement efforts, how the agency will work with Tribes to respect Tribal inherent sovereignty over their lands and communities. We urge DHS to consult with Tribes on the use of Tribal IDs and expanded immigration enforcement activities, and to integrate Tribal feedback into agency guidance, training, and policies affecting Tribes,” the senators continued.

The full text of the letter can be found below and is available here.

Dear Secretary Mullin and Secretary Burgum:

We write to advise you of our deep concerns over reports that immigration enforcement personnel have detained, or attempted to detain, enrolled Tribal citizens. During these encounters with Tribal citizens, Tribal government-issued identification (Tribal ID) was not consistently treated as valid proof of U.S. citizenship, despite a Dear Tribal Leader letter issued by Secretary Noem indicating a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) position to the contrary. This raises questions regarding whether DHS personnel are properly trained to process Tribal IDs as proof of U.S. citizenship in light of the aforementioned agency policy on Tribal IDs. We are also concerned that efforts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to delegate its civil immigration enforcement responsibilities to non-federal law enforcement agencies raise the potential for the inappropriate exercise of federal civil authorities on Tribal lands. Recent actions by the agency exemplify DHS’s lack of Tribal consultation on federal actions that affect Tribes and their citizens, which has created confusion and implementation concerns. We urge you to direct DHS and ICE to promptly engage in meaningful and robust Tribal consultation on these policies and any other new federal actions that have Tribal implications.

There is no requirement in law for U.S. citizens to carry identification to avoid arbitrary arrest and detention. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) gives immigration officials limited authority to question individuals whom an official has reason to believe are noncitizens as to their right to be or remain in the United States. This authority allows such officials to briefly stop and question an individual and inquire about immigration status. If the person establishes that they are a U.S. citizen, they must be free to go after a brief encounter. It is well-established law that Tribal citizens born within the United States are U.S. citizens, yet many Tribal citizens have met resistance from DHS personnel when attempting to establish their citizenship using their Tribal IDs. ICE’s responses to congressional and Tribal inquiries on these matters have been vague and, as a result, it is unclear whether ICE is making any efforts to develop guidance on Tribal IDs as proof of citizenship for immigration enforcement purposes. DHS appears to lack a clear policy on Tribal IDs as proof of citizenship other than the aforementioned unsigned Dear Tribal Leader letter from former Secretary Noem. Accordingly, we urge DHS promptly to adopt formal guidance that recognizes Tribal IDs as acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, ensure immigration personnel are trained on such guidance, and share such guidance externally with Tribes.

Tribes have a trust and treaty relationship with the United States rooted in the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and court decisions. Federal agencies are obligated to establish clear policies and engage in meaningful government-to-government consultation whenever federal decision-making affects Tribes. Despite this obligation, DHS has not engaged in meaningful consultation with Tribes on the use of Tribal IDs as proof of citizenship, nor, as DHS carries out expanded immigration enforcement efforts, how the agency will work with Tribes to respect Tribal inherent sovereignty over their lands and communities. We urge DHS to consult with Tribes on the use of Tribal IDs and expanded immigration enforcement activities, and to integrate Tribal feedback into agency guidance, training, and policies affecting Tribes.

We are also concerned that ICE has reportedly attempted to enter into agreements with Tribal entities to engage in civil immigration enforcement activities. To date, we are unaware of any Tribe or Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement agency that has entered into an INA section 287(g) or 25 U.S.C. 2804(e) law enforcement agreement; nor is any such entity listed on ICE’s website as participating in such agreements. Nonetheless, Tribes have reported pressure from ICE to sign such agreements, particularly as states and counties are increasingly party to section 287(g) agreements across the country in regions with Tribal lands and in major cities where Tribal citizens live. We are deeply concerned that these agreements may allow for the inappropriate exercise of civil immigration authorities on Tribal lands. We seek additional transparency on agreements between DHS, ICE, and Tribes to ensure the laws that protect Tribal sovereignty and Tribal citizens are upheld.

Accordingly, we request that DHS, ICE, and the BIA provide written responses to the following questions. Please provide a complete written response to each question no later than 30 days.

Please describe the guidance and training provided to DHS (both ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection) agents and officers regarding Tribal citizenship and Tribal IDs.

What guidance does DHS provide to agents and officers regarding Tribal IDs as acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship?

Did DHS consult or work with Tribal entities to develop this guidance?

Is DHS, any component of DHS, and/or the BIA actively encouraging Tribes to enter into INA section 287(g) agreements? If so, please identify the legal basis for that position, including by providing any legal opinions, memorandums, or interpretive guidance.

Are DHS and/or the BIA encouraging Tribes or local BIA law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements to conduct immigration enforcement for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law on Tribal lands? If so, please identify the number of BIA law enforcement agencies and/or Tribes party to such agreements and the authority for such agreement.

Has DHS directed or otherwise informed state and/or local authorities operating under section 287(g) agreements that they are not authorized to exercise federal immigration authority on Tribal lands without being separately cross-deputized or authorized by the relevant Tribe?

Please describe the training DHS provides to state or local authorities operating under agreements to conduct civil immigration enforcement, including in P.L. 280 states, including regarding their authority to conduct such enforcement on Tribal lands.

Secretary Mullin committed during the nomination process that, once confirmed, he would ensure Tribal citizenship status is verified quickly and accurately with clear guidance and oversight. Please describe ICE’s policies, training, and operational safeguards designed to quickly and accurately verify the U.S. citizenship of enrolled Tribal citizens with valid Tribal identification under Secretary Mullin’s leadership.

Has DHS or ICE housed, detained, or transported arrested individuals to facilities on Tribal lands, or provided funding for construction of such facilities on Tribal lands, pursuant to authority and funding enacted as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”?

Has DHS and/or ICE allocated any of these funds for pending Tribal agreements under section 287(g), Title 25, or any other authority? If so, how much? Please disaggregate funding amounts by agreement.

Has DHS or ICE allocated any of these funds to reimburse states, localities, or Tribes for immigration enforcement expenses on Tribal lands? If so, how much? Please disaggregate funding amounts by agreement.

Will DHS commit to engage in Tribal consultation before the Department deploys border infrastructure on Tribal or adjacent federal lands?

Please describe the Tribal consultations that DHS and BIA have conducted (or plan to conduct) regarding DHS and/or ICE efforts to expand civil immigration enforcement on or near Indian Country (including section 287(g) agreements) and how it is incorporating Tribal feedback on its efforts.

Will DHS and ICE require full consent from the applicable Tribal government(s) before conducting immigration enforcement activities or building and operating immigration detention facilities on Tribal lands?

What is the BIA protocol —

For working with DHS when Tribal members are detained, arrested, or questioned;

For coordinating with DHS to notify relevant Tribes when Tribal members are detained, arrested, or questioned;

For advocating for the proper processing of Tribal IDs as proof of citizenship by DHS; and

For encouraging DHS to conduct Tribal consultations on its immigration enforcement efforts and policies?

We look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-06-09T06:27:37Z,2026-06-09T06:30:10Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-schatz-mcmahon-agreement-education-department-officially-begins-process-to-extend-federal-funding-for-native-hawaiian-education-program-46-million-set-to-continue-flowing-for-hawaii-kids,"Following Schatz-McMahon Agreement, Education Department Officially Begins Process To Extend Federal Funding For Native Hawaiian Education Program, $46 Million Set To Continue Flowing For Hawai‘i Kids",2026-06-04,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Following an agreement between U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon last month on the senator’s request to avoid cuts to the Native Hawaiian Education Program, the department today officially began the process to extend the $46 million in federal funding for another year.

“This is good news for Hawai‘i. This money helps thousands of young kids develop learning skills and gives local families more affordable child care options,” said Senator Schatz, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I’m grateful to Secretary McMahon for working with us to protect this funding and will continue working every day to make sure Hawai‘i gets its fair share of federal dollars.”

The extension will keep the Native Hawaiian Education Program fully funded for current grant recipients for at least another year, which guarantees $46 million in federal funding secured by Schatz in Congress will continue to flow to the more than 60 early childhood education sites across Hawai‘i and sustain other critical education programs, including home visiting for children under 5, workforce development for parents, and Hawaiian language immersion programs. The federally funded programs serve more than 3,000 Hawai‘i families.

The Education Department’s proposed funding extension is available here.

###",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-presses-secretary-rubio-on-president-trumps-china-trip-impact-of-iran-war-on-indo-pacific,"Schatz Presses Secretary Rubio On President Trump’s China Trip, Impact Of Iran War On Indo-Pacific",2026-06-03,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on sales of advanced technologies to China and concessions on Taiwan made during President Donald Trump’s recent trip to China. Schatz also questioned Rubio about the impact of the Iran war on key Indo-Pacific allies and partners.

“It's pretty plain that the president violated one of the Six Assurances,” said Senator Schatz. “He says, we discussed arms sales in great detail; it depends on China; it's a very good negotiating chip for us. It seems to me that if the main objective is to touch gloves and initiate conversations, then why give away any of the things that they're already seeking in exchange for essentially nothing? I just don't understand why we would want to sell them our second best chips and why we would start to at least complicate the question of our assurances regarding Taiwan?”

Senator Schatz added, “The Marshall Islands, the Philippines, and Tuvalu have declared a national emergency on their energy situation. South Korea says its energy crisis is a war-like situation. It is always the case that something in the Middle East undermines our ability to project power in the Asia-Pacific region. But it's not just a question of opportunity cost and attentional challenges. Now we're talking about our allies in the Asia-Pacific region really taking it on the chin with energy costs because of the Strait of Hormuz. What do we say to them: just hang in there?”

Video of Senator Schatz’s exchange with Secretary Rubio is available here.

###",1,2026-06-04T06:38:12Z,2026-06-04T06:39:44Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-urges-secretary-rubio-to-release-billions-in-funding-for-gavi-vaccine-alliance-global-fund-to-fight-diseases-save-lives,"Schatz Urges Secretary Rubio To Release Billions In Funding For Gavi Vaccine Alliance, Global Fund To Fight Diseases, Save Lives",2026-06-03,2026,2026-06,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – During a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the State Department’s budget request for FY27, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to quickly release billions of dollars in funding that Congress has appropriated for GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance; the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; and other global health programs.

In his opening remarks, Senator Schatz, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, said, “You have been granted extraordinary authority, not just as secretary of state, but national security advisor, and one of the closest members of the cabinet to the president. I want you to assert your authority and implement the law we have passed because that is the only way we will be able to pass the new bill. It is hard for me to have swallowed a 13 percent cut and then argue for another bill if the bill we already passed is not being followed.”

On funding for GAVI, Senator Schatz asked Secretary Rubio, “The statute is not unclear about whose authority it is and what you are obliged to do. Can we get a timeframe for moving this money?”

Secretary Rubio responded, “I want to get this solved. I'll be engaged in getting it solved. I don't know of the time, but I mean shortly.”

Without U.S. support, GAVI estimates that 75 million children will not receive routine vaccinations over the next five years, with more than 1.2 million children dying as a result. GAVI has already reduced vaccinations because of funding being withheld.

Pressed by Senator Schatz about $661 million matched by other donors in funding that has not been made available to the Global Fund, Secretary Rubio said, “I think that will move shortly – very quickly.”

Senator Schatz further pressed Secretary Rubio about another $3 billion being withheld for specific global health and other programs, noting Secretary Rubio is “perfectly capable of getting money released” when he wishes, and that malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS are urgent priorities.

Video of Senator Schatz’s opening remarks is available here. Video of his exchange with Secretary Rubio is available here.

###",1,2026-06-04T06:38:12Z,2026-06-04T06:39:44Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-jayapal-introduce-legislation-to-ensure-aanhpi-students-are-accounted-for-in-schools,"Hirono, Jayapal Introduce Legislation to Ensure AANHPI Students are Accounted for in Schools",2026-05-21,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced the All Students Count Act, legislation that would require more comprehensive and equitable disaggregation of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) student data in K-12 schools. Disaggregating student data would help ensure AANHPI student groups are better accounted for by states and school districts and supported by schools across the country.

“In Hawaii, we celebrate our diverse communities and recognize the differences in their backgrounds, experiences, and challenges faced. By disaggregating AANHPI student data, this legislation helps schools better understand and address students’ individual needs,” said Senator Hirono. “As this regime continues its attacks on diversity, I will continue fighting to ensure all students feel recognized and supported in the classroom.”

“As someone who came to this country alone at 16 with nothing in my pockets, I deeply understand the unique challenges in the US education system that immigrant communities face. Our students deserve visibility at all levels. By ensuring that student data collections capture the diverse experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander children, we can work to close the education gap in our communities,” said Representative Jayapal.

Around the country, states and school districts have made significant progress in disaggregating data on K-12 student achievement for major racial and ethnic groups, including for “Asian American” and “Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander” students. However, these two categories condense dozens of distinct racial and ethnic subgroups, each with unique histories and varying access to social and economic opportunities, making it difficult to identify and address disparities between these subgroups.

“Protecting Southeast Asian American and other AANHPI students’ right to be seen is more important than ever, especially during AANHPI Heritage Month when we are called to reflect on the strength and diversity of our communities,” said Quyen Dinh, Executive Director at the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC). “Our students have navigated overlapping crises, from COVID-19, to rising anti-Asian hate and targeting by ICE, and the impacts are still felt in classrooms today. In order to address our communities’ needs, their lived experiences must be seen in federal data. SEARAC thanks Sen. Hirono and Rep. Jayapal for their continued leadership in championing the All Students Count Act.”

“We applaud Senator Hirono and Representative Jayapal for continuing to champion the importance of disaggregating data by race and ethnicity to ensure that the diverse experiences and needs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students are accurately represented. Without such critical data, AANHPI students’ needs will remain invisible in education system,” said Jo Ann Paaio, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) Policy Director.

The All Students Count Act of 2026 would support equitable access to education by ensuring that student data collections capture the diverse experiences of AANHPI children. Specifically, the bill would:

Require the U.S. Department of Education, state education agencies, and school districts to collect and report disaggregated data for a minimum of 15 Asian American and 6 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander subgroups; and

Add an effective date of 18 months after the legislation has been enacted to give states and school districts time to make changes to their data collection and methodology.

In addition to Senator Hirono, this legislation was also cosponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Dick Durbin (D-IL).

In addition to Representative Jayapal, companion legislation in the House of Representatives was cosponsored by Representatives Ed Case (D-HI), Sharice Davids (D-KS) Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Grace Meng (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).

The All Students Count Act is endorsed by the AAPI Equity Alliance, American Association of University Women (AAUW), APAPA (Asian Pacific American Public Affairs), APIA Scholars, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC, Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE), Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia, Chinese for Affirmative Action, Clearinghouse on Women's Issues, Feminist Majority, Japanese American Citizens League, Khmer Anti-deportation Advocacy Group (KhAAG), National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), National Center for Youth Law, National Education Association, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), National Korean American Service and Education Consortium, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, NBJC, OCA Sacramento Chapter, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, OCA-NY, PFLAG National, PIVOT, The Progressive Vietnamese American Organization, South Asian Public Health Association, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), Stop AAPI Hate, The Cambodian Family, The Sikh Coalition, and the United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance.

Senator Hirono has long advocated on behalf of AANHPI communities—especially students— in Hawaii, the U.S., and Pacific Island nations and territories. Earlier this month, Senator Hirono’s resolution recognizing May as AANHPI Heritage Month passed the Senate by unanimous consent. Last month, Senator Hirono held a bicameral press conference, highlighting the Administration’s all-out attacks on minority students. For the past year, Senator Hirono has been fighting back against the Trump Administration’s anti-diversity agenda for public schools across the country. Last May, she introduced a bill to promote the teaching of Asian Pacific American history for high school students and teachers who enroll in the U.S. Department of Education’s American History and Civics Academies programs.

###",1,2026-05-22T06:27:39Z,2026-05-22T06:29:18Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-mccormick-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-promote-geothermal-in-indo-pacific,"Schatz, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Promote Geothermal In Indo-Pacific",2026-05-21,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) introduced the Pacific Promotion of Workable Energy Resources (POWER) Act, bipartisan legislation to promote geothermal exploration and production in the Indo-Pacific by leveraging the United States’ expertise as the world leader in geothermal electricity generation capacity.

“With energy demand rising and countries experiencing shortages, we have an opportunity to extend our leadership in geothermal energy and help our allies and partners become more energy secure,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Our bill will harness the expertise, capabilities, and financial tools of the U.S. public and private sectors to promote geothermal research and deployment in the Indo-Pacific in ways that support our economic interests and national security.”

“America has an opportunity to lead the world in the next generation of energy, and geothermal energy can play a major role in that future,” said Senator McCormick. “The Pacific POWER Act will help expand American energy technology and expertise in the Indo-Pacific, strengthen our partnerships abroad, and support more secure energy supply chains. At a time when China is working to expand its influence in the region, this bill helps ensure America remains at the forefront.”

The Pacific POWER Act will:

Establish a new geothermal program at the U.S. Department of State, tasked with working bilaterally and multilaterally to develop goals for geothermal deployment;

Direct relevant agencies to assess global geothermal resources, determine areas of highest potential that benefit U.S. security and economic interests, strengthen geothermal supply chains, and develop financial tools to help advance geothermal projects; and

Require the Department of State to create public-private partnerships for geothermal research, exploration, and production in at least five countries, three of which must be in the Indo-Pacific.

In addition to Schatz and McCormick, the Pacific POWER Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Curtis (R-Utah).

Geothermal energy has the potential to meet a significant portion of the growth in electricity demand globally over the next few decades. But geothermal development is lagging globally because of challenges including high exploration costs and the need for stronger policy and supply chains. The United States, as the global leader in geothermal electricity generation, has the resources, expertise, and commercial capabilities necessary to support allies and partners develop geothermal capacity and become more energy secure in ways that also benefit U.S. security and economic businesses.

The Pacific POWER Act is supported by Geothermal Rising Action, the Enhanced Geothermal Systems Deployment Coalition, Fervo Energy, Sage Geosystems, Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals, Quaise Energy, ClearPath Action, the Clean Air Task Force, the World Resources Institute, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, Climate Innovation Action, the National Wildlife Federation, and Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

“The United States leads the world in geothermal energy and technologies. The Pacific POWER Act puts that advantage to work, and enhances it. Our allies in the Indo-Pacific are energy-vulnerable, and if we don't fill that gap, someone else will. This bill isn't just about international development. American industry will be servicing these projects in partner nations where demand is surging, creating value abroad and at home while enhancing our geopolitical positioning and supply chain resilience. This is how American energy leadership bolsters our economy and foreign policy,” said Caity Smith, President, Geothermal Rising Action.

“EGS DC applauds Senators Schatz and McCormick for introducing the Pacific POWER Act and for its focus on strengthening U.S. leadership in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). The U.S. has a strong competitive advantage, with leading exploration and production technologies, established supply chains, a skilled workforce, and significant resource potential for EGS development. This bill helps ensure the U.S. maintains that lead as global demand grows by establishing a forward-looking energy security framework that strengthens U.S.-led coordination of EGS deployment with strategic allies across the Indo-Pacific and supports partner countries in developing clean, firm baseload power to diversify their energy mix. EGS DC looks forward to working with Senators Schatz and McCormick to advance this legislation as part of an international energy security strategy that underscores the growing role of EGS,” said Brooke Baum, Devon Energy, Founding Member of the Enhanced Geothermal Systems Deployment Coalition (EGS DC).

“Fervo Energy thanks Senator Schatz and Senator McCormick for their leadership on the Pacific POWER Act and fully supports this legislation. The United States has led the world in developing and commercializing next-generation geothermal technology, and this bill creates a vital pathway to bring that expertise to the Indo-Pacific and unlock geothermal’s potential across the region. We look forward to working with both Senators to advance the bill through Congress,” said Sarah Jewett, Senior Vice President for Strategy, Fervo Energy.

""American geothermal leadership is built here at home, and it can be a key pillar of our international partnerships and efforts to create a more secure global energy system. The Pacific POWER Act advances that goal by leveraging America's competitive advantage in geothermal innovation to support our allies, open markets overseas, and strengthen American industry. Zanskar thanks Senators Schatz and McCormick for their bipartisan leadership in bringing this bill forward,” said Ben Brenner, Head of Federal Affairs, Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals.

“Geothermal energy is a strategic asset that can deliver clean, reliable power to strengthen energy security and reduce global energy emissions. America has a unique edge in enhanced geothermal systems thanks to the engineering talent, drilling experience and subsurface expertise built over decades in the U.S. oil and gas industry. The Pacific POWER Act can help unlock major global commercial opportunities for innovative American geothermal companies, supporting exports, creating jobs and reinforcing U.S. leadership in the energy technologies that will shape the future,” said Jeremy Harrell, CEO, ClearPath Action.

""The western U.S. and Asia-Pacific are home to world-leading geothermal resources, but accessing those resources at their full potential will require international and multilateral effort. The Pacific POWER Act supports U.S. collaboration with allies and partners across the Pacific to explore and map geothermal resources, advance research and innovation, and develop geothermal projects. It represents an exciting step forward on global geothermal capacity and deployment,” said Terra Rogers, Senior Director, Superhot Rock Geothermal, Clean Air Task Force.

""Geothermal is a critical technology for meeting growing energy demand both domestically and globally. The Pacific POWER Act, introduced by Sens. Schatz (D-HI) and McCormick (R-PA), gives the United States a tool to strengthen energy security among our Indo-Pacific allies while creating economic opportunities for American businesses,"" said Michele Stockwell, President, Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

“The American economy is and will continue to be defined by our ability to innovate. This is especially true in the energy sector, where an extraordinary opportunity has emerged to power a dynamic and rapidly growing global economy. U.S. companies are well-positioned to capitalize on this moment, with next-generation geothermal technologies at the forefront of a growing global energy sector. Congress has an opportunity to support American global technological leadership by accelerating the development and export of this potentially transformative technology. C2ES congratulates Senators Schatz and McCormick for introducing the Pacific POWER Act, which aims to expand these opportunities while supporting the energy resilience of our Pacific allies. We look forward to working with Congress to support the innovators working to realize the enormous potential of the American geothermal industry,” said Brad Townsend, Vice President, Policy and Outreach, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions.

“Geothermal provides needed sources of clean heat and electricity, and recent technological advances hold the promise to increase the potential and reach of these resources. WRI is pleased to support this act which strengthens regional partnerships to identify and responsibly develop geothermal resources in the Indo-Pacific, increasing access to these vital energy resources,” said Christina DeConcini, Esq., Director of Government Affairs, World Resources Institute.

“Climate Innovation Action is thrilled to see the introduction of the Pacific POWER Act, which would bolster U.S. leadership and collaboration on geothermal on the global stage. Geothermal technologies, especially next-generation technologies, have the potential to provide 24/7 clean energy across the globe, and we commend Sens. Schatz and McCormick for recognizing the international importance of this resource,” said Roger Ullman, Executive Director, Climate Innovation Action.

“Quaise Energy endorses the Pacific POWER Act for putting superhot, next-generation geothermal at the center of U.S. energy diplomacy, unlocking the partnerships and market pathways American innovators need to scale geothermal from a decimal point to the dominant energy source worldwide,” said Carlos Araque, CEO & President, Quaise Energy.

""The introduction of the Pacific POWER Act is a meaningful step toward strengthening U.S. energy competitiveness and positioning the United States as a global leader in next-generation geothermal. This technology is poised to play a critical role in delivering affordable, reliable, and firm power at scale. Continued partnership and collaboration to invest in, develop, and scale next-generation geothermal will be essential to building on this momentum. Geothermal is a critical tool to support energy security objectives, meet rising demand, and power sustained economic growth. We appreciate Senator Schatz and Senator McCormick’s leadership in advancing this important resource,” said Cindy Taff, CEO, Sage Geosystems.

The text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-06-18T06:41:00Z,2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-schatz-tokuda-case-king-hinds-introduce-bicameral-resolution-to-commemorate-70-years-of-ipif,"Hirono, Schatz, Tokuda, Case, King-Hinds Introduce Bicameral Resolution to Commemorate 70 Years of IPIF",2026-05-20,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI), U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Ed Case (D-HI), and U.S. Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-MP) introduced a resolution recognizing the 70th anniversary of the United States Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF) in Hilo, HI. IPIF has been serving the Pacific region–which not only covers Hawaii, but an area equivalent to the continental United States–since 1956. As the only research facility of its kind in the region, IPIF is uniquely equipped to study and monitor forests in real time, which promotes conservation, helps to lower costs, and prepares communities for natural disasters.

“The State of Hawaii and the U.S. islands across the Pacific Ocean are home to forests with hundreds of native species found nowhere else in our country. For 70 years, The Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry has conducted research and developed solutions to address some of our native forests’ most pressing threats, such as Rapid Ohia Death,” said Senator Hirono. “As this regime continues to attack scientific research at every turn, I will continue fighting for facilities including IPIF that work every single day to ensure that our native forests have a future.”

“There’s no substitute for the research and expertise that Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry has cultivated over 70 years, working to tackle some of the trickiest challenges in Hawaii’s environment, including Rapid Ohia Death. As a warming planet threatens our forests and ecosystems, now is the time to deepen our investments in IPIF, not retreat from it,” said Senator Schatz.

""The Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry is more than a research hub; it is where scientific innovation meets our deep-rooted commitment to stewardship of our aina,"" said Representative Tokuda. ""For seven decades, the IPIF team has worked to protect the native species that make our islands unique, ensuring our forests and watersheds remain resilient for future generations. Having this hub on Hawaii Island is essential to connecting federal support to the pacific island forest researchers and communities who need it.""

“Native Hawaiians teach that our forests are essential to all life and embrace a deep sense of responsibility to sustain and protect all that is the wao nahele,” said Representative Case. “The IPF has fulfilled its kuleana for our own special and unique forests with deep commitment and true love for seven full decades. I join with my delegation colleagues in recognizing and appreciating its dedication to preserving and protecting our forests and their critical role in lessening climate change, providing an ecosystem for plants and wildlife, and securing a supply of fresh water vital to sustaining life.”

IPIF is the only research facility of its kind in the region, which not only covers the State of Hawaii, but also the U.S. territories of Guam and American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and through the Compact of Free Association, the nation-states of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

“IPIF’s 70-year legacy underscores the importance of sustained investment in Pacific research institutions that serve not only Hawaii and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, but also the other Pacific territories and the Freely Associated States. For thousands of years, Pacific peoples have maintained an ancient and enduring connection to these islands and their natural environment. This work helps carry that stewardship forward by strengthening resilience across our island communities, improving disaster preparedness, and protecting the natural resources that sustain our way of life,” said Congresswoman King-Hinds (R-MP).

This resolution celebrates IPIF’s legacy of environmental research, innovation, and conservation, reaffirming Congress’ support for IPIF.

Despite IPIF’s importance in the region and unique ability to study the Pacific island forests, the Trump Administration announced a plan to close IPIF as part of a broader effort to close the majority of U.S. Forest Service research facilities earlier this year.

To read the full text of the resolution, click here.

Senator Hirono has long championed forest conservation and research initiatives in Hawaii and across the nation. Last month, she urged Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies leadership to include funding for the U.S. Forest Service and Rangeland Research and Development Programs (Forest Service R&D) in the upcoming fiscal year (FY2027) funding bill, which the Trump administration zeroed out. In February 2026, Senator Hirono introduced a bill establishing a minimum staffing level and ensuring adequate resources be provided for the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry and Institute of Tropical Forestry in Puerto Rico. In October 2025, Senator Hirono urged U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to reconsider the Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate funding for the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA), which supports critical research that helps our country in facilitating conservation management, as well as understanding and responding to environmental threats. In September 2025, she introduced the Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act to expand research and grant funding opportunities to help combat pests and diseases affecting tropical plants including coffee plants, macadamia trees, and other iconic Hawaii staples. Senator Hirono has also introduced the Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act, in each Congress since 2022. This legislation would help restore native forests in Hawaii by enabling federal agencies – including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) – to more closely coordinate with the State of Hawaii to prevent the spread of Rapid Ohia Death.

###",1,2026-05-21T06:28:16Z,2026-05-21T06:29:43Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-condemns-trumps-1-billion-ballroom-funding-request-as-americans-struggle-with-rising-costs,Schatz Condemns Trump’s $1 Billion Ballroom Funding Request As Americans Struggle With Rising Costs,2026-05-20,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Ahead of a vote to consider Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) condemned the inclusion of $1 billion in funding for President Donald Trump’s ballroom.

“A billion dollars goes a long way, especially in a state like Hawai‘i,” said Senator Schatz. “With a billion dollars, we could cover the out-of-pocket cost of insulin for every person in the state who relies on it for almost 20 years. We could help provide healthy meals to women, infants, and children in need for almost 40 years. We could cover the cost of child care for nearly every child under 3 in Hawai‘i for an entire year. Or we could cover tuition for every in-state undergraduate student at the University of Hawai‘i for close to a decade. But instead of doing any of that, this week, Republicans are voting to give Donald Trump a billion dollars for – of all things – a ballroom.

Senator Schatz continued, “This is a priority for one person and one person only. Why are we spending $1 billion on a ballroom when gas is $4.53 nationally and $5.64 in Hawai‘i? What possible justification is there for, on the one hand, ending subsidies that help 22 million Americans afford health care and then turning around and bankrolling a new building just so Donald Trump can throw fancy parties for his rich friends?”

A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here.

$1 billion goes a long way, especially in a state like Hawai‘i. With $1 billion, we could cover the out-of-pocket cost of insulin for every person in the state who relies on it for almost 20 years. We could help provide healthy meals to women, infants, and children in need for almost 40 years. We could cover the cost of child care for nearly every child under 3 in Hawai‘i for an entire year. Or we could cover tuition for every in-state undergraduate student at the University of Hawai‘i for close to a decade. But instead of doing any of that, this week, Republicans plan to give Donald Trump a billion dollars for – of all things – a new ballroom.

Now, let’s be perfectly clear: I have no problem investing in our great capital city or its infrastructure. I was the top Democrat on the Legislative Branch Appropriations subcommittee when we provided funding to restore this Capitol Dome. We’re the greatest nation on earth, and our physical infrastructure should reflect that. So if you want to clean up the parks or turn on the fountains or restore our monuments, count me in.

But that’s not what this is. This is not a normal beautification project in the district. This is a president who is about to turn 80 and nearing the end of his political career. And all he can think about is building monuments to himself. Other leaders in his position might be thinking about their legacy in policy terms, but not this president. He’s single-mindedly focused on building ballrooms and arches and golf courses while the rest of the country struggles to put food on the table or to even see a doctor.

The ballroom started out, in Trump’s own words, as “taxpayer-free.” I will fund it, he said, I’m not going to ask the government for money. A year later, and he’s realized he needs government money, taxpayer money. And because the administration lost a court case on the basis that this project was never authorized by Congress, they’re now looking for any statute that they can use to defend themselves in the future.

This is a priority for one person and one person only. And I know my colleagues are in a very tough spot because it's their president and they agree with him about a bunch of stuff, and it's really important to him. But I can tell you, I have not met a Republican senator who likes this idea. I have met lots of them who are going to vote for it anyway.

Why are we spending $1 billion on a ballroom when gas is $4.53 nationally, and $5.64 in Hawai‘i? What possible justification is there for, on the one hand, ending subsidies that help 22 million Americans afford health care and then turning around and bankrolling a new building just so Donald Trump can throw fancy parties for his rich friends? And that sounds like something that I'm making up. But that's literally what this is. It's a $1 billion ballroom, so he can throw fancy parties for his rich friends.

People in Hawai‘i and all across the country are struggling just to get by right now. Grocery prices are rising at the fastest rate in years because Trump’s war in Iran is driving up shipping and fertilizer costs. Electricity bills continue to outpace inflation with no end in sight, leaving 1 in 3 Americans struggling to pay their utility bills. More than 900 hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities are at risk or have already reduced services or shut down altogether because Republicans gutted health care last year. And because of those very same cuts, 1 in 5 Americans who used to get health insurance through the ACA Marketplace no longer have coverage and millions of others are paying thousands more for the same plan. We could be working to solve any of those issues. But we are not.

Now here’s the thing: the way this weird place works is that in order to enact most statutes, you need a combination of Democrats and Republicans. You need 60 votes. However, there's this weird thing called reconciliation where basically twice a year, if it's budgetary, if it adds to the deficit or reduces the deficit – so spending counts – you get to do something without the other party. The majority party basically gets to ignore the minority and pass what it wants. And so when we were in power, we used this unique tool to reduce the cost of prescription medicine. We enacted a corporate minimum tax. We took historic climate action. We gave people cash benefits so they could survive during COVID. And look, you can argue about what we did or how we did it – that’s fine, that’s fair. But it certainly reflected the priorities of the day.

But given the chance to do the same – you get these two kind of golden tickets where you get to ignore us. You would think that when you're passing major legislation, one of your two big opportunities, that it would address the cost of health care, or the cost of fuel, or the cost of food, or the cost of prescription medicine, or the cost of gasoline. But they are using this golden ticket, this twice a year opportunity, to increase funding for ICE at nearly four times their normal levels and give the president a ballroom.

People are struggling everywhere, in red states and blue states. But there's not a dime for you in the bill they're about to pass tomorrow. And it's not by accident.

###",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-highlights-harms-of-micro-prop-bets-in-sports-need-to-address-offshore-sports-books,"Schatz Highlights Harms Of Micro Prop Bets In Sports, Need To Address Offshore Sports Books",2026-05-20,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – During a Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing on sports betting, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) discussed with gaming experts vulnerabilities created by micro prop bets in sports and the need to address illegal, offshore sports books that harm sports integrity. Schatz is set to introduce legislation to outlaw micro prop bets in games and provide the Federal Trade Commission with authority to go after companies that knowingly facilitate illegal, offshore gambling.

“Micro prop [bets are] insidious in that [they] can be manipulated by a player or anyone else,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee. “The more micro you get, the more insidious it is, from an integrity standpoint. But it also taps into the addictive, manic, algorithmically-driven problem that we’re dealing with. I think this particular problem is especially acute and needs to be dealt with immediately.”

On addressing offshore sports books, Senator Schatz said, “We think we, legislatively, have a pathway here. It doesn’t solve every problem, and it certainly doesn’t solve every problem as it relates to the challenges that individuals and society [are] facing with gambling. But if you empower the FTC to go after the payment processors, then they would have a perfect right to go and say, ‘You may not work with these offshore shops if they are not complying with federal law having to do with micro prop bets.’”

Video of Senator Schatz’s exchange with the witnesses is available here.

###",1,2026-05-21T06:28:16Z,2026-05-21T06:29:43Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-urges-us-forest-service-to-provide-hawaii-national-forest-report-ipif-analysis,"Hirono Urges U.S. Forest Service to Provide Hawaii National Forest Report, IPIF Analysis",2026-05-19,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"“You told me during the hearing that you fight for the Forest Service every day. Your actions tell a very different story”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), pressed U.S Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz on the Administration’s refusal to provide Congress with the Hawaii National Forest Study Report, as required by law. Last week, during a full ENR committee hearing, Senator Hirono asked Chief Schultz to provide her with the study report and details informing the Administration’s decision to close the Institute of Pacific Island Forestry (IPIF) headquarters in Hilo, Hawaii. After not receiving the Forest Study report, Senator Hirono sent a letter Chief Schultz demanding the Administration immediately provide her with the information as well as clarification on factors influencing the IPIF decision.

“When I questioned you about the report before the Committee, you said that you had the report ready and you were willing to provide it on the spot. Yet I have been told by your staff that they are unable to transmit the report. … This is profoundly unacceptable and is a disturbing example of this administration’s disrespect for Congress and the law,” wrote Senator Hirono.

In December 2022, Congress passed legislation requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study determining the feasibility and suitability of establishing a National Forest System in Hawaii. Instead of the results of this three-year study, on May 8—five days before the ENR Forest Budget hearing—Members of Congress received a letter from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins with the recommendation stating: “the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not recommend establishing a unit of the National Forest System in the study area. The Trump Administration recognizes that those closest to lands and the people who use them - State and local governments that understand and respect the needs and desires of their communities - are in the best position to manage lands to meet those needs.” The letter to Congress failed to provide data from the eight separate areas the Hawaii National Forestry Study was legally required to measure, nor did it include any details or findings supporting its conclusion. Despite Chief Schultz committing to providing this report, Senator Hirono has still not received it.

Senator Hirono also raised alarms about the proposed closure of IPIF, highlighting the research institute’s unique location, capabilities, and importance in the region. Earlier this year, the Trump Administration announced a plan to close the majority of the U.S. Forest Service research facilities, including IPIF, claiming the closures were a “a business” decision. After learning the costs of relocating IPIF far exceeded the costs of deferred maintenance for the existing facility, Senator Hirono demanded information about the other factors that went into the closure decision.

“You told me during the hearing that you fight for the Forest Service every day. Your actions tell a very different story. Your dismissive attitude towards Congress, the law, and the impact that closing IPIF would have on our Forest Service employees and forests throughout the Pacific region is unacceptable. So that I understand your decisions, provide me the National Forest Study Report and complete analysis on IPIF immediately,” concluded Senator Hirono.

Senator Hirono has long championed forest conservation and research initiatives in Hawaii and across the nation. Last month, she urged Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies leadership to include funding for the U.S. Forest Service and Rangeland Research and Development Programs (Forest Service R&D) in the upcoming fiscal year (FY2027) funding bill, which the Trump administration zeroed out. In February 2026, Senator Hirono introduced a bill establishing a minimum staffing level and ensuring adequate resources be provided for the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry and Institute of Tropical Forestry in Puerto Rico. In October 2025, Senator Hirono urged U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to reconsider the Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate funding for the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA), which supports critical research that helps our country in facilitating conservation management, as well as understanding and responding to environmental threats. In September 2025, she introduced the Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act to expand research and grant funding opportunities to help combat pests and diseases affecting tropical plants including coffee plants, macadamia trees, and other iconic Hawaii staples. Senator Hirono has also introduced the Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act, in each Congress since 2022. This legislation would help restore native forests in Hawaii by enabling federal agencies – including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) – to more closely coordinate with the State of Hawaii to prevent the spread of Rapid Ohia Death.

To watch the full exchange between Senator Hirono and Chief Schultz, click here.

The full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Chief Schultz:

During Wednesday’s Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, you made assurances before the committee that you would provide me with a copy of the Hawaii National Forest Study report. I still do not have a copy. Your failure to provide Congress the report, as required by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328), Division DD Title II, Section 202, is unacceptable.

This law requires the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service to report on the results of a 3-year study to determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing a unit of the National Forest System in Hawaii. This study was to be comprised of eight separate components, which include the following:

An analysis of unique vegetation types in Hawaii that should be targeted for inclusion in a National Forest System unit;

A determination on the ability of the Forest Service to improve and protect forest areas and water flows in Hawaii;

A determination on whether a Nation Forest System unit would expand, enhance, or duplicate resource protection and visitor-use opportunities;

The economics of administering parcels under consideration for becoming part of the National Forest System;

The willingness of landowners to sell or transfer land to the Forest Service;

The suitability of the land to serve as a research natural area or experimental forest;

Estimates of the cost of federal acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance needed to establish a unit of the National Forest System; and

A list of alternatives for the conservation, protection, and use of area within Hawaii by the Federal Government, State or local government entities, or private and nonprofit organizations.

Instead of providing Congress with a report containing detailed results and analyses covering the aforementioned areas, as required by law, USDA Secretary Rollins transmitted a letter to Congress last week with the recommendation that “the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not recommend establishing a unit of the National Forest System in the study area. The Trump Administration recognizes that those closest to lands and the people who use them - State and local governments that understand and respect the needs and desires of their communities - are in the best position to manage lands to meet those needs.”

When I questioned you about the report before the Committee, you said that you had the report ready and you were willing to provide it on the spot. Yet I have been told by your staff that they are unable to transmit the report as it is currently held up in clearance. This is profoundly unacceptable and is a disturbing example of this administration’s disrespect for Congress and the law.

Additionally, during our exchange on the Forest Service’s evaluation to close the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF), I asked you to provide details on the $17 million deferred maintenance needs that your Associate Chief, Chris French, had quoted to my staff six weeks ago. My staff received information late yesterday afternoon clarifying that Mr. French had the wrong information and the $17 million figure was the replacement cost for IPIF, not the deferred maintenance cost. In other words, it would cost the Forest Service $17 million to purchase a similar facility, which would be a valid argument for keeping IPIF open.

During Mr. French’s briefing with my staff, he reiterated that evaluating IPIF for closure was strictly a business decision. Based on the information that the Forest Service has provided me and my staff to date, the costs incurred by IPIF are as follows:

A $1 lease that ends on April 30, 2067.

Annual utility costs of approximately $170,000.

Deferred maintenance totaling $2.85 million.

When confirming these expenses with your staff, we were told that these costs “will be factored in among other factors as a decision is being made.” This is concerning, as Mr. French explicitly stated that whether to close IPIF would be strictly a business decision. It now seems like the decision will be political, if not solely based on facility costs. As such, please provide a list of factors, other than these costs, that will inform the decision on whether to close IPIF.

You told me during the hearing that you fight for the Forest Service every day. Your actions tell a very different story. Your dismissive attitude towards Congress, the law, and the impact that closing IPIF would have on our Forest Service employees and forests throughout the Pacific region is unacceptable. So that I understand your decisions, provide me the National Forest Study Report and complete analysis on IPIF immediately.

Sincerely,",1,2026-05-20T06:27:31Z,2026-05-20T06:28:54Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-senate-passes-schatz-hirono-resolution-honoring-uh-mens-volleyball-team-for-ncaa-national-championship-win,Senate Passes Schatz-Hirono Resolution Honoring UH Men’s Volleyball Team For NCAA National Championship Win,2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today unanimously passed a resolution authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) congratulating the University of Hawai‘i (UH) men’s volleyball team on their NCAA National Championship win. Schatz and Hirono also paid tribute to the team’s victory in speeches on the Senate floor.

“Congratulations to the ‘Bows on their well-deserved victory,” said Senator Schatz. “This win wasn’t just for the incredible athletes on the court. This win was for the coaches, staff, family, friends, and fans who supported them all along the way. And it was a win for our entire state. This victory belongs to Hawai‘i.”

“As a proud UH alumna, I join people across our state and beyond in congratulating our Men’s Volleyball players, coaches, and fans. Part of what makes this team so special, and successful, is that they don't just tolerate difference — they build around it,” said Senator Hirono. “Hawaii has always understood that diversity is something to celebrate, not fear. At a time when diversity is under attack, this team just showed the entire country that diversity is a competitive advantage.”

A companion resolution has been introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i).

Video of the senators’ remarks are available here. The full text of the resolution is available here.

###",1,2026-05-19T06:31:01Z,2026-05-19T06:32:40Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-protect-integrity-of-public-science,"Schatz, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Protect Integrity Of Public Science",2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a group of 20 senators in introducing legislation to protect public scientific research and reports from the influence of political and special interests.

In addition to Schatz, the Scientific Integrity Act was co-sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.).

“Science should be nonpartisan, regardless of administration,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will protect government science from political interference by codifying clear scientific integrity principles and holding public scientists to the highest standards.”

“At a time when Trump champions misinformation and distorts the truth to advance his own agenda, Congress must affirm the importance of independent science and research,” said Leader Schumer. “The fact-driven science our county has been known for is a foundation of American prosperity and leadership. Trump’s assault on science threatens all of that. Scientists should never have to live in fear of retaliation or interference. Their work is crucial to protecting Americans’ health, advancing domestic industry, and responding to climate threats. Our legislation is a necessary safeguard against an administration that has proven it will not hesitate to attack any perceived enemies, especially the experts who might be critical of their disastrous political agenda.”

The Scientific Integrity Act will:

Formalize and reinforce policies that require federal agencies that conduct or fund scientific research to maintain clear scientific integrity principles;

Affirm that science dictates policy, and that scientific research should be free from the pressure of politics, ideology, or financial influence; and

Hold public scientists to high standards and guarantee their rights and protections under the law.

The Trump administration has repeatedly undermined scientific integrity, including by removing more than a dozen independent inspector generals, erasing and manipulating essential public health data, and restricting communications from the Department of Health and Human Services which stopped the publishing of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report for the first time in 60 years.

The text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-05-20T06:27:31Z,2026-05-20T06:28:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-hirono-smithsonian-asian-pacific-american-center-honor-legacy-of-filipino-migration-to-hawaii,"PHOTOS: Hirono, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Honor Legacy of Filipino Migration to Hawaii",2026-05-13,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Senator Hirono with Ethan P. Johanson (left) and APAC Acting Director Yao-Fen You (right)

~ More Photos can be found here ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC), presented “Stories from the Field: Filipino Migrant Workers in Hawaii,” a two-week poster exhibition exploring the migration of Filipinos to Hawaii in the early 20th century. This year marks the third consecutive collaboration between Senator Hirono and APAC to highlight the contributions AANHPI communities have made to the United States. The exhibition is open to the public for view in the rotunda of the Russell Senate Office building from Monday, May 11–Friday, May 15, and Monday, May 18–Friday, May 22.

“I am proud to host this exhibition in collaboration with APAC and help share this history of the Filipino and Filipino American communities in Hawaii,” Senator Hirono said. “Throughout May, as we celebrate our communities’ historic contributions, we also reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all. This exhibition is also meaningful because 2026 marks both our nation’s 250th and the 80th anniversary of the Luce-Celler Act of 1946, which granted Filipino and Indian immigrants the right to naturalize as American citizens. I will continue working to ensure that members of the AANHPI community and all people have the opportunity to live freely, and be treated with dignity and respect.”

“We are deeply grateful for our ongoing partnership with Senator Hirono,” said Yao-Fen You, APAC’s acting director. “We appreciate the opportunity to share Smithsonian resources that document and celebrate the rich history and culture of AANHPI individuals and communities.”

In the early 1900s, U.S. immigration policies curtailed the entry of Chinese and Japanese laborers into Hawaii, prompting sugar plantation owners to recruit workers from the Philippines, then a U.S. territory. As U.S. nationals, Filipinos migrated more freely and became central to Hawaii’s plantation economy, comprising more than half the labor force by 1926. These workers, known as sakadas, played a vital role in shaping the islands’ social and economic landscape.

The exhibition centers on the lives of two sakadas, Eusebio Maglinte and Epimaco Fariola Mansueto, tracing their journeys from the Philippines to Hawaii and onward to the continental United States. While many Filipinos established lasting communities in Hawaii, others moved on to the West Coast, including Stockton, California, which by the 1940s had become home to the largest Filipino community outside the Philippines.

Their stories continue in APAC’s exhibition, “How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories,” currently on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

Senator Hirono has long advocated on behalf of AANHPI communities in Hawaii, the U.S., and Pacific Island nations and territories. Earlier this month, Senator Hirono’s resolution recognizing May as AANHPI Heritage month passed the Senate by unanimous consent. Senator Hirono also led a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing October as Filipino American History Month. In February, 2025, she introduced the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act bicameral, bipartisan legislation that would speed up the visa process for children of Filipino World War II veterans. Last year, Senator Hirono introduced the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act, which instructs the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to establish a national outreach and education mental health and substance misuse strategy for the AANHPI community and study and collect disaggregated data on AANHPI representation in the behavioral health workforce and behavioral health utilization rates among AANHPI youth. In 2017, Senator Hirono presented the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress’ highest civilian honor, to Filipino World War II veterans.

###",1,2026-05-14T06:11:37Z,2026-05-14T06:12:56Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-introduce-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-national-aanhpi-mental-health-day,"Hirono, Chu Introduce Bicameral Resolution Recognizing National AANHPI Mental Health Day",2026-05-12,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) introduced a resolution marking May 10, 2026 as National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day. The resolution recognizes the importance of mental health to the well-being of AANHPI families and communities and acknowledges the importance of raising awareness around mental healthcare.

“With suicide rates among Native Hawaiians in Hawaii being close to double the national average and mental health treatment utilization among Asian Americans remaining alarmingly low, it’s clear our AANHPI communities need more mental health support,” said Senator Hirono. “Everyone deserves access to mental health care that is culturally informed and linguistically appropriate, and I’m proud to lead this resolution that calls on us all to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and raise awareness about resources available for AANHPI communities.”

“For far too long, our AANHPI community has suffered in silence while facing some of the lowest rates of mental health service utilization of any racial or ethnic group in the country. Language barriers, cultural stigma, a lack of culturally competent care, and insufficient disaggregated data have all contributed to this crisis and left far too many people without the support they need,” said Representative Chu. “As the only psychologist in Congress, I am proud to once again lead this resolution recognizing May 10th as National AANHPI Mental Health Day to reaffirm our commitment to breaking down barriers to care for AANHPI communities. As the Trump Administration continues to slash staff and funding at the Office of Minority Health (OMH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), we must recommit ourselves to expanding access to mental health care and supporting the well-being of our communities.”

Between 2018 and 2024, AANHPI youth ages 15 to 24 in the United States were the only racial or ethnic group in this age category whose leading cause of death was suicide. This devastating crisis is made worse by longstanding barriers to mental health care, including the high cost of health care, low mental health literacy, language access challenges, and cultural stigma that too often discourages individuals from seeking help.

The National AANHPI Mental Health Day resolution recognizes the critical importance of mental health to the well-being of AANHPI families and communities and raises awareness to break down the stigma that too often prevents individuals from seeking care. The resolution also encourages health agencies to adopt policies that improve access to and utilization of mental health services for the AANHPI community, as well as other marginalized communities.

In addition to Representative Chu, the companion resolution in the House of Representatives was cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Marilyn Strickland (D-WA).

Senator Hirono has long advocated on behalf of AANHPI communities in Hawaii, the U.S., and Pacific Island nations and territories. Earlier this month, Senator Hirono’s resolution recognizing May as AANHPI Heritage month passed the Senate by unanimous consent. Last year, Senator Hirono and Representative Chu introduced the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act, which instructs SAMHSA to establish a national outreach and education mental health and substance misuse strategy for the AANHPI community and study and collect disaggregated data on AANHPI representation in the behavioral health workforce and behavioral health utilization rates among AANHPI youth. Last May, she introduced a bill to promote the teaching of Asian Pacific American history for high school students and teachers who enroll in the U.S. Department of Education’s American History and Civics Academies programs. In 2022, Senator Hirono’s bill to establish a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture was signed into law by President Biden.

###",1,2026-05-13T06:12:22Z,2026-05-13T06:13:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-secretary-driscoll-on-continued-commitment-to-good-faith-land-lease-negotiations,Hirono Presses Secretary Driscoll on Continued Commitment to Good Faith Land Lease Negotiations,2026-05-12,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~ Watch Senator Hirono’s Question Line Here ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), pressed U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll on the Army’s continued commitment to good faith negotiations regarding land leases in Hawaii that are set to expire. During the full committee hearing, Senator Hirono reiterated the importance of transparency and community engagement as the Army continues its negotiations with the state of Hawaii and pressed Secretary Driscoll on the need for the Army to submit updated Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) to address deficiencies identified by the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) last summer, which led to their rejection.

“We are now at a point where the leases are almost up, and final negotiations need to occur with meaningful community engagement and input, especially from the Native Hawaiian community,” said Senator Hirono. “Secretary Driscoll, you previously committed to negotiating in good faith. Do you still stand by that commitment?”

The U.S. Army’s current leases for training lands on the islands of Hawaii and Oahu are set to expire in 2029. During her question line, Senator Hirono emphasized that while these leases are vital to military training and readiness, this land—such as Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) on Hawaii Island—is culturally significant to the Native Hawaiian community and therefore requires, in addition to good faith, fair negotiations with the state of Hawaii, and transparency and engagement with the community.

In response to Senator Hirono, Secretary Driscoll confirmed his commitment to continuing to negotiate in good faith. Senator Hirono also made clear her opposition to any attempt by the Army to unilaterally condemn the land.

For years, Senator Hirono has pushed for good faith negotiations between the U.S. military and the State of Hawaii regarding land leases, with robust community engagement. In April, she highlighted the importance of continued negotiations to Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Jr., Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). At his confirmation hearing in January, 2025, Senator Hirono questioned Mr. Driscoll on his approach to the renewal of land leases in Hawaii for miliary training areas. Senator Hirono’s public oversight and advocacy on the importance of this issue goes back to 2021 when she brought attention to the looming land lease expiration to then-Secretary of Defense nominee General Lloyd Austin, emphasizing the importance of “early, often, and open” communication between the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), state authorities, and the Native Hawaiian community.

The full transcript of Senator Hirono’s exchange with Secretary Driscoll is available below. Video of Senator Hirono’s question line can be found here.

Sen Hirono: Secretary Driscoll, I want to ask you about your approach to the negotiations surrounding Hawaii's military plans consisting of 25,000 acres. I understand the importance of these lands for Army readiness. I also understand the importance of this land, of these negotiations to the people of Hawaii and the Native Hawaiian community and that is why I have engaged with leaders about how these negotiations will proceed, expressing the need for a community input for a number of years.

During a confirmation hearing you committed to negotiating in good faith with the state and the community. So, it was concerning that instead of what I would consider open communication and transparency, the Army last year pursued unilateral condemnation language as shown by your attempt to add last-minute language to support condemnation and Congress responded by reinforcing a continuing need for good faith negotiations.

A unilateral decision to condemn state lands would bypass the community, the state government and the Congressional delegation. The relevant condemnation statute requires the army to exhaust all available options before starting condemnation proceedings so I don't see how the Army can meet that requirement when it has not even resubmitted corrected EISs to address the deficiencies noted by the Board of Land and Natural Resources which may lead to their disapproval of the Army-submitted EISs.

It has been a year. I hope this is not the case that the Army is trying to run the clock and leave unilateral condemnation as the only viable course of action. I want to say for the record that I oppose unilateral condemnation. What we need is a negotiated approach to each of these lands. I have taken that position for years and we are at the point where the leases are almost up, and final negotiations need to occur with meaningful community engagement and input especially from the Hawaiian Native community.

Secretary Driscoll, I have a number of questions about your plans going forward.

You previously committed to negotiating in good faith. Do you still stand by that commitment?

Secretary Driscoll: Yes, unequivocally.

Sen. Hirono: The Army EISs were rejected by the Hawaii Land Board last summer because of several deficiencies including the failure to adequately assess the cultural and historical impacts of continued training.

Mr. Secretary, can I get your commitment that the Army will resubmit their EISs to address these deficiencies?

Secretary Driscoll: When you talk to our soldiers and families who spend their lives on the Hawaiian islands, they are grateful to the community. The community has been fantastic to them so we have been wanting to be respectful of the deep relationship that those people have with the land. I commit to following up with your office.

Senator Hirono: I hope that means that you will be resubmitting your EISs because to me, resubmitting EISs is part of even what the condemnation statutes require which is to exhaust all avenues of these negotiations.

Next question, what is the status of your negotiations with Hawaii and can you describe what steps you plan to take in the next 60 days? Time is running out on these leases to advance a negotiated agreement with the state.

Secretary Driscoll: We have aspired over the years before I was given the seat I think we have had a number of meetings and I can speak more to that. We have engaged with the delegation both to represent here in Washington, D.C. But we have also had conversations with state leadership and what we have tried to do is balance out fairness to the local population with this idea and this commitment that the United States Army must maintain this land. We need it for training, for the Indo-Pacific and with the timeline you are referencing coming up very soon.

Senator Hirono: Frankly, negotiations must occur with the State of Hawaii. That means negotiating with the governor basically. Those need to proceed in good faith.

I want to urge you again to resume these good-faith negotiations because that is what is going to take for us to come to a resolution that is going to be fair to all parties and that certainly includes the input of the Native Hawaiian community.

###",1,2026-05-13T06:12:22Z,2026-05-13T06:13:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-presses-hegseth-on-administrations-iran-war-planning-amid-scramble-to-relocate-weapons-systems-evacuate-personnel-after-war-started,"Schatz Presses Hegseth On Administration’s Iran War Planning Amid Scramble To Relocate Weapons Systems, Evacuate Personnel After War Started",2026-05-12,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – During a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the Trump administration’s preparedness for the Iran war given the scramble to move weapons systems from the Indo-Pacific and evacuate American personnel in the region after the war started. President Trump previously said the administration was “shocked” by Iran’s response.

Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, asked Secretary Hegseth, “There are data points that seem to indicate that we did not see all of this coming. Parts of the THAAD and Patriot systems in South Korea were moved to the Middle East – this is after the [start of the] war. There was a rush to evacuate United States personnel. And Iran struck more than 200 structures and equipment at 16 U.S. sites. So Secretary, can you just reassure us that this was all foreseen and part of the plan? Or can you tell us whether there were any surprises here?”

Secretary Hegseth responded, “I can reassure you that it was all accounted for.”

“I’m wondering why the president of the United States – our commander-in-chief – said that he was shocked that Iran would retaliate by striking other countries in the region. This was not just foreseeable, it was foreseen,” said Senator Schatz. “I’m just trying to figure out – for those of us on the left and the right – who are wary of regime change war, who are wary of happy talk, who have learned through terrible experience the cost of this kind of adventurism – why is this any different?”

Video of Senator Schatz’s exchange with Secretary Hegseth is available here.

###",1,2026-05-13T06:12:22Z,2026-05-13T06:13:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-congratulates-uh-mens-volleyball-team-on-ncaa-national-championship-win,Schatz Congratulates UH Men’s Volleyball Team On NCAA National Championship Win,2026-05-11,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement congratulating the University of Hawai‘i’s men’s volleyball team on winning the 2026 NCAA National Championship.

“Congratulations to the UH men’s volleyball team on an incredible championship win! Our team battled all season long, played with heart, and showed what Hawai?i volleyball is all about. We’re all proud of you. Go ‘Bows!”

###",1,2026-05-13T06:12:22Z,2026-05-13T06:13:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-disturbing-incident-in-lhain-schatz-calls-on-noaa-to-strengthen-public-education-efforts-to-protect-hawaiian-monk-seals,"Following Disturbing Incident In Lāhainā, Schatz Calls On NOAA To Strengthen Public Education Efforts To Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals",2026-05-08,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – Following a disturbing incident involving an attack on a Hawaiian monk seal in Lahaina, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries, called on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to step up efforts to better educate the public on the need to protect Hawaiian monk seals, one of the most endangered seal species in the world.

“This alarming incident shows that we need to do more to educate the 10 million visitors who we welcome to Hawai?i each year – including continuing to ensure NOAA Fisheries, its Office of Law Enforcement, and the agency as a whole have the capacity and resources necessary to recover endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal, conserve their habitats, and enforce their federal protections,” Senator Schatz wrote in his letter to NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs.

The full text of Schatz’s letter can be found below and is available here.

Dear Under Secretary Jacobs:

Hawai?i is home to a number of endangered species, including the Hawaiian monk seal that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has played a critical role in the recovery of the population of monk seals, from conservation of their habitat to significant outreach, education, and volunteer coordination to minimize human disturbance. Residents of Hawai‘i respect monk seals and the waters and beaches we share, but following an attack on a monk seal on a Maui beach this week, I am concerned that visitors also need to be properly educated.

On Wednesday, May 6, state and Maui County law enforcement officers responded after someone was caught on video throwing a large rock at a monk seal. There was immediate and strong public outcry. Law enforcement officers quickly detained the alleged suspect and are gathering evidence in preparation for turning the matter over to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement. I applaud Maui residents and local law enforcement for their swift action. NOAA support for monk seal education, outreach, management, and science in Hawai?i helped enable this strong response. Even more impressively, these efforts have added up to one of the most extraordinary recoveries of a marine mammal species in the United States: from roughly 1100 to 1600 individuals over 15 years.

This alarming incident shows that we need to do more to educate the 10 million visitors who we welcome to Hawai?i each year--including continuing to ensure NOAA Fisheries, its Office of Law Enforcement, and the agency as a whole have the capacity and resources necessary to recover endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal, conserve their habitats, and enforce their federal protections. Since coming to the Senate, I have championed annual funding of roughly $4.5 million for monk seal science and management. I request that NOAA provide answers to the following questions by May 29, 2026.

What steps has NOAA taken in recent years to strengthen monk seal education and outreach?

How has that contributed to monk seal recovery?

What are the most significant remaining threats to monk seal recovery?

What relevant activities is NOAA undertaking in Fiscal Year 2026, especially collaborations between NOAA managers and scientists together with their state and county counterparts?

How can we better facilitate education for visitors to Hawai?i?

I appreciate NOAA’s continued partnership with Hawai?i state and local officials and look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-05-09T06:00:32Z,2026-05-09T06:02:31Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-following-request-from-schatz-education-secretary-agrees-to-avoid-cuts-to-native-hawaiian-education-program-keep-millions-in-federal-funding-flowing-for-hawaii-kids,"Following Request From Schatz, Education Secretary Agrees To Avoid Cuts To Native Hawaiian Education Program, Keep Millions In Federal Funding Flowing For Hawai‘i Kids",2026-05-07,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today spoke with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon and reiterated his request that the department avoid cuts to the Native Hawaiian Education Program. In response, McMahon agreed to keep the program fully funded for current grant recipients for at least another year, which guarantees $46 million in federal funding secured by Schatz in Congress will continue to flow to the more than 60 early childhood education sites across Hawai‘i and sustain other critical education programs, including home visiting for children under 5, workforce development for parents, and Hawaiian language immersion programs. The federally funded programs serve more than 3,000 Hawai‘i families.

“This is good news for Hawai‘i. This money helps thousands of young kids develop learning skills and gives Native Hawaiian families more affordable child care options,” said Senator Schatz, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “I’m grateful to Secretary McMahon for working with us to protect this funding and will continue fighting every day to make sure Hawai‘i gets its fair share of federal dollars.”

The agreement follows threats of cuts to Native Hawaiian programs across the federal government. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz has been leading efforts to protect funding for Hawai‘i.

###",1,2026-05-09T06:00:32Z,2026-05-09T06:02:31Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-visits-site-of-future-hlau-of-iwi-art-on-maui,Schatz Visits Site Of Future Hālau Of ‘Ōiwi Art On Maui,2026-05-07,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WAILUKU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, visited the site of Halau of ‘Oiwi Art in Wailuku to view the ongoing construction. The center will be dedicated to the study, practice, celebration and perpetuation of hula and associated arts and will also be used as a resilience hub for shelter and recovery in the event of a disaster. In 2022, Senator Schatz delivered $11 million in federal earmark funding for the project, which broke ground in 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2027.

“This will be a special place for people to come together, a first-of-its-kind home for hula halau across Maui to practice and share their craft and Native Hawaiian culture,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “It’s exciting to see a project like this begin to take shape. It took a lot of work from every level of government and from the Maui community to secure resources and begin construction. While there is still more work to do, we can’t wait to celebrate its opening.”

###",1,2026-05-08T05:46:43Z,2026-05-08T05:48:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-congratulates-maui-families-awarded-with-federal-funding-to-buy-first-home,Schatz Congratulates Maui Families Awarded With Federal Funding To Buy First Home,2026-05-06,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"LAHAINA – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today joined a signing ceremony to meet with and congratulate Maui families impacted by the 2023 fires who are set to receive a federal award of up to $600,000 to help buy a new home. The awards, part of the county’s First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program, is funded by the $1.6 billion in federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) money Schatz secured for Maui in 2024.

“We fought for this money in Washington because we knew that for Maui to recover fully, it needed its people. And what people need above all else is the security of a stable home,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “There’s still so much to do to make sure West Maui is back on its feet, but days like today should give us all hope that better days are ahead and we’re going to get there together.”

###",1,2026-05-07T13:38:59Z,2026-05-07T13:40:28Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-9-senators-in-introducing-resolution-commemorating-world-press-freedom-day,Schatz Leads Group of 9 Senators In Introducing Resolution Commemorating World Press Freedom Day,2026-05-03,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a group of nine senators in introducing a resolution recognizing growing threats to freedom of the press around the world and reaffirming the vital role of independent journalism in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance.

“A free press is a cornerstone of any healthy democracy – and it’s vital that we protect and defend it, at home and abroad,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “The growing attacks on independent journalism are alarming, particularly given the many crises and conflicts happening globally. People rely on journalists to understand what’s happening in their own communities and make sense of the world. In turn, journalists go to extraordinary lengths, often at great personal risk, to report the truth. Unfortunately, we continue to see journalists lose their lives, be thrown in jail, or be threatened with lawsuits just for doing their jobs. Suppressing press freedom and targeting journalists is the oldest trick in the authoritarian playbook. Anyone who believes in democracy and freedom ought to be unreserved and unequivocal in our support for the free press.”

Schatz’s resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.). The resolution is supported by PEN America.

“Being a journalist is more dangerous today than at any time in history. World Press Freedom Day is not only a celebration of the world’s intrepid journalists, but a reminder that journalists—and the free press at large—are under attack,” said Senator Welch. “We’re calling on Congress to remember the lives of journalists killed while reporting, and recommit to defending press freedom in our own country and around the world.”

“On World Press Freedom Day, we honor the journalists who go to extraordinary lengths to bring the truth to light,” said Senator Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “As democratic values and institutions are being threatened around the world, I’m proud to join my colleagues to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the freedom of the press.”

“A free and independent press is the bedrock of our democracy, and an essential feature of democracies around the world. Editors and journalists risk threats, detention, and even death to keep citizens informed and hold public officials to account,” said Senator Bennet. “Now more than ever, we recognize and celebrate their contributions to maintaining our system of government, and their efforts to extend the same freedoms we enjoy at home to those still denied them abroad.”

Press freedom has faced a staggering global decline in recent years, and Senator Schatz has led bipartisan efforts to promote press freedom and protect journalists worldwide.

A copy of the bill text is available here.

###",1,2026-05-05T05:58:12Z,2026-05-05T05:59:44Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-meng-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-may-as-asian-american-native-hawaiian-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month,"Hirono, Meng Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month",2026-05-01,2026,2026-05,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Grace Meng (D-NY), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), led their colleagues in introducing a resolution marking May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This resolution celebrates the many contributions AANHPI communities have made to the nation. As the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans continue to cut initiatives designed to support minorities in the name of “combatting discrimination,” this resolution emphasizes the importance of celebrating diversity.

“Every May, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander communities come together to remember the challenges we have overcome and our many contributions that have shaped our country. Despite the Trump regime’s relentless attacks on the AANHPI community, they cannot erase the truth. Our communities have been part of our country’s story since its founding, fighting for the same fundamental promises of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said Senator Hirono. “This resolution celebrates the persevering spirit of our communities and reminds us all to continue fighting for a more inclusive future.”

“May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to honor our communities’ immeasurable contributions to our nation’s history, culture, and prosperity,” said Representative Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “Whether your family passed through Ellis Island, immigrated to work on the sugarcane plantations of Hawai?i or fled war-torn areas as refugees, our stories are part of the American story and deserve to be told for generations to come. I am proud to co-lead this resolution with Senator Hirono to ensure our communities’ achievements are formally recognized in the halls of Congress, especially as we mark the 250th anniversary of the United States this year.”

The resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortes Masto (D-NV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Grace Meng (D-NY).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

Senator Hirono has long advocated on behalf of AANHPI communities in Hawaii, the U.S., and Pacific Island nations and territories. Earlier this month, Senator Hirono hosted a press conference demanding federal funding be restored to Minority Serving Institutions, including Asian American Native American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) and Alaska Native Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (ANNHSIs). Last year, she also introduced the Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act, bicameral legislation to promote the teaching of Asian American, AANHPI history in schools across the country. Since 2023, Senator Hirono has introduced a resolution marking May 10, as AANHPI Mental Health Day. In 2022, Senator Hirono’s legislation establishing a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture was signed into law by President Biden. To address the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and violence during the heart of the pandemic, Senator Hirono introduced the COVID-19 Hates Crimes Act which was signed into law by President Biden on May 20, 2021.

###",1,2026-05-02T05:53:08Z,2026-05-02T05:54:44Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-hegseth-on-illegal-war-in-iran-women-in-combat,"Hirono Presses Hegseth on Illegal War in Iran, Women in Combat",2026-04-30,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~Watch Senator Hirono’s Questions Here~

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, raised concerns about the true costs of Trump’s illegal war in Iran and pressed U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth on the implications of a Pentagon review Hegseth ordered examining “the effectiveness of women in combat jobs.”

“Since the start of the war, 13 brave U.S. Service members have been killed, more than 400 have been wounded. We burned through over $25 billion in taxpayer money. […] The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which somehow caught the president by surprise, even though he had to have been warned, is directly contributing to the unaffordable prices that Americans are facing,” said Senator Hirono. “This illegal war is driving up costs, undermining readiness, and alienating our allies with neither a clear rationale for starting this war, nor an exit strategy.

Senator Hirono has consistently expressed concerns about how the ongoing war in Iran could affect overall readiness. Earlier this month, she questioned Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Jr., Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) on how munitions expenditures in the Iran War are impacting readiness in the Indo-Pacific. In March, Senator Hirono also pressed the vice chiefs of all five military services on the impact of the ongoing war in Iran on each of their respective forces’ readiness.

Senator Hirono also confronted Secretary Hegseth on his changing position towards women serving in combat roles, citing a Pentagon study he recently directed to review the “effectiveness of women in combat jobs.""

“I am concerned you are laying the groundwork to reverse the policy allowing women to serve in these units,” said Senator Hirono. “Did you order the review to support a potential decision to overturn the policy of having women in combat roles?”

At the hearing, Secretary Hegseth refused to answer Senator Hiono’s straightforward question.

Since 2016, women who meet the genderless standards for combat fitness have been allowed to serve in combat roles. Senator Hirono has previously asked senior military leadership if they believed the fact of women being present in combat units lowers standards. Each member of leadership, when questioned by Senator Hirono, confirmed that there was no evidence of this.

###",1,2026-05-01T06:06:26Z,2026-05-01T06:08:22Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-passage-of-department-of-homeland-security-funding-bill,Schatz Statement On Passage Of Department Of Homeland Security Funding Bill,2026-04-30,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement on House passage of the fiscal year 2026 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill that passed the Senate unanimously on March 27 and then again on April 2.

“Today’s bipartisan vote in the House will mean DHS can finally reopen. For Hawai‘i, this will ensure FEMA disaster recovery support and other federal resources for communities impacted by the recent storms will continue without interruption. It’s also a reminder that when both parties choose to work together, Congress can keep critical services funded and functioning.”

###",1,2026-05-01T06:06:26Z,2026-05-01T06:08:22Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-burgum-on-efforts-to-erase-us-history-staffing-cuts-demands-accountability,"Hirono Presses Burgum on Efforts to Erase U.S. History, Staffing Cuts, Demands Accountability",2026-04-29,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~ Watch Senator Hirono’s Questions Here~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), questioned U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum on the Department’s efforts to remove mentions of key aspects of U.S. History, including slavery, in national parks across the country. In the full Committee hearing, Hirono also raised alarms about staff vacancies across DOI and the Secretary’s failure to account for how many jobs have been cut following multiple rounds of firings and early retirements.

“Mr. Secretary, is slavery a partisan ideology?” asked Senator Hirono.

Earlier this year, Senator Hirono joined her Democratic colleagues in the Senate in sending a letter to Secretary Burgum demanding answers from the National Park Service (NPS) following reports that NPS staff across the country are removing signage from national parks about slavery, Tribal history, and climate change. Secretary Burgum failed to address the questions posed, instead stating that “NPS […] must ensure park interpreted materials accurately reflect American history and not partisan ideology.”

At the hearing, Secretary Burgum refused to answer Senator Hirono’s straightforward question.

According to reports, Trump Administration officials have ordered national parks to remove dozens of signs and displays related to slavery, climate change, environmental protection, and settlers’ mistreatment of Native Americans in a renewed push to implement President Donald Trump’s executive order on “restoring truth and sanity to American history.”

Senator Hirono also pressed Secretary Burgum on staffing cuts across DOI after his failure to account for how many employees had been fired or forced into early retirement.

“Where are we in terms of how many employees you have?” asked Senator Hirono.

DOI is made up of 11 bureaus including the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Affairs—all of which have faced significant staff cuts in the past year according to reports. Prior to President Trump’s 2025 inauguration, DOI employed approximately 70,000 staff. The Department has yet to provide updated numbers of how many DOI employees remain.

Today, Secretary Burgum was once again unable to provide an accurate assessment.

“I find it totally unacceptable that you don’t know what’s going on in your own department,” said Senator Hirono.

Since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, Senator Hirono has been raising alarms about the Trump Administration’s attacks on the federal workforce and funding at DOI. In March 2025, Senator Hirono took to the Senate Floor to highlight the impacts of these mass firings on the interdiction of brown tree snakes, a highly invasive species. Following the administration’s attacks, Senator Hirono urged Secretary Burgum to reinstate the DOI’s Fish and Wildlife Services probationary employees in Hawaii who were hastily fired by the Trump Administration, emphasizing the important roles they serve in preserving Hawaii’s environment and natural resources. In February 2025, Senator Hirono urged Secretary Burgum to resolve staffing shortages at NPS, following President Trump’s hiring freeze and buyout offers.

###",1,2026-05-01T06:06:26Z,2026-05-01T06:08:22Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-supreme-court-further-gutting-voting-rights-act,Hirono Statement on Supreme Court Further Gutting Voting Rights Act,2026-04-29,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, released the following statement after the Supreme Court effectively gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in its Louisiana v. Callais decision:

“In functionally overturning the last enforceable section of the Voting Rights Act, the Supreme Court has once again put the interests of Republicans and their billionaire buddies before the voting rights of millions of Americans. This is a Supreme Court majority with an ideological agenda. From an unlawful war to illegal tariffs and a cost-of-living crisis, Donald Trump and Republicans know their agenda is deeply unpopular with the American people, so their allies on the Court are making it easier for Republicans to dilute the voting power of minorities to tip the scales in their favor, not just in this year’s election, but for years to come. The passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a major turning point in our country that finally gave many previously excluded people of color real access to the polls. With Republicans and their allies on the Court hell bent on rolling back that progress, it is more urgent than ever that Congress pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.”

###",1,2026-04-30T06:05:15Z,2026-04-30T06:07:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-details-impact-from-kona-low-storms-urges-long-term-support-for-recovery,"Schatz Details Impact From Kona Low Storms, Urges Long-Term Support For Recovery",2026-04-29,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor today about last month’s Kona low storms which produced continuous flooding and resulted in widespread damage across Hawai‘i. Schatz underscored the heroism of neighbors and first responders who jumped in to help those affected by flooding and damage and stressed the need for continued support from the federal government as residents recover.

“Hawai‘i experienced its worst flooding in more than 20 years last month. But amid the devastation wrought by the relentless rain, Hawai‘i’s aloha spirit prevailed,” said Senator Schatz. “We saw it in the heroic emergency responders who rescued hundreds of people who were stuck in danger, with no way to get out. We saw it in all the people rushing to check in on their neighbors, sharing information on social media in real time, and helping clean up the debris and mud once the rain passed. Farmers who lost their own fields instead went to help their neighbors rebuild. Businesses sprang into action to hand out supplies and hot meals despite losing sales and incurring damages of their own. That’s Hawai‘i: no one is a stranger, especially in a time of need. And everyone pitches in to help.”

Senator Schatz continued, “Recovering from a disaster of this magnitude will take months and years. The state and county governments are doing everything they can to help people recover fully and quickly, but they can’t do it alone. They need help. The federal government has a responsibility to share the burden of rebuilding. And while the approval of the disaster declaration is a good first step, it is just that – a first step. In the months and years ahead, we will need to be there to provide support and resources in any way we can until the affected people and communities are made whole once again.”

A copy of Senator Schatz’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, is below. Video is available here.

Hawai‘i experienced its worst flooding in more than 20 years last month. Two storms, less than two weeks apart, whipped up hurricane-force winds of up to 135 miles per hour and dumped more than 62 inches of rain in parts of the state. All told, nearly 2 trillion gallons of water fell from the sky statewide, enough to fill 3 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. And the resulting damage was widespread and severe.

It all started on March 10th, when the first storm – known as a Kona low – brought close to 10 inches of rain over 4 days and broke daily rainfall records on O‘ahu, Maui, Hawai‘i Island, and Kaua‘i. The powerful winds and heavy rain flooded homes, toppled power lines, and shuttered schools and businesses. Well over 100,000 residents lost power.

But before people could even begin to recover, a second storm quicky followed just days later, delivering more than a foot of rain. With the ground still saturated from the previous storm and drainage capacity overwhelmed, flooding got worse across the state. More than 5,000 residents were forced to evacuate and seek cover in shelters and schools. Homes were lifted off their foundations. Cars floated out of driveways. Roads and highways became inaccessible. Crops washed away on farms and fields.

But amid the devastation wrought by the relentless rain, Hawai‘i’s aloha spirit prevailed. We saw it in the heroic emergency responders who rescued hundreds of people who were stuck in danger, with no way to get out. We saw it in all the people rushing to check in on their neighbors, sharing information on social media in real time, and helping clean up the debris and mud once the rain passed. Farmers who lost their own fields instead went to help their neighbors rebuild. Businesses sprang into action to hand out supplies and hot meals despite losing sales and incurring damages of their own. That’s Hawai‘i: no one is a stranger, especially in a time of need. And everyone pitches in to help.

Recovering from a disaster of this magnitude will take months and years. Homes, roads, schools, and hospitals that were flooded and badly damaged will need to be rebuilt. And doing so will require significant resources, which is why the administration’s approval of Governor Josh Green’s disaster declaration request is so important. As with disasters in the past, these federal dollars will support cleanup and repairs as well as help residents get back on their feet through individual assistance.

The state and county governments are doing everything they can to help people recover fully and quickly, but they can’t do it alone. They need help. The federal government has a responsibility to share the burden of rebuilding. And while the approval of the disaster declaration is a good first step, it is just that – a first step. In the months and years ahead, we will need to be there to provide support and resources in any way we can until the affected people and communities are made whole once again.

###",1,2026-05-01T06:06:26Z,2026-05-01T06:08:22Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-jayapal-introduce-resolution-to-support-libraries-recognize-national-library-week,"Hirono, Jayapal Introduce Resolution to Support Libraries, Recognize National Library Week",2026-04-28,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced a resolution celebrating “National Library Week” and honoring library workers. After a federal judge ruled President Trump’s attacks on libraries to be unconstitutional, this resolution emphasizes the importance of libraries in communities across the country.

“America’s libraries stand for everything the Trump regime is trying to dismantle—freedom of expression, unfettered access to information, celebration of identities, and support for communities. From access to books, to safe spaces for people to work, play, and learn, libraries offer indispensable services and resources to our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “As we celebrate National Library Week and the work of library staff across our country, it’s critical that we stand up, support our libraries, and fight for the values libraries across the country are striving to defend.”

“Libraries and library staff facilitate our access to information, provide lifesaving social resources, and host critical educational programming — making communities more thriving in every community across this country,” said Representative Jayapal. “Since returning to office, Trump has sought to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, slashed funding for crucial educational programs, and threatened the jobs and livelihoods of library staff across the country. Today, I am proud to reaffirm my support for these dedicated workers and thank them for the critical work they do in every community across this country.”

Specifically, this resolution:

Expresses support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the services these libraries provide;

Recognizes the need for funding to support libraries;

Preserves the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities;

Supports a strong union voice for library workers; and

Defends the civil rights of library staff.

Over 350,000 public servants work at an estimated 120,000 libraries across the nation. Library workers provide the public with a host of critical services, from access to books, media, and the internet, to offering high-quality educational and cultural programming geared toward visitors of all ages, including connecting visitors to social services. These services are often essential to meeting the needs of underserved communities, including low-income and unhoused individuals and families. Overall, the public highly values libraries, 69 percent of U.S. adults age 16 or older felt their local libraries substantially contributed to providing a safe place for people to spend time, and 58 percent felt they substantially contributed toward creating educational opportunities.

“Libraries are community hubs that combine information, ideas, our collective stories, technology and learning with a human touch. Our libraries are made up of dedicated public servants who believe in the power of equitable access for all as a pillar of democracy. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Hirono and Congresswoman Jayapal for recognizing that libraries must be funded and supported to ensure the success of our communities and nation,” said Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian of Hawaii.

Libraries offer critical services that encourage the free exchange of information. Since his first term, President Trump has worked to undermine this mission by promoting book challenges in libraries across the country. Book challenges attempt to remove or restrict materials based on a certain person or group’s objections. The American Library Association (ALA) this released its Top 11 Most Challenged Books of 2025, finding that 4,235 unique titles were challenged — the second-highest total ever recorded. Last year, President Trump issued an unprecedented and illegal executive order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a critical source of funding for museums, libraries, and educational institutions. The ALA, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a lawsuit arguing that the cuts violated the Constitution and federal law by usurping Congress’s authority over how federal funds are spent. Similarly, the attorneys general of 21 states filed a separate lawsuit against the Administration’s efforts to shutter the agency. Following the lawsuits, a federal judge ruled that the IMLS cuts were unconstitutional. Despite the U.S. Department of Justice settling the lawsuits earlier this month, libraries across the nation continue to be threatened by the Trump Administration. President Trump’s proposed budget for the 2027 fiscal year does not currently include any funding for IMLS.

In addition to Senator Hirono, this resolution was sponsored by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).

In addition to Representative Jayapal, a companion resolution in the House of Representatives was sponsored by Representatives Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Summer Lee (D-PA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), James P. McGovern (D-MA- Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-), Mark Pocan (D-WI-), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Dina Titus (D-NV), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).

###",1,2026-04-29T06:03:53Z,2026-04-29T06:05:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-cruz-introduce-new-bill-to-protect-kids-on-ai-chatbot-platforms,"Schatz, Cruz Introduce New Bill To Protect Kids On AI Chatbot Platforms",2026-04-28,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today introduced the CHATBOT Act, legislation that would put parents, not Big Tech, in charge of how children interact with AI chatbots and require higher safety safeguards for young users.

While AI chatbots can support a child’s learning, research, and creativity, they also pose real risks to minors, including exposure to inappropriate content, language, and addictive features. Some AI companies have even deployed rewards, notifications, and targeted advertising to drive prolonged engagement by adolescent users.

The Children’s Health, Advancement, Trust, Boundaries, and Oversight in Technology Act, or CHATBOT Act, would require AI companies to establish “family accounts” for parents to manage access and usage of AI chatbots by their children. Safety features provided under family accounts would, by default, be set to the most protective settings. Family accounts would be required for users under 13 and optional for teen users. For teen users that are not connected to a family account, safeguards would be fixed to the most protective settings. AI chatbots platforms would limit manipulative design features; require parental consent for chatbot usage; and prohibit targeted advertising to children. In addition, the bill would direct further study on potential chatbot-related harms to children and best practices for parents.

Upon introduction, Chairman Cruz said: “The rapid development of sophisticated chatbots has left many parents in the dark as powerful AI systems enter children’s lives. Congress has an opportunity to put parents back in control. With the right safeguards, AI systems can benefit a child’s education without putting their well-being at risk. The CHATBOT Act ensures America leads in deploying AI safely and responsibly.”

Senator Schatz said: “AI is an incredibly powerful tool – it’s everywhere, and it poses real risks for kids. We’ve seen reports of AI chatbots encouraging kids to hurt themselves and for some, they’re replacing real life relationships, isolating kids from their families and friends. Our bill will give parents better tools to keep their kids safe and hold AI companies accountable.”

Senator Curtis said: “Parents deserve both clarity and control over how their children interact with AI chatbots, which are becoming more integrated into their education and everyday lives,” said Senator Curtis. “Our bipartisan bill provides commonsense guardrails that prioritize kids’ safety, limit manipulative design, and help ensure that parents—not algorithms—hold the reins.”

Senator Schiff said: “It is essential that we institute commonsense guardrails on the use of AI chatbots by children and teenagers that empower parents' ability to protect their kids. In California and across the country, we have seen firsthand the tragic consequences of quickly evolving AI chatbots which, in the worst cases, have encouraged self-harm, emotional dependency, violence, and exploitation of the youngest Americans. This moment demands action to protect children’s health and safety online, and I’m proud to join Senators Cruz, Schatz, and Curtis in introducing this bipartisan legislation as a first step towards that goal.”

Read the one-pager on this legislation HERE.

Read the full text of this legislation HERE.

The following groups are supportive of the legislation: 3Strands Global Foundation, America First Policy Institute, Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI), American Counseling Association, American Federation of Teachers, American Principles Project, Bull Moose Project, Citizens for Renewing America, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, David’s Legacy Foundation, Digital Progress Institute, Enough is Enough, HSA Coalition, Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking, NCOSE, Pearl at the Mailbox, and Street Grace.

Find a full list of supporting statements HERE.

###",1,2026-04-30T06:05:15Z,2026-04-30T06:07:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-urges-appropriators-to-fund-critical-forest-research-program,Hirono Urges Appropriators to Fund Critical Forest Research Program,2026-04-24,2026,2026-04,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led 8 of her Democratic colleagues in urging Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies leadership to include funding for the U.S. Forest Service and Rangeland Research and Development Programs (Forest Service R&D) in the upcoming fiscal year (FY2027) funding bill. Earlier this year, the Trump Administration announced a plan to close the majority of the U.S. Forest Service research facilities including the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF) headquarters in Hilo, Hawaii and the quarantine facility in Volcano, Hawaii. In a letter to Subcommittee Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the senators stressed the importance of Forest Service R&D, requesting no less than $273.5 million to cover the Forest Service R&D program and staffing costs, equal to the FY26 funding level enacted by Congress, and stop the proposed closures.

“Forest Service R&D advances […] are critical for addressing the escalating challenges facing America’s forests, rangelands and communities,” wrote the senators. “Forest Service Scientists conduct research that land managers, states, Tribes, private landowners, and local governments rely on to make informed decisions about wildfire risk reduction, invasive species management, climate resilience, watershed protection, and sustainable forest products.”

Since 1905, Forest Service R&D has used forests as “living laboratories” to help researchers, governments, and communities alike better understand their surrounding natural environment. IPIF is the only research facility of its kind in the region, which not only covers the State of Hawaii, but also the U.S. territories of Guam and American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and through the Compact of Free Association, the nation-states of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. Data collected by Forest Service R&D enables researchers, local communities, and governments to understand in real time the state of forest health. In addition to promoting environmental conservation, data collected by this program also helps protect communities from natural disasters—including wildfires. The senators highlighted how the recent uptick in wildfires across the country make forest research more critical than ever.

“The need for this research has never been greater. Wildfires, drought, and forest health crises are straining federal, state, and local resources. Forest Service R&D provides the science that allows for […] more resilient forests,” the senators continued.

The senators outlined the unique nature of Forest Service R&D, emphasizing how the program creates irreplicable data that supports, protects, and ultimately lowers costs for communities across the county. Continued investments in forest health would help ensure that forest research programs can continue across the country.

“The program’s work also advances innovations in carbon storage and climate smart land management—all of which help reduce costs and improve outcomes across the landscape,” the Senators wrote.

The senators concluded their letter by raising alarms about Forest Service R&D staff loss, expressing how the program’s scientific capacity depends on staff and resource availability. These concerns come after reports of understaffing at forest research facilities including IPIF. Earlier this year, Senator Hirono introduced legislation that would ensure adequate staffing at IPIF. Currently, IPIF is operating with staff below the minimum threshold proposed by the bill.

In addition to Senator Hirono, the letter was signed by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

Senator Hirono has long championed forest conservation and research initiatives in Hawaii and across the nation. In October 2025, Senator Hirono urged U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to reconsider the Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate funding for the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA), which supports critical research that helps our country in facilitating conservation management, as well as understanding and responding to environmental threats. In September 2025, she introduced the Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act to expand research and grant funding opportunities to help combat pests and diseases affecting tropical plants including coffee plants, macadamia trees, and other iconic Hawaii staples. Senator Hirono has also introduced the Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act, in each Congress since 2022. This legislation would help restore native forests in Hawaii by enabling federal agencies – including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) – to more closely coordinate with the State of Hawaii to prevent the spread of Rapid Ohia Death.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Chair Murkowski and Ranking Member Merkley:

As your subcommittee considers its fiscal year (FY) 2027 appropriations bill, we write to request that you provide no less than $61.5 million for the U.S. Forest Service Forest and Rangeland Research and Development Programs (Forest Service R&D) and no less than $212 million for salaries and expenses for staff to effectively execute the Forest Service R&D program.

Forest Service R&D advances science, technology, and innovation to improve the health and use of our Nation's forests and grasslands. These advances are critical for addressing the escalating challenges facing America’s forests, rangelands, and communities.

The program’s work, dating back to 1905, is foundational to solving some of the most pressing natural resource issues of our time. Forest Service scientists conduct research that land managers, states, Tribes, private landowners, and local governments rely on to make informed decisions about wildfire risk reduction, invasive species management, climate resilience, watershed protection, and sustainable forest products. Their findings directly support healthier forests, safer communities, and stronger rural economies.

The need for this research has never been greater. Wildfires, drought, and forest health crises are straining federal, state, and local resources. Forest Service R&D provides the science that allows for more effective fuel treatments such as prescribed fire, and better post fire recovery to establish more resilient forests. The program’s work also advances innovations in carbon storage and climate smart land management — all of which help reduce costs and improve outcomes across the landscape.

Further, the Forest Service R&D program maintains a nationwide network of experimental forests and research stations that serve as living laboratories. These sites generate long term data that no other institution in the country can replicate. The program partners extensively with universities, state agencies, and Tribal nations ensuring that research investments benefit communities across the country.

We are very concerned about recent staff losses within Forest Service R&D and encourage sustained funding from previous fiscal years to ensure that the program can be effectively administered throughout the country. Forest Service personnel provide a unique network of expertise across the country that is invaluable to local communities as they experience increasing threats to their environment.

Sustained and enhanced funding for Forest Service R&D and staff is essential to maintaining this scientific capacity. Without it, land managers will lack the tools and information needed to protect lives, property, and natural resources in an era of rapidly changing conditions.

We ask that you support strong funding for the Forest Service Research and Development Program at no less than $61.5 million and for salaries and expenses at no less than $212 million in FY27. Continued investment in this program and staff is an investment in the safety, resilience, and economic vitality of communities nationwide.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-04-25T05:38:36Z,2026-04-25T05:40:21Z