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.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/over-the-past-year-schatz-worked-to-protect-federal-funding-for-hawaii-amid-national-cuts-secured-more-than-1-billion-to-support-mauis-recovery-improve-infrastructure-expand-high-speed-internet-across-the-state,"Over The Past Year, Schatz Worked To Protect Federal Funding For Hawai‘i Amid National Cuts; Secured More Than $1 Billion To Support Maui’s Recovery, Improve Infrastructure, Expand High-Speed Internet Across The State",2025-12-30,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – In 2025, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) worked to protect Hawai‘i from significant cuts to federal funding by the Administration across the country and helped secure more than $1 billion for Hawai‘i to support Maui’s ongoing recovery, expand high-speed internet, and improve airports and infrastructure, among other things.

“This year, we delivered more than $1 billion to Hawai‘i, including funding to support Maui’s ongoing recovery, help upgrade airports and health centers, and expand high-speed internet. My top priority always is making sure Hawai‘i gets its fair share of federal dollars, and together with the delegation and state and local leaders, we’re going to continue working to lower costs and support families and communities across the state,” said Senator Schatz.

Funding highlights include:

Nearly $31 million to expand high-speed internet statewide. The federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 will be used to build out and improve broadband infrastructure statewide.

Nearly $9.8 million to support the ongoing recovery effort on Maui following the devastating fires. The funding, which Schatz helped secure, will help the community of Lahaina rebuild the Waiola Church, Hale Aloha Museum, the Old Lahaina Courthouse Building, and the Master’s Reading Room.

More than $70 million for Kona International Airport. The federal funding for Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, the largest airport on Hawai‘i Island and the state’s second international entry point, will be used to help complete KOA’s ongoing runway rehabilitation project.

$1 million for the Lana?i Community Health Center. The funding will support the Lana?i Community Health Center, a nonprofit and federally qualified health center serving the island of Lana?i, to purchase equipment.

More than $140 million for the Red Hill Water Treatment Plant. The funding will help build a water treatment facility provides a drinking water treatment facility at the Red Hill water supply shaft and ensures that treated water continues to meet all Federal and State drinking water standards.

More than $50 million for Lihu?e Airport. The funding will help improve takeoff and taxiway operations at LIH by increasing the Runway Safety Area.

Nearly $2 million to protect Hawai‘i-grown coffee. The funding will support the research and programs needed to stop coffee leaf rust, a devasting disease caused by a rust fungus.

More than $553 million to replace Dry Dock 3 at Pearl Harbor. The funding will support the construction of the new Dry Dock 5 to replace the existing Dry Dock 3. Dry Dock 5 will be able to accommodate maintenance and sustainment work on Virginia class submarines and the Next Generation Attack Submarine (SSNX), ensuring that Hawai‘i’s public shipyard workforce will be able to support Navy’s submarine fleet for years to come.

This year, Senator Schatz secured Senate passage of key legislation, including a bill to help stop illegal ahi from reaching people’s plates, while protecting Hawai‘i fishermen. The bipartisan Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a standard methodology for identifying the country of origin of red snapper and certain species of tuna imported into the United States.

Schatz also authored and secured Senate passage of the Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act, bipartisan legislation to expand Department of Veterans Affairs health care and benefits to U.S. veterans who reside in the Freely Associated States of Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-markey-press-sba-administrator-on-audit-targeting-underserved-businesses,"Hirono, Markey Press SBA Administrator on Audit Targeting Underserved Businesses",2025-12-23,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Lawmakers: “Rather than using this audit as a pretense to unfairly attack a program with which you have an ideological disagreement, it is our hope that you will refocus on the goals of the 8(a) Program to make sure it continues to support socially and economically disadvantaged businesses—as intended.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ed Markey (D-MA), Ranking Member for the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, sent a letter to U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler, expressing their deep concerns regarding the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) December 5th announcement of a sweeping, program-wide audit of the 8(a) Business Development Program. SBA’s announcement has left many businesses scrambling to meet the agency’s extensive document request under a short deadline with unclear guidance, while raising concerns about how businesses’ information will be used and secured.

The 8(a) Business Development Program was created by Congress to provide training, assistance, and federal contracting opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in the U.S. and plays an important role in helping to ensure these businesses have the opportunity to work with federal agencies. Recently, however, the 8(a) program has come under attack as Republicans have unfairly targeted many of these small, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, which often rely on government contracts to stay in business and keep their staff employed.

“While we wholeheartedly support meaningful oversight of all programs that fall under the jurisdiction of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, we disagree with your characterization of the program,” the senators wrote. “We also emphasize that formal audits should be conducted by the appropriate authorities, such as Inspectors General, who are a part of a comprehensive system that has decades of proven success in preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse.”

The ambiguous language in the SBA’s audit has led to mass confusion among 8(a) businesses, who have been seeking clarity and guidance regarding the documentation they must provide to remain eligible to participate in the 8(a) program.

“Furthermore, we are concerned about the nature in which you requested the information from businesses in the program—an indiscriminate data call asking 4,300 businesses to complete additional paperwork, with limited guidance to clarify the manner in which they should comply—which raises questions,” the senators continued. “So too does the short turnaround, initially giving businesses only 31 days to comply with a deadline of January 5, 2026—shortly after the holiday season—before extending the deadline to January 19, 2026.”

To that end, the lawmakers demand answers to a number of specific questions about the audit by January 2, 2025, including:

How should a business doing classified and/or sensitive work for the federal government provide the agency with the requested information in a timely and appropriate manner before the requested deadline?

Will extensions be granted for businesses that make a good faith effort to comply with the deadline, especially if there is no feasible way to provide the information before the deadline?

What assurances do businesses have that proprietary information shared with the agency will be protected?

Who within the agency will conduct the audit of the program?

Will the agency follow government-approved standards to conduct investigations or audits, such as the Government Accountability Office’s “Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS)?”

“SBA’s fundamental mission is to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in the United States,” the lawmakers concluded. “Rather than using this audit as a pretense to unfairly attack a program with which you have an ideological disagreement, it is our hope that you will refocus on the goals of the 8(a) Program to make sure it continues to support socially and economically disadvantaged businesses—as intended.”

In addition to Senators Hirono and Markey, the letter was also signed by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA).

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

Dear Administrator Loeffler:

We write today to express our strong concerns about your recent decision to request detailed information from every participant in the 8(a) Business Development Program by January 19, 2026. Specifically, we are concerned about whether and how small businesses will be able to fully comply with the request given the limited guidance and short timeline that was provided. We are also concerned about your agency’s ability to meaningfully review these materials in a timely manner given the deep staff reductions you have directed at the SBA.

Congress created the 8(a) Business Development Program to provide training, technical assistance, and federal contracting opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in the United States. Today, the program plays an important role in making sure these companies have the opportunity to do business with federal agencies, which not only supports those businesses and the communities in which they are located—creating jobs, for example— but also pays dividends for the agencies. Within the Department of Defense, for example, there is evidence to show that these businesses play a role in strengthening the industrial base by diversifying the supply chain. The same can be said for other agencies.

On December 5, 2025, you announced that every participant in the 8(a) Business Development Program would be receiving a letter asking for detailed information about their companies, citing “widespread misconduct” in the program and referring to the program as a “vehicle for institutionalized abuse at taxpayer expense.” While we wholeheartedly support meaningful oversight of all programs that fall under the jurisdiction of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, we disagree with your characterization of the program. We also emphasize that formal audits should be conducted by the appropriate authorities, such as Inspectors General, who are a part of a comprehensive system that has decades of proven success in preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse. Furthermore, we are concerned about the nature in which you requested the information from businesses in the program—an indiscriminate data call asking 4,300 businesses to complete additional paperwork, with limited guidance to clarify the manner in which they should comply—which raises questions. So too does the short turnaround, initially giving businesses only 31 days to comply with a deadline of January 5, 2026—shortly after the holiday season—before extending the deadline to January 19, 2026.

There are several outstanding questions that are left unanswered by your notices to companies. We respectfully request answers to the following questions by January 2, 2026.

How should a business doing classified and/or sensitive work for the federal government provide the agency with the requested information in a timely and appropriate manner before the requested deadline?

Will extensions be granted for businesses that make a good faith effort to comply with the deadline, especially if there is no feasible way to provide the information before the deadline?

What assurances do businesses have that proprietary information shared with the agency will be protected?

Who within the agency will conduct the audit of the program?

Will the agency follow government-approved standards to conduct investigations or audits, such as the Government Accountability Office’s “Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS)?”

SBA’s fundamental mission is to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in the United States. Rather than using this audit as a pretense to unfairly attack a program with which you have an ideological disagreement, it is our hope that you will refocus on the goals of the 8(a) Program to make sure it continues to support socially and economically disadvantaged businesses—as intended.

We look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-condemns-trump-administration-attack-on-native-hawaiian_and-other-minority-serving-institutions,Hawaii Delegation Condemns Trump Administration Attack on Native Hawaiian- and other Minority-Serving Institutions,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,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) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) released the following statement on the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel’s recently-released opinion questioning the constitutionality of Native Hawaiian- and other Minority-Serving Institution programs:

“Earlier today, the Trump DOJ released a legal opinion that attacked a wide range of programs of higher learning for minority communities. These programs expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and help students who have too often been left behind succeed in higher education. Targeting them does nothing to improve educational outcomes and instead threatens to undermine institutions that are vital to the people they serve.

“We also note just how wrong they were with respect to programs impacting the Native Hawaiian community. Let us be clear. The United States has a long-standing trust relationship with the Native Hawaiian community, and we will continue fighting to ensure the U.S. lives up to its end.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-blast-trump-administration-for-making-it-harder-for-taxpayers-to-receive-full-refund,"Hirono, Colleagues Blast Trump Administration for Making it Harder for Taxpayers to Receive Full Refund",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Lawmakers: “TAS ensures the American people have a voice within the IRS. […] We are concerned that the recent personnel cuts at TAS and the ongoing hiring freeze will greatly hinder these advocates' ability to provide quality, timely service to taxpayers who need help.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and 22 colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to help Americans get their full refund by restoring staff and resources at the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), which is an office within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that helps taxpayers resolve any issues within the IRS.

At its current staffing level, TAS may face significant challenges handling its current caseload and helping taxpayers in Hawaii and across the country. The senators are urging Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent to stop hiring freezes, reduction-in-force efforts, and properly staff TAS.

“TAS ensures the American people have a voice within the IRS […] We are concerned that the recent personnel cuts at TAS and the ongoing hiring freeze will greatly hinder these advocates' ability to provide quality, timely service to taxpayers who need help,” wrote the lawmakers.

“Since January, the Trump Administration's deferred resignation programs and efforts to reduce the federal workforce have resulted in nearly one in four TAS advocates departing the IRS […] According to the National Taxpayer Advocates FY2026 Report to Congress, these losses of IRS customer service personnel have created ""vulnerabilities in service delivery…and taxpayer assistance."" We are concerned that the rapid decrease in staff will increase remaining advocate’s case load and taxpayers’ wait times for service,” the senators continued.

TAS is an independent organization within the IRS and is considered the voice of the taxpayer at the IRS. TAS helps taxpayers with financial issues with tax refunds, filings, and other problems.

“According to the January 20, 2025, Presidential Memorandum, the IRS hiring freeze will remain in place until the Secretary of the Treasury determines that ending it is in the ""national interest,” the lawmakers concluded. “We expect you agree with us that ensuring Americans can access their full tax benefits in a timely manner falls squarely within the “national interest.””

In addition to Senators Hirono, Wyden, and Warnock, the letter was signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (D-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

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

Dear Secretary Bessent,

We write to urge you to lift the freeze on hiring additional staff at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and ensure that both the IRS and the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) have enough staff to ensure they meet the needs of the American taxpayers.

Dedicated TAS advocates resolve over 230,000 taxpayer issues with the IRS every year.[1] From helping a disabled first responder receive their refund[2] to resolving a decade-long problem with a taxpayer’s railroad worker’s retirement tax that was holding up his refund,[3] TAS ensures the American people have a voice within the IRS.

Although we understand there may be some isolated instances of hiring for internal positions at TAS, we are concerned that the recent personnel cuts at TAS[4] and the ongoing hiring freeze[5] will greatly hinder these advocates’ ability to provide quality, timely service to taxpayers who need help. Moreover, the IRS operating divisions need enough employees to be able to implement TAS’s requests for their assistance in resolving taxpayer problems.[6]

Since January, the Trump Administration’s deferred resignation programs and efforts to reduce the federal workforce have resulted in nearly one in four TAS advocates departing the IRS.[7] To further compound staffing issues, the Trump Administration’s freeze[8] on hiring additional personnel across the IRS remains in place, making it impossible to appropriately backfill TAS staff at the levels needed to address the workload.

According to the National Taxpayer Advocates FY2026 Report to Congress, these losses of IRS customer service personnel have created “vulnerabilities in service delivery . . . and taxpayer assistance.”[9] We are concerned that the rapid decrease in staff will increase remaining advocates’ caseloads and taxpayers’ wait times for service.

Our Congressional casework teams are already seeing delays in responses and case resolution. For example, in January, a taxpayer in Georgia reached out to TAS about an issue with a tax return. Despite submitting the correct paperwork in a timely manner and multiple inquiries from Congressional caseworkers, the most recent update as of December was that the case was still being processed. This is too long for a taxpayer to wait for answers.

Many IRS employees who accepted deferred resignation offers were required to stay to support the 2025 tax filing season,[10] so we have not seen the full detrimental effects of the staffing cuts. If these shortages are not addressed, the repercussions will likely be felt during the 2026 tax season.[11]

According to the January 20, 2025 Presidential Memorandum, the IRS hiring freeze will remain in place until the Secretary of the Treasury determines that hiring additional IRS employees, including TAS caseworkers, is in the “national interest.”[12] The complex nature of TAS’s work demands an intense training process[13] and requires current advocates to limit their existing casework to assist.[14] With significant changes to the tax code for this upcoming filing season,[15] hiring for TAS position must begin as soon as possible.

We expect you agree with us that ensuring Americans can access their full tax benefits in a timely manner falls squarely within the “national interest.” We urge you to immediately lift the IRS hiring freeze and to respond to the questions below by January 23, 2026, to provide additional clarity to the American people regarding IRS administration and service:

What criteria are you using to evaluate what is in the “national interest” with respect to the TAS hiring freeze? Do these criteria include case backlogs, current wait times, demand on caseworkers, and increased complexity due to new tax laws? If not, why?

What is the current average caseload of tax advocates?

What is the average wait time for tax advocates to resolve taxpayers’ cases?

At the end of the last filing season victims of identity theft had to wait 20 months to resolve their cases, on average.[16] What is a reasonable wait time for taxpayers to receive assistance on issues like late tax returns or identity fraud from TAS? What is the current wait time for these cases, and what is the IRS doing to reduce it?

If TAS is unable to meet its casework demands or if the IRS is unable to process all of TAS’s requests for operational assistance, what cases will be prioritized? Which taxpayers will have longer to wait to have their problems resolved?

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-national-defense-authorization-act-containing-key-hirono-led-provisions-for-hawaii-and-indo-pacific,Senate Passes National Defense Authorization Act Containing Key Hirono-led Provisions for Hawaii and Indo-Pacific,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~ Within the FY26 NDAA, Hirono secured over $1.1 billion for infrastructure in Hawaii and $10 billion for projects, capabilities, and exercises to support the Indo-Pacific region ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, voted to pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the U.S. Senate, securing several key provisions for Hawaii and the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. military servicemembers, and the maintenance and modernization of Department of Defense (DOD) infrastructure. Senator Hirono’s provisions include over $1.1 billion for infrastructure projects in Hawaii, $10 billion to support our allies and strengthen deterrence throughout the Indo-Pacific region, and authorizes funding to support a 3.8% pay raise for military servicemembers and DOD civilian employees. The NDAA also secures an additional $25 million for DOD’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program to avoid land use conflicts near military installations, address environmental restrictions that would limit military activities, and increase resilience of military installations.

The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 77-20 and now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

“Investments in DOD infrastructure, military readiness, and support for our servicemembers are all crucial to bolstering our national security,” said Senator Hirono. “This year’s NDAA makes those critical investments, including funding to facilitate the permanent closure of Red Hill, as well as over $1.1 billion to support infrastructure projects in Hawaii. Additionally, I am proud of the fact that this bill does not provide DOD with any additional authority to condemn state land, despite a last-minute push by the Army. Instead, it includes language encouraging the Army to fully develop and communicate its plans for the leased training lands to all stakeholders and work in good faith with the state of Hawaii and Congress going forward. While it’s unfortunate Republicans chose to force through partisan provisions that will undermine national security just to advance their far-right agenda, I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure the DOD continues to support its servicemembers and their families, while holding this regime accountable for its decisions that may threaten our international partnerships or hinder our national security.”

As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Senator Hirono has made modernizing DOD infrastructure in Hawaii and across the country a top priority. This year’s NDAA includes numerous provisions secured by Senator Hirono focused on infrastructure; delivering for communities in Hawaii; supporting servicemembers and their families; and prioritizing sustainability within the DOD.

The FY 2026 NDAA includes several of Senator Hirono’s key priorities including:

Delivers for Hawaii

Continues the Hawaii delegation’s work to safely and expeditiously close the Red Hill Fuel Facility by adding $10 million to support additional environmental restoration and remediation efforts and $4.5 million to continue ongoing community engagement as the Navy works to close the facility permanently by 2028.

Provides $141.6 million for the next increment of funding for the new water treatment plant at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Does NOT provide DOD with any additional authority to condemn state late. Instead, the bill contains report language encouraging the Department of Defense to develop and communicate a coordinated, whole-of-government plan for Pohakuloa Training Area land lease negotiations and advancing good-faith negotiations over any condemnation. The report language affirms that the Army does not have the authority to acquire such lands and that attempting to do so would be contrary to congressional intent. Furthermore, the report language calls for continued coordination with the State of Hawaii, the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, and the other Services to pursue an equitable, appropriately valued solution that meets joint training requirements before seeking any additional legislative authority.

Adds $5 million above the President’s budget 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.

$2 million increase for the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), which mitigates the large program cuts from the President's Budget.

$241.855 million for the High-Performance Computing Modernization program and for additional infrastructure capability to support increased AI demand.

Prevents the Navy from retiring or decommissioning oceanographic research vessels, including the KILO MOANA, a 186-foot multi-purpose oceanographic research vessel owned by the Navy and operated by the University of Hawaii.

Modifies the national missile defense policy to reflect Golden Dome for America by requiring the deployment and maintenance of a next-generation missile defense shield to deter and defend the United States, including Hawaii, against the threat of foreign attack by ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, and other advanced aerial threats.

Establishes a new authority to fund ordnance disposal through intergovernmental support agreements, allowing state and local governments in Hawaii and nationally to assist in the demining of formerly used defense lands.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a report and brief the Armed Services Committees on the Department’s plan to increase accessibility and affordability for small businesses seeking to comply with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program.

Requires an annual briefing and report to Congress on how the Special Advisor to Commandant of the Coast Guard for Tribal and Native Hawaiian affairs will be incorporated into Coast Guard governance and structure, including a timeline for the incorporation.

Invests in Critical Infrastructure

Invests over $1.1 billion for military construction projects in Hawaii:

$492.7 million for the next increment of funding for the Dry Dock 3 replacement at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

$65.7 million for airfield pavement upgrades at Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Kauai.

$141.6 million for the next increment of funding for the water treatment plant at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

$83 million for DDG-1000 destroyer ship support infrastructure upgrades at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

$49.26 million for the entry gate at Marine Corps Base Hawaii

$15.69 million for Electrical Distribution Modernization at Marine Corps Base Hawaii

$37.35 million for the next increment of funding for the water reclamation facility compliance upgrade at Marine Corps Base Hawaii

$147.55 million for 460 Air Force housing units at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

$5 million in planning and design funds for a new Air Force Operations Building at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

$2.1 million in planning and design funds for a new Wildland Fire Station at Schofield Barracks.

Requires each of the Military Service Secretaries to develop and annually update a 20-Year Infrastructure Improvement Plan.

Directs the DOD to implement the recommendations of the GAO’s report on information sharing to improve oversight of military construction projects, including the documentation of after-action reviews and validation of lessons learned.

Improves the DOD’s facility management of joint bases by reassessing requirements to maintain facilities in good working order, identify workforce gaps, and require a strategy to address any gaps and funding needs.

Requires the incorporation of Digital Infrastructure and Platforms into the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), which expands existing reporting requirements to consider and include digital infrastructure into SIOP to improve the efficiency and throughput of Navy shipyards.

Supports People

Authorizes funding to support a 3.8% pay raise for military servicemembers and DOD civilian employees.

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

Requires the Secretary of the Navy to induct a class of not fewer than 100 apprentices at each of the Navy’s shipyards, including Pearl Harbor.

Requires each of the Military Services to re-establish Women’s Initiative Teams (WITs) to identify and address barriers to the service, recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in the Armed Forces. This provision directly overturns DOD’s misguided decision to disestablish the WITs at the beginning of the Trump administration.

Requires 24-hour parental notification for suspected child abuse and neglect in DOD Child Development Centers (CDCs).

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

Modifies the 5-year military housing requirements and market analysis process to account for the impact of DOD civilians and contractors in the nearby community.

Improves transparency and understanding of military compensation by requiring clear explanations on pay statements, creation of a regular military compensation pay table, and an education campaign for servicemembers and families on military compensation.

Temporarily prohibits the Navy from disestablishing the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific located at Pearl Harbor, which had been proposed by the Trump administration. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to provide a briefing to Congress on: (1) the status of the decision of the Secretary with respect to the disestablishment of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific; and (2) the strategic rationale, cost and benefits of such disestablishment.

Strengthens Our Ability to Protect the Indo-Pacific Region

Authorizes the full budget request of $10 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI) and requires a plan for more effectively budgeting for PDI in future years.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress analyzing the critical digital infrastructure capabilities of Taiwan and how the commercial technology sector can most efficiently be leveraged to provide for and secure Taiwan’s critical digital infrastructure, drawing upon lessons learned in the war in Ukraine. This provision will bolster deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

Authorizes $68.5 million in minor military construction projects at the discretion of the Commander of INDOPACOM.

Requires the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with INDOPACOM, to conduct a comprehensive joint mobilization and sustainment readiness study to assess the capability of the U.S. military to respond to a high-intensity conflict in the Indo-Pacific.

Provides INDOPACOM and other combatant commands with authority to conduct critical experimentation, prototyping, and technology demonstrations. This will support the development and in-theatre testing of innovative technologies and capability solutions to address priorities from the combatant commands.

Modifies and simplifies the responsibilities of the Pentagon’s Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) by focusing on identifying actionable gaps in force design, instead of validating complex requirements. This critical and much needed change will speed up DoD’s acquisition process and deliver critical capabilities to our servicemembers.

Establishes the role of portfolio acquisition executives, which provides the DOD workforce with reformed authorities to improve the acquisition process.

Improves “buying things as a service” to be metered and billed based on actual usage, and has predetermined pricing based on fixed price units, saving money for the DOD and American taxpayers.

Expands the commercial solutions openings solicitation procedure purposes to encourage more non-traditional companies and small businesses to bid for DOD programs.

Prohibits removal of any integrated air and missile defense system or capability from Guam unless the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs submits notice at least 10 days prior.

Requires the Navy to expedite the investigation, qualification, and integration of specific advanced technologies and processes into Navy surface ship maintenance to improve readiness, reduce costs, and address delays.

Continues the requirement for semiannual briefings on the operational status of the amphibious warship fleet including a plan to meet the statutory mandate for the Navy to have at least 31 operational amphibious ships.

Directs the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to conduct an analysis, define, and program the requirements in order to meet a 3.0 deployed Amphibious Readiness Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) presence.

Requires a briefing from the Air Force, which has been designated by DOD as the military service program lead for the Joint Fires Network (JFN), and an independent assessment and briefing from INDOPACOM on meeting the operational requirements of INDOPACOM when making acquisition and budgeting decisions in the execution of the JFN program of record.

Requires the Department of the Navy to develop a report to streamline authorities for the establishment of the Navy Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO), which will advance critical capabilities for the Navy.

Directs an initiative to strengthen security cooperation across the respective defense industrial bases of U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

Directs the Department to establish a new advanced manufacturing guidance and technical manual that will allow DOD to adopt and integrate advanced manufacturing capabilities (i.e. 3D printing) for current and future platforms across the joint force.

Prioritizes Sustainability and the Environment

Secures an additional $25 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.

Encourages DOD to establish and resource additional staff to increase REPI capability and implementation.

Requires DOD to include information about PFAS investigation and remediation in annual reports on defense environmental programs.

Requires DOD to develop a strategy to accelerate remediation of contamination from PFAS substances.

Requires the Army and Air Force, in consultation with the National Guard Bureau, to provide support for the training of appropriate National Guard personnel on wildfire prevention and response.

Directs the DOD to provide a briefing on best practices from existing recycling efforts of the Strategic Material Recovery and Reuse Program (SMRRP) to expand the scale to recycle, reuse, or recover additional materials.

Requires DOD to consider the ability of batteries to operate and recharge at temperatures as low as -75°F as the DOD standardizes its battery procurement strategy.

Modifies and extends the sustainable building materials pilot program by four years and requires each military department to build at least two military construction projects with at least three of the materials identified by the GAO: low carbon cement, electric heat pumps, generator and battery storage, solar panels, reflective white roof, landscaped green roof, energy efficient wall/roof insulation, energy efficient windows/doors, water catch basins, water storage tanks, and geothermal loops.

Amends the ability of operational energy program savings to be reinvested into operational energy programs on tighter timelines, rather than just before the end of the fiscal year.

Directs the Navy to conduct an assessment and provide a briefing on locations where modular composite utility poles will improve grid resilience from extreme weather events.

Directs DOD, in coordination with the Department of State and Department of Transportation, to assess the feasibility and advisability of removing oil from sunken World War II tankers in the waters near the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau and then brief Congress on the results of the assessment to safeguard the environment.

Holds this Administration Accountable

Requires DOD to promptly notify and provide extensive details to Congress when the Department uses military aircraft to support Department of Homeland Security missions, including deportation operations.

Prohibits the expenditure of funds to reduce the total number of servicemembers permanently stationed in or deployed to South Korea below the current 28,500.

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 provides more impact on U.S. and NATO interests to Congress.

Requires the President to notify Congress within five days of removal of a Service Judge Advocate General (JAG), along with a substantive rationale for the removal.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing on the status of DOD developing and maintaining a system to retain records of law of war violations.

Affirms the value of independent legal advice of judge advocates.

Requires the Director of Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E) to put specified programs, including Golden Dome and the Joint Fires Network, on its oversight list to ensure timely, safe, and responsible delivery programs for our military while safeguarding taxpayer dollars.

Withholds a quarter of Defense Secretary Hegseth’s travel budget until the DOD provides the unedited video of strikes conducted in the area of responsibility of the United States Southern Command to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.

Ensures that servicemembers supporting civilian law enforcement agencies identify themselves properly to avoid public misunderstanding about who is providing logistical support versus conducting arrests or law enforcement duties.

Requires the Pentagon to deliver all overdue reports before releasing the Secretary of Defense’s full travel budget.

Repeals the 1991 Gulf War and 2002 Iraq War Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMFs).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-presses-fcc-chairman-brendan-carr-on-jimmy-kimmel-suspension-free-speech-trump-administration-overreach,"Schatz Presses FCC Chairman Brendan Carr On Jimmy Kimmel Suspension, Free Speech, Trump Administration Overreach",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr on his comments that led to the temporary suspension of comedian Jimmy Kimmel earlier this year and whether he believes the commission has the authority to revoke broadcast licenses over political satire it disagrees with.

Senator Schatz asked, “So you think you have jurisdiction over political satire under the public interest standard and the news distortion standard?”

Chairman Carr responded, “We have jurisdiction with respect to the broadcast airwaves uniquely to ensure that their operations are in the public interest.”

Video of the full exchange is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-and-video-hirono-holds-spotlight-forum-on-trumps-illegal-efforts-to-dismantle-the-education-department,PHOTOS & VIDEO: Hirono Holds Spotlight Forum on Trump’s Illegal Efforts to Dismantle the Education Department,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~ Video of the full forum can be found here and photos can be found here ~

~ Video of Senator Hirono’s opening remarks can be found here ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) held a spotlight forum titled, “Dismantling Education: What the Trump Administration’s Illegal Attacks on Federal Programs Mean for Students, Families, and Educators,” highlighting the dangerous consequences of the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for our nation’s students, families, educators, and schools—among others. During the forum, a panel of witnesses comprised of K-12 education leaders and civil rights experts spoke about how abolishing ED and moving these programs to other federal agencies would harm students across the country, especially those who come from low-income, rural, Native, migrant, and federally-impacted communities.

“From Day One, President Trump and his regime have been illegally attacking and undermining the Department of Education, in an attempt to abolish the Department altogether,” said Senator Hirono. “Trump has sown and continues to sow chaos for students across the country: directing the closure of the Department of Education; firing nearly half the Department workforce; slashing, withholding and rescinding funding for federal education programs; and creating a national school voucher program—to name a few things. In the process, he has jeopardized our children’s futures. Today’s forum provided an important opportunity to inform individuals and communities about the destructive actions he has taken so far. Every child in our country deserves access to a quality education, and I will continue working with my colleagues to make sure that is the case.”

Specifically, the forum focused on this administration’s recent proposal to illegally move nearly all federal K-12 programs and many higher education programs to other federal agencies that have limited capacity to run these programs and have no experience with dealing with them. ED announced last month that it would partner with the Departments of Labor, Interior, Health and Human Services, and State to conduct the transfer of these programs. This move would essentially fulfill Trump’s promise to eliminate the Department altogether and remove the federal government’s role in helping to ensure that all students have access to a quality education.

The forum featured testimony from:

Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers

Rachel Gittleman, President, American Federation of Government Employees Local 252

Denise Forte, President and CEO, The Education Trust

Dr. Amy Loyd, CEO, All4Ed

Chad Rummel, Executive Director, Council for Exceptional Children

Angelica Infante-Green, Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Rhode Island Department of Education

At the forum, Senator Hirono was joined by a number of her colleagues, including Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Dick Durbin (D-IL).

“The Trump Administration has taken a wrecking ball to essential federal education programs like Title I, which ensure first-generation, rural, and lower-income students get an equal opportunity to learn and grow. Despite our taxpayers spending one of the highest rates in the country for our students’ education, Vermont now ranks well below the national average on reading and math scores. Just a decade ago, our students scored the 4th highest in the country,” said Senator Welch. “Instead of trying to dismantle the Department of Education, we should be doing everything in our power to give students the resources they need to succeed.”

“The Trump Administration’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education isn’t about streamlining or efficiency. It’s whittling down or just completely abandoning critical programs and support for public school students, teachers, and entire communities,” said Senator Reed. “I’m fighting to ensure our teachers and schools have the support and resources they need to give every child a top-notch education that prepares them for success. I am grateful for Rhode Island’s Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green and education leaders from across the nation who joined us today to discuss their work protecting and preserving opportunity for our students.”

“After a year that included mass firings, cancelling critical grant funds for our local schools, and cutting access to student loans, the Trump Administration is trying to make good on their promise to shutter the Department of Education,” said Senator Van Hollen. “While there are many ways to improve our education system, dismantling the department piece by piece only threatens our longstanding goal of ensuring that every child has access to a quality education. We should be investing more in this objective, not less – for the success of today’s students and the future of our country.”

“The Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Education Department are an attack on public education and public schools,” said Senator Warren. “I’m fighting to ensure every kid, no matter their zip code or how much money their family makes, has a shot at a quality education.”

“The Trump Administration’s reckless dismantling of the Department of Education will have disastrous consequences for individuals across the country, including low income students, kids with disabilities, teachers, public servants, and veterans,"" said Senator Blumenthal. ""I am committed to making sure every student has the resources and tools they need to succeed, and I will continue to fight back against policies that jeopardize the right to public education.""

“When I was young, my father took me to the doors of the schoolhouse and told me ‘If you walk through those doors and work hard, you can do just about anything because we are fortunate to live in America,’” said Senator Merkley. “I’m grateful that a public school education opened the doors of opportunity for me, but today that dream is harder and harder to achieve as the Trump Administration undermines the tools and resources students need to succeed. We must fight to protect programs like TRIO that expand opportunity for all and strengthen the four foundations working families need to thrive – including health care, housing, good-paying jobs, and education.”

“A good education for every American is one of the very best investments we can make in our future as a nation,” said Senator Klobuchar. “That is why I so strongly oppose President Trump’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education and retreat from our commitment to education and our nation’s future. Instead of working with states and school districts to support students, this administration is adding more layers of bureaucracy that will make it even harder for students and schools to succeed.”

“The Trump Administration is sabotaging our nation’s future by dismantling the Department of Education,” said Senator Durbin. “So many students rely on the programs and protections provided by the Department, and without that support, the next generation will have less access to the resources they need to thrive.”

""No government agency is perfect, and the Department of Education is no exception. Improvements and efficiencies can always be made. But what we are seeing now is not reform—it is abandonment. The administration is walking away from the federal role in education and effectively selling it off for parts,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Families deserve safe and welcoming public schools that are relevant, engaging, and inclusive. These schools, along with thriving universities, are the bedrock of our children’s future and the nation’s economic, scientific, and medical success. We must strengthen—not abandon—public education. Our economy, our democracy and our children depend on it. Every American deserves nothing less.""

“The Trump Administration’s plan to dismantle the Congressionally created U.S. Department of Education is unlawful and an insult to the tens of millions of students who rely on it to protect access to a quality education,” said AFGE 252 President Rachel Gittleman. Splintering the Department’s core responsibilities across agencies that lack the expertise to carry them out creates more red tape for states and communities, not less. After attempting to fire the public servants who do this critical work, the Administration is now pushing those responsibilities onto agencies unequipped to serve students and families—creating confusion, eroding public trust, and leaving students and families to pay the price.”

“The focus of this Administration has been to deliver on the Great American Heist. The administration’s talk of efficiency and bureaucratic bloat is a cover for stripping students of civil rights, destabilizing millions of student borrowers, and pushing privatization through massive tax credits that subsidize wealthy families’ private and religious schooling,” said Denise Forte, President and CEO of EdTrust. “The federal government should be working with States to improve and strengthen public education for all students, instead of cruel attempts to steal students’ futures.”

“At a time when the U.S. Department of Education faces unprecedented threats—weakening oversight, equity protections, and student supports—every policy decision matters,” said Dr. Amy Loyd, CEO of All4Ed. “The Trump Administration’s attempt to dismantle the Department is illegal, ineffective, and reckless. Rather than one agency coordinating federal education funding, accountability, and oversight, responsibilities are scattered across five departments—Labor, HHS, Interior, State—and a hollowed-out Department of Education. This is not streamlining government; it is fragmenting our national commitment to learners of all ages. I applaud Senator Hirono’s leadership in sounding the alarm and urge Congress to halt these unlawful actions and restore the Department of Education.”

“Special education is facing a five-alarm fire,” said Chad Rummel, Council for Exceptional Children Executive Director. “Current actions to close the U.S. Department of Education, fire nearly everyone in the Office of Special Education Programs and deplete the Office for Civil Rights are fracturing the federal education system designed to support all children, and pose a cruel and unnerving threat to the education of children with disabilities.”

“As a state education chief, a daughter of immigrants, a lifelong educator, and a mother of two school-aged multilingual children, including one who is on the autism spectrum, I know that a quality education can make all the difference in a child’s life,” said Angelica Infante-Green, Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. “During this critical time for our students, the federal government should be finding ways to better support local school communities rather than providing less and creating chaos and concern by proposing to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Federal support is not optional; it is essential for continued academic recovery and for advancing the success of children in Rhode Island and across the nation.”

Video of the full forum can be found here and photos can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-legislation-to-protect-expand-social-security,"Schatz Introduces Legislation To Protect, Expand Social Security",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) introduced the Safeguarding American Families and Expanding Social Security (SAFE Social Security) Act, legislation to expand Social Security for seniors and families in Hawai‘i and across the country. The bill will increase benefits on average by more than $150 per month, ensure the cost of living adjustments adequately reflect the living expenses of retirees, extend the life of the trust fund, and remove the wage cap to make sure all Americans contribute to the trust fund.

“Social Security is the most successful safety net program in American history,” said Senator Schatz. “My bill will expand Social Security, put more money in the hands of seniors who rely on it, strengthen the program for the next generation of retirees, and make sure everyone pays into the system equally.”

In Hawai‘i, more than 280,000 people, or over 1 in 6 residents, rely on Social Security benefits. In 2040, the number of Hawai‘i seniors is expected to grow and make up more than 20 percent of the population, making the need to expand the program even more critical.

Specifically, the SAFE Social Security Act will:

Phase out the payroll tax cap so that payroll taxes apply fairly to every dollar of wages earned;

Adjust current benefits calculations to increase average monthly benefits by over $150; and

Update the annual cost of living adjustment to better reflect the real costs that seniors face through the use of the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly.

""Social Security is the cornerstone of a secure retirement for working families. The SAFE Social Security Act, which lifts the tax cap for high earners, is the fairest and most equitable way to extend the solvency of the program while also improving benefits for everyone who has spent years contributing to the economy. This is critical legislation that safeguards the future of a crucial program while also addressing the economic concerns of everyday voters,” said Jody Calemine, Director of Government Affairs for AFL-CIO.

“We applaud Senator Schatz for introducing this important legislation, which will boost Social Security benefits for today’s retirees while strengthening the program’s long-term finances so future generations can count on it as well,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans. “The SAFE Social Security Act will ensure that all Americans, including the wealthy, pay their fair share into the system, and that workers who leave the workforce to care for loved ones are not penalized when they reach retirement.”

The SAFE Social Security is supported by the AFL-CIO, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Social Security Works, Alliance for Retired Americans, and the American Federation of Teachers.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/jewish-senate-democrats-statement-on-deadly-attack-on-sydneys-jewish-community-on-first-night-of-hanukkah,Jewish Senate Democrats Statement on Deadly Attack on Sydney’s Jewish Community on First Night of Hanukkah,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Jewish members of the Senate Democratic Caucus released the following statement in reaction to the murder of 15 people in Sydney at a menorah lighting on the first night of Hanukkah.

The statement is signed by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

“The Festival of Lights commemorates and celebrates the resilience of the Jewish people, our identity and heritage. As we moved into the first night of Hanukkah, that tenacity was tested once again as we mourn those murdered in Sydney during a menorah lighting. Our prayers go out to the Jewish community in Australia, whom we embrace in their terrible hour of suffering.

“We are horrified by the brutality of this attack, which comes at a time when Australia has seen a terrible rise in antisemitism. The disturbing wave of antisemitism around the globe has struck anxiety and fear into the hearts of every Jewish community. Some have faced harassment, vandalism, and discrimination. Others, violence as brutal as what we saw yesterday in Sydney.

“This attack is the latest reminder of the work that remains to end the scourge of hatred towards Jews. To combat this disease of antisemitism, we must summon the strength to take action against this ancient hatred, and the courage to press on in the face of such violence against Jewish people at home and abroad.

“We must speak out against all discrimination, from heinous acts like today to the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric, and the attempts to blur the line between political disagreement and antisemitic hate. And we give thanks to the bravery of people like Ahmed al Ahmed, a fruit shop owner, who risked his own life on Bondi Beach to stop others from losing theirs.

“May the memory of those we lost be a blessing, and may courage flow through the hearts of every Jewish family that lit their first candle last night and over the next seven nights.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-tran-introduce-resolution-to-commemorate-50-years-of-southeast-asian-diaspora-in-us,"Hirono, Tran Introduce Resolution to Commemorate 50 Years of Southeast Asian Diaspora in U.S.",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,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 Derek Tran (D-CA) led their colleagues in introducing a bicameral resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States. The resolution recognizes these communities’ immense contributions to our nation’s fabric and advocates for policies that would provide Southeast Asian Americans (SEAA) and refugee communities with greater opportunities to thrive.

“Since 1975, over one million Southeast Asian refugees have resettled in the U.S., and for 50 years now these communities have contributed greatly to our country’s economy, military, and culture,” said Senator Hirono. “From serving in our Armed Forces to enriching our economy, this resolution honors the sacrifices many of these refugees have made and reaffirms our commitment to ensuring these communities have access to education, health care, and other resources they need to thrive.”

In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Secret Wars in Laos, and the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia, over a million Southeast Asians fled their homes to escape war, genocide, ethnic and political persecution, and famine. 2025 marks 50 years since the first Southeast Asian refugee arrived in the U.S. Today, over 3 million Southeast Asian American refugees and their families reside in the U.S. and have made innumerable contributions to our military, economy, and social culture.

The resolution acknowledges the atrocities and widespread violence that forced millions to flee Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam 50 years ago, and recognizes the profound impact these communities have had on American culture and society since then. It also honors the sacrifices made by SEAAs to defend the United States, and pledges support for comprehensive policies to expand educational, economic, and political opportunities for Southeast Asian citizens, immigrants, and refugees.

In addition to Senator Hirono and Representative Tran, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Representatives Grace Meng (D-NY), Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Judy Chu (D-CA), and Juan Vargas (D-CA).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-britt-colleagues-press-ai-companies-to-commit-to-timely-consistent-safety-disclosures-on-models,"Schatz, Britt, Colleagues Press AI Companies To Commit To Timely, Consistent Safety Disclosures On Models",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) called on leading artificial intelligence (AI) companies to improve transparency around the capabilities of their models and the risks they pose to users. In letters to OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, Meta, Luka, Character.AI, and xAI, the senators highlighted reports of AI chatbots encouraging dangerous behavior among children, including suicidal ideation and self-harm, and requested commitments to timely, consistent disclosures around model releases as well as long-term research into chatbots’ impacts on the emotional and psychological wellbeing of users. In addition to Schatz and Britt, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.).

“If AI companies struggle to predict and mitigate relatively well-understood risks, it raises concerns about their ability to manage more complex risks,” the senators wrote. “While we have been encouraged by the arrival of overdue safety measures for certain chatbots, these must be accompanied by improved public self-reporting so that consumers, families, educators, and policymakers can make informed decisions around appropriate use.”

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

Dear Mr. Altman,

We write to request additional information about your company’s public reporting practices regarding its artificial intelligence (AI) models. As a market leader for consumer AI chatbots, the steps that you take to increase transparency around your capabilities and risk evaluations have direct impacts on the wellbeing of Americans who use your products. We are already seeing how increasingly powerful models have become integrated into many aspects of personal life for users. As demonstrated harms to users’ psychological well-being have emerged, it is critical that, in addition to improving safety design for users, your company takes necessary steps to foster public transparency to promote these goals.

In the past few years, reports have emerged about chatbots that have engaged in suicidal fantasies with children, drafted suicide notes, and provided specific instructions on self-harm. These incidents have exposed how companies can fail to adequately evaluate models for possible use cases and inadequately disclose known risks associated with chatbot use. Additionally, we have seen how companies can struggle to prevent known model risks or unwanted behaviors prior to deployment. If AI companies struggle to predict and mitigate relatively well-understood risks, it raises concerns about their ability to manage more complex risks. While we have been encouraged by the arrival of overdue safety measures for certain chatbots, these must be accompanied by improved public self-reporting so that consumers, families, educators, and policymakers can make informed decisions around appropriate use. More detailed information is still needed for age-restricted models; even chatbots aimed at children with additional safeguards have produced pro-eating disorder, violent, and sexual content.

In addition to impacts on mental health and risks to vulnerable users, accelerating model capabilities necessitate greater transparency around other potential risks involving public safety and national security. In particular, companies have disclosed how advanced models may pose misuse risks in areas including cybersecurity and biosecurity. Many frontier AI companies made voluntary commitments at the Seoul AI Summit, or in support of the G7 Code of Conduct, to provide transparency into their efforts to assess risks to national security. We are supportive of ongoing disclosures for these risks, and request that companies adhere to their prior commitments.

Public disclosure reports, such as AI model and system cards, serve as the closest equivalent to nutrition labels for AI models. While they are essential public transparency tools, today’s changed landscape calls for assessing current best practices and how they can be better responsive to user risks. Current public disclosure practices can be inconsistent or insufficient, may not be released alongside product launches, and can lack standardization. The distinction between major and minor releases is left to the discretion of developers, sometimes without explanation. Model and system cards may also fail to incorporate new or updated information about existing models while models are deployed to the public, including information about user safeguards. Companies must continue to monitor their model performance and publicly disclose new developments as they relate to security and user safety. This information enables third-party evaluators to assess a model’s risks and supports organizations, governments, and consumers in making more informed decisions.

It is critical that public disclosures and risk evaluations are comprehensive, consistent, timely, and responsive to emerging risks. We therefore request responses to the following questions by January 8, 2026:

Do you commit to publishing model and system cards in a standardized location concurrently or prior to future model releases?

Do you commit to maintaining a consistent schema for evaluating potential harms in your public disclosures and risk frameworks, and to providing transparent justifications for changes made to them, or for when a released model evaluation deviates from the established schema?

Do you commit to clearly defining the criteria for determining which model releases require updated public disclosures and new risk evaluations, and which descriptors of models exempt them from such evaluations, such as 'experimental,' 'preview,' 'minor,' or other similar terms? Please elaborate on the rationale for why such models may considered sufficiently low-risk to not warrant full reassessment.

Do you commit to flagging significant patterns of violations of risk frameworks for your models and providing explanations for their continued deployment despite these issues?

Do you commit to collaborating with external partners—including CAISI, academic researchers, and experts—to establish appropriate timelines for conducting sufficiently robust pre-deployment evaluations?

Do you commit to researching the short-term and long-term emotional and psychological impacts to your chatbots’ users across various populations—including vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly—and including their results in your public disclosures? If so, please elaborate on how this research will be conducted in consultation with relevant third-party researchers.

Do you commit to disclosing how safeguards for vulnerable groups – such as children and senior citizens, and those experiencing mental or emotional discuss – including but not limited to age-estimation technologies and mental health referrals? If so, please elaborate on how they are informed by best practices to ensure user safety and wellbeing, data privacy, and efficacy.

Do you commit to disclosing whether information from your company’s chatbot conversations is used for targeted advertising? If your company already discloses this information, how do you disclose that fact to users? If conversation data is used for targeted advertising or otherwise shared with third parties, will you commit to conducting ongoing analysis of potential data privacy, cybersecurity, and other risks from such access?

Do you commit to publicly disclosing new information about other potential risks as they are made known to you in a timely manner, including categories of harm not previously recognized or accounted for within your existing evaluation frameworks?

Do you commit to ensuring that public disclosure information that is relevant for consumers is shared in a manner accessible and understandable to consumers? If so, please disclose where you will host this information.

Do you commit to disclosing whether your company withdraws from, or modifies its full participation in, voluntary agreements or frameworks?

Thank you for your attention to these matters.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-trump-order-banning-states-from-regulating-ai,Schatz Statement On Trump Order Banning States From Regulating AI,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting the ability of states to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) and preventing the enforcement of existing state laws.

“Embracing the amazing possibilities of AI can’t come at the cost of leaving Americans vulnerable to its profound risks, which is exactly what this executive order does. Preventing states from enacting common-sense regulation that protects people from the very real harms of AI is absurd and dangerous. Congress has a responsibility to get this technology right – and quickly – but states must be allowed to act in the public interest in the meantime. I’ll be working with my colleagues to introduce a full repeal of this order in the coming days.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-duckworth-reintroduce-bill-to-reunite-and-protect-immigrant-families,"Hirono, Duckworth Reintroduce Bill to Reunite and Protect Immigrant Families",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~ The Reuniting Families Act would reduce visa backlogs, boost efficiency across the immigration process, and ensure a fairer, more humane process for immigrant families ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) reintroduced the Reuniting Families Act of 2025, legislation to strengthen protections for immigrant families and address long-standing problems in a family immigration system that hasn’t seen meaningful reform in more than three decades. U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Immigrant families currently experience unnecessary obstacles and delays due to our country’s broken immigration system, keeping families separated for potentially long periods of time,” said Senator Hirono. “By reducing family-based immigration backlogs and making common sense updates to how we treat families, the Reuniting Families Act will help take the first step in the right direction to keeping families together as they navigate our immigration system.”

“As Donald Trump’s inhumane mass deportation campaign rips apart families and communities across the country, it’s paramount we address the unnecessary barriers in our immigration system that have created backlogs and kept families apart for years,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our legislation would implement commonsense reforms to help end family-based backlogs, which keep too many with approved green card applications stuck in bureaucratic limbo, and help get more families where they belong—together.”

""Family-based immigration makes our country stronger. But our broken immigration system is preventing individuals from reuniting with their loved ones and contributing to our communities and economies. With over four million individuals with approved visa applications stuck in limbo through no fault of their own, families are needlessly suffering,” said Representative Chu. “That’s why I am proud to reintroduce the commonsense Reuniting Families Act of 2025 with Senator Hirono to ensure that no one should have to wait years, sometimes decades, to reunite with a loved one and to ensure our family-based immigration system works more efficiently and humanely.”

Today, nearly four million people with approved visa applications remain trapped in a massive immigration backlog, with many waiting more than a decade to reunite with their loved ones. This crisis is the direct result of an outdated system that has not seen meaningful reform for more than thirty years. The Reuniting Families Act tackles these delays by recapturing unused visas, rolling them into future years, expanding who qualifies as a family member to include permanent partners, and increasing both the total number of available family preference visas and per-country limits.

This bill tackles several major challenges within the immigration system. Among the key improvements are:

More than doubling number of available family preference visas

Raising existing per-country yearly visa limits, so the wait is not so long for countries with high levels of migration

Setting an absolute time limit on visa processing, so no applicant has to wait more than 10 years for a visa if they have an approved application

The bill is endorsed by American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), CenterLink: The Community of LGBTQ Centers, Church World Service, Coalition on Human Needs, COOLJC Region 8 SJEREC, Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC), Franciscan Action Network, Global Refuge, Japanese American Citizens League, Mennonite Central Committee U.S., National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF), National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), National Council of Jewish Women, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC), National Tongan American Society, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Refugee Council USA, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), Stop AAPI Hate, Union for Reform Judaism, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, Woodhull Freedom Foundation, Regional/State/Local Groups, AAPI Equity Alliance, ACLU People Power Fairfax, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago, Ayuda, BISN, BRIJ PEACE EMPOWERERS, Caribbean Equality Project (CEP), Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto, Equality California, HANA Center, Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef), InterReligious Task Force on Central America, Just Neighbors, Khmer Maine, Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition, Mountain State Justice, Ohio Immigrant Coalition, OPAWL - Building AAPI Feminist Leadership, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, R320 Design, Reconciling & Social Justice Team 1st United Methodist Church Sacramento, Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN), SWMI Indivisible, Transformations CDC, WADEIn New Jersey.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/more-than-16000-hawaii-residents-join-schatzs-statewide-telephone-town-hall,"More Than 16,000 Hawai‘i Residents Join Schatz’s Statewide Telephone Town Hall",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – More than 16,000 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, health care, education, immigration enforcement, among many others.

“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 really productive conversation. We’re going to continue working to make life more affordable and deliver federal resources to every part of the state.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-votes-to-protect-peoples-health-care-prevent-premiums-from-more-than-doubling-next-month,"Schatz Votes To Protect People’s Health Care, Prevent Premiums From More Than Doubling Next Month",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) voted today to protect people’s health care and prevent monthly premiums from more than doubling for tens of millions of Americans starting next month. Senate Republicans rejected the measure which sought to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits through 2028.

“Republicans are choosing to rip away health care from millions of Americans on purpose,” said Senator Schatz. “At a time when the cost of everything is going up because of Donald Trump, people are now going to be forced to pay hundreds of dollars every month just to keep their plan or give up coverage entirely. This didn’t have to happen. We’ve been trying for months to prevent exactly this outcome, and people are now going to needlessly lose their coverage, get sick, or worse.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-demand-accountability-from-army-for-sexual-misconduct-failures,"Hirono, Colleagues Demand Accountability from Army for Sexual Misconduct Failures",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,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. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Lori Trahan (D-MA), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), and Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) led 58 members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, House Democrats, and Democratic Senators in a letter to the Department of Defense (DOD) Acting Inspector General demanding accountability for the Army’s failure to stop widespread sexual misconduct.

Recently, over 80 women joined a lawsuit alleging that Dr. Major Blaine McGraw made sexual advances, directed lewd comments towards them, and secretly recorded patients during exams while working at Ford Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center. This included at least 10 patients McGraw saw in Hawaii when he served as a resident at Tripler Army Medical Center from 2019-2023. Dr. McGraw was not suspended from his position until October 2025.

“No woman should feel unsafe receiving medical care, especially during sensitive and private health services. Yet, far too many survivors have come forward with their experiences of alleged exploitation and abuse by a doctor who reportedly violated not just the basic principles of medical care and human decency, but also the expected conduct of a U.S. Army officer and physician,” said Senator Hirono. “The Department of Defense and U.S. Army must take accountability for their failure to rapidly respond to servicemembers and patient complaints. While nothing can reverse the harm reported by patients, a comprehensive investigation into this alleged misconduct, resulting in stronger protections for patients, is necessary to ensure that no one experiences abuse by our military health system again.”

In their letter, the lawmakers expressed their outrage over Army leadership’s inaction despite numerous complaints from servicemembers and their families that Dr. McGraw had sexually exploited patients in his care for years. They also explained some of the unconscionable abuses women experienced, including details from the story of Jane Doe.

The lawmakers shared how the Army ignored Jane Doe’s attempts to report her abuse:

“After reportedly being assaulted during a patient visit with Dr. McGraw, Jane Doe said she begged a desk attendant to make a report. Instead, she was told to ‘call or send an email.’ Jane Doe alleges she called the hospital seven different times but she was dismissed and hung up on each time. The purported lack of response and urgency to respond to these complaints would clearly violate reporting policy and the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program protocols.”

They also expressed deep concern in their letter that this abuse is part of a recurring pattern of the Army failing to intervene in reports and cases of sexual misconduct:

“In the lawsuit, female servicemembers and patients noted that a recurring issue was the lack of adequate response from Army leadership. Reportedly, when victims and their loved ones tried to make complaints with Army leadership, they were ‘refused meetings at every level.’ If true, these women deserve better. The alleged dismissive response from the Army demonstrates an immense failure at every level to properly support survivors.”

The members and senators concluded the letter by demanding a full investigation from the DOD Inspector General, explanations on how complaints were handled, and stronger protections to ensure no patient faces this abuse again:

“The allegations against Dr. McGraw are extremely serious, and the Army’s criminal investigation of this matter must continue unabated. That said, the separate concerns raised by survivors about members of the Army at many levels not timely acting on their complaints must be confronted immediately. Additionally, we request that DoD IG investigate to determine whether personnel within the Army properly followed procedures to timely report allegations of sexual misconduct to law enforcement and whether other SAPR procedures and existing protections were followed or not.”

Last week, Senator Hirono and the Hawaii Congressional delegation also sent a letter calling on the DOD to thoroughly investigate every complaint against McGraw and the Army’s own failures in allowing his alleged misconduct to persist.

In addition to Senator Hirono and Representatives Houlahan, Tokuda, Barragan, Trahan, Escobar, and Garcia, the letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Andre Carson (D-IN), Judy Chu (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Laura Friedman (D-CA), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Sarah McBride (D-DE), Betty McCollum (D-MN), James McGovern (D-MA), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Eleanor Norton (D-DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Nellie Pou (D-NJ), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Emily Randall (D-WA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Norma Torres (D-CA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Nikema Williams (D-GA), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

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

Dear Mr. Stebbins:

We write to express our strong concerns about the Army’s purported failure to timely intervene in the alleged misconduct of Dr. Major Blaine McGraw at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center, allegations, which if true, would possibly constitute the largest sexual misconduct case in U.S. military history. According to reports, for years, Dr. McGraw allegedly sexually exploited women, including servicewomen and military wives, in his care. When these women attempted to report their concerns and experiences were purportedly repeatedly ignored and Dr. McGraw was kept on staff. The Army, like the other Services, has a history of failing to adequately address sexual misconduct in the ranks, which required Congress to step in and institute hundreds of reforms over the last fifteen years, culminating in the establishment of the Office of the Special Trial Counsel in the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). One of those issues involved military services being slow to intervene in cases at an early stage. This appears to have happened in this case since Dr. McGraw was not suspended until this October. This delayed response is unacceptable, and we need answers. Separate, and not to interfere with the ongoing Army criminal investigation into the alleged misconduct of Dr. McGraw, we request the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General review if appropriate Military Health System policies were followed, to include whether patient complaints were timely evaluated and considered, and provide recommendations to the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to prevent further instances like this from occurring in the future.

This month over 80 women joined a lawsuit together alleging that Dr. McGraw made lewd sexual advances and comments towards them, as well as secretly recorded patients during exams. One example of the women’s horrific experiences is captured through Jane Doe’s story. After reportedly being assaulted during a patient visit with Dr. McGraw, Jane Doe said she begged a desk attendant to make a report. Instead, she was told to “call or send an email.” Jane Doe alleges she called the hospital seven different times but she was dismissed and hung up on each time. The purported lack of response and urgency to respond to these complaints would clearly violate reporting policy and the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program protocols.

In the lawsuit, female servicemembers and patients noted that a recurring issue was the lack of adequate response from Army leadership. Reportedly, when victims and their loved ones tried to make complaints with Army leadership, they were “refused meetings at every level.” If true, these women deserve better. The alleged dismissive response from the Army demonstrates an immense failure at every level to properly support survivors.

The allegations against Dr. McGraw, and the Army’s purported failure to timely address survivor complaints, are not isolated. A separate investigation deemed Fort Hood as a notoriously “permissive environment” for sexual harassment and assault. The base has been plagued by this issue for years. For example, in 2020, Army Specialist Vanessa Guillén was murdered by a fellow soldier while stationed at Fort Hood. Throughout her time on base, Specialist Guillén was sexually harassed by a separate supervisor. Specialist Guillén’s tragic murder was the impetus for the aforementioned changes in the FY22 NDAA. However, even with these positive reforms, it is clear more needs to be done. The fact that this reported abuse occurred at the same base as Specialist Guillen’s murder is appalling. All women should be safe on a military base, and they surely should be able to safely seek treatment without fear of sexual assault or abuse.

The allegations against Dr. McGraw are extremely serious, and the Army’s criminal investigation of this matter must continue unabated. That said, the separate concerns raised by survivors about members of the Army at many levels not timely acting on their complaints must be confronted immediately. Additionally, we request that DoD IG investigate to determine whether personnel within the Army properly followed procedures to timely report allegations of sexual misconduct to law enforcement and whether other SAPR procedures and existing protections were followed or not. We therefore request a response to the following questions from the Defense Health Agency and the Inspector General within 60 days of receipt:

Please provide the range of dates for the sexual harassment/assault complaints filed, including the number of complaints received at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center relating to Dr. McGraw.

What was the Military Treatment Facility management’s response to each complaint at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center?

How did the Military Treatment Facility management at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center follow appropriate policies to supervise staff, prevent patient harm, and address patient complaints?

What are the next steps the Military Treatment Facility management at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center will take to further protect patients from sexual assault?

How will the Defense Health Agency ensure that no Military Treatment Facility will ignore sexual abuse allegations again?

How will the Defense Health Agency prevent future concealment and employment of sexual abusers on their staff across Military Treatment Facilities?

Was a quality assurance investigation initiated? If so, please share the status with the House Armed Services Committee.

Why did the Army fail to take disciplinary actions against Dr. McGraw until his October 2025 suspension?

We are committed to demanding justice for victims of sexual assault and harassment, and we will not stay silent while the safety of women is at risk. Again, we request prompt and thorough answers to these questions to prevent further harm and hold those responsible for this accountable.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-new-law-in-australia-banning-kids-from-harmful-addictive-social-media-platforms-schatz-calls-for-passage-of-kids-off-social-media-act,"Following New Law In Australia Banning Kids From Harmful, Addictive Social Media Platforms, Schatz Calls For Passage Of Kids Off Social Media Act",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Following the implementation of Australia’s social media ban for children, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today called on Congress to pass the Kids Off Social Media Act. The bipartisan bill, led by Schatz and U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.), would keep young children under the age of 13 off social media and protect teenagers from the harmful impacts of algorithmic targeting. In addition to Australia’s move this week, a number of countries and at least ten U.S. states are considering similar proposals.

“Australia is stepping up to protect kids from the addictive and harmful content being constantly fed to them on social media. It’s now time for Congress to do the same and pass the Kids Off Social Media Act,” said Senator Schatz.

Senator Schatz continued, “There is no good reason for an 8 or 9-year-old to be on Instagram or TikTok. And until companies are mandated by law to enforce some basic rules and stop profiting off of children, they will continue padding their bottom lines.”

Last week, Schatz took to the Senate floor to call for passage of his bill and outlined the strong relationship between social media use and poor mental health, especially among children. Video of Schatz’s remarks is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-trump-is-making-people-poorer-on-purpose,Schatz: Trump Is Making People Poorer On Purpose,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor today about the various ways President Donald Trump is raising prices for Americans, including on food, health care, electricity, home insurance, and Christmas gifts. Schatz highlighted how Trump’s policies, including tariffs and regulatory rollbacks, have sharply driven up prices across Americans’ daily lives. Schatz’s comments come ahead of a Senate vote this week to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and prevent people’s health care premiums from more than doubling starting next month.

“The president of the United States is very focused. He is focused on building a $300 million ballroom in the White House, while the price of everything has gone up: food, housing, health care, electricity, clothes. Costs are up, jobs are down, and wages are flat. And the president is doing worse than nothing. He's going out of his way to raise prices,” said Senator Schatz. “Donald Trump is making people poorer, and he's doing it on purpose.”

x

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

The president of the United States is very focused. He is focused on building a $300 million ballroom in the White House, while the price of everything has gone up: food, housing, health care, electricity, clothes, you name it. Costs are up, jobs are down, and wages are flat. And the president is doing worse than nothing. And I mean that: worse than nothing. Because it would be one thing to not be focused enough on the question of prices. It is another thing to actively raise the price of everything through federal policy. It's not even that easy to find mechanisms to make prices go up. But he is doing that. He's going out of his way to raise prices. That is not a partisan accusation. That's actually what's happening. And so today I want to go over the five ways that Trump is screwing the average consumer with higher costs, on purpose.

Number one: food. Anyone who's been to a grocery store recently knows how expensive certain items have gotten. Coffee is up 20%. 20%. Beef is up 15%. Orange juice is up 27%. Bacon and bananas are up 5%. And why is that? It's because the president thought it would be a good idea to slap tariffs, which are a tax, on everything that comes into the country. Everything that comes into the country – and you are paying for it.

Number two, electricity. According to the Trump administration, electricity prices are rising this year at double the rate of inflation. Double the rate of inflation. So what does Donald Trump have to do with that? Well, electricity demand is soaring. And Donald Trump has effectively implemented a ban on solar energy. Any solar project, not just on federal land, but where the federal government even has a tiny little interest in it, is essentially frozen. 90% of the new projects. And let's be clear, there was a time when coal and gas and all that other stuff was price competitive with solar. Solar is the cheapest new form of energy. Cheap is clean and clean is cheap. And that is a change. Solar energy is the way to provide relief to ratepayers. But there is a nationwide solar ban instituted by Donald John Trump.

Number three health insurance. Millions of Americans are giving up their health insurance because they literally can't afford it anymore. I know three people in this building who are going to have to give up their health insurance. And as I was doing open enrollment, I was relieved. I was relieved to find out that my health insurance only went up by 12%. That's like good news. If you're 12%, you're thrilled. The average is double. If you're on the exchanges, the average is double. People can't do it. That is an intentional policy choice of the president of the United States.

Number four home insurance. And this is a sleeper. If you own a home, you've probably seen your home insurance spike over the last few years. And frankly, the main driver of that is the increased severity and frequency of natural disasters, driven by the climate crisis. And so insurance companies are realizing that if you live in the range of a wildfire or a flood or a tsunami or a hurricane or any number of natural disasters, that's got to be priced in. And by the way, if you are lucky enough to be one of like the 15% of America that doesn't live in a place that's got more climate risk, you're in the same damn risk pool as everybody else. And so your rates are going up, too. And what is Donald John Trump doing about the price of home insurance? He's banning solar energy. He's stopping wind projects that are already permitted. He is exacerbating the crisis that is driving up your prices.

And finally, number five, Christmas gifts. It's the most wonderful time of the year until you look at the price tag for presents. According to one report, shoppers will be paying more than $100 more to buy the same gifts as last year. Meanwhile, trees, decorations, candy and booze have gotten more expensive. And small businesses, far from raking in holiday sales, are losing revenue and being forced to lay off workers.

A good friend of mine used to say, people vote for you for their reasons, not yours. And you know, people vote against you for their reasons and not yours. And the reason the Democrats lost the election last year is because everything was up; is because the prices went through the roof on everything. And Donald Trump seemed like a disruptive enough force in the political system to maybe shake things up and maybe put some downward pressure on price. And the exact opposite has happened. Whatever his other faults, people thought at least he would be good on the economy. But we're now a year in, and that's just plainly untrue. What is true is that Donald Trump is making people poorer, and he's doing it on purpose.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-expedite-recovery-of-missing-servicemembers,"Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expedite Recovery of Missing Servicemembers",2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,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) joined Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and 6 colleagues in introducing the Bring Our Heroes Home Act, legislation that would eliminate obstacles preventing families and caseworkers from accessing records needed for recovery of America’s prisoners of war (POWs) and missing in action (MIA).

“Families of servicemembers who never returned home deserve to know that the government is doing everything it can to determine the fates of their loved ones as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Senator Hirono. “This legislation will help to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and streamline processes to identify and recover our lost servicemembers so we can properly honor their lives and legacies.”

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, approximately 80,930 Americans remain unaccounted for—including more than 150 individuals from Hawaii—from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars and other conflicts.

The Bring Our Heroes Home Act would:

Create a collection of missing Armed Forces and civilian personnel records at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for families and caseworkers to easily access;

Require executive agencies to identify, locate and transmit any missing Armed Forces personnel records to the National Archives for placement in the collection; and

Establish an independent Missing Armed Forces and Civilian Personnel Records Review Board to identify missing personnel records, facilitate the transmission and disclosure of these records, and review any decisions by federal agencies to postpone declassification for purposes of protecting sensitive classified material.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Shaheen, and Crapo, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-coons-shaheen-reed-warren-kim-bennet-slotkin-statement-on-president-trumps-decision-to-allow-the-export-of-advanced-nvidia-h200-ai-chips-to-china,"Schatz, Coons, Shaheen, Reed, Warren, Kim, Bennet, Slotkin statement on President Trump’s decision to allow the export of advanced NVIDIA H200 AI chips to China",2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 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, Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance, Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), member of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s decision to allow NVIDIA to sell its H200 AI chips to China:

“The Trump administration’s announcement that it will allow the export of advanced H200 AI chips to China is a colossal economic and national security failure. The H200s are vastly more capable than anything China can make and gifting them to Beijing would squander America’s primary advantage in the AI race.

“Access to these chips would give China’s military transformational technology to make its weapons more lethal, carry out more effective cyberattacks against American businesses and critical infrastructure, and strengthen their economic and manufacturing sector. Chinese AI giant DeepSeek said as recently as last week that the lack of access to advanced American-designed AI chips is the single biggest impediment to its ability to compete with U.S. AI companies. With this decision, President Trump is poised to remove that barrier.

“Senate Democrats and Republicans both know that the 21st century will be defined by whether the leading AI systems are built on values of free societies and free markets or the repressive, authoritarian values of the Chinese Communist Party. The Trump administration clearly doesn’t grasp the urgency of this contest. President Trump must reverse course and recommit to preserving American dominance in AI.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-blunt-rochester-schiff-introduce-bill-to-protect-and-prepare-workers-as-ais-economic-impact-grows,"Hirono, Blunt Rochester, Schiff Introduce Bill to Protect and Prepare Workers as AI’s Economic Impact Grows",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,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), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced the Workforce of the Future Act. As artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly deploying across many industries, this bill requires a detailed study to grow our understanding of AI, its impact on the economy and workforce, and determine the skills necessary for workers to succeed.

“As advanced and emerging technologies—including AI—become rapidly integrated within society, it is imperative that we prepare our workforce for these changes,” said Senator Hirono. “Specifically, we must ensure advances enabled by AI are used to strengthen, not weaken, the workforce. I am proud to introduce the Workforce of the Future Act to better prepare and equip workers with the skills necessary to adapt to AI and a rapidly-changing work environment.”

Without proper guardrails, the impact AI could have on our economy is wide-ranging. According to studies from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), AI could replace nearly 12 percent of the workforce. Currently, many recent college grads report being unable to find work. This legislation addresses the most pressing concerns behind AI’s rapid advancement in our workforce while also providing resources to prepare individuals to succeed in advanced technology sectors.

The Workforce of the Future Act will:

Require the Secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and Education to jointly and efficiently prepare a report analyzing AI’s impact on the economy and workforce that must identify critical information, including what industries and jobs will be most impacted, how job quality will be impacted, necessary skills for workers, and recommendations for preparing the 21st century workforce;

Authorize the Department of Education to award $160 million in grants to support expanding access to emerging and advanced technology education. Grants will help support foundational and innovative STEAM learning for students who need this knowledge to participate in the 21st century workforce;

Grants must leverage information and recommendations from the report and may be used for teacher training and recruiting, high-quality learning materials, reducing gaps in access for underrepresented groups, engaging industry, and providing necessary support for student success.

And authorize the Department of Labor to award $90 million in grants to support workforce training for workers most impacted by AI.

Grants must leverage information and recommendations from the report and support the training of workers to prevent AI-related displacement and provide immediate support and training to workers who experience job loss in AI-impacted industries.

The Workforce of the Future Act is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Anthropic, the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Microsoft, the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA), OpenAI, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and the Tech Council of Delaware.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-bipartisan-legislation-to-promote-native-arts-and-culture-unlock-federal-funds-for-native-hawaiian-organizations,"Schatz Leads Bipartisan Legislation To Promote Native Arts & Culture, Unlock Federal Funds For Native Hawaiian Organizations",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today introduced legislation to promote Native arts and culture and unlock federal funding for Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs). The bipartisan Native Arts & Culture Promotion Act provides a technical fix to the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts grant program to ensure NHOs can access funding from the program.

“Our bill provides a common-sense fix so that Native Hawaiian Organizations can access millions of dollars in federal funding to deliver vital cultural and educational programs to communities across Hawai‘i,” said Senator Schatz, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

Established in 1994, the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts program awards grants for scholarly study and instruction in Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native contemporary culture and arts. However, outdated and restrictive language in the statute has limited the ability of NHOs to qualify for grant awards. The bill clarifies that NHOs with a governing board that includes Native Hawaiians or individuals widely recognized in the field of Native Hawaiian arts and culture are eligible for funding.

“Allowing the National Park Service to award more grants to a greater variety of Native Hawaiian organizations provides a more easily accessible and streamlined process for Native Hawaiian Organizations who are often understaffed and under-resourced to readily submit proposals for their unique initiatives which perpetuate the storytelling and expression of Native Hawaiian arts and cultural practices,” said Janet Bullard, Acting Director of Government Relations for Bishop Museum.

Schatz’s bill is supported by the University of Hawai‘i, Bishop Museum, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities, Hawai‘i Community Foundation, and Hawaiian Council. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) and Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-hirono-duckworth-daines-cruz-bill-to-better-protect-parents-traveling-with-breast-milk-signed-into-law,Bipartisan Hirono-Duckworth-Daines-Cruz Bill to Better Protect Parents Traveling with Breast Milk Signed Into Law,2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – After unanimously passing the Senate in May and passing the House in November, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies has been signed into law. The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula and other related nutrition products, including ice packs, in consultation with leading maternal health groups.

“Parents and families deserve to be able to travel with peace of mind that they will not be harassed, humiliated, or put in danger, simply for traveling with milk and supplies to feed their babies,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to see the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act signed into law, as it will help to ensure that these families can travel safely, while keeping their children healthy.”

The bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act helps keep breastfeeding parents and their kids safe and healthy while traveling by air. Mishandled breast milk can become contaminated, which puts children at risk. Moreover, parents who lactate typically need to breastfeed or pump once every few hours. Failure to do so can result in a clogged milk duct or a painful infection called mastitis. The legislation better protects families by requiring TSA to:

Issue guidance promoting the hygienic handling of any breast milk, baby formula and other infant nutrition products, as well as accessories required to preserve these products;

Consult with nationally recognized maternal health organizations in establishing and communicating this guidance; and

Update guidance every five years to respond to emerging needs of parents and to account for developments in technology.

This legislation also directs an independent government watchdog to conduct an audit of compliance with TSA screening policies for passengers traveling with breast milk and other infant nutrition products, providing lawmakers with information related to violations of policies.

Senator Hirono has and continues to advocate for parents’ ability to travel with ease and respect while breastfeeding. Senator Hirono previously introduced the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act in September 2022 and May 2023. In June 2022, Senator Hirono called on the TSA to address inconsistent implementation of the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption travel policy for breastmilk and formula at airport security checkpoints, and ensure lactating individuals and their infants can travel safely without fear of harassment.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-prevent-inexperienced-temporary-immigration-judge-appointments-close-loopholes-exploited-by-trump-administration,"Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prevent Inexperienced Temporary Immigration Judge Appointments, Close Loopholes Exploited by Trump Administration",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,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) joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and 15 colleagues in introducing the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act, legislation to prevent inexperienced temporary immigration judge appointments in light of the Trump administration’s abuse of loopholes in current regulations. U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The Trump Administration’s decision to lower eligibility requirements for immigration judges and reassign 600 military lawyers, including JAGs, threatens the readiness of our military forces and is an injustice to the millions of noncitizens who deserve to have their cases heard by a qualified immigration judge,” said Senator Hirono. “Not only will this legislation help to ensure that temporary immigration judges meet specific experience and training requirements, but it will also help to protect the readiness and function of our military justice system.”

Following the Trump administration’s mass firing of immigration judges, the bill aims to close the loopholes the administration has been utilizing to authorize up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges.

The bill would:

Cap temporary immigration judge appointments at four consecutive six-month terms: 2-year maximum service limit with at least a 3-year break in between services;

Prevent military attorneys and Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) from being appointed as temporary immigration judges;

Authorize appointments of attorneys at the Department of Justice (DOJ) who meet the eligibility requirements;

Establish basic training requirements.

The bill is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), American Immigration Council (AIC), American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Brennan Center for Justice, and the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ).

In addition to Senators Hirono and Schiff, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-reverse-harmful-provisions-in-republican-tax-law-and-protect-unaccompanied-immigrant-children,"Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Reverse Harmful Provisions in Republican Tax Law and Protect Unaccompanied Immigrant Children",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,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) joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), U.S. Representatives Dan Goldman (D-NY), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), and 18 colleagues in the Senate in introducing the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act. This legislation would reverse provisions in the Republican tax law (the “Big Ugly Bill”) that harm unaccompanied children who are seeking safety from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation in their home countries.

Passed in July, Republicans’ “Big Ugly Bill” imposed a new $5,000 Border Apprehension Fee on those who arrives to the United States between ports of entry. This law also requires individuals to pay a mandatory asylum application fee, as well as new annual asylum maintenance fees for every year their case remains pending in the government’s yearslong backlog. For children fleeing human trafficking and extreme violence, these fees are often impossible to pay.

Additionally, their tax bill provides funding for intrusive body examinations of minors who are often the victims of abuse and trafficking. It also provides funding for deporting unaccompanied children who have not been screened for signs of trafficking or allowed a full review of their case before an immigration judge.

To reverse these provisions in the Republican tax law and protect unaccompanied children, the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act would:

Exempt unaccompanied children from all H.R. 1 fees tied to humanitarian protection, including asylum fees, annual maintenance fees, immigration court fees, and the $5,000 Border Apprehension Fee.

Eliminate H.R. 1’s fee on abandoned, abused, or neglected children applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.

Repeal the H.R. 1 provision funding deportations of “specified unaccompanied children” without robust trafficking screenings or full review before an immigration judge.

Repeal H.R. 1 provisions funding intrusive body examinations of children in federal custody.

Prohibit the use of Office of Refugee Resettlement funds to share children’s sponsor information with the Department of Homeland Security for enforcement purposes.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Cortez Masto, the legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-secretary-bessent-to-reject-proposed-dollar-coin-designs-featuring-donald-trump,"Hirono, Colleagues Urge Secretary Bessent to Reject Proposed Dollar Coin Designs Featuring Donald Trump",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,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) joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and 6 colleagues in sending a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, calling on him to reject the proposed designs for the Semiquincentennial dollar coin featuring the likeness of President Donald Trump.

“American lawmakers throughout history have reaffirmed the time-honored tradition of not circulating U.S. currency with images of currently elected officials,” wrote the Senators. “For centuries, minting sitting presidents on U.S. currency has been avoided to prevent the appearance that the U.S. is a monarchy or subject to a cult of personality. While the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have featured images of former Queen Elizabeth II for decades, and now also feature King Charles III on their banknotes, the United States has never, and we should not now, mint circulating currency with images of currently elected officials.”

On November 18, the U.S. Mint published draft designs for the Semiquincentennial $1 Coin, which include three different portrait options placing President Trump on the front of the coin.

The Senators continue: “A portrait of President Trump is the only CCAC proposed design option for the semiquincentennial $1 coin, all but confirming the U.S. Mint intends to mint a circulating coin with a portrait of President Trump while he is in office. Putting an image of President Trump on a circulating coin is not only inconsistent with congressional intent to honor 250 years of United States’ history, but also un-American. We should not depict a living, current president on U.S. currency.”

In addition to Senators Hirono, Merkley, and Cortez Masto, the letter was signed by Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Jack Reed (D-RI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

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

Dear Secretary Bessent:

American lawmakers throughout history have reaffirmed the time-honored tradition of not circulating U.S. currency with images of currently elected officials. For centuries, minting sitting presidents on U.S. currency has been avoided to prevent the appearance that the U.S. is a monarchy or subject to a cult of personality. While the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have featured images of former Queen Elizabeth II for decades, and now also feature King Charles III on their banknotes, the United States has never, and we should not now, mint circulating currency with images of currently elected officials.

Unfortunately, on November 18, 2025, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) published the semiquincentennial $1 coin design proposals, which includes three different portrait options of President Trump on the obverse design. A portrait of President Trump is the only CCAC proposed design option for the semiquincentennial $1 coin, all but confirming the U.S. Mint intends to mint a circulating coin with a portrait of President Trump while he is in office. Putting an image of President Trump on a circulating coin is not only inconsistent with congressional intent to honor 250 years of United States’ history, but also un-American. We should not depict a living, current president on U.S. currency.

Furthermore, historically, federal law forbids the inclusion of living people on U.S. currency. The Contraction Act of 1866 (31 U.S.C. § 5114(b)). specifically states that “[o]nly the portrait of a deceased individual may appear on United States currency and securities.” The potential inclusion of President Trump’s image on a semiquincentennial coin would violate 31 U.S.C. § 5114(b).

When Congress passed the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-330), it was seen as an opportunity for the U.S. Mint to honor our Nation’s Semiquincentennial by providing unique quarters and dollars related to our long history. The law clearly requires that the designs selected by you following your consultation with the U.S. Commission of Fine Artsand the CCAC be “emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial, including at least one quarter dollar design emblematic of a woman’s or women’s contribution to the birth of the Nation or the Declaration of Independence or any other monumental moments in American History.” It also requires that your design selections be made “in consultation with the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and with recommendations from the general public.” As the coin design featuring President Trump does not satisfy those requirements, you must reject it.

There is a time and place for Presidents to be honored with circulating currency. The Presidential $1 Coin Act (PL: 109-145)5would provide that honor upon the death of the President. That authority has expired. The Presidential and First Spouse Coin Act of 2025 (S. 633) would automatically mint $1 coins for all presidents posthumously. All Presidents who have died, with the exception of the recently deceased President Jimmy Carter, have been honored with a $1 circulating coin.

In closing, we urge you to follow the intent of the law and choose designs for the Semiquincentennial quarter and dollar that honor images and concepts foundational to American history, not those honoring or promoting the current President of the United States.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-congressional-delegation-calls-for-full-investigation-of-former-tripler-doctor-accused-of-secretly-recording-patients,Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation Calls For Full Investigation Of Former Tripler Doctor Accused Of Secretly Recording Patients,2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINTON – Following reports that a former Tripler Army Medical Center obstetrician-gynecologist secretly recorded patients during examinations, 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) called on the Department of Defense to thoroughly investigate every allegation against Major Blaine D. McGraw and the Army’s own failures in allowing his misconduct to persist.

“The damage done by Major McGraw’s alleged actions is irreversible. Major McGraw was entrusted with caring for active-duty servicemembers and military spouses. The Department owes these victims accountability for its failure to stop this misconduct, including a comprehensive investigation and, where supported by the evidence, prosecution of Major McGraw under the Uniform Code of Military Justice to the fullest extent allowed,” the delegation wrote in a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbin, and Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll.

The lawmakers continued, “The trust of servicemembers and the community they serve must be continually earned. Therefore, we urge the Department of Defense to move swiftly and thoroughly in the investigation to address these allegations.”

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

Secretary Hegseth, Secretary Driscoll, and Acting Inspector General Stebbins,

We write with grave concern regarding the recent allegations of Army obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) Major Blaine D. McGraw. As you know, Major McGraw is alleged to have assaulted and exploited potentially thousands of former patients, including in Hawai‘i – violating the basic principles of medical practice. Major McGraw’s alleged actions run completely counter to the expected conduct of an U.S. Army officer and physician.

Given the extent of these allegations, the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s (CID) investigation into Major McGraw’s conduct must be extremely thorough. Major McGraw’s medical residency at Tripler Army Medical Center spanned from 2019 to 2023. His residency also included mandatory and elective clinical rotations at civilian institutions. It is critical that Army CID and the Defense Health Agency (DHA) thoroughly review all patient complaints associated with his postings at Tripler Army Medical Center and Fort Hood.

The damage done by Major McGraw’s alleged actions is irreversible. Major McGraw was entrusted with caring for active-duty servicemembers and military spouses. The Department owes these victims accountability for its failure to stop this misconduct, including a comprehensive investigation and, where supported by the evidence, prosecution of Major McGraw under the Uniform Code of Military Justice to the fullest extent allowed.

The trust of servicemembers and the community they serve must be continually earned. Therefore, we urge the Department of Defense to move swiftly and thoroughly in the investigation to address these allegations. Any investigation must also be conducted with special care by Department investigators to protect the rights of patients and victims and follow federal privacy laws.

Furthermore, we urge the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD IG) to conduct an urgent inquiry into how the Army and the Department of Defense, the Defense Health Agency, and Major McGraw’s supervisors failed to stop these alleged actions from occurring. The DoD IG should also provide an assessment and recommendations of potential systemic improvements to ensure that this type of misconduct never occurs again.

We also ask the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, and the Defense Health Agency to provide a joint briefing within six months to update our offices on the current status and any reform plan concerning the Department’s actions regarding Major McGraw’s alleged conduct and the systemic failures that contributed to the alleged conduct.

We further request answers to the following questions:

Will the Department commit to a thorough investigation of all patient complaints regarding Major Blaine D. McGraw?

What external and internal trauma-informed resources and support services will the Department and Army provide to former patients and their families during and after the investigation?

How will Army CID’s investigation uphold federal privacy protections of Major McGraw’s former patients, while also ensuring alleged victims can provide valuable testimony and evidence to investigators?

Has the Department and Army notified the Hawai‘i Medical Board of the suspension and active criminal investigation of Major McGraw?

Has the Department notified civilian medical institutions where Major McGraw practiced during his postings at Tripler Army Medical Center and Fort Hood of its CID investigation and extended resources and support services to their potentially impacted patients?

Will the Department commit to identifying and assessing any systemic failures that allowed Major McGraw to engage in this alleged behavior for as long as alleged? Will the DoD also commit to providing information on how it will address these failures?

Will the Department conduct a review of the Defense Health Agency’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs?

Will the Department commit to investigating any medical providers who supervised Major McGraw or may have had knowledge of the alleged misconduct?

What programs, policies and procedures will the Department and DoD IG review to ensure that victims of sexual assault or misconduct by physicians and other medical providers feel empowered to file complaints and that their complaint will be taken seriously?

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-schatz-opening-remarks-at-appropriations-subcommittee-hearing-on-abduction-of-ukrainian-children-by-russia,Ranking Member Schatz Opening Remarks At Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing On Abduction Of Ukrainian Children By Russia,2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, delivered the following remarks at the subcommittee’s hearing on the abduction of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation.

“The systematic abduction of Ukrainian children by the Russian government is a horrific tragedy for the thousands of families victimized by Putin. But it’s also an issue of global concern. Here in the Senate, colleagues on both sides of the aisle have been working to support efforts to track and return children and hold perpetrators accountable,” said Senator Schatz.

Schatz continued, “But I want to be perfectly clear: any peace plan that lets Putin walk away from this war – having illegally seized Ukrainian territory, kidnapped thousands of Ukrainian children, and caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people on both sides – with no consequences is unacceptable.”

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

Thank you, Chairman Graham, for convening this hearing and for your continued leadership on this important issue.

The systematic abduction of Ukrainian children by the Russian government is a horrific tragedy for the thousands of families victimized by Putin. But it’s also an issue of global concern. Here in the Senate, colleagues on both sides of the aisle have been working to support efforts to track and return children and hold perpetrators accountable. That vital work continues, and I hope today’s discussion will add to those efforts.

But I want to be perfectly clear: any peace plan that lets Putin walk away from this war – having illegally seized Ukrainian territory, kidnapped thousands of Ukrainian children, and caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people on both sides – with no consequences is unacceptable. It would set a very dangerous precedent for the world, not to mention, undermine future peace in the region. I’m disappointed that the State Department declined to participate in today’s hearing. But I hope that the administration will be briefing us about these talks very soon.

As I noted, there has been a bipartisan effort to address Russia’s mass abduction of Ukrainian children. And yet, earlier this year, the Trump administration abruptly ended a contract which jeopardized work to get critical data, including on abducted children, to the Ukrainian government and European law enforcement.

It’s one of the many instances where the administration has eliminated, undermined, or disregarded bipartisan priorities that are under the purview of this subcommittee. And it’s why it’s so important that we negotiate and enact a bipartisan SFOPS bill for the current fiscal year. The bill is critical for protecting American interests through targeted security and economic assistance for key allies and partners, like Ukraine.

And to do that well, the bill needs to restore transparency, strengthen the State Department’s workforce, meet our international commitments, and ensure compliance with the law. We shouldn’t have to wonder whether funds are being spent as we intended or hear second-hand that critical efforts that we all support are gone.

For today, I’m interested in hearing from our witnesses about what’s required to return, reintegrate, and rehabilitate Ukrainian children and how we can best help.

I’m also interested in how we can support law enforcement efforts, including national prosecutors and courts, as well as the International Criminal Court, which has indicted Putin for war crimes associated with the abduction of these children.

I want to thank our witnesses for their testimony. And I look forward to the discussion.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-individuals-with-disabilities-education-act,"Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act",2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,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) joined Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), John James (R-MI), and more than 45 colleagues in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the historic step this legislation took by mandating that every child with a disability in America be given equal access to a free, appropriate public education.

The resolution is endorsed by The School Superintendents Association (AASA), Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Council for Exceptional Children, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, and National PTA.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Van Hollen, and Cassidy, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

In addition to Representatives Huffman, Thompson, Scholten, and James, the resolution is cosponsored in the House by 20 Representatives.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-hawaii-congressional-delegation-calls-for-full-investigation-of-former-tripler-doctor-accused-of-secretly-recording-patients,"Hirono, Hawaii Congressional Delegation Calls for Full Investigation of Former Tripler Doctor Accused of Secretly Recording Patients",2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~ Delegation also demands assessment of Army failures to avoid future misconduct ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following reports that a former Tripler Army Medical Center obstetrician-gynecologist secretly recorded patients during examinations, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI), and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) called on the Department of Defense to thoroughly investigate every complaint against Major Blaine D. McGraw and the Army’s own failures in allowing his alleged misconduct to persist.

“The damage done by Major McGraw’s alleged actions is irreversible. Major McGraw was entrusted with caring for active-duty servicemembers and military spouses. The Department owes these victims accountability for its failure to stop this misconduct, including a comprehensive investigation and, where supported by the evidence, prosecution of Major McGraw under the Uniform Code of Military Justice to the fullest extent allowed,” the delegation wrote in a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbin, and Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll.

The lawmakers continued, “The trust of servicemembers and the community they serve must be continually earned. Therefore, we urge the Department of Defense to move swiftly and thoroughly in the investigation to address these allegations.”

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

Secretary Hegseth, Secretary Driscoll, and Acting Inspector General Stebbins,

We write with grave concern regarding the recent allegations of Army obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) Major Blaine D. McGraw. As you know, Major McGraw is alleged to have assaulted and exploited potentially thousands of former patients, including in Hawai‘i – violating the basic principles of medical practice. Major McGraw’s alleged actions run completely counter to the expected conduct of an U.S. Army officer and physician.

Given the extent of these allegations, the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s (CID) investigation into Major McGraw’s conduct must be extremely thorough. Major McGraw’s medical residency at Tripler Army Medical Center spanned from 2019 to 2023. His residency also included mandatory and elective clinical rotations at civilian institutions. It is critical that Army CID and the Defense Health Agency (DHA) thoroughly review all patient complaints associated with his postings at Tripler Army Medical Center and Fort Hood.

The damage done by Major McGraw’s alleged actions is irreversible. Major McGraw was entrusted with caring for active-duty servicemembers and military spouses. The Department owes these victims accountability for its failure to stop this misconduct, including a comprehensive investigation and, where supported by the evidence, prosecution of Major McGraw under the Uniform Code of Military Justice to the fullest extent allowed.

The trust of servicemembers and the community they serve must be continually earned. Therefore, we urge the Department of Defense to move swiftly and thoroughly in the investigation to address these allegations. Any investigation must also be conducted with special care by Department investigators to protect the rights of patients and victims and follow federal privacy laws.

Furthermore, we urge the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD IG) to conduct an urgent inquiry into how the Army and the Department of Defense, the Defense Health Agency, and Major McGraw’s supervisors failed to stop these alleged actions from occurring. The DoD IG should also provide an assessment and recommendations of potential systemic improvements to ensure that this type of misconduct never occurs again.

We also ask the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, and the Defense Health Agency to provide a joint briefing within six months to update our offices on the current status and any reform plan concerning the Department’s actions regarding Major McGraw’s alleged conduct and the systemic failures that contributed to the alleged conduct.

We further request answers to the following questions:

Will the Department commit to a thorough investigation of all patient complaints regarding Major Blaine D. McGraw?

What external and internal trauma-informed resources and support services will the Department and Army provide to former patients and their families during and after the investigation?

How will Army CID’s investigation uphold federal privacy protections of Major McGraw’s former patients, while also ensuring alleged victims can provide valuable testimony and evidence to investigators?

Has the Department and Army notified the Hawai‘i Medical Board of the suspension and active criminal investigation of Major McGraw?

Has the Department notified civilian medical institutions where Major McGraw practiced during his postings at Tripler Army Medical Center and Fort Hood of its CID investigation and extended resources and support services to their potentially impacted patients?

Will the Department commit to identifying and assessing any systemic failures that allowed Major McGraw to engage in this alleged behavior for as long as alleged? Will the DoD also commit to providing information on how it will address these failures?

Will the Department conduct a review of the Defense Health Agency’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs?

Will the Department commit to investigating any medical providers who supervised Major McGraw or may have had knowledge of the alleged misconduct?

What programs, policies and procedures will the Department and DoD IG review to ensure that victims of sexual assault or misconduct by physicians and other medical providers feel empowered to file complaints and that their complaint will be taken seriously?

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-launch-inquiry-into-dhs-obstruction-of-congressional-oversight,"Hirono, Colleagues Launch Inquiry into DHS’ Obstruction of Congressional Oversight",2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following credible reports of human rights violations at ICE detention facilities, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and 11 colleagues in pressing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to stop obstructing Congressional oversight. Since the beginning of 2025, there have been numerous, publicly reported examples of members of Congress and their staff facing obstructed access to ICE facilities nationwide, including to ICE field offices where people are being detained.

“Obstructing Congressional access to immigration detention facilities violates Federal law and undermines Congress’s inherent authority to conduct oversight that ensures detained individuals’ human rights and protects Americans from agency waste, fraud, and abuse,” the senators wrote.

“Members of Congress and their staff must be allowed, pursuant to Congress’s inherent oversight authority and as required by Federal law, to access any facility where individuals are held in federal custody to monitor and prevent these abuses and ensure accountability and compliance with standards for detention,” the lawmakers continued.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Ossoff, the letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

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

Dear Secretary Noem:

We write with alarm regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) arbitrary and illegal obstruction of Congressional access to detention facilities. Obstructing Congressional access to immigration detention facilities violates Federal law and undermines Congress’s inherent authority to conduct oversight that ensures detained individuals’ human rights and protects Americans from agency waste, fraud, and abuse.

The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 requires DHS and its component and partner agencies to allow members of Congress to inspect detention facilities without notice, and for their staff to enter if at least 24 hours’ notice is given. Even so, Members of Congress and their staff have been denied access to multiple detention facilities this year. Members from across the country have reported being denied access for unannounced inspections of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. In the course of Sen. Ossoff’s ongoing investigation of human rights abuses in federal immigration detention, ICE arbitrarily required seven-day notice for Congressional staff to inspect a facility, postponing an urgent inspection of conditions for children held in a “family” detention center. Congressional offices have also been informed that ICE will no longer accommodate “mixed groups,” preventing members and their staff from being accompanied by doctors, attorneys, or other experts as they tour detention facilities.

DHS’s latest changes to ICE policies on Congressional detention facility visits violate Federal law. Despite statutory access requirements, ICE issued a new guidance memo in June, which, while re-stating these statutory requirements, purported to require 72-hour notice for a visit for members and staff alike. The memo, which DHS has since removed from ICE’s website, was paired with a press statement from DHS claiming to require seven calendar days’ notice for visits to DHS detention facilities. The memo also purported to exclude ICE Field Offices, which are reportedly holding hundreds of detainees, from Congressional oversight. This runs counter to statute, which clearly contemplates Congressional access to any facility where individuals are detained by or for DHS, even if only temporarily.

Congressional oversight protects detainees’ human rights and delivers transparency and accountability to Americans. As of the end of July, Sen. Ossoff’s office had received or identified 510 credible reports of human rights abuse against individuals in federal immigration custody, including deaths in custody, physical and sexual abuse, mistreatment of pregnant women and children, medical neglect, overcrowding and unsanitary living conditions, denial of adequate food and water, exposure to extreme temperatures, denial of access to attorneys, and family separations.

Members of Congress and their staff must be allowed, pursuant to Congress’s inherent oversight authority and as required by Federal law, to access any facility where individuals are held in federal custody to monitor and prevent these abuses and ensure accountability and compliance with standards for detention.

We urge you to follow the law and grant full access to detention facilities to members of Congress and their staff, and ask that you respond to the following questions in writing by December 15, 2025.

How many visits to DHS facilities or other any other place where detainees are being held, requested either by Members of Congress or their staff, did DHS and its component or partner agencies block or delay since January 20, 2025? Please indicate how many Member visit requests and how many Congressional staff visit requests were delayed or blocked, whether temporarily or permanently.

How many Members of Congress or Congressional staff members have been turned away since January 20, 2025, at DHS facilities or any other place where detainees are being held? Please indicate how many Members and how many Congressional staffers were temporarily or permanently denied entry into facilities or denied interviews with staff, contractors, or detainees.

How many visits were allowed, meaning the Member or Congressional staff was able to enter the facility without delay, as requested, and interview staff, contractors, or detainees? Please provide a breakdown by facility, facility operator, month, and, if requested by a Member of Congress, whether the visit was announced or unannounced.

Where visits were ultimately allowed, please provide the dates that each visit was initially requested, the date when the visit ultimately took place, and whether the visit involved Members of Congress or Congressional staff.

Please provide a copy of the most recent guidance to members of Congress and their staff with regard to Congressional access to facilities where individuals are held by or for DHS, including ICE and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) facilities, as well as facilities operated by the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Defense, and other federal, state, and local partners.

Please provide a copy of the most recent guidance to facility operators with regard to Congressional access to facilities where individuals are held by or for DHS, including ICE and CBP facilities, as well as facilities operated by the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Defense, and other federal, state, and local partners.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-adopt-act-to-protect-adoptive-families-from-exploitation,"Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan ADOPT Act to Protect Adoptive Families from Exploitation",2025-11-26,2025,2025-11,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) joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and four colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency (ADOPT) Act to protect adoptive families, children, and expectant mothers from exploitation by unlicensed adoption intermediaries. This legislation would ensure that adoption providers and attorneys operate only in states where they are licensed to do so.

The ADOPT Act would protect adoptive families, children, and expectant mothers from exploitation by:

Prohibiting adoption advertising and the provision of private adoption services for compensation by any entity not licensed as a child-placing agency or attorney; and

Restricting payments to expectant mothers unless made through a provider licensed in the state where the expectant mother resides.

The ADOPT Act is endorsed by leading adoption organizations, including the National Council For Adoption (NCFA), Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA), Ethical Family Building, Adoptees United, and Families Rising.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Klobuchar, and Blackburn, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Jon Husted (R-OH). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Laurel Lee (R-FL), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA).

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-senate-democratic-caucus-introduce-legislation-to-reverse-snap-cuts-and-restore-food-security-for-millions-of-americans,"Hirono, Senate Democratic Caucus Introduce Legislation to Reverse SNAP Cuts and Restore Food Security for Millions of Americans",2025-11-26,2025,2025-11,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) joined Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and the rest of the Senate Democratic Caucus in introducing the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025. The legislation would repeal all the devastating Republican cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) made in Republicans’ “Big Ugly Bill.” U.S. Representatives Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Additionally, last week, nearly 1,500 national, state, and community-based organizations joined a letter voicing support for this effort.

SNAP is a lifeline for over 42 million Americans, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans. In Hawaii, there are over 163,000 SNAP participants across the state. Congress has typically upheld a 50-year bipartisan commitment that Americans should not go hungry, but the Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill breaks that promise with the largest SNAP cuts in history.

“Over 160,000 people in Hawaii and 40 million Americans across the country rely on SNAP to support their families and put food on the table. Yet, Trump and Republicans gutted SNAP funding in their ‘Big Ugly Bill’ and refused to fully fund these benefits during the recent shutdown, making it abundantly clear that they do not care if millions of Americans starve,” said Senator Hirono. “As Trump continues to give millions in tax breaks to his billionaire buddies, this Democrat-led legislation would help to reverse these harmful funding cuts. Working families across the country are struggling to afford to eat, and millions more will suffer because of these cuts. Democrats will not stop working until every American has access to the resources to keep their families fed and healthy.”

To fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy, Congressional Republicans approved cuts that the Congressional Budget Office estimates will eliminate $187 billion in food assistance over the next decade, even as grocery prices rise and President Trump’s tariff costs increase. These Republican cuts will take meals from millions of Americans, including children, seniors, veterans, workers, and people with disabilities, while also harming farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and grocers who rely on SNAP dollars. Additionally, the Republican budget bill creates a massive unfunded mandate on state governments that could force deep cuts or even eliminate SNAP entirely.

During the government shutdown, Senator Hirono joined Senator Lujan and the rest of the Senate Democratic Caucus in introducing the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act, legislation to provide funds for SNAP and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) while the Trump Administration was illegally withholding available funds. Senator Hirono also joined her colleagues in introducing a resolution calling on Senate Republicans to force President Trump to immediately use all congressionally approved funding to keep families from going hungry.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Lujan, Schumer, Klobuchar, and Merkley, the legislation was also cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI.), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-slams-trump-administration-attacks-on-department-of-education-highlights-importance-of-idea,"VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Slams Trump Administration Attacks on Department of Education, Highlights Importance of IDEA",2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,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) took to the Senate floor to slam the Trump Administration’s attacks on the Department of Education (ED) and highlight the importance of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ahead of its upcoming 50th anniversary on November 29. From withholding billions in federal funding to firing nearly half of the Department’s staff, since the beginning of his second term, Trump has conducted countless illegal actions against ED, an agency that supports over 50 million students across the country.

“It’s clear Trump doesn’t give a rip about our government or the millions of Americans who rely on the services it provides,” said Senator Hirono during her remarks. “Instead of trying to strengthen the Department of Education’s support for our nation’s public schools, Trump and his allies are trying to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education completely.”

For decades, ED has worked to protect students against discrimination and ensure equal opportunities in public schools, especially for students with disabilities. Signed into law in 1975, IDEA protects the rights of more than seven million students with disabilities across the country, helping to ensure these students receive free and appropriate education that meets their needs by providing funding and federal oversight of critical services. However, the Trump Administration has taken several steps to undermine the IDEA, even as it announced last week that it would accelerate plans to reorganize ED by moving dozens of other programs to different agencies.

“Before IDEA was enacted, we did not have these kinds of federal protections for students with disabilities. As a result, there was no way to ensure that students with disabilities were not denied access to education or neglected in our schools,” said Senator Hirono. “Despite the success of IDEA and programs like this, this regime is accelerating plans to dismantle the Department of Education and roll back the progress it has enabled by moving important programs to other departments with no education expertise.”

“I heard from a middle school teacher on Hawaii Island, who emphasized just how unrealistic Trump’s plan is to move oversight of IDEA to another agency outside of the Education Department,” continued Senator Hirono. “He rightly pointed out that other agencies have ‘no expertise in the complex education law that is IDEA.’”

During the recent government shutdown, the Trump Administration illegally fired hundreds of workers from ED, including employees from the Office for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights, which play an important role in the implementation of the IDEA. Millions of students rely on the services and programs provided by these offices and the Administration’s actions jeopardized their ability to receive the education they need and deserve. ED Secretary Linda McMahon then made the baseless claim that the shutdown proved ED to be unnecessary.

“This regime makes these kinds of unsubstantiated claims on a regular basis to justify its ill-conceived and often illegal acts,” continued Senator Hirono. “In reality, I had constituents reaching out to my office during the shutdown to share concerns about how furloughs at the Department of Education were impacting Hawaii’s public schools and the students they serve, including the students with disabilities.”

While Trump has stated multiple times that his plan is to eliminate ED as a whole, this action cannot be done without Congressional approval. During her speech, Senator Hirono emphasized that the reckless actions taken by the Trump Administration against ED are all alternative attempts to dismantle the Department.

“This regime is not committed to public education,” concluded the senator. “They don’t see a federal role for public education and that is the long and short of it. We can and must do better to support the education of 50 million plus children in our country.”

The full transcript of Senator Hirono’s speech is available below. Video of Senator Hirono’s floor speech is available here.

I want to thank my colleague from Maryland for his passionate advocacy for IDEA. IDEA is a critical program of the U.S. Department of Education. But let me tell you what is happening to the U.S. Department of Education under President Trump. Mr. President, we have a regime—that’s what I call the Trump Administration—it is a regime hellbent on dismantling the federal government. From withholding billions in federal funding, to conducting mass firings of federal workers, shuttering critical agencies, and implementing countless harmful executive actions, the Trump regime has sown chaos, corruption, and cruelty from Day One. It’s no wonder there are now over 300 lawsuits to stop Trump’s illegal actions.

It’s clear Trump doesn’t give a rip about our government or the millions of Americans who rely on the services it provides. That includes the U.S. Department of Education, which does critical work to ensure our country’s more than 50 million, 50 million public school students can get a quality education. So, instead of trying to strengthen the Department of Education’s support for our nation’s public schools, Trump and his allies are trying to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education completely.

And this has always been part of his plan. He began his second term by summarily, as mentioned, firing nearly half of the Department’s workforce. He did this in one fell swoop. These committed people at the Department of Education were told ‘you don’t have to come to work tomorrow.’ So, this followed the plan laid out basically for President Trump in Project 2025. And just this week, his Secretary of Education laid out plans to slash and dismantle the Department even further.

Mr. President, education is foundational. It certainly was for me, as an immigrant who came to this country not knowing any English—didn’t read or write English—it’s the education system that this country afforded me that provided me [with] the opportunities that resulted in my standing here, giving these remarks. So, while we can all agree there are ways we can improve our education system, we should also be able to agree that there is a role for the federal government in helping to ensure all students—50 million—receive a quality education.

For decades, the Department of Education has played that role—working to protect students against discrimination and ensure equal opportunities in our schools. Of course, one of the ways it does so is by supporting students with disabilities. As noted, signed into law in 1975, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, protects the rights of more than seven million students with disabilities across the country. Seven million. IDEA helps to ensure these students receive free and appropriate public education that meets their needs. It also provides funding—yes, and we need to fund IDEA to the extent that is required—but it does provide funding to help support these students and ensures federal oversight of services for students with disabilities.

Before IDEA was enacted, we did not have these kinds of federal protections for students with disabilities. As a result, there was no way to ensure that students with disabilities were not denied access to education or neglected in our schools. As noted by my colleague from Maryland, many of these students didn’t even get to go to school. They didn’t have IDEA. So, later this month, we’ll celebrate the 50th year of IDEA, the landmark law that has provided millions of young people with access to free and appropriate public education. Despite the success of IDEA and programs like this, this regime is accelerating plans to dismantle the Department of Education and roll back the progress it has enabled by moving important programs to other departments with no education expertise.

Recently, for example, Trump tried to take advantage of the shutdown to illegally fire hundreds more workers from the Education Department, including at the Office for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights. Education Secretary McMahon, herself one of Trump’s billionaire buddies, has made the preposterous claim that the shutdown proved the Education Department is unnecessary. This is the kind of unsubstantiated—I can hardly believe that she would consider this proof of any kind—but this is the kind of stuff that this Trump Administration always claims. And this regime makes these kinds of unsubstantiated claims on a regular basis to justify its ill-conceived and often illegal acts.

In reality, I had constituents reaching out to my office during the shutdown to share concerns about how furloughs at the Department of Education were impacting Hawaii’s public schools and the students they serve, including the students with disabilities. I heard from the mother of a four-year-old boy who attends a Title I school in Hawaii. She was concerned about how the mass firings of special education staff threaten the services her son relies on. Every public-school child who receives special education must have, as mentioned, an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan to help meet the unique needs of each student. But without the necessary trained staff to support oversight of these programs, there is no one to help guide teachers or schools in developing these plans and ensuring that they are implemented or followed.

And as I mentioned, just yesterday, Secretary McMahon released a detailed plan for reorganizing the Department of Education by moving dozens of programs and services to other agencies that do not have the necessary staffing, funding, or expertise to oversee these programs.

And we can expect that she will try to move IDEA, too. I heard from a middle school teacher on Hawaii Island, who emphasized just how unrealistic Trump’s plan is to move oversight of IDEA to another agency outside of the Education Department. He rightly pointed out that other agencies “ha[ve] no expertise in the complex education law that is IDEA.” Education specialists, officers, and analysts with the office of special education programs are trained to best support IDEA. It’s not as though you can just move this program to Homeland Security or Human Services and expect them to be able to provide the kind of support that IDEA requires. So moving this program would mean a loss of expertise that will not be rebuilt quickly, leaving our most vulnerable students to pay the price.

As another example of moving programs out of the Department of Education as part of the dismantling of the Department, I could not resist this example. So, President Trump proposes to move the student loan portfolio to the Small Business Administration, which has neither the capacity nor the expertise needed to handle this massive program. The SBA is one of the smallest federal government agencies. How is it supposed to handle a Department of Education program with over 40 million borrowers and over $1.5 trillion in loans? It can’t, clearly. Neither Trump nor Secretary McMahon says, she does not see a federal role in education because they are just moving programs without figuring out how these programs are even going to be continued. In fact, that is not their intention. Their intention is to get rid of the U.S. Department of Education and they can’t do that because only Congress can do that. So what do they come up with? These alternative ways to dismantle the department.

So, shouldn’t supporting our public schools and our children’s education be a national priority? I mean, obviously President Trump and Secretary McMahon don’t think it is a national priority. It certainly is a national priority in other countries. Why? Because these other countries know, as I said earlier, that education is foundational, and that an educated populace is an engaged populace.

By gutting staff and funding that students rely on and attempting to eliminate the department altogether—a plan that will inevitably hurt our students—this regime’s actions make it abundantly clear that they don’t want an engaged populace. One can’t help but wonder why. Mr. President, this regime is not committed to public education—they’re not committed to public education—they don’t see a federal role for public education and that is the long and short of it. We can and must do better to support the education of 50 million plus children in our country. Thank you, Mr. President.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-demand-declassification-and-public-release-of-legal-memo-on-lethal-caribbean-and-east-pacific-airstrikes,"Hirono, Colleagues Demand Declassification and Public Release of Legal Memo on Lethal Caribbean and East Pacific Airstrikes",2025-11-24,2025,2025-11,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 Armed Services Committee (SASC), joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), and the rest of the Democratic SASC members in writing Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth requesting the declassification and public release of the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) written opinion on the Trump Administration’s lethal airstrikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Members of the committee were finally allowed to review the Trump Administration’s classified OLC opinion in a closed setting last week. To date, the Trump Administration has carried out 21 unauthorized military strikes – primarily off the coast of Venezuela – that have killed 83 people.

“Few decisions are more consequential for a democracy than the use of lethal force. We therefore believe that the declassification and public release of this important document would enhance transparency in the use of deadly force by our Nation’s military and is necessary to ensure Congress and the American people are fully informed of the legal justification supporting these strikes,” the Senators wrote.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Blumenthal, and Reed, today’s letter was signed by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

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

Dear Attorney General Bondi and Secretary Hegseth:

We are writing to request expeditious declassification and public release of the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel’s written opinion, dated September 5, 2025, concerning the domestic and international legal basis for recent military strikes of certain vessels near South America and the Caribbean, with appropriate redactions necessary to protect military personnel and sensitive intelligence matters.

Significant and noteworthy precedent exists for the public release of OLC opinions related to overseas military action. After the United States carried out military strikes in Libya in 2011 and in Syria in 2018, the Department of Justice released the applicable OLC opinion justifying each operation.

Few decisions are more consequential for a democracy than the use of lethal force. We therefore believe that the declassification and public release of this important document would enhance transparency in the use of deadly force by our Nation’s military and is necessary to ensure Congress and the American people are fully informed of the legal justification supporting these strikes.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-schatz-legislation-to-expand-va-services-to-us-veterans-in-freely-associated-states,Senate Passes Schatz Legislation To Expand VA Services To U.S. Veterans In Freely Associated States,2025-11-22,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate passed legislation authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) that will expand Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits to U.S. veterans who reside in the Freely Associated States (FAS) of Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands. The Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act requires the VA to provide telehealth services, mail-order pharmacy benefits, and beneficiary travel reimbursements to U.S. veterans in the FAS.

“U.S. veterans in the FAS deserve the same care as all other servicemembers, without having to navigate complex, costly barriers or travel long distances just to see a doctor or get medication,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill ensures servicemembers can finally access the care they deserve.”

Citizens of the FAS enlist in the U.S. military at some of the highest enlistment rates per capita. In exchange for exclusive military basing rights, the U.S. provides the military defense of these countries as part of a decades-long compact agreement. In 2024, the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act gave the VA the authority to provide medical services and beneficiary travel benefits to U.S. veterans in the FAS. To date, the VA has not exercised this authority.

In addition to Schatz and Moran, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), James Risch (R-Idaho), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).

“I strongly support this bipartisan legislation to extend VA health care to veterans in the Freely Associated States,” said Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Marshall Islands. “This is not a political issue, it is personal and rooted in shared sacrifice. As a retired U.S. Army veteran, I recruited nearly 200 Marshallese men and women who served under the U.S. flag and earned these benefits. Allowing veterans to receive care at home strengthens families, stabilizes communities, and advances shared national security interests by reducing forced Marshallese out-migration driven by lack of access to care, while reinforcing the enduring defense partnership between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. This legislation honors the service of Marshallese and American veterans alike and is a win-win for both nations.”

“FSM is proud to have some of the highest enlistment rates of our citizens who have volunteered to serve in the U.S. military,” said Jackson Soram, Ambassador of the Federated States of Micronesia to the United States. “However, veterans who return home to the FSM after serving have faced significant cost and access barriers to care through the existing Foreign Medical Program. The Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024 removed statutory barriers for veterans to access their earned VA healthcare benefits. We appreciate the strong bipartisan leadership of Senators Moran, Schatz, Wicker, Hirono, Boozman, Blumenthal, Risch, Heinrich, Murkowski, and Shaheen on the Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act, which will direct the VA to provide certain necessary healthcare services, including telehealth, mail order pharmacy benefits, and beneficiary travel consistent with the congressional intent of the provisions of the COFA Amendments Act of 2024.”

“A top U.S. military commander called Palau “part of the homeland.” We effectively are in a Texas-sized area next to Asia,” said Hersey Kyota, Ambassador of Palau to the United States, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the United States. “One reason is that we let the U.S. military base radars, missile tests, a runway, and a dock. More importantly, though, it recruits our young. Most can’t come home after their service, however, because they can’t get the VA healthcare to which they’re entitled. That devalues their service, deprives Palau of their skills, and deprives the U.S. of compelling citizen ambassadors. President Whipps and his team have worked to have this inequity corrected, and last year’s bipartisan U.S. law to strengthen the free association that binds our nations almost as one was intended to do that. This new bill would. Palau greatly appreciates it.”

The text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-repeal-provision-allowing-a-handful-of-republican-senators-to-receive-taxpayer-funded-payouts,"Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Repeal Provision Allowing a Handful of Republican Senators to Receive Taxpayer-Funded Payouts",2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~ The Anti-Cash Grab Act repeals last-minute provision allowing Republican senators to collect $500,000 per lawfully subpoenaed phone record ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and 24 colleagues in introducing the Anti-Cash Grab Act, legislation that will repeal a provision—quietly added into the government funding bill by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) at the last minute—that allows senators to collect $500,000 for every phone record lawfully obtained.

“While Democrats were fighting for affordable health care during the government shutdown, not only did Senate Republicans refuse to budge on health care subsidies, they also snuck in a taxpayer funded payout for themselves in the government funding bill,” said Senator Hirono. “Americans deserve honest lawmakers who are going to fight for them, not lawmakers who would attempt to sue the government for hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money for themselves while simultaneously enabling the suffering of working families. I am proud to introduce this legislation to repeal this filthy provision.”

Senate Republicans’ provisions will specifically benefit eight Republican Senators, each of whom stands to collect at least $1 million in taxpayer money through this provision.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Heinrich, and Kelly, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-set-to-receive-nearly-31-million-in-new-federal-funding-to-expand-high-speed-internet-statewide,Schatz: Hawai‘i Set To Receive Nearly $31 Million In New Federal Funding To Expand High-Speed Internet Statewide,2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The National Telecommunications and Information Administration this week approved a proposal that will unlock $30.6 million in new federal funding to expand high-speed internet access across Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i is among the first states in the country to receive approval for new funding from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program which will be used to build out and improve broadband infrastructure statewide.

“Everyone in Hawai‘i should have access to high-speed internet,” said Senator Schatz. “This new funding puts us one step closer to achieving that goal by helping expand broadband infrastructure across the state. We’re going to continue doing everything we can to deliver federal funding to make affordable, dependable high-speed internet a reality for all.”

The BEAD program was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/11/20/2025/hirono-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-resolution-commemorating-transgender-day-of-remembrance,Hirono Leads Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Commemorating Transgender Day of Remembrance,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,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) led 16 of her Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution commemorating November 20, 2025 as Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). The House companion bill was introduced by U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), and Mark Takano (D-CA).

“As anti-transgender hate continues to rise across the country, it is crucial that we do everything in our power to protect and support transgender and gender-nonconforming communities,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to educate people about the discrimination and dangers that transgender communities face, as well as to honor the lives of transgender and gender-nonconforming people who were lost to violence. Transgender rights are human rights, and I’ll continue fighting so no one has to live in fear for simply existing as who they are.”

Following the still-unsolved murder of Rita Hester, a transgender woman of color, Gwendolyn Ann Smith founded TDOR to honor Hester and other transgender people whose lives were lost to violence. Senator Hirono leads the TDOR resolution each year to memorialize the lives of transgender people lost due to violence in the United States and around the world.

The resolution this year also commemorates Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a Black genderqueer transgender rights advocate who passed away last month. Miss Major was a trailblazer of the transgender rights movement and one of this country’s most celebrated transgender rights activists, spending over 50 years fighting at the forefront of the movement and providing a sanctuary for transgender and gender-nonconforming people in her home state of Arkansas.

“On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the Americans we have lost to violence and those who continue to suffer discrimination and hate for simply being who they are,” said Bennet. “We must commit to protecting the rights and safety of the transgender community and ensure everyone can live with dignity and respect.”

“All Americans deserve to live their lives freely and authentically—without fear of discrimination or harm simply because of their gender identity. I’m proud to introduce this resolution amplifying the voices of our nation’s transgender communities and recognizing the dangers they face simply for living their lives. Transgender rights are human rights, and I look forward to continuing the fight to make our country a more inclusive place for all,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the members of the transgender community whose lives were tragically cut short by violence,” said Senator Booker. “We must all stand together against attacks on the transgender community and continue fighting for a nation where everyone can live their lives freely and authentically without fear.”

“On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the transgender Americans whose lives have been cut short by hate,” said Duckworth. “As Trump continues his campaign of hate against the trans community, I will always fight for the safety, dignity and respect that all human beings deserve.”

“Hate and bigotry have no place in America. Everyone deserves the right to be who they are without fear, and that includes the trans community,” said Hickenlooper. “In the face of rising discrimination, we won’t stop fighting to make this country a better place for all.”

“Transgender individuals deserve the same respect and dignity that every person is owed. We observe Transgender Day of Remembrance to honor those who lost their lives to violence and to acknowledge the discrimination and bigotry facing transgender people.” said Senator Markey. “We must continue to fight to protect transgender individuals and make it clear to the transgender community: we see you and we firmly stand with you.”

“Let us all recognize the enormous discrimination and violence that our transgender communities face,” said Senator Merkley. “On this day of remembrance, we honor the lives and legacies of all in the transgender community who have been taken by violence, just for being who they are. Let’s work towards a world where everyone can live a full and free life.”

“On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the trans lives tragically taken from our communities,” said Senator Padilla. “Today is a reminder that we must continue standing up together against hate and fighting to build a more accepting world where everyone can live safely, freely, and authentically.”

“Trans people deserve to live with equality and dignity – just like everyone else,” said Senator Schatz. “Transgender Day of Remembrance is about highlighting the continued threats that the trans community faces every day and honoring those who were killed solely because of who they were.”

“I’m proud to support Senator Hirono’s resolution to raise awareness of the epidemic of violence and discrimination against the transgender community and honor the lives of those lost to acts of violence. Amidst the administration’s targeting of the transgender community and their efforts to dismantle policies directly affecting their freedoms, we will continue fighting to ensure all Americans, including LGBTQ Americans, can live without the fear of discrimination and hate,"" said Senator Schiff.

“Our trans community brings so much joy and love to our society — they shouldn’t have to live in fear of hate and violence because of who they are,” said Senator Warren. “This resolution honors the lives lost to anti-trans hate and reaffirms our commitment to making a better, more equal country for all.”

“No one should face hatred or violence just because of who they are. It’s important to commemorate the transgender Americans who have lost their lives to violence, and to continue working to support trans and gender nonconforming communities until everyone can live without fear of prejudice or persecution,” said Senator Wyden.

The resolution is endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), and the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund.

In addition to Senator Hirono, the resolution was cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-block-donald-trump-from-getting-230-million-taxpayer-payout-from-justice-department,"Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Block Donald Trump from Getting $230 Million Taxpayer Payout from Justice Department",2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,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) joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and six colleagues in introducing the No Torts for Trump Act, legislation to prohibit sitting presidents from seeking taxpayer-funded payouts under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This follows recent reporting that President Trump is pressing the Justice Department to pay him roughly $230 million as a settlement for proper investigations he faced under the Biden administration and during his first term in office.

“Trump is turning the DOJ into his personal law firm, and now he’s trying to use it as his personal piggy bank too—demanding the Department pay him over $200 million as some form of a deceitful settlement,” said Senator Hirono. “While Trump tries to line his pockets with taxpayer dollars, this legislation will help to ensure neither he, nor any future president, will be able to carry out this kind of blatant corruption.”

Last month, President Trump submitted complaints through an administrative claim process under the FTCA, which Congress enacted to authorize plaintiffs to obtain compensation from the United States for the torts of federal employees. In these claims, President Trump alleged his rights were violated during the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) investigation into his 2016 campaign’s ties to Russia and during the investigation and prosecution for allegedly mishandling hundreds of pages of classified documents.

President Trump’s claims pose substantial and concerning ethical challenges due to the unprecedented nature of his demands. Any settlement claims to the DOJ for more than $4 million must be approved by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche or Associate Attorney General for the Civil Division Stanley Woodword – both of whom have personally represented President Trump.

The No Torts for Trump Act would amend the FTCA to exclude the president from being eligible to seek relief under the law regardless of when the tort took place or claim was filed.

The legislation is supported by Democracy Defenders Action, Project on Government Oversight (POGO), Protect Democracy, and Public Citizen.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Schiff, this bill is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-markey-lead-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-from-uscis-about-changes-to-the-naturalization-civics-test,"Hirono, Markey Lead Colleagues in Demanding Answers from USCIS About Changes to the Naturalization Civics Test",2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Senators: “Encouraging naturalization has long been a bipartisan goal, yet USCIS has taken actions that will harm those seeking to become citizens while serving no legitimate public policy interest.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ed Markey (D-MA) led a letter to Joseph Edlow, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) demanding answers from USCIS regarding the significant changes recently made to the naturalization civics test. The letter also urges the Trump Administration to rethink this policy in order to prevent long-term harm to the country’s naturalization process and immigration system. In addition to Senators Hirono and Markey, the letter is also signed by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

“With little public warning or opportunity for public input through the formal notice-and-comment procedure, USCIS made significant changes to the naturalization civics test, to the detriment of those who file their naturalization applications on or after October 20, 2025,” stated the senators. “Encouraging naturalization has long been a bipartisan goal, yet USCIS has taken actions that will harm those seeking to become citizens while serving no legitimate public policy interest.”

The civics test is an oral exam that must be passed by immigrants seeking naturalization as U.S. citizens, with limited exception. The previous version of the test had required applicants to answer 6 questions correctly out of 10. Since the Trump Administration’s changes in October, the new threshold for passing requires applicants to answer twice as many questions correctly—12 out of 20. In addition to increasing the question threshold, USCIS also increased the difficulty of the questions, and expanded the list of potential questions from 100 to 128 options for agents to choose from.

“This sudden and arbitrary overhaul of the civics test will disproportionately impact vulnerable applicants, including low-income individuals with limited access to preparation services, those with limited English proficiency or low literacy levels, and those who are elderly,” they continued. “We are also deeply concerned that this change is part of a larger scheme to arbitrarily impose new obstacles to citizenship.”

In their letter, the lawmakers also asserted that USCIS failed to demonstrate why the changes to the test were necessary, and condemned the agency for failing to provide opportunities for public input or engage with experts in naturalization before implementing the recent changes. They demanded answers as to why USCIS made these changes and how they determined what changes to make.

“The Administration’s decision to make the naturalization process more arduous for long-time residents will have lasting consequences for our communities and immigration system,” concluded the lawmakers. “We urge USCIS to rethink these concerning policies and protect the pathway to citizenship that has driven inclusion and progress in our country for decades.”

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

Dear Director Edlow:

We write regarding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)’s action that will negatively affect naturalization and recently naturalized individuals. With little public warning or opportunity for public input through the formal notice-and-comment procedure, USCIS made significant changes to the naturalization civics test, to the detriment of those who file their naturalization applications on or after October 20, 2025. Encouraging naturalization has long been a bipartisan goal, yet USCIS has taken actions that will harm those seeking to become citizens while serving no legitimate public policy interest.

On September 18, 2025, USCIS announced the revival of the 2020 Naturalization Civics Test issued under the first Trump administration. Among other changes, this version of the test increases both the number of potential questions and the difficulty of these questions. These changes came after you stated that the civics test is “just too easy.” However, when the Institute of Citizens & Scholars studied the issue, it found that the only one in three Americans would pass that test. Despite this, USCIS failed to present substantial evidence or a compelling justification demonstrating that the revisions are necessary to fulfill statutory requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This lack of justification was exacerbated by USCIS’s failure to provide meaningful opportunities for public input or to engage with experts in naturalization, as the agency only offered the option to provide feedback via email after the rule was already in effect. This sudden and arbitrary overhaul of the civics test will disproportionately impact vulnerable applicants, including low-income individuals with limited access to preparation services, those with limited English proficiency or low literacy levels, and those who are elderly.

We are also deeply concerned that this change is part of a larger scheme to arbitrarily impose new obstacles to citizenship. In August, your agency announced an expansive approach to the statutory requirement that applicants have “good moral character” to become naturalized. Rather than requiring applicants to show an absence of disqualifying offenses, USCIS instituted a vague requirement that applicants affirmatively show they possess good moral character. Earlier this year, USCIS also froze the Citizenship and Assimilation Grant Program, a bipartisan program that has helped more than 375,000 lawful permanent residents prepare for U.S. citizenship.

We respectfully request that you provide written answers to the following questions no later than December 10, 2025:

What substantial evidence or compelling justification does USCIS possess that the current civics test is insufficient to determine whether an applicant has “a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States”?

What substantial evidence or compelling justification does USCIS possess that the changes to the civics test will better fulfill the statutory requirements of 8 U.S.C. § 1423(a)(2)?

What, if any, exigency required USCIS to hastily implement the changes to the civics test with little opportunity for public input? What factors did USCIS consider when determining the timing of this process, beyond a clear interest in making these changes as quickly as possible? Please include the consideration given, if any, to the specific impact on vulnerable applicant populations, such as the elderly, low-income applicants without access to test-preparation assistance, and applicants with low literacy or limited English proficiency.

What feedback did USCIS receive in response to the 2020 pilot and subsequent test changes that was considered during the decision-making process leading to the implementation of the 2025 civics test revisions?

With which non-governmental organizations or outside experts did USCIS consult with regarding the revision of the civics test? Of those organizations, which ones do not explicitly advocate for a reduction in legal immigration?

What direction has USCIS solicited or received from White House officials on changes impacting the naturalization process? During the process of promulgating this rule, are you aware, or is there any written evidence, of any direction from the White House to reduce the number of naturalized U.S. citizens?

Given the need for naturalization applicants to understand the history of the United States, why has USCIS taken the counterproductive step of cutting funding to programs that teach naturalization applicants the history of the United States, like the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program?

The Administration’s decision to make the naturalization process more arduous for long-time residents will have lasting consequences for our communities and immigration system. We urge USCIS to rethink these concerning policies and protect the pathway to citizenship that has driven inclusion and progress in our country for decades.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-balint-fernandez-lead-colleagues-in-urging-scotus-to-protect-transgender-rights,"Hirono, Balint, Fernández Lead Colleagues in Urging SCOTUS to Protect Transgender Rights",2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,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), Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Representative Becca Balint (D-VT), and Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) 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.

The brief, which argues that categorical bans on transgender students participating in school sports violate Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause, was joined by eight of Senator Hirono’s colleagues in the Senate, and over 120 Representatives.

“All students deserve equal access to opportunity in schools—whether in the classroom, on the playing field, or in other settings. No student should be discriminated against based on who they are,” said Senator Hirono. “A categorical ban on transgender students participating in sports not only harms these students, but also subjects women and girls to harassment and discrimination, and leads to the policing of children’s bodies. This contradicts the very purpose of Title IX: ending discrimination in federally-funded education programs. These bans are blatant discrimination, and the Court should say so.”

In their brief, the Members argue that categorical bans on transgender students participating in school sports violate Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause.

The brief highlights:

How categorical bans harm all girls and women—including cisgender girls and women—through harassment and policing of children’s “reproductive biology;”

How categorical bans both undermine the ability of transgender students to participate in their school community and are not substantially related to an important government interest; and

The recent failures to amend Title IX to enact a categorical ban.

The brief includes examples where a school athletic association secretly investigated a cisgender female student without telling her parents, where a school board member falsely suggested that a high school basketball athlete was transgender—subjecting her to relentless harassment and bullying, and another example where investigators repeatedly asked individuals to describe a student in various stages of undress.

In addition to Senator Hirono, the amicus brief was joined in the Senate by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the amicus brief is available here.

Senator Hirono has long been a champion of Title IX and other efforts to limit harassment and discrimination in federally-funded education programs. 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.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-release-the-epstein-files,Schatz: Release The Epstein Files,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a measure to release the Jeffrey Epstein files.

“Now that Congress has weighed in on a bipartisan basis, it is the job of the Department of Justice to actually release these files and not cook up a new set of excuses.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-swiftly-release-home-heating-funds,"Hirono, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Swiftly Release Home Heating Funds",2025-11-14,2025,2025-11,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) joined Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and 27 colleagues in a bipartisan push for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Currently, the Trump Administration is sitting on $4 billion in federal LIHEAP dollars that have yet to be distributed this year.

“As Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services, we urge you to immediately release the highest amount of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available under the Continuing Resolution,” the lawmakers wrote.

The bipartisan group of Senators say the federal LIHEAP funding is a crucial lifeline that keeps vulnerable citizens safe and warm during winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills. The program also helps reduce energy costs through improved energy efficiency initiatives. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year.

States and tribes typically receive their LIHEAP allocations from HHS by early November. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. While eligibility varies by state, most applicants must have a household income below 150 percent of the federal poverty guideline or 60 percent of the state median income.

The Trump Administration has proposed eliminating LIHEAP, including zeroing out funds in its fiscal year 2026 (FY26) budget plan. The Senate’s Labor-HHS-Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for FY26 would provide a $20 million increase for LIHEAP to $4.045 billion, while the House Appropriations Committee recommended a $10 million increase.

LIHEAP applications are now open for all income-eligible households. Senior citizens and those receiving Social Security Disability or SSI benefits are encouraged to apply as early as possible, but applications will be open to everyone through spring of 2026—or until the funding is exhausted. To learn more about the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program, visit the Hawaii Department of Human Services. To find agencies in other states and U.S. territories, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ LIHEAP Map of Contacts.

According to a new report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, residential electricity prices increased nationwide by 10.5 percent between January and August 2025, and the report forecasts home heating costs to rise nearly 8 percent over last winter nationwide. Hawaii’s residents face the highest electric bills in the county, with most of Hawaii’s electricity coming from oil-fired generators.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Reed, Collins, and Murkowski, the letter was also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) Richard Durbin (D-IL) Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

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

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

As Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services, we urge you to immediately release the highest amount of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available under the Continuing Resolution.

As the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, LIHEAP provides critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months. October marked the start of the heating season for many states, and with temperatures already dropping, low-income families and seniors are feeling additional strains on their household budgets.

As state agencies and tribes activate their LIHEAP programs for the coming winter, it is crucial that they have the resources on hand to help low-income households and seniors as soon as possible. As such, we request that you quickly release LIHEAP funds at the highest level possible, so that low-income households do not have to choose between paying for heat and affording other necessities like food or medicine.

We look forward to working with you on this critical program, and thank you for your attention to our concerns and those of our constituents.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-call-on-trump-administration-to-immediately-halt-plans-to-upend-key-homelessness-program,"Hirono, Colleagues Call on Trump Administration to Immediately Halt Plans to Upend Key Homelessness Program",2025-11-13,2025,2025-11,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) joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), and 37 colleagues in urging the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner to immediately halt reported plans to make drastic changes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which could result in nearly 200,000 Americans being forced out of their housing and back into homelessness.

In their letter, the senators called on Secretary Turner to use the authorities that Congress has given him to renew existing CoC grants for Fiscal Year 2025 to prevent massive disruption and uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Americans in the coming months.

“We write to express our deep concerns regarding the instability the entire homeless support system could face if funding delays, uncertainty, and rushed policy changes continue,” wrote the lawmakers. “HUD must immediately reconsider these harmful and potentially illegal changes that could result in nearly 200,000 older adults, chronically homeless Americans with disabilities, veterans, and families being forced back onto the streets. As Secretary, you have the authority to avoid this worst-case scenario by carrying out the previously planned and Congressionally authorized two-year [Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)], and we strongly urge you to do so expeditiously.”

The senators noted that the potentially illegal plans to upend the program, which is the largest source of federal grant funding to prevent homelessness, would cause sudden and significant shortfalls across the country.

“The most troubling of these changes is a new, arbitrary cap on the amount of funds that may be used for permanent housing. Currently, 87 percent of CoC funds support permanent housing, but the new NOFO reportedly limits the amount of funding for permanent housing to only 30 percent. This appears to be in contravention of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, undermines local decision-making authority, and ignores decades of research that has proven that permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing are less costly and more likely to be successful in providing long-term stability than other strategies, particularly for chronically homeless people and families,” continued the senators.

The senators also note that, since January 20, repeated, chaotic policy changes affecting the program have created needless, costly uncertainty for communities across the country. HUD has failed to communicate clearly with stakeholders and Congress about its plans.

“For months, our staffs have sent HUD countless questions about its intents and actions around CoC funding that have remained unanswered, undermining Congress’s ability to carry out its legislative and oversight functions. Real people in every community across the country rely on these funds to address homelessness. The funding competition process for fiscal year 2025 has not begun, and with CoC project awards beginning to expire in less than two months, HUD is simply out of time,” continued the senators.

“There is a better way forward,” concluded the senators. “HUD’s current path risks causing a dangerous spike in street homelessness and creating chaos in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike by forcing nearly 200,000 chronically homeless Americans with disabilities and families back onto the streets. We implore you to make the better choice and expeditiously renew current CoC grants for fiscal year 2025 as authorized by Congress to protect communities and avoid displacing thousands of our nation’s most vulnerable individuals.”

In addition to Senators Hirono, Murray, Warren, Gillibrand, and Smith, the letter was also signed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

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

Dear Secretary Turner:

We write to express our deep concerns regarding the instability the entire homeless support system could face if funding delays, uncertainty, and rushed policy changes continue. Reports indicate that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) intends to issue a new fiscal year 2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and make substantial changes to how funds are awarded. HUD must immediately reconsider these harmful and potentially illegal changes that could result in nearly 200,000 older adults, chronically homeless Americans with disabilities, veterans, and families being forced back onto the streets. As Secretary, you have the authority to avoid this worst-case scenario by carrying out the previously planned and Congressionally authorized two-year NOFO, and we strongly urge you to do so expeditiously.

The Continuum of Care program is the largest source of Federal grant funds for providing a wide range of housing and services for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness that are responsive to local community needs. On September 29, 2025, Politico reported that the Department intends to make wholesale changes to the fiscal year 2025 CoC NOFO. The most troubling of these changes is a new, arbitrary cap on the amount of funds that may be used for permanent housing. Currently, 87 percent of CoC funds support permanent housing, but the new NOFO reportedly limits the amount of funding for permanent housing to only 30 percent. This appears to be in contravention of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, undermines local decision-making authority, and ignores decades of research that has proven that permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing are less costly and more likely to be successful in providing long-term stability than other strategies, particularly for chronically homeless people and families. Today, CoC funds serve over 750,000 Americans experiencing homelessness each year, and every community will feel the impact of this dramatic cut. The cut will be largest for major cities in absolute terms, but rural communities—who experienced a 12 percent increase in homelessness between 2023 and 2024 and are more reliant on Federal funding—are likely to feel the impacts most severely.

In your written testimony for the June 2025 Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on HUD’s fiscal year 2026 budget request, you stated that your budget aimed to “better serve the American people while maintaining necessary assistance for the elderly and disabled.” However, seniors are the fastest-growing demographic among people experiencing homelessness. The share of the homeless population aged 60 years and older in 2020 was 2.6 times higher than it was in 1990. By dramatically cutting funding for permanent housing, tens of thousands of older adults and people with disabilities who currently reside in CoC funded permanent supportive housing could soon lose their homes and lose access to the supportive services they need to take care of their physical and mental health needs.

Each new administration can make policy changes when they take office. While we may not always agree on those policy changes, we should never have to question whether agency officials will faithfully follow the law and work to minimize harm to our constituents and communities when implementing those new policies. Reports of HUD intentionally blocking staff from examining the legality of the fiscal year 2025 NOFO changes with its own attorneys are deeply troubling. We are also concerned by HUD’s lack of communication with grantees, especially as any new NOFO at this point in the year would not provide grantees with adequate time or opportunity to plan for sweeping changes before some projects begin to run out of CoC funds in January 2026. Over the past decade, HUD has always issued the annual CoC NOFO by mid-August and provided on average 82 days for CoCs to develop applications. Without a NOFO published as of November 12, 2025, thousands of CoC project grants that expire between January and June 2026 will be at risk of funding disruptions or shuttering operations.

Further, HUD has taken several steps since January 20, 2025 to spark chaos and disrupt grantee operations, including applying new and likely illegal conditions to previously awarded CoC grants, repeatedly recompeting the fiscal year 2023 CoC Builds funding, proposing to eliminate the CoC program altogether, repeating rhetoric used by the President to villainize homeless people, and gutting the HUD workforce that implements the CoC and other community development programs. All these actions raise serious questions and concerns about whether HUD is intentionally violating the law to prevent Congressionally appropriated funds from reaching the people and communities they were intended to support.

For months, we have heard from countless front-line workers, faith-based and non-profit service providers, mayors, and governors who have been frantically attempting to navigate HUD’s actions and anxiously waiting for HUD to provide details around the fiscal year 2025 NOFO changes. For months, our staffs have sent HUD countless questions about its intents and actions around CoC funding that have remained unanswered, undermining Congress’s ability to carry out its legislative and oversight functions. Real people in every community across the country rely on these funds to address homelessness. The funding competition process for fiscal year 2025 has not begun, and with CoC project awards beginning to expire in less than two months, HUD is simply out of time.

There is a better way forward. Congress already authorized HUD to compete CoC funds on a two-year basis for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, and communities already went through a two-year planning process. The shift to a two-year funding cycle had strong bipartisan support and aimed to reduce the burden on communities and provide greater predictability of funding, and members on both sides of the aisle support this approach. HUD should make the responsible choice to renew current CoC grants, proactively work with communities to promote other proven strategies “based on research and after notice and public comment”, and work to ensure any policy changes meet all legal requirements to avoid more funding delays.

HUD’s current path risks causing a dangerous spike in street homelessness and creating chaos in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike by forcing nearly 200,000 chronically homeless Americans with disabilities and families back onto the streets. We implore you to make the better choice and expeditiously renew current CoC grants for fiscal year 2025 as authorized by Congress to protect communities and avoid displacing thousands of our nation’s most vulnerable individuals.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-stop-imminent-tax-bomb-for-student-loan-borrowers,"Hirono, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Stop Imminent “Tax Bomb” for Student Loan Borrowers",2025-11-10,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~ Borrowers who earn income-driven repayment cancellation after decades of payments could be hit with tax bills as high as $10,000 ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and seven colleagues in a letter urging Secretary of the Treasury & Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent to use the IRS’s existing legal authorities to stop the looming “tax bomb” facing borrowers who obtain income-driven repayment (IDR) discharges of their student loan debt.

In 2021, Congress passed into law a provision excluding student debt cancellation from taxable income. As a result, borrowers who received student debt relief after years of repayment were not faced with high and unexpected tax bills.

However, that provision is set to expire at the end of this year. Absent action from President Trump or Republicans in Congress, this expiration will mean that borrowers on IDR plans who have legally earned debt cancellation after 20 or 25 years of repayment will be hit with significant tax bills.

“If neither the Trump Administration nor the Republican-controlled Congress act soon, families who earn student debt cancellation after paying their loans for decades will be hit with surprise tax hikes—as high as $10,000 in many cases—starting next tax year,” wrote the senators. “The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service should move immediately to avoid this financial disaster for working-class Americans.”

New data from Protect Borrowers reveal that a typical family headed by a borrower receiving IDR cancellation (i.e., a married parent with two children earning $50,000 a year) could see their tax bill spike by $8,789. A similar family making $40,000 a year could shoulder a net tax increase of $10,295. Lower-income borrowers and borrowers with children would likely be forced to pay the most, as they stand to lose access to critical programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit.

In their letter, the senators laid out the legal case for the Trump administration’s options to defuse the IDR “tax bomb.” In particular, they argued that the insolvency exclusion, scholarship exclusion, and general welfare exclusion were all options to declare IDR discharge as non-taxable income. The lawmakers also noted that, in 2020, the Trump Administration delivered similar relief to recipients of closed school discharge and borrower defense to repayment, excluding those discharges from taxable income using its administrative authorities.

“By punishing IDR beneficiaries with massive tax bills, the federal government undermines the very purpose of the IDR program and reneges on its promises to borrowers,” the senators concluded. “Instead of compounding this problem by denying legally owed IDR discharge to borrowers, the Administration can and should deliver certainty and relief to these families as soon as possible.”

In addition to Senators Hirono and Warren, the letter was also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

The full text of the letter is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-votes-no-on-proceeding-to-republican-cr,Hirono Votes NO on Proceeding to Republican CR,2025-11-09,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"“Republicans can find the money to give permanent tax breaks to billionaires, but can’t be bothered to extend the tax credits millions of Americans rely on to afford their health care.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) released the following statement after voting against proceeding to consideration of Republicans’ Continuing Resolution (CR), which fails to address the looming health care crisis facing millions of Americans:

“For months, Democrats have fought to prevent health care costs from skyrocketing for millions of Americans. Despite our repeated calls for Republicans to join us in this effort, they have refused to even discuss extending Affordable Care Act subsidies with us. Clearly, Republicans do not care that millions of people in our country will not have health care.

“From gutting Medicaid, to allowing ACA premiums to skyrocket and fighting to prevent hungry families from accessing their SNAP benefits, Republicans’ actions make clear their disregard for the well-being of working Americans. Republicans can find the money to give permanent tax breaks to billionaires, but can’t be bothered to extend the tax credits millions of Americans rely on to afford their health care. This bill ends Republicans' painful shutdown, guarantees backpay for federal employees, and will restore SNAP and other programs. However, Republicans’ refusal to include even a one-year extension of ACA subsidies will be disastrous for people across our country, which is why I voted against their CR.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-government-funding-rising-health-care-costs,"Schatz Statement On Government Funding, Rising Health Care Costs",2025-11-09,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement after voting against a government funding bill that did not address rising health care costs for millions of Americans.

“I voted no because this bill does not extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies, but we are not done with this fight. We are going to keep fighting to try to salvage this situation for the tens of millions of Americans who are going to see their health care costs double.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-trump-administration-attempt-to-block-snap-benefits,Schatz Statement On Trump Administration Attempt To Block SNAP Benefits,2025-11-09,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement after the Trump administration directed states to undo any actions to provide full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to low-income families.

“This is inhumane and illogical. The money is there, and we should use it to feed hungry Hawai‘i citizens. Tens of thousands of families rely upon this benefit to put food on the table, and multiple federal courts have determined that using the contingency fund is not just allowed but required. We need to put politics aside and make sure everybody can eat.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-bar-mass-layoffs-during-government-shutdown,"Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Bar Mass Layoffs During Government Shutdown",2025-11-07,2025,2025-11,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) joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) in leading their colleagues in introducing the Securing Assurance for Federal Employees (SAFE) Act. The legislation would explicitly prohibit the federal government from carrying out reductions in force (RIFs) during a lapse in appropriations. The bill would also reverse RIF actions taken during the current government shutdown.

“Trump is using RIFs as a political tool to punish hardworking federal workers and their families during this Republican shutdown, sowing chaos for hundreds of thousands of people,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to combat this Administration’s lawlessness and protect the jobs and livelihoods of crucial federal employees.”

The SAFE Act comes in response to recent efforts by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to initiate thousands of RIFs during the ongoing shutdown – an unprecedented step that a federal judge has already said appears “politically motivated,” illegal, and “arbitrary and capricious.”

More than 4,000 federal employees have received RIF notices since early October. While the court has temporarily blocked these actions, the threat remains for many other federal employees serving the American public without pay during this shutdown.

Current law does not permit agencies to conduct RIFs during a lapse in appropriations. This bill reaffirms and makes explicit Congress’s intent that no administration may use a shutdown as a pretext to initiate layoffs. The SAFE Act makes clear that such actions have no legal force and ensures federal workers cannot be targeted for job cuts during a funding lapse.

The legislation is endorsed by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), National Education Association (NEA), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

In addition to Senators Hirono, Schumer, Warner, Kaine, and Alsobrooks, this legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-reverse-course-on-nuclear-weapons-testing,"Hirono, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Reverse Course on Nuclear Weapons Testing",2025-11-05,2025,2025-11,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) joined Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and 13 colleagues in demanding that the Trump Administration reverse course on resuming nuclear weapons testing and instead focus on continuing U.S. leadership in maintaining nuclear deterrence. Resuming U.S. nuclear testing risks prompting China, Russia, and other adversaries who have much more to gain from testing to restart their tests, undermining U.S. national security.

“We write to you today to express grave reservation about any action to resume nuclear weapons testing,” wrote the senators. “While Secretary Wright recently sought to provide context to the directive you announced last week, we request that you personally provide clarification. The decision to resume nuclear weapons testing would be geopolitically dangerous, fiscally irresponsible, and simply unnecessary to ensure the ability of the United States to defend itself.”

The United States tested nuclear weapons from 1945 to 1992, including in including in the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, and other locations in the Pacific Ocean. In their letter, the senators underscored that while these tests improved weapon designs, they also caused serious and lasting health effects for Americans and our partners in the Pacific, including air and groundwater contamination that remains today. The senators emphasized that the United States has spent billions of dollars over the last several decades to alleviate the harm caused by nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific, and that President Donald Trump is clearly aware of this, having signed extensions to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act into law earlier this year.

“The National Nuclear Security Administration has built a comprehensive set of tools for guaranteeing the readiness of our weapons,” continued the senators. “These capabilities include the most sophisticated scientific equipment in the world, including experimental facilities such as the Z Machine at Sandia National Laboratories and the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and corresponding modeling capabilities at leading supercomputers like the upcoming Mission and Vision systems at Los Alamos National Laboratory. […] Together with other efforts, these will provide greater certainty about the performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile.”

The senators stressed that for decades, directors of the nuclear weapons laboratories, with concurrence from the commander of U.S. Strategic Command and the secretaries of Defense and Energy, have said that the U.S. nuclear stockpile is militarily effective and does not require a resumption of explosive testing – including through the entirety of the first Trump Administration and again this year by the second Trump Administration.

“Your decision to potentially resume nuclear weapons testing not only undermines international nonproliferation efforts but exacerbates what can be perceived as a nuclear arms race by world powers. This is an extremely dangerous precedent that can relegate world powers back to a Cold War footing. We strongly urge you to reverse course and continue America’s leadership in demonstrating to the world that we can maintain deterrence without inflicting the health, environmental, and fiscal costs of nuclear weapons testing,” concluded the senators.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Heinrich, and Rosen, the letter was also signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

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

Dear President Trump:

We write to you today to express grave reservation about any action to resume nuclear weapons testing. While Secretary Wright recently sought to provide context to the directive you announced last week, we request that you personally provide clarification. The decision to resume nuclear weapons testing would be geopolitically dangerous, fiscally irresponsible, and simply unnecessary to ensure the ability of the United States to defend itself.

The U.S. tested nuclear weapons from 1945 to the early 1990’s. Many of those tests occurred in our states. While these data collecting tests improved weapon designs, they also resulted in serious and lasting health effects for our constituents, many other Americans, and our allies and partners in the Pacific, including air and groundwater contamination that remains today. You are surely aware of this, as you signed into law extensions to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act earlier this year to help right those wrongs. Additionally, the U.S. has spent billions of dollars over the last several decades to alleviate the costs of nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific, including containment, cleanup, compensation, and healthcare.

Since President George H.W. Bush signed the testing moratorium in 1992, the United States developed the Stockpile Stewardship Program and subcritical experiments to certify the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of our nuclear stockpile without the need for explosive nuclear testing. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has built a comprehensive set of tools for guaranteeing the readiness of our weapons. These capabilities include the most sophisticated scientific equipment in the world, including experimental facilities such as the Z Machine at Sandia National Laboratories and the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and corresponding modeling capabilities at leading supercomputers like the upcoming Mission and Vision systems at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Nevada National Security Sites’ Principle Underground Laboratory for Subcritical Experimentation (PULSE) – an underground laboratory where scientists conduct subcritical experiments – is undergoing major mining and construction to provide Enhanced Capabilities for Subcritical Experiments (ECSE) and will host two of the most capable weapons radiographic systems in the world, the ZEUS and Scorpius test beds. Together with other efforts, these will provide greater certainty about the performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile. Both are critical components in efforts to assess pit design as the NNSA begins to produce pits at scale at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Savannah River Site.

For decades, the directors of the nuclear weapons laboratories in their annual stockpile reports – with concurrence from the commander of U.S. Strategic Command and the secretaries of Defense and Energy – including through the entirety of the first Trump administration, and again this year by the second Trump administration – have said that the U.S. nuclear stockpile is militarily effective and does not require a resumption of explosive testing, with over a thousand subcritical experiments and robust computer modeling providing the data to support those positions. There is simply no need to break something that is already working.

Your decision to potentially resume nuclear weapons testing not only undermines international nonproliferation efforts but also exacerbates what can be perceived as a nuclear arms race by world powers. The fact that Russia and China, two of the world's nuclear powers, have abstained from nuclear weapons testing in the 21st century, with only North Korea choosing to recklessly break restraint, underscores a shared recognition that the pursuit of security must never outweigh the risk of global stability. We know that at least one nuclear adversary, Russia, has committed to resume nuclear weapons testing should the U.S. resume as well. This is an extremely dangerous precedent that can relegate world powers back to a Cold War footing.

We strongly urge you to reverse course and continue America’s leadership in demonstrating to the world that we can maintain deterrence without inflicting the health, environmental, and fiscal costs of nuclear weapons testing.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-slam-trump-administration-for-rising-health-care-costs-affordability-crisis-for-american-families,"Hirono, Colleagues Slam Trump Administration for Rising Health Care Costs, Affordability Crisis for American Families",2025-11-05,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Lawmakers: “We urge the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans to join us to lower Americans’ health care costs and reopen the government.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and 24 colleagues in slamming the Trump administration for its failure to address rising health care costs for American families. In a new letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the lawmakers highlighted the worsening affordability crisis, especially for health care — the crux of the fight surrounding Donald Trump and Republicans’ ongoing government shutdown.

“Over 90 percent of American voters say it is important for Congress and the President to lower health care costs,” wrote the lawmakers. “We urge the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans to join us to lower Americans’ health care costs and reopen the government.”

The senators explained that Donald Trump has raised health care costs for Americans in the following ways:

An estimated 154 million Americans with employer-sponsored health insurance will face the biggest premium increase in over a decade because of Donald Trump’s policies;

Over 24 million Americans who get their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will see their premiums skyrocket next year, and families receiving enhanced premium tax credits will face the largest price hike in history if the tax credits expire;

15 million Americans will get kicked off of their health insurance because of Trump and Congressional Republicans’ budget law, and millions more with Medicaid will face new, higher out-of-pocket costs;

15 million Americans with $49 billion in medical debt are being denied federal relief, while 15 million more are at higher risk of accruing medical debt;

Millions of Americans will have to pay “hundreds of dollars more in out-of-pocket costs” for ACA coverage due to the Trump administration’s final Marketplace rule; and

Millions of Americans will pay more for prescription drugs due to Trump and Congressional Republicans’ nearly $9 billion handout to Big Pharma.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Warren, Wyden, and Schumer, the letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ.), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

The full text of the letter is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-trump-administration-has-enough-money-for-argentina-a-new-golden-toilet-in-the-white-house-but-nothing-to-feed-hungry-families,"Schatz: Trump Administration Has Enough Money For Argentina, A New Golden Toilet In The White House, But Nothing To Feed Hungry Families",2025-11-05,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Speaking at this afternoon’s Senate Democratic leadership press conference, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) called on President Trump to comply with court orders and fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that nearly 42 million Americans rely on, including more than 160,000 people in Hawai‘i.

“There's enough money for a golden toilet. There's enough money for $40 billion for right-wing government in Argentina. There is enough money for a new aircraft for the Secretary of Homeland Security, which is totally unnecessary. There is enough money in the United States of America. What they have decided to do is to withhold it from regular people,” said Senator Schatz.

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

Everything's more expensive – electricity, food, health care. And that is not a natural consequence of the economic cycle. Those are intentional policies by the Trump administration. And there is enough money. There's enough money for a golden toilet. There's enough money for $40 billion for right-wing government in Argentina. There is enough money for a new aircraft for the Secretary of Homeland Security, which is totally unnecessary. There is enough money in the United States of America. What they have decided to do is to withhold it from regular people. And as it relates to SNAP, in particular.

Don't mistake what's happening. Don't allow these gilded walls to confuse you. This is exactly what it looks like. The Trump administration is going out of its way to make sure people don't have enough to eat, and they really are using hunger as a political weapon. It does sound crazy to say, but this is a new low.

It is absolutely within the president's authority to make sure everybody gets fed. But what they are arguing is that even though they have the flexibility to provide $40 billion to a right-wing government in Argentina, even though they have the flexibility to purchase a new luxury aircraft, even though they have the flexibility to buy a golden toilet, the one thing they're going to be very uptight about – the one thing that there's not enough money for right now is to feed hungry children.

And that is the story of the Trump presidency. If you are wealthy or you know somebody who knows somebody in the Trump administration, you are doing great. There is lots of wealth sloshing around in the public sector and in the private sector. It's not a scarcity of money. It is a decision that they have made to withhold what people need in order to generate political leverage against their adversaries.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-resolution-demanding-trump-senate-republicans-fully-fund-nutrition-assistance-program-for-millions,"Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Demanding Trump, Senate Republicans Fully Fund Nutrition Assistance Program for Millions",2025-11-04,2025,2025-11,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) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and 44 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing a resolution calling on Senate Republicans to force President Trump to immediately use all congressionally approved funding to keep families from going hungry.

The senators introduced the resolution after the Trump Administration paused benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for nearly 42 million Americans over the weekend due to the ongoing Republican-led government shutdown.

Today, November 4th, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that USDA has sent SNAP guidance to states after they were ordered to provide funding by two federal judges, but claimed that this will be a “cumbersome process” that may delay SNAP benefits for weeks. Shortly after Secretary Rollins’ announcement, President Trump claimed that he would illegally withhold all SNAP benefits until the shutdown ends. However, a few hours later, the White House announced that the Trump Administration is complying with court orders requiring the Administration to use congressionally-appropriated contingency funds to continue providing SNAP benefits. This incoherent back-and-forth has left SNAP recipients in limbo, unsure whether they will receive the benefits they need to feed their families.

USDA has the authority to release $6 billion in congressionally-appropriated SNAP contingency funds, and the Trump Administration is required by law to release these funds. USDA also has interchange authority, allowing it to transfer federal funds from other nutrition programs to support SNAP. However, the Trump Administration decided to withhold this available funding, causing SNAP benefits to lapse on November 1st.

In addition to Senator Hirono, the resolution was cosponsored by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-call-out-trump-administrations-illegal-move-that-harms-students-with-disabilities,"Hirono, Colleagues Call Out Trump Administration’s Illegal Move That Harms Students with Disabilities",2025-11-03,2025,2025-11,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) joined Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and 28 colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration to halt illegal efforts to shut down the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) programs that support students with disabilities through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). A recent report from the Washington Post revealed that the Administration is working to undermine the IDEA, which provides educational opportunities for students with disabilities and protects students with disabilities from discrimination, including by moving IDEA programs away from ED.

“Your moves to illegally shut down the U.S. Department of Education’s efforts to administer and enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and potentially shift this work to another agency would reverse decades of progress in how we support students with disabilities and their families,” the senators wrote in a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “When Congress created the U.S. Department of Education, lawmakers intentionally placed enforcement of IDEA under this new Department rather than the Department of Health and Human Services. This was done because of our recognition as a society that students with disabilities should be treated as individuals seeking equal opportunity for learning and independence, rather than as patients and second-class citizens.”

“Your latest reported effort to illegally move IDEA responsibilities, oversight, and programming to another federal agency would further erode the protections that countless mothers, fathers, educators, advocates, and students with disabilities have fought for years to build,” continued the lawmakers.

In the letter, the senators questioned the legality of the move and emphasized the risk of harm it poses to students. They urged the Administration to instead focus on rebuilding the infrastructure that schools and districts rely on to ensure that students with disabilities receive the education they are entitled to under federal law.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Hassan, the letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

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

Dear Secretary McMahon:

We write to express our serious concern with your efforts to undermine special education in the United States. Your moves to illegally shut down the U.S. Department of Education’s efforts to administer and enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and potentially shift this work to another agency would reverse decades of progress in how we support students with disabilities and their families. We urge you to immediately cease these misguided efforts.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a landmark civil rights law that guarantees educational opportunities and protections for individuals with disabilities and helps to ensure that they have equal access to a free appropriate public education. As your own agency’s website rightly points out, before the passage of this legislation, millions of children with disabilities were denied a public education and opportunities to learn. When Congress created the U.S. Department of Education, lawmakers intentionally placed enforcement of IDEA under this new Department rather than the Department of Health and Human Services. This was done because of our recognition as a society that students with disabilities should be treated as individuals seeking equal opportunity for learning and independence, rather than as patients and second-class citizens.

Unfortunately, your planned actions would dismantle the support and accountability that states, schools, teachers, and families count on to meet the needs of students with disabilities. The Department of Education has unmatched expertise in protecting the rights of students with disabilities, aiding school districts in improving instructional practice for students of all abilities, and upholding federal accountability measures. Instead of valuing and building upon this expertise, you have gutted the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Your latest reported effort to illegally move IDEA responsibilities, oversight, and programming to another federal agency would further erode the protections that countless mothers, fathers, educators, advocates, and students with disabilities have fought for years to build.

We request that you provide detailed answers to the following questions by no later than November 14, 2025.

What authority do you believe that you have to move IDEA programs or responsibilities to another agency, contrary to explicit statute and Congressional intent?

To date, what steps have you or a member of your staff taken to move IDEA to another federal agency? Please provide all relevant documents.

What analysis have you completed that supports your claim that moving IDEA to another federal agency would improve outcomes for students with disabilities?

How have reductions in force in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights impacted the Department of Education’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities under IDEA?

Once again, we urge you to immediately halt your efforts to illegally move IDEA responsibilities from the Department of Education to another federal agency, and we request that you redirect your efforts to rebuilding the Department of Education’s infrastructure that schools and districts rely on to help ensure that students with disabilities receive the support and services they are entitled to under federal law.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-press-for-transparency-on-secretive-ice-air-operations-raise-human-rights-concerns-over-reports-of-improper-treatment-of-detainees,"Hirono, Colleagues Press for Transparency on Secretive ICE Air Operations, Raise Human Rights Concerns Over Reports of Improper Treatment of Detainees",2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,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) joined Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and 8 colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration for answers regarding its use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Air Operations (IAO) as part of its mass deportation agenda. In their letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, the senators raised concerns with the “near-total secrecy” under which IAO operates in light of a series of troubling immigration enforcement actions that this Administration has taken – pointing to examples and credible reports of violations of detainees’ rights and inhumane treatment while in ICE custody. They pressed Secretary Noem and acting Director Lyons for responses to a series of questions in the interest of providing much-needed transparency for Congress and the American public on these issues, including around the costs of operations, treatment of deportees, fleet and operations, carriers and contracting, flight data and destinations, and voluntary returns.

“We write to express our concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Air Operations’ (IAO) severe lack of transparency. IAO has been at the center of troubling actions ICE has taken under this administration but provides no public data on its operations,” the senators began.

“IAO has been centrally involved in facilitating several concerning immigration enforcement actions under the second Trump Administration,” the senators wrote, pointing to the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the relocation of university student Rumeysa Ozturk before a judge could rule on her case, and the attempted deportation of unaccompanied minors to Guatemala without due process. “These cases paint a troubling picture of IAO attempting to shortcut due process rights and avoid or defy judicial authority.

“IAO operates in near-total secrecy. ICE does not provide any publicly accessible data on its flights, destinations, costs to taxpayers, or passengers,” they continued. “The ICE Flight Monitor August 2025 report finds that flight volume is also trending upward, as the number of IAO flights has steadily increased throughout the year, with the months of May through August reaching higher figures than ever previously recorded.”

“Additionally, the conditions on board IAO flights have been described as ‘dehumanizing’ and even ‘dangerous,’” the lawmakers added. “A recent lawsuit alleges that ICE put several detainees on a military cargo plane wearing straitjackets for 16 hours and did not tell them where they were going. […] Detainees have reportedly made hundreds of allegations of verbal, physical, and even sexual abuse by IAO personnel since 2010. In addition, numerous public accounts report medical emergencies and systemic limitations on access to critical care on board deportation flights. These reported conditions raise serious human rights concerns.”

“Given the complete opacity of IAO, the troubling actions the division has taken under this Administration, and the impending escalation of activities as ICE implements its newly-inflated budget and requests ever-more resources from Congress, ICE must provide greater transparency,” they concluded, going on to list a series of questions for response by Secretary Noem and acting Director Lyons regarding the costs of operations, treatment of deportees, fleet and operations, carriers and contracting, flight data and destinations, and voluntary returns.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Van Hollen, and Warren, the letter was also signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

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

Dear Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons,

We write to express our concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Air Operations’ (IAO) severe lack of transparency. IAO has been at the center of troubling actions ICE has taken under this administration but provides no public data on its operations. The only public data shared on its website is that “IAO stages a total of 12 aircraft at its operational locations in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida” which has not been updated since August 8, 2023.

According to ICE’s website, IAO is the agency’s primary air transportation division, responsible for conducting the removal of noncitizens with final orders of removal to their countries of origin, as well as the transfer of detained noncitizens domestically to ICE-managed detention facilities. IAO also conducts “Special High Risk Charter flights” to deport noncitizens subject to final orders of removal to third countries. Notably, ICE does not own any planes—it uses contracted or chartered planes or purchases seats on commercial flights.

IAO has been centrally involved in facilitating several concerning immigration enforcement actions under the second Trump Administration. It transported Kilmar Abrego Garcia from Maryland to Louisiana to Texas, before illegally deporting him to El Salvador’s infamous CECOT prison over a period of just three days. The same day Kilmar was unlawfully deported, IAO took hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador without due process despite a judge’s order that the planes not take off, or if they had taken off, to return to the United States. IAO also swiftly flew students being targeted by ICE for exercising their free speech rights, such as Rumeysa Ozturk, out of their local court’s jurisdiction in what has appeared to be an attempt to remove them before their local judge can issue an order in their case. Additionally, ICE attempted to deport at least 76 unaccompanied minors to Guatemala in the middle of the night, requiring a judge to issue a temporary restraining order at approximately four a.m. preventing their deportation without due process. By the time the temporary restraining order was put in place, several of the children had already boarded planes. These cases paint a troubling picture of IAO attempting to shortcut due process rights and avoid or defy judicial authority.

IAO operates in near-total secrecy. ICE does not provide any publicly accessible data on its flights, destinations, costs to taxpayers, or passengers. Human Rights First’s ICE Flight Monitor project, which uses publicly available aviation data to monitor IAO’s flights, estimates that between January 20, 2025, and the end of August 2025, IAO has flown at least 7,454 total immigration enforcement flights to at least 66 different countries—a 34 percent increase over the same time period last year and the highest since tracking began in 2020. Public reporting notes that at least 180,000 people have been deported since January 20, 2025. The ICE Flight Monitor August 2025 report finds that flight volume is also trending upward, as the number of IAO flights has steadily increased throughout the year, with the months of May through August reaching higher figures than ever previously recorded.

In August 2025 alone, the ICE Flight Monitor tracked the highest monthly total of at least 1,393 U.S. immigration enforcement flights—averaging 45 flights a day. This tracks with reporting that earlier this year ICE modified its contract with CSI Aviation, its primary air charter company, to increase the number of flights and has been expanding its network of airline partners—including budget retail airline, Avelo, which appears to be the first retail airline to sign a long-term contract flying for ICE.

The Trump Administration has also been using U.S. military planes to carry out deportation flights, for which there is even less transparency, including logistical and financial coordination between ICE and the Department of Defense (DOD). Military flights can fly where no other planes can and provide less public information to protect operational security. The ICE Flight Monitor reports that the Trump Administration has used military planes to carry out at least 85 deportation flights since January 2025. They have primarily used C-17 and C-130 Air Force cargo planes, which are significantly more expensive than standard IAO charter flights, with the C-17 flights reportedly costing $28,500 an hour.

Additionally, the conditions on board IAO flights have been described as “dehumanizing” and even “dangerous.” According to the “ICE Air Operations Handbook,” dated February 2024, which was released as part of a Freedom of Information Act request, IAO requires that every detainee “be fully restrained by the use of… handcuffs, waist chains, and leg irons” during their flight. Under “special circumstances,” IAO may restrain detainees with “spit masks, mittens, leg braces, cargo straps, the WRAP,” or other such restraint. The “WRAP” is a full-body restraint device used to completely immobilize a person, and its use by local law enforcement has reportedly contributed to at least a dozen deaths in the last decade. Multi-country flights have reportedly left some individuals shackled for as long as 50 hours.

A recent lawsuit alleges that ICE put several detainees on a military cargo plane wearing straitjackets for 16 hours and did not tell them where they were going. Once the detainees landed outside of the U.S. they reported that U.S. officials told local officials of the third-party country to send the detainees to their countries of origin, circumventing court orders against deportation to those countries. Additionally, recent filings in another lawsuit allege that ICE officials beat detainees in an effort to forcibly remove them from one of the planes that landed in El Salvador back in March. Detainees have reportedly made hundreds of allegations of verbal, physical, and even sexual abuse by IAO personnel since 2010. In addition, numerous public accounts report medical emergencies and systemic limitations on access to critical care on board deportation flights. These reported conditions raise serious human rights concerns.

The Trump Administration reportedly intends to significantly increase the volume of deportations with the $75 billion provided for ICE in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act over the next four years. DHS has also requested nearly $11 billion for ICE in discretionary appropriations for fiscal year 2026.

Given the complete opacity of IAO, the troubling actions the division has taken under this Administration, and the impending escalation of activities as ICE implements its newly-inflated budget and requests ever-more resources from Congress, ICE must provide greater transparency. We request the following documents and information by November 12, 2025:

Costs of Operations

How much taxpayer money has been spent on IAO flights since January 20, 2025? Please provide the total cost.

What has been the total cost of each of these three categories: domestic flights, removal flights, and military flights since January 20, 2025?

Does DHS reimburse DOD for all costs when military flights are used?

What has been the total cost incurred by DHS and DOD, respectively, since January 20, 2025?

Treatment of Deportees

Are all of the processes, procedures, and rules in the IAO Handbook applicable and followed for deportations on military planes, including, but not limited to, medical support, meals, restraints, and hygiene accommodations?

If not, what are the variances?

What procedures does ICE have in place to document, track, and publicly report any serious medical events or fatalities involving noncitizens that may occur during in-transit domestic or removal flights?

When there are violations of the guidelines in the IAO Handbook, how are they reported and adjudicated?

The ICE Air Operations Handbook does not include any guidelines on procedures to prevent, detect, and respond to incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault during air transport. What written policies or procedures govern the prevention, monitoring, and response to allegations of sexual harassment and assault during IAO operations?

What reporting mechanisms exist for noncitizens to report allegations of sexual harassment and assault?

What measures are taken to ensure that detainees are screened prior to flight to identify those at risk of being victims or perpetrators of sexual abuse?

Based on flight tracking done by Human Rights First’s ICE Flight Monitor and Tom Cartwright, it appears that there are more multi-stop routes now than in years prior. Is that a strategy change?

If so, what is the rationale for this change?

Are any extra accommodations made with respect to meals and restraints on the longer flights, which have been as long as 50-hour journeys? For example, is there a meal at least every 8 hours and are restraints removed at some times?

DHS’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties stated in its FY2023 annual report that “ICE does not have sufficient policies or operational guidance governing its use of the WRAP, contributing to concerns in the way it was used” and issued a recommendation that ICE develop “a policy governing use of the WRAP, documentation, and new expanded and specific training.”

Has ICE fulfilled this recommendation?

Please provide the policy governing the use of the WRAP, the training requirements, and the training documents for DHS employees and contractors who may use it.

Which ICE employees and contractors are trained to use the WRAP? Are all ICE employees and contractors who have used or can use the WRAP trained to do so?

Is ICE tracking the WRAP’s use as required by federal law when officers use force?

Please provide records documenting ICE’s use of the WRAP.

Fleet and Operations

How many planes does IAO currently have in its chartered fleet, and how many more are available to IAO in its reserve fleet?

Do you plan to increase the size of the IAO charter and reserve fleets, and if so, by how much?

Which domestic airports are being used by ICE for these flights? Please provide a list of the airports and the number of domestic and removal flights, respectively, to and from each.

How is it determined if a deportation mission will use traditional IAO planes or military planes?

Which agency makes that decision?

Are Military Police, or any other DoD service members, providing security or other services on ICE Air commercial charter flights?

Do you anticipate a higher or lower percentage of future deportations will be carried out on military planes with anticipated volume changes and funding availability?

How do you make the determination to use commercial flights?

What percentage of people deported by air are via commercial flights?

What percent of these returns include escorts and what percent are not escorted returns?

Are people in restraints on escorted flights?

Carriers and Contracting

Please provide any requests for proposal and resulting executed contracts with any brokers or carriers, including CSI Aviation.

Are you actively in contract discussions with CSI or other carriers, even if exploratory, about augmenting contract carriers and planes for daily and high-risk flights?

Flight Data and Destinations

Please provide a list of destination countries, number of deportees, nationalities of deportees, and whether the flight was on a military plane or other IAO-chartered plane by domestic or removal flight since January 20, 2025.

For removal flights, please also list whether the flight was removing the deportees to their countries of origin or to a third country.

If the flight was to a third country, please list the percentage of the deportees who were considered security risks or other rationale for their being removed to a third country.

If the flight was to a third country, please clarify if that country was directed or authorized to deport the individuals to their countries of origin.

Voluntary Returns

If an individual in ICE custody agrees to voluntary removal, must the individual then await scheduling for a return flight arranged by ICE?

Are individuals in ICE custody, who have previously agreed to voluntary departure, permitted to arrange and pay for their own travel out of the U.S.?

ICE reportedly has a $950 million contract with Salus Worldwide to effectuate voluntary returns.

What services will they provide?

Please detail the bidding process for this contract, including any deviations from prior bidding processes for flight contracts.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-joins-coons-schumer-murray-reed-introduce-the-armed-forces-pay-act-and-call-for-unanimous-passage-to-ensure-pay-for-military-personnel-intel-community-continues-during-shutdown,"Schatz Joins Coons, Schumer, Murray, Reed introduce The Armed Forces Pay Act and call for unanimous passage to ensure pay for military personnel, intel community continues during shutdown",2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,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 and Chris Coons (D-Del.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and 18 of their Democratic colleagues today introduced the Armed Forces Pay Act, legislation to ensure that military personnel continue to receive pay during the ongoing government shutdown. Shortly afterward, Senator Coons went to the floor of the Senate to call for unanimous consent to pass his legislation, where it was blocked by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Paychecks for servicemembers are scheduled to go out tomorrow.

On October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government shut down due to a lapse in appropriations—meaning 1.3 million active-duty personnel and over 750,000 National Guard and Reserve personnel are still required to serve without pay. The Trump administration directed the Pentagon to move approximately $4.5 billion from military research and development accounts to cover payroll costs for military personnel, but the legality and sustainability of that measure is unclear. The administration has announced plans to resort to similar tactics for the next pay period.

The Armed Forces Pay Act would provide mandatory funding for fiscal year 2026 during a lapse in appropriations, guaranteeing pay for all active-duty and reserve service members, as well as all civilian employees of the Department of Defense, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the majority of the Intelligence Community.

The effort would apply retroactively to September 30, 2025, ensuring no interruption in pay for those affected.

“Taking care of the men and women of our armed forces and ensuring they receive their paychecks is our most basic obligation, and I won’t stand by while this Republican shutdown endangers pay for servicemembers and civilians and debilitates troop morale,” said Senator Coons. “The Armed Forces Pay Act will ensure that active duty and reserve troops and their civilian support continue to receive the pay they’re owed without giving President Trump and Secretary Hegseth undeserved latitude to decide who should and shouldn’t get paid during a shutdown. We need to pass this bill, pay our troops, and negotiate a deal to re-open the government so that no one else gets hurt by Republicans’ willingness to keep the government closed.”

“Republicans—for weeks—have refused to negotiate to end the shutdown, endangering pay for our brave servicemembers on top of barreling us toward a full-scale healthcare crisis,” said Leader Schumer. “Now our troops will have to worry if they can pay the bills, make rent, or afford groceries. There is no reason we cannot pay our servicemembers—but Republicans continue to withhold these paychecks. Republicans need to stop playing politics, get serious about this shutdown, and give our troops what they deserve. It’s our most basic of duties.”

“Our troops should never have to wonder if and when they’re getting paid, but that’s exactly what’s happened after President Trump and Republicans shut down the government,” said Senator Murray. “There is absolutely no reason we cannot make sure the men and women who bravely serve our nation in our Armed Forces and defense civilian workers—like our shipyard workers at Puget Sound—get the paychecks they are counting on. If Republicans still refuse to work with Democrats to reopen the government and prevent health care costs from skyrocketing, they should at the very least be able to work with us to make sure our troops get paid. It is outrageous that Republicans blocked this straightforward bill to pay our troops and that they would rather keep the government shut down than simply sit down with Democrats at the negotiating table.”

“U.S. troops deserve to be paid lawfully, on time, and without interruption, but President Trump is recklessly throwing uncertainty into the mix. Our forces should be able to focus on their mission without added financial stress. The Trump administration and some Republicans need to stop treating our servicemembers and their families like political pawns and work with Democrats to reopen the government. In the meantime, this bill would help protect our troops’ paychecks and Congress must act on a bipartisan basis to ensure it passes,” said Senator Reed.

The legislation improves upon alternative military pay bills introduced this year and in previous years by closing a loophole that inadvertently excluded certain members of the reserve component, and by removing broad discretionary language that allowed agency heads to decide which employees to pay—ensuring automatic pay coverage for those eligible.

In addition to Senator Coons, Schumer, and Murray, this legislation is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).

You can read the full text of the bill here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-pause-student-loans-for-federal-workers-contractors-and-military,"Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Pause Student Loans for Federal Workers, Contractors, and Military",2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,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) joined Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and 11 colleagues in introducing The Shutdown Student Loans for Feds Act, legislation that would require the Department of Education to pause student loan payments for federal workers – including federal contractors and military personnel – in the event of a federal government shutdown lasting longer than two weeks. If passed, this legislation would take immediate effect for the current Republican shutdown, which has lasted 29 days.

The Shutdown Student Loans for Feds Act would require the Department of Education to pause student loan payments for federal workers in the event of a federal government shutdown lasting longer than two weeks – including the current lapse in appropriations. During this time, these loans would not accrue interest, and borrowers would continue to be in good standing for forgiveness programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP), or Retention through Educational Advancement Program (REAP).

This legislation will also ensure that the pause for federal workers has no impact on credit reporting. The legislation also authorizes the Secretary to issue a refund for a covered individual for any loan payment already made (if they already paid this month), if requested (to give borrowers flexibility as some may want to voluntarily pay during a period where interest is frozen). This pause would apply to all federal employees (furloughed and excepted), members of the military, and federal contractors.

The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), and the National Education Association (NEA) have endorsed The Shutdown Student Loans for Feds Act.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Warner, and Kaine, this bill is also cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-MD).

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-slam-trump-administration-for-increasing-costs-of-air-travel,"Hirono, Colleagues Slam Trump Administration for Increasing Costs of Air Travel",2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,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) joined Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and 13 colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to reverse its decision to roll back consumer protections for airline passengers in Hawaii and nationwide that built on the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and kept costs low.

Specifically, Donald Trump’s DOT is rolling back protections implemented under the Biden administration that required airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays and cancellations, and provide consumers transparent information upfront about the costs of extra plane ticket fees. DOT’s actions to roll back these protections will result in American consumers facing higher travel costs, especially as we head into a busy holiday travel season.

“Last year, Congress acted to protect the flying public from airline-caused disruptions and surprise costs. The law guaranteed the right to a hassle-free refund for passengers when flights are cancelled or significantly delayed regardless of cause. The law also required airlines to have policies in place to compensate passengers for significant flight disruptions within an airline’s control, and be transparent about fees — such as baggage fees or change fees — that they charge consumers. The regulations recently targeted by the Department build upon the consumer protection framework established under the law,” the senators wrote to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

“This is a common-sense proposal: when an airline’s mistake imposes unanticipated costs on families, the airline should try to remedy the situation by providing accommodations to consumers and helping cover their costs. By cancelling this rulemaking, the Department is actively foregoing an easy solution to foster consumer confidence and address the problem of unaffordable travel for many families,” the senators continued.

“We urge DOT to reconsider its decision to roll back these important cost-saving protections for the flying public and to implement the bipartisan FAA law requirements as Congress intended. American families deserve transparency in airline pricing and fair compensation for travel disruptions. These cost-saving consumer protections should be strengthened, not weakened,” the senators concluded.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Markey, Cantwell, Blumenthal, and Gillibrand, the letter was also signed by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

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

Dear Secretary Duffy,

We strongly oppose the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) recent decision to roll back and weaken consumer protection regulations that would protect airline passengers and make flying more affordable for American families. The regulations targeted by the Department would have required airlines to compensate passengers for significant flight disruptions within an airline’s control and be transparent about fees — such as baggage fees or change fees — that they charge consumers. The bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 took firm action to protect flying families from hassles and high costs associated with flight disruptions and additional fees. By rolling back these rules, DOT appears to be defying the consumer protection and affordability goals of this bipartisan legislation. At a time when air travel is stressful and expensive for many families, these actions will drive travel costs even higher. We urge DOT to reconsider its recent actions that are both out of step with congressional intent and compromise cost-savings for the flying public.

Last year, Congress acted to protect the flying public from airline-caused disruptions and surprise costs. The law guaranteed the right to a hassle-free refund for passengers when flights are cancelled or significantly delayed regardless of cause. The law also required airlines to have policies in place to compensate passengers for significant flight disruptions within an airline’s control, and be transparent about fees — such as baggage fees or change fees — that they charge consumers. The regulations recently targeted by the Department build upon the consumer protection framework established under the law.

Last year, the Biden Administration advanced two rulemakings to help protect passengers from hidden fees and provide common-sense compensation in the event of significant travel disruptions. First, DOT proposed a rule that would require airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays or cancellations that are the airline’s fault. This rulemaking — although in its early stages — would have required airlines to compensate passengers between $200 to $300 for domestic delays of at least three hours and up to $775 for longer delays. This compensation is critical. Even when an airline rebooks or refunds a passenger, significant flight delays or disruptions may impose unnecessary additional costs on passengers, such as lost income from a missed work shift or expenses associated with disrupted travel for important life events such as weddings, team competitions, visiting sick family members, or family vacations. Notably, this rule would only have applied to flight disruptions within the airline’s control, not disruptions resulting from weather or other unpredictable events.

This is a common-sense proposal: when an airline’s mistake imposes unanticipated costs on families, the airline should try to remedy the situation by providing accommodations to consumers and helping cover their costs. By cancelling this rulemaking, the Department is actively foregoing an easy solution to foster consumer confidence and address the problem of unaffordable travel for many families.

The Biden Administration moved to require airlines to disclose ancillary fees upfront to give consumers more transparency about the actual cost of flights. This protection is crucial considering these fees often hit traveling families the hardest, particularly large families that fly with more checked baggage, have more difficulty changing flight reservations, or need other accommodations. The rulemaking would not have imposed any limitations on the size of fees but simply prevented airlines from burying fees in the fine print or at the end of the purchase process. The right for consumers to know the price of a ticket before they fly is protected in law4 – making sure transparent pricing regulations also reflect extra fees like baggage and change fees just makes sense.

We urge DOT to reconsider its decision to roll back these important cost-saving protections for the flying public and to implement the bipartisan FAA law requirements as Congress intended. American families deserve transparency in airline pricing and fair compensation for travel disruptions. These cost-saving consumer protections should be strengthened, not weakened.

Thank you for your full consideration of this important issue. We look forward to working with the Department on behalf of airline passengers across the country.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-joins-democratic-caucus-in-introducing-bill-to-fund-vital-nutrition-assistance-programs-while-trump-administration-illegally-withholds-funding,Hirono Joins Democratic Caucus in Introducing Bill to Fund Vital Nutrition Assistance Programs While Trump Administration Illegally Withholds Funding,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,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) joined Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and the rest of the Senate Democratic Caucus in introducing the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act, legislation to provide funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) while the Trump Administration illegally withholds available funds.

“The Trump Administration has the authority and means to enable American families to continue receiving their SNAP benefits, yet they are choosing to withhold funding from this critical program, forcing millions into hunger,” said Senator Hirono. “Trump and Republicans already attacked the SNAP program with their Big Ugly Bill, and now they are doubling down—jeopardizing food assistance for millions of people in order to advance their political agenda. This legislation will help to ensure that families across the country can continue to feed their children, despite the Trump Administration’s cruelty and lawlessness.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has the authority to release SNAP contingency funds, and the Trump Administration is required by law to release these funds. However, despite having billions of dollars available to fund SNAP, the Trump Administration decided to withhold funding for SNAP benefits in November.

The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 would ensure SNAP and WIC benefits are uninterrupted for the remainder of this fiscal year. The legislation also requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP and WIC benefits during a shutdown.

SNAP is the nation’s largest food assistance program, serving 42 million Americans. In July of this year, Republicans voted to strip $186 billion from SNAP in the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill”, marking the largest cut to the program in history.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Lujan, the legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-senate-judiciary-democrats-demand-answers-from-doj-on-trumps-military-actions-in-the-caribbean-sea-and-pacific-ocean,"Hirono, Senate Judiciary Democrats Demand Answers from DOJ on Trump’s Military Actions in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean",2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,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 Judiciary Committee, joined Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), and the rest of the Senate Judiciary Democrats in demanding answers from the Department of Justice (DOJ) about the legality of military actions ordered by President Trump that have already killed 57 individuals in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. In their letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Senators highlight how the President’s recent strikes may violate an Executive Order, various federal statutes, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Senators also slammed the Trump Administration for undermining bipartisan efforts to curb drug trafficking, which has had devastating impacts on American families and communities.

“Summarily killing criminal suspects is prohibited under domestic and international law in both peacetime and wartime. These recent strikes raise numerous questions about whether the Department provided adequate legal guidance to those involved in ordering, planning, and carrying out the killings,” wrote the senators. “In accordance with the Committee’s constitutional oversight responsibilities, we ask that Committee members and staff be briefed on and afforded the opportunity to review any legal analysis produced by your Department.”

The lawmakers slammed Trump’s DOJ for taking counterproductive steps to stem the drug epidemic, writing: “For example, you have diverted thousands of Drug Enforcement Administration and other federal law-enforcement agents from their critical missions to carry out the President’s immigration agenda. You inexplicably shut down the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force, which has dismantled thousands of criminal organizations. You have unilaterally terminated hundreds of grants that provide critical funding to state and local law enforcement. The Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget would slash the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program by more than a third, from about $298 million to $196 million. Not surprisingly, on your watch federal drug prosecutions have dropped to the lowest level in decades.”

The senators concluded: “Given the gravity of the President’s claimed authority to lethally target alleged criminals he claims to be at war with, we request that you schedule a briefing prior to November 3, 2025, for members and staff of the Senate Judiciary Committee on the Department’s legal analysis of these strikes, which can be done in an appropriately classified setting.”

The Senators requested answers to the following questions by November 7, 2025:

What role did you, the Office of Legal Counsel, or any other component of the Department of Justice play in reviewing the legality of these killings either prior to or following the killings?

To which executive branch departments and/or agencies did you or anyone else in the Department provide formal or informal legal opinions, including any memos prepared by OLC on the legality of these strikes?

Were you or anyone else at the Department of Justice asked or directed to provide a legal justification for the killings by the President, Secretary of Defense, or anyone else?

Did the Department conduct an analysis of the risk of putting U.S. personnel in legal jeopardy, including under 18 U.S.C. § 1111, 10 U.S.C. § 918, and Executive Order 12333, prior to the action?

What steps has the Department taken or what analysis has the Department conducted, either prior to or since these killings, to assess whether any U.S. laws or provisions of international law applicable to the United States have been violated, including whether any violations of U.S. criminal law have occurred?

Do you know whether the Executive Branch took steps to verify whether or not the persons killed in the strike were United States citizens, and, if so, what additional legal protections were applicable?

In addition to Senators Hirono, Durbin, and Welch, the letter was also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

The full text of the letter is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-passing-of-maui-county-councilmember-tasha-kama,Schatz Statement On Passing Of Maui County Councilmember Tasha Kama,2025-10-27,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on the passing of Maui County Councilmember Natalie “Tasha” Kama.

“Councilmember Tasha Kama was a dedicated public servant who spent years working to make life better for the people of Maui. She was kind and generous, but not afraid to take on some of the county’s most pressing challenges, including housing and Native Hawaiian health care. Maui, and especially central Maui, are better off today because of her tireless advocacy and hard work. I send my deepest sympathy and aloha to the Kama ‘ohana.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-pay-all-federal-employees-servicemembers-and-contractors-during-shutdown,"Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Pay All Federal Employees, Servicemembers, and Contractors During Shutdown",2025-10-24,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~ Legislation would also prevent Administration’s mass firings while the government is shut down ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and 19 colleagues in introducing legislation to pay all federal employees–both those excepted and furloughed–as well as our servicemembers and federal contractors during the current Republican-led shutdown. The Senators’ legislation, the True Shutdown Fairness Act, would also prevent the Administration’s attempts at mass firings (Reductions in Force or RIFs) while the government is shut down.

“Every day, federal workers help to keep the government functioning—protecting our communities and keeping our country safe and healthy,” said Senator Hirono. “Our federal employees should not be unjustly punished during a government shutdown that they had no part in. While Trump wants to pick and choose who gets paid during Republicans’ government shutdown, I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to ensure that ALL federal workers, contractors, and servicemembers are treated fairly and receive the pay they rightfully deserve.”

The True Shutdown Fairness Act would immediately restart pay for all excepted and furloughed federal workers, servicemembers, and federal contractors during the current shutdown. The Senators’ legislation also includes a prohibition on Reductions In Force (RIFs) while the federal government is shut down. Federal employees are ensured retroactive pay after a shutdown ends due to the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act.

The legislation is endorsed by American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Partnership for Public Service, and The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

In addition to Senators Hirono and Van Hollen, the True Shutdown Fairness Act is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-press-trump-administration-to-reinstate-furloughed-federal-workers-at-agencies-unaffected-by-republican-shutdown-resume-their-pay,"Hirono, Colleagues Press Trump Administration to Reinstate Furloughed Federal Workers at Agencies Unaffected by Republican Shutdown, Resume Their Pay",2025-10-24,2025,2025-10,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) joined Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and James Walkinshaw (D-VA), and over 60 colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to immediately reinstate and resume paying any furloughed federal employees whose positions are funded entirely by collected user fees.

In their letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers pointed out that fee-funded positions at federal agencies are unaffected by the lapse in appropriations caused by this Republican-driven shutdown, and that they should continue to deliver services to the American people uninterrupted as they have during past shutdowns. The members stressed that OMB’s directive to temporarily lay off and withhold pay from federal workers whose agencies continue to bring in revenue is unjustified and unnecessarily punitive – and must be reversed.

“We are deeply concerned by reports of federal employees whose jobs are fee-funded being furloughed or denied pay while working during the current government shutdown at the direction of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). These moves are unprecedented during a government shutdown and have no legal or financial justification. They are clearly designed simply to inflict pain on the federal workforce and to deprive the American people of the services these federal employees provide,” the lawmakers began.

For example, they took issue with furloughs and withholding of paychecks of employees at the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, noting that the Bureau is funded through fees collected for visa and passport processing. “There is no legal or financial reason to deny compensation to these employees as the money necessary to pay them is still being collected for services that are still being rendered,” the lawmakers wrote. “Passport Services did not suffer any disruption to its operations or payroll during either of the government shutdowns during President Trump’s first term. The only rationale here seems to be needlessly inflicting maximum pain on federal workers who are serving the American people.”

“There is no legal, financial, or historical reason to furlough or withhold pay from any federal employees whose wages do not rely on appropriated funds. These employees are non-partisan Americans who work hard to ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of their fellow Americans day in and day out. As such, we urge the immediate reinstatement of and resumption of pay for all federal employees who do not rely on appropriations for their work or wages,” they continued, going on to list a series of questions for response by Director Vought—including the number of federal employees who have been furloughed and denied pay, the anticipated impact on the public services that those employees provide, and the legal justification for this directive.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Van Hollen, and Alsobrooks, the letter was also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). In addition to Representatives Beyer and Walkinshaw, the letter was also signed by over 50 Representatives in the House.

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

Dear Director Vought:

We are deeply concerned by reports of federal employees whose jobs are fee-funded being furloughed or denied pay while working during the current government shutdown at the direction of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). These moves are unprecedented during a government shutdown and have no legal or financial justification. They are clearly designed simply to inflict pain on the federal workforce and to deprive the American people of the services these federal employees provide.

The General Services Administration (GSA) has reportedly furloughed employees working in functions that do not rely on congressional appropriations, like those funded through the Acquisition Service Fund or carryover funds. These employees have typically been exempt from furloughs and been paid during shutdowns. Rather than determining a furlough plan based on availability of funds and job functions, a GSA department was reportedly “given a number to hit” for total furloughs.

Likewise, we have learned that employees in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) have been furloughed, including employees in Passport Services, at OMB’s direction. However, these CA employees’ wages do not rely on appropriated funds. Instead, the salaries are paid with the fees that are collected to carry out services such as visa and passport adjudication. A lapse in appropriations should have no bearing on these employees’ work status, as they and their operations are fully fee-funded.

We have also been made aware that those CA employees who have been excepted are continuing to work without pay, despite the availability of funds and past precedent that has allowed fee-funded employees to continue to receive pay during a shutdown. There is no legal or financial reason to deny compensation to these employees as the money necessary to pay them is still being collected for services that are still being rendered.

The State Department’s own documentation supports these conclusions. On September 29th, 2025, the Department issued lapse guidance, which notes that “Consular operations domestically and abroad will remain operational as long as there are sufficient fees to support operations,” that, as a category 4 entity, CA is “generally expected to operate normally,” and that, for these excepted “entities, no new obligations should be made except for payroll, to protect life and property, and for reasons essential to national security” [emphasis added].

Moreover, OMB has allowed these entities to continue operations and to pay employees during previous shutdowns. Passport Services did not suffer any disruption to its operations or payroll during either of the government shutdowns during President Trump’s first term. The only rationale here seems to be needlessly inflicting maximum pain on federal workers who are serving the American people.

There is no legal, financial, or historical reason to furlough or withhold pay from any federal employees whose wages do not rely on appropriated funds. These employees are non-partisan Americans who work hard to ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of their fellow Americans day in and day out. As such, we urge the immediate reinstatement of and resumption of pay for all federal employees who do not rely on appropriations for their work or wages, and we also request urgent answers to the below questions within 7 days:

How many fee-funded GSA employees have been furloughed during this current lapse in appropriations? Please provide a breakdown by agency and office. What is the justification for furloughing GSA employees whose wages do not rely on congressional appropriations?

What is the anticipated impact on GSA operations as a result of these unnecessary furloughs?

How many employees have been furloughed or denied pay while working during this current lapse in appropriations from the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, including Passport Services? Please provide a breakdown by bureau and office. Given that the entire Consular Affairs Bureau is fee-funded, what is the justification for furloughing or denying pay to any of these employees?

What is the anticipated impact on consular operations, including visa and passport adjudication, as a result of these unnecessary furloughs?

Outside of GSA and the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, how many fee-funded employees have been furloughed or denied pay across the federal government while working during this current lapse in appropriations? Please provide a breakdown by agency and office. Given these offices are fee-funded, what is the justification for furloughing or denying pay to any of these employees?

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-call-out-trump-administrations-dismantling-of-education-offices-responsible-for-supporting-people-with-disabilities,"Hirono, Colleagues Call Out Trump Administration’s Dismantling of Education Offices Responsible for Supporting People with Disabilities",2025-10-23,2025,2025-10,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) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and 14 colleagues in calling out the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle U.S. special education with its decision to illegally fire the Department of Education workers who provide education services and resources for people with disabilities and their families.

In a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers stressed that firing nearly all of the employees of the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) – in addition to their earlier moves to cancel dozens of special education grants – will leave the Administration unable to meet its legal obligation to ensure access to a quality education for people with disabilities. The Senators press Secretary McMahon and Director Vought to provide answers to critical outstanding questions around these issues.

“We write today with outrage at your reported decision to fire nearly everyone at the Department of Education (the Department) dedicated to delivering services and resources to infants, toddlers, children, youth, and adults with disabilities. A federal judge has paused all of the illegal reductions-in-force issued during the government shutdown, noting that they appear to be ‘the epitome of hasty, arbitrary, and capricious decision-making.’ We call on you to immediately end your illegal effort to fire these workers and ensure the offices are restored so that the staff can effectively implement statutorily required responsibilities assigned to the Secretary of Education,” the senators began.

Emphasizing the Administration’s legal obligation to carry out education programs for Americans with disabilities, they wrote, “Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), every student in America is legally entitled to a free, appropriate public education and yet you have decimated, without justification, the federal offices that help make that happen for children with disabilities and their families. By effectively closing these offices, you have sent a clear message: the Trump Administration does not believe that children with disabilities deserve an equal education.”

The Senators added that the Administration’s latest attempted mass firings follow a pattern of undermining legally mandated special education programs, noting that the Administration has previously fired staff that oversee the implementation of IDEA and canceled investments in improving accessibility for students.

“Your actions to undermine the rights and protections guaranteed by IDEA and the Department’s ability to enforce them compounds that wrong. We must do more, not less, to support children with disabilities and their families,” the lawmakers continued.

“We have already heard from families across the country who are fearful of losing services given the Department’s actions. We demand you reverse the firing of the staff at these critical offices,” the senators wrote, going on to list a series of questions for response by Secretary McMahon and Director Vought – including the number of workers who have received RIF notices since the shutdown began, the impact of the expected loss of these workers’ collective experience, and how the Administration expects to fulfill its responsibility to administer critical special education programs.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Van Hollen, the letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

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

Dear Secretary McMahon and Director Vought,

We write today with outrage at your reported decision to fire nearly everyone at the Department of Education (the Department) dedicated to delivering services and resources to infants, toddlers, children, youth, and adults with disabilities. A federal judge has paused all of the illegal reductions-in-force issued during the government shutdown, noting that they appear to be “the epitome of hasty, arbitrary, and capricious decision-making.” We call on you to immediately end your illegal effort to fire these workers and ensure the offices are restored so that the staff can effectively implement statutorily required responsibilities assigned to the Secretary of Education.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), every student in America is legally entitled to a free, appropriate public education and yet you have decimated, without justification, the federal offices that help make that happen for children with disabilities and their families. By effectively closing these offices, you have sent a clear message: the Trump Administration does not believe that children with disabilities deserve an equal education.

Providing education and services for students with disabilities requires expertise, resources, time, and collaboration across the family, educator, service provider, school, district, state, and federal government. The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) provides over $15 billion in formula and discretionary grants to assist states and other eligible entities in meeting the costs of providing special education and related services for children with disabilities and to improve personnel preparation and professional development related to early intervention, educational, and transition services that improve outcomes for children with disabilities. Further, Congress has directed the Secretary to lead and direct activities to fund technical assistance, model demonstration, parent training and outreach, the dissemination of information to families and schools, and the evaluation and implementation of scientifically-based research activities designed to support children with disabilities, beginning and current special educators, general educators, specialized instructional support personnel and state and district leaders. OSEP also plays a critical role in ensuring states’ compliance with IDEA through conducting monitoring and oversight. This multi-faceted work is not just the right thing to do – it is required by law.

Firing the workers who are responsible for supporting children with disabilities and their families is just the latest action taken by an Administration that is bent not on returning such responsibilities to the states, where they already reside, but on taking it away from American families completely. Removing the expert staff responsible for implementation of IDEA’s oversight follows the gutting of half of the Department’s entire workforce that has taken place over the last six months. Despite IDEA requiring that the Secretary of Education provide certain monitoring, technical assistance, reporting and support, the Administration has pushed to illegally shift that responsibility to other federal agencies. Moreover, last month the Administration cancelled 34 grants administered by OSERS because supporting accessibility for students with disabilities purportedly conflicts with the Administration’s priorities. These changes follow the Administration’s budget proposal to roll up several IDEA funding programs set in law into one block grant and eliminate others, which would weaken accountability and effectively eliminate support for personnel preparation, parent information and training, and more. This proposal was rejected on a bipartisan basis by the Senate Committee on Appropriations and a partisan basis by the House Committee on Appropriations. Despite the damage that has already been done, there is still an opportunity to reverse course and prevent further harm.

November 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of IDEA’s predecessor law. It’s a bittersweet milestone as IDEA requires that states protect students with disabilities from discrimination while also pledging that the federal government will support them by providing 40 percent of the cost of publicly educating students with disabilities. Although the essential protections of IDEA are in force, the federal government has never fulfilled its promise of providing 40 percent of the necessary funding. Your actions to undermine the rights and protections guaranteed by IDEA and the Department’s ability to enforce them compounds that wrong. We must do more, not less, to support children with disabilities and their families.

We have already heard from families across the country who are fearful of losing services given the Department’s actions. We demand you reverse the firing of the staff at these critical offices. To better understand the decision-making process and the Department’s upcoming plans, we request answers to the following questions by October 30, 2025.

What was the total number of employees at the Department of Education charged with implementing IDEA on January 1, 2025?

How many employees at the Department of Education received RIF notices in October?

How many collective years of experience in supporting the education for children with disabilities would the Department lose if these RIFs proceed?

Explain the ongoing monitoring and enforcement responsibilities that have occurred in 2025, including the issuance of state determination letters in June 2025.

What communication have states received about the changes to expect as a result of these RIFs, including the states who received a determination of needs assistance, needs intervention, or needs substantial intervention in its determination this past summer?

What planning and analysis took place to ensure the Department of Education could comply with all statutory obligations under IDEA (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.), and any other applicable federal laws governing education for individuals with disabilities at the reduced staffing levels prior to October 10th, 2025?

Please provide all documents related to this planning, including any assessments of the number of employees needed to fulfill statutory obligations and how this could be accomplished at the reduced staffing levels established by the October 10th RIF.

Please explain each change in staffing, policy, and procedure planned from those applicable during the carrying out of the statutory obligations during fiscal year 2025

Please explain what communication has been provided to states since the October 10th RIF.

Please detail any further plans under consideration to consolidate, close, or move any offices responsible for administering and enforcing programs under IDEA, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and any other applicable federal law administered by OSERS and the specific legal authority for doing so.

President Trump has indicated that the Administration will continue to cut “Democrat programs” until the current government shutdown ends. What aspect of complying with the law and supporting students with disabilities is a partisan issue? What other educational programs are in consideration for being cut because the President considers them “Democrat programs”?

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-van-hollen-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-pay-all-federal-employees-servicemembers-and-contractors-during-shutdown,"Schatz, Van Hollen, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Pay All Federal Employees, Servicemembers, & Contractors During Shutdown",2025-10-23,2025,2025-10,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 Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined over 20 Senators in introducing legislation to pay all federal employees – both those excepted and furloughed – as well as our servicemembers and federal contractors during the current Republican-led shutdown. The Senators’ legislation, the True Shutdown Fairness Act, would also prevent the Administration’s attempts at mass firings (Reductions in Force or RIFs) while the government is shut down. Senator Van Hollen will be calling for a vote on the legislation today.

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.).

The Senators’ legislation is endorsed by American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Partnership for Public Service, and The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

“While House Republicans are on a paid, monthlong vacation in the middle of a shutdown, federal employees and contractors – who have bills to pay and families to take care of – are being forced to go weeks on end without a paycheck. Our bill ensures that federal workers and servicemembers are not punished because of the Republicans’ refusal to show up to work and negotiate an agreement that prevents health care costs from skyrocketing,” said Senator Schatz.

“No federal worker or servicemember should be punished for this shutdown that was brought on through no fault of their own. Republicans are hell-bent on letting Trump pick winners and losers here, but every federal worker, servicemember, and federal contractor deserves to get paid. Our legislation would ensure just that, and if Republicans are serious about supporting our federal employees, they will support it. We must keep pressing to reopen the government with a responsible agreement that holds the President accountable to the law, protects federal workers and our servicemembers, and prevents massive spikes in Americans’ health care costs,” said Senator Van Hollen.

Background on the True Shutdown Fairness Act:

The True Shutdown Fairness Act would immediately restart pay for all excepted and furloughed federal workers, servicemembers, and federal contractors during the current shutdown. The Senators’ legislation also includes a prohibition on Reductions In Force while the federal government is shut down. Federal employees are ensured retroactive pay after a shutdown ends due to the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act – legislation that Senators Van Hollen, Cardin, Kaine, and Warner worked to pass in 2019 and that was then signed into law by President Trump.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-schatz-they-have-money-for-argentina-white-house-ballroom-but-not-enough-money-for-you,"Schatz: They Have Money For Argentina, White House Ballroom, But Not Enough Money For You",2025-10-21,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Speaking at this afternoon’s Senate Democratic leadership press conference, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) called on Republicans to work with Democrats to stop health care costs from rising and reopen the government.

“This is not about money. There is enough money to bail out Argentina with $20 billion. There is enough money to purchase a brand new aircraft for $173 million for the Homeland Security Secretary. There is enough money to renovate the White House ballroom. What there's not enough money for under this Republican government is you,” said Senator Schatz. “There is only one way out of this shutdown, and it starts with the House of Representatives reporting for duty.”

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

This is not about money. There is enough money to bail out Argentina with $20 billion. There is enough money to purchase a brand new aircraft for $173 million for the Homeland Security Secretary. There is enough money to renovate the White House ballroom. What there's not enough money for under this Republican government is you.

There's not enough money for you. And it is astonishing to me that the party in charge of the government literally won't show up to work during the second longest shutdown in American history.

House Republicans have been gone for more than a month. More than a month. They've worked two weeks out of the last three months. Nice work, if you can get it. You were all here. We were here. Two weeks out of the last three months they've even been in the United States Capitol. And so there is only one way out of this shutdown, and it starts with the House of Representatives reporting for duty.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-major-utility-companies-against-imposing-penalties-service-shutoffs-on-federal-workers-amid-shutdown,"Hirono, Colleagues Urge Major Utility Companies Against Imposing Penalties, Service Shutoffs on Federal Workers Amid Shutdown",2025-10-14,2025,2025-10,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) joined eight of her Senate colleagues in sending letters to 22 major energy, water, and broadband utility companies urging them to avoid imposing service shutoffs and other penalties for late or missed payments on federal government employees who are not receiving pay during the government shutdown.

“We write to urge you to suspend all utility shutoffs imposed on federal workers who are involuntarily furloughed without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown. Without their paycheck, federal workers are at risk of having their electricity, water, and broadband services terminated due to temporary inability to pay. The families you serve must have uninterrupted access to these essential public utilities,” the Senators began.

While noting that many states have laws that protect residents facing economic challenges from utility disconnections, they called on the companies to extend these protections to federal employees nationwide—to prevent them from facing additional financial hardship or dangerous conditions in their homes amid a government shutdown caused through no fault of their own.

“Suspending utility shutoffs for federal workers during a government shutdown is in line with statutory protections across the country,” the lawmakers wrote, going on to stress the importance of extending utility disconnection protections nationwide. “However, not all states or localities have such protections and federal workers impacted by the government shutdown live in every corner of our country, including in your service areas. As of July 1, 2025, there are over 2.2 million federal civilian workers, with at least 10,000 in 41 out of 50 states and at least 1,000 in each Congressional district.

The senators, led by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), also point out that affected workers will receive back pay under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, thus allowing any suspended payments to ultimately be repaid.

“Our patriotic, merit-based civil servants work on behalf of the American people every day, delivering essential public services for our country. They should not have to bear the brunt of a political dispute they have nothing to do with. While we will continue to do everything in our power to swiftly reopen the government, we urge you to support our federal workers and their families during this challenging time,” the Senators concluded.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Van Hollen, the letters were also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).

The letters were sent to executives of energy companies Exelon Corporation, Duke Energy, Southern Company, FirstEnergy Corporation, American Electric Power Company, Xcel Energy, Entergy Corporation, Dominion Energy, PPL Corporation, Public Service Enterprise Group, Ameren Corporation, and Berkshire Hathaway Energy; water utility companies American Water Works Company, American States Water Company, and Essential Utilities; and broadband utility companies Comcast, Charter Communications, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Cox Communications, and Lumen Technologies.

The text of the letters can be found here and below.

We write to urge you to suspend all utility shutoffs imposed on federal workers who are involuntarily furloughed without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown. Without their paycheck, federal workers are at risk of having their electricity, water, and broadband services terminated due to temporary inability to pay. The families you serve must have uninterrupted access to these essential public utilities.

These dedicated public servants contribute to our communities daily by inspecting our food and water, discovering cures for diseases, maintaining our parks, processing retirement benefits, caring for our veterans, and so much more. These civil servants have nothing to do with the ongoing political and policy disputes that have brought us to the government shutdown, but they will feel the acute impact of the loss of their paycheck.

A prolonged shutdown could make federal workers temporarily unable to pay their utility bills. Research shows that financially strained households tend to forgo paying for other essential needs, such as food and health care, in order to avoid utility shutoffs. Moreover, if a federal worker faces a utility shutoff, they are more likely to be exposed to dangerous conditions in their home due to a lack of safe temperature, drinking water, or broadband connectivity.

Suspending utility shutoffs for federal workers during a government shutdown is in line with statutory protections across the country. Over two-thirds of the states have statutes on the books to protect vulnerable populations from utility shutoffs. In Maryland specifically, state law prohibits public utilities from shutting off service to involuntarily furloughed federal workers.

However, not all states or localities have such protections and federal workers impacted by the government shutdown live in every corner of our country, including in your service areas. As of July 1, 2025, there are over 2.2 million federal civilian workers, with at least 10,000 in 41 out of 50 states and at least 1,000 in each Congressional district.

Due to the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, affected federal employees will receive backpay after the shutdown concludes and at that time will be able to address any outstanding debts. Therefore, we urge you to forbear the collection of utility payments, late fees, interest accrual, or other fee collection for federal workers until their pay resumes.

When households are afforded utility disconnection protections, studies show that they are more likely to meet their basic expenses and less likely to rely on social networks and government agencies for assistance with their bills. By undertaking this small but meaningful action during a government shutdown, you can ensure that federal workers are not punished.

Our patriotic, merit-based civil servants work on behalf of the American people every day, delivering essential public services for our country. They should not have to bear the brunt of a political dispute they have nothing to do with. While we will continue to do everything in our power to swiftly reopen the government, we urge you to support our federal workers and their families during this challenging time.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-release-of-living-israeli-hostages,Schatz Statement On Release Of Living Israeli Hostages,2025-10-13,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released the following statement after the 20 surviving Israeli hostages were freed today as part of a ceasefire agreement.

“Today, after more than two years of unspeakable suffering, the 20 surviving Israeli hostages are finally home, reunited with their families and communities. While nothing will ever fully mend the trauma from the horrors they endured nor their loved ones’ anguish awaiting answers, today marks a significant step towards closure and healing, both for all those directly affected by this horrific ordeal and the entire nation of Israel. As we celebrate today, we also mourn the hostages who died in Hamas’ captivity and hope for their swift return. May their memory be a blessing.

“With hostages home and a ceasefire in Gaza, we sincerely hope that this first phase will lead to a lasting peace in the region - one that ensures safety and security for Israelis and Palestinians in the years to come.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-national-defense-authorization-act-containing-over-10-billion-in-hirono-led-provisions-to-strengthen-national-security,Senate Passes National Defense Authorization Act Containing Over $10 Billion in Hirono-Led Provisions to Strengthen National Security,2025-10-10,2025,2025-10,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 Armed Services Committee, voted to pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the U.S. Senate, securing several key provisions for Hawaii and the Indo-Pacific region. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, the Senator has made modernizing Department of Defense (DOD) infrastructure in Hawaii and across the country a top priority. The Senate-passed NDAA includes numerous provisions secured by Senator Hirono focused on infrastructure; delivering for communities in Hawaii; supporting servicemembers and their families; and prioritizing sustainability within the DOD. The bill will now be conferenced with the NDAA passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year.

“Investments in DOD infrastructure, military readiness, and support for our servicemembers are all crucial to bolstering our national security,” said Senator Hirono. “This year’s NDAA makes those critical investments, including funding to facilitate the permanent closure of Red Hill, as well as over $1.1 billion to support infrastructure projects in Hawaii. My provisions also prioritize the wellbeing of our servicemembers by securing raises for servicemembers and civilian employees, protecting workers from job cuts, and helping to reunite veterans with their family members. I’ll continue working to advance these key priorities, and strengthen our defenses in the Indo-Pacific, while holding this regime accountable for its decisions that may threaten our international partnerships or hinder our national security.”

The FY 2026 NDAA includes several of Senator Hirono’s key priorities that will:

Deliver for Hawaii:

Continues the Hawaii delegation’s work to safely and expeditiously close the Red Hill Fuel Facility by adding $35 million to support additional environmental restoration and remediation efforts and $5 million to continue ongoing community engagement as the Navy works to close the facility permanently by 2028.

Provides $141.6 million for the next increment of funding for the new water treatment plant at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Grants the Military Service Secretaries with additional flexible authorities to support the renegotiation of the training land leases in Hawaii.

Adds $13 million above the President’s budget 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.

$2 million increase for the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), which mitigates the large program cuts from the President's Budget.

$50 million for the High-Performance Computing Modernization program and for additional infrastructure capability to support increased AI demand.

$9 million to continue funding the transfer of Navy facilities and non-Navy customers off outdated Navy-owned electrical grid infrastructure at Kalaeloa (Barber’s Point).

Prevents the Navy from retiring or decommissioning oceanographic research vessels, including the KILO MOANA, a 186-foot multi-purpose oceanographic research vessel owned by the Navy and operated by the University of Hawaii.

Requires President Trump’s “Golden Dome” Missile Defense System to include the Defense of Hawaii.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a report and brief the Armed Services Committees on the Department’s plan to increase accessibility and affordability for small businesses seeking to comply with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program.

Invest in Critical Infrastructure:

Invests over $1.1 billion for military construction projects in Hawaii:

$492.7 million for the next increment of funding for the Dry Dock 3 replacement at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

$65.7 million for airfield pavement upgrades at Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Kauai.

$141.6 million for the next increment of funding for the water treatment plant at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

$83 million for DDG-1000 destroyer ship support infrastructure upgrades at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

$49.26 million for the entry gate at Marine Corps Base Hawaii

$94.25 million for Electrical Distribution Modernization at Marine Corps Base Hawaii

$37.35 million for the next increment of funding for the water reclamation facility compliance upgrade at Marine Corps Base Hawaii

$147.55 million for 460 Air Force housing units at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

$5 million in planning and design funds for a new Air Force Operations Building at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

$2.1 million in planning and design funds for a new Wildland Fire Station at Schofield Barracks.

Requires each of the Military Service Secretaries to develop and annually update a 20-Year Infrastructure Improvement Plan.

Directs the DOD to implement the recommendations of the GAO’s report on information sharing to improve oversight of military construction projects, including the documentation of after-action reviews and validation of lessons learned.

Extends the admission of H-2B nonimmigrant visas to Guam and CNMI by two years to support military construction projects, a priority for Pearl Harbor Navy Shipyard.

Improves the DOD’s facility management of joint bases by reassessing requirements to maintain facilities in good working order, identify workforce gaps, and require a strategy to address any gaps and funding needs.

Requires the incorporation of Digital Infrastructure and Platforms into the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), which expands existing reporting requirements to consider and include digital infrastructure into SIOP to improve the efficiency and throughput of Navy shipyards.

Support People:

Authorizes funding to support a 3.8% pay raise for military servicemembers and DOD civilian employees.

Exempts the public shipyard workforce from reductions related to spending cuts, reprogramming of funds, or those personnel in a probationary status.

Authorizes $50 million for DOD assistance to educational agencies affected by the enrollment of military and DOD civilian dependents, $10 million for impact aid payments for children with disabilities, and $20 million for local educational agencies determined by the Secretary of Defense to have high concentrations of military children with severe disabilities. Modifies the 5-year military housing requirements and market analysis process to account for the impact of DOD civilians and contractors in the nearby community.

Improves on Senator Hirono’s work to support servicemembers who are the victims of medical malpractice by requiring DOD to create an independent, 5-person appeals board to review initial claim denials. This creates additional fairness and objectivity into the process to ensure servicemembers are compensated appropriately when they are the victims of medical malpractice.

Modifies the 5-year military housing requirements and market analysis process to account for the impact of DOD civilians and contractors in the nearby community.

Directs a study on the impact of behavioral and mental health staffing shortfalls at military medical treatment facilities.

Improves transparency and understanding of military compensation by requiring clear explanations on pay statements, creation of a regular military compensation pay table, and an education campaign for servicemembers and families on military compensation

Requires DOD to provide members of the Armed Forces serving on Active Duty access to legal services provided by an attorney specializing in guardianship transfers in each state in which a military installation is located.

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow for the expedited reunification of Filipino World War II veterans with their children. This would exempt the children of these veterans from existing immigrant visa numerical limitations to resolve the long-standing issue of family separation.

Updates the language in last year’s renegotiated Compacts of Free Association (COFA) to require the Department of Veterans' Affairs to provide telehealth, mail pharmacy, and beneficiary travel to U.S. veterans residing in the Freely Associated States.

Strengthen Our Ability to Protect the Indo-Pacific Region:

Authorizes the full budget request for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI) and requires a plan for more effectively budgeting for PDI in future years.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress analyzing the critical digital infrastructure capabilities of Taiwan and how the commercial technology sector can most efficiently be leveraged to provide for and secure Taiwan’s critical digital infrastructure, drawing upon lessons learned in the war in Ukraine. This provision will bolster deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

Authorizes $68.5 million in minor military construction projects at the discretion of the Commander of INDOPACOM.

Provides INDOPACOM and other combatant commands with authority to conduct critical experimentation, prototyping, and technology demonstrations. This will support the development and in-theatre testing of innovative technologies and capability solutions to address priorities from the combatant commands.

Modifies and simplifies the responsibilities of the Pentagon’s Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) by focusing on identifying actionable gaps in force design, instead of validating complex requirements. This critical and much needed change will speed up DOD’s acquisition process and deliver critical capabilities to our servicemembers.

Redefines “program executive officers” as portfolio acquisition executives, which provides the DOD workforce with reformed authorities to improve the acquisition process.

Improves “buying things as a service” to be metered and billed based on actual usage, and has predetermined pricing based on fixed price units, saving money for the DOD and American taxpayers.

Expands the commercial solutions openings solicitation procedure purposes to encourage more non-traditional companies and small businesses to bid for DOD programs.

Requires DOD to keep the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Aegis Guam System, including radar, missile launcher, and ancillary equipment, in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Requires the Navy to expedite the investigation, qualification, and integration of specific advanced technologies and processes into Navy surface ship maintenance to improve readiness, reduce costs, and address delays.

Continues the requirement for semiannual briefings on the operational status of the amphibious warship fleet including a plan to meet the statutory mandate for the Navy to have at least 31 operational amphibious ships.

Directs the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to conduct an analysis, define, and program the requirements in order to meet a 3.0 deployed Amphibious Readiness Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) presence.

Requires a report from the Air Force, which has been designated by DOD as the military service program lead for the Joint Fires Network (JFN), and an independent assessment on meeting the operational requirements of INDOPACOM when making acquisition and budgeting decisions in the execution of the JFN program of record.

Requires the Department of the Navy to develop a report to streamline authorities to establish a Navy Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) to advance critical capabilities for the Navy.

Directs an initiative to strengthen security cooperation across the respective defense industrial bases of U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

Directs DOD to establish a working group to enhance international coordination for advanced manufacturing techniques, technologies, and adoption.

Directs the Department to establish a new advanced manufacturing guidance and technical manual that will allow DOD to adopt and integrate advanced manufacturing capabilities (i.e. 3D printing) for current and future platforms across the joint force.

Adds space domain awareness and space operations to the list of authorized areas the Secretary of Defense can provide training and equipment to allies and partners in order to build their capacity—these programs enhance a foreign country's ability to organize, manage, and sustain their own security forces to bolster deterrence.

Prioritize Sustainability and the Environment:

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

Encourages DOD to establish and resource additional staff to increase REPI capability and implementation.

Increases the cost cap to restore/replace a damaged or destroyed facility from $100 million to $150 million to assist reconstruction from extreme weather events.

Requires the Army and Air Force, in consultation with the National Guard Bureau, to provide support for the training of appropriate National Guard personnel on wildfire prevention and response.

Requires a GAO Report on assessing DOD Resilience to Extreme Weather and Natural Hazards and providing recommendations for DOD to improve the resilience of its facilities, operational readiness, and warfighting capabilities in predicted extreme weather conditions in the future.

Directs the DOD to provide a briefing on best practices from existing recycling efforts of the Strategic Material Recovery and Reuse Program (SMRRP) to expand the scale to recycle, reuse, or recover additional materials like cobalt, lithium, and nickel.

Requires DOD to consider the ability of batteries to operate and recharge at temperatures as low as -75°F as the DOD standardizes its battery procurement strategy.

Modifies and extends the sustainable building materials pilot program by four years and requires each military department to build at least two military construction projects with at least three of the materials identified by the GAO: low carbon cement, electric heat pumps, generator and battery storage, solar panels, reflective white roof, landscaped green roof, energy efficient wall/roof insulation, energy efficient windows/doors, water catch basins, water storage tanks, and geothermal loops.

Amends the ability of operational energy program savings to be reinvested into operational energy programs on tighter timelines, rather than just before the end of the fiscal year.

Directs the Navy to conduct an assessment and provide a briefing on locations where modular composite utility poles will improve grid resilience from extreme weather events.

Directs DOD to complete a feasibility study on oil removal from sunken World War II tankers in Chuuk Lagoon and Palau to safeguard the environment.

Hold this Administration Accountable:

Requires DOD to promptly notify and provide extensive details to Congress when the Department uses military aircraft to support Department of Homeland Security missions, including deportation operations.

Requires the Commander of United States Northern Command to provide a report to Congress on the DOD’s efforts at the southern border.

Prohibits the expenditure of funds to reduce the total number of servicemembers permanently stationed in or deployed to South Korea below the current 28,500.

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 provides more impact on U.S. and NATO interests to Congress.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to brief Congress on the advisability, feasibility, and cost of using qualified DOD personnel in support of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Requires the President to notify Congress at least five days prior to the removal of a Service Judge Advocate General (JAG), along with a substantive rationale for the removal.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing on the status of DOD developing and maintaining a system to retain records of law of war violations.

Affirms the value of independent legal advice of judge advocates.

Requires the Director of Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E) to put specified programs, including Golden Dome and the Joint Fires Network, on its oversight list to ensure timely, safe, and responsible delivery programs for our military while safeguarding taxpayer dollars.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-slams-republicans-for-refusing-to-address-health-care-crisis-end-government-shutdown,"VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Slams Republicans for Refusing to Address Health Care Crisis, End Government Shutdown",2025-10-10,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Sen. Hirono: “Frankly, Republicans can end the government shutdown today if they agree to restore health care to the American people.”

~ Without an extension of ACA tax credits, average out-of-pocket premium costs for a family of four in Hawaii are expected to increase by more than $500 a month ~

~ Video of Senator Hirono’s floor speech can be found here ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) took to the Senate floor to slam Republicans for choosing to shut down the government, instead of addressing the health care crisis they created. As a result of their “Big Ugly Bill” they passed earlier this year, which makes drastic cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP benefits, over 24 million Americans who receive health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace will be put at risk of losing their health care coverage.

“The truth is that Republicans are happy to make permanent, massive tax cuts for billionaires in their Big Ugly Bill, but refused—refused to make permanent tax credits hard-working families rely on to get their health care,” said Senator Hirono during her remarks.

Senator Hirono’s speech comes as Republicans continue to keep the government shut down because of their refusal to extend critical tax credits that help working Americans afford health insurance through the ACA. Passed in 2010, the ACA has enabled millions of people and their families to qualify and afford quality health care, many of whom—prior to the ACA—did not have any coverage at all. Republicans have long-been opposed to the ACA and have repeatedly attempted to repeal this fundamental health care reform law, effectively kicking millions of Americans off of their health care.

“Misplaced priorities are nothing new for Republicans,” said Senator Hirono. “It’s rich that the same Republicans who crusaded for years to get rid of the ACA now stand before the American people talking about how much they care about their health care.”

With open enrollment under the ACA beginning next month, people who receive coverage under the ACA are beginning to receive notices of their increased health care premiums, and reports have estimated that health care for ACA enrollees costs will more than double nationwide. Without an extension of ACA tax credits, the average out-of-pocket premium costs for a family of four in Hawaii could increase from $10,000 to more than $16,000 a year, or more than $500 a month.

“Make no mistake, plenty of families won’t be able to afford these significant hikes, and will be forced to go without health care all because Republicans refuse to act,” continued Senator Hirono. “Democrats, on the other hand, know that the health, and welfare, and well-being of the American people are worth fighting for—that keeping the government running shouldn’t come at the cost of Americans’ health care.”

“Frankly, Republicans can end the government shutdown today if they agree to restore health care to the American people. And until then, Democrats are going to keep fighting to protect Americans’ health care, reopen the government, and hold this regime accountable for the harm that they are inflicting on this country every single day.”

The full transcript of Senator Hirono’s speech is available below. Video of Senator Hirono’s floor speech is available here.

Mr. President, right now, Republicans control the White House, the House, and the Senate. In other words, Republicans control the federal government. Since day one of the Trump regime, they have used that control to sow chaos and attack programs and services that the American people rely upon.

Here are but two examples: Earlier this year, Trump tried to shut down Social Security offices across the country, making it much harder for recipients of Social Security benefits to call Social Security, find out the information they needed, and to access their benefits. So, Social Security reversed course on what I call this “lame-brain idea,” to close some of the offices when they responded to the huge hue and cry from people who have said that is not something that should be happening to the Social Security recipients.

Another example. This regime slashed the Department of Education, firing more than half of the federal Education Department staff as part of an all-out assault on the federal support for public education in our country. Now, if President Trump had his way, he would just get rid of the federal Department of Education altogether. But since only Congress can do that, they did things like firing half of the staff.

So now, they’re coming after programs millions of Americans rely on for their health care. Republicans created this health care crisis when they passed their Big Ugly Bill, which guts Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, among other programs. At the same time, Donald Trump zeroed out funding for research into diseases such as cancer—and when we’re talking about research on children’s cancer, you know, to cut out funding for that kind of research is more than mean. So, he also cut out funding for research in diabetes and Alzheimer’s. So, halting studies that could unlock major breakthroughs and literally save lives.

Unsurprisingly, the majority of Americans oppose what this regime is doing regarding health care. So, Republicans know their position is indefensible, which is why they’re resorting to lies and excuses. Lies that get more desperate by the day. They’re lying because they don’t want the American people to know the truth. And, what is that truth? The truth is that Republicans are happy to make permanent, massive tax cuts for billionaires in their Big Ugly Bill, but refused—refused to make permanent tax credits hard-working families rely on to get their health care.

Misplaced priorities are nothing new for Republicans. I was in the House when we passed the Affordable Care Act, the ACA, which expanded health care to more than 20 million Americans, who up to that point did not even have health care. I was also here in the Senate as Republicans tried over and over again to repeal the ACA and kick those millions of Americans off their health care. It’s rich that the same Republicans who crusaded for years to get rid of the ACA now stand before the American people talking about how much they care about their health care.

Why should the American people believe these lies as they are, even as we speak, getting notices of the huge increases in their health care costs? American people don’t believe in the Republican lies. They see right through them. So then meanwhile, Republicans, unwilling to do what the American people want, now claim that, well, expanding these credits isn’t urgent—that we can do this a few months from now, we don’t have to do it now, there is no sense of urgency. Another lie.

M. President, time is of the essence. Open enrollment under the ACA starts in just a few weeks and, because of Republicans’ refusal to act, I repeat, people across the country are getting notices saying ‘here’s what your ACA premiums are going to cost you.’ And the figures are astounding. Without an extension of these credits, average out-of-pocket premium costs for a family of four in Hawaii are expected to increase from $10,000 to more than $16,000 a year—an increase of more than $6,000, or $500 a month. Well, maybe in Trump’s world, $500 might not sound like much, but to everybody else, that is a lot. You know, billionaires may not care that millions of people in our country are getting these notices about their increase in health care, but the rest of us do. And for so many families, these huge increases could well break the bank.

Let’s face it, this is not a Red state or Blue state issue. Hardworking Americans in every state across the country rely on the ACA for health care coverage. And they’re all about to see their costs skyrocket. In Speaker Johnson’s home state of Louisiana, where nearly 300,000 people get their health care through the ACA, a family of four in Louisiana can expect to see their premiums increase by more than $9,000 a year. In South Dakota, Senate Leader Thune’s home state, out- of-pocket costs for a family of four will increase by more than $13,000 a year. Think about that. Without action, Leader Thune’s constituents will be paying $13,000 more than last year for the very same coverage and the same benefits.

Nationwide, it is estimated that health care premiums will more than double for hard-working families. Make no mistake, plenty of families won’t be able to afford these significant hikes, and will be forced to go without health care all because Republicans refuse to act. Working families are awakening to this health care crisis because, and I repeat, they are getting their increase notices even as we speak. And they know who’s responsible—it’s the Republicans with their Big, Ugly Bill.

M. President, Trump returned to office promising to lower costs on day one. Yet another lie. Not happening. More than 250 days later, Americans are facing the fallout from this regime’s reckless economic policies, including the disastrous tariffs that are decimating small businesses. So, instead of actually doing anything to lower costs for our hard-working families, the Republicans have shut down the government because they really don’t care that families have to pay so much more for health care, and many of them, millions of them, are going to drop health care because they can’t afford these increases. So, under the Trump regime, Americans are poorer, because notice that costs are not going down, and they are about to get sicker, when they no longer can afford the health care that was provided through the ACA tax credits.

Democrats, on the other hand, know that the health, and welfare, and well-being of the American people are worth fighting for—that keeping the government running shouldn’t come at the cost of Americans’ health care. I mean talk about, what I would call, a completely stupid choice. It’s not even a choice. We should keep government running, but if the Republicans are so intent on giving permanent tax breaks to the billionaires, they should give the permanent tax credits to the millions of Americans who need and deserve this health care.

So frankly, Republicans can end the government shutdown today if they agree to restore health care to the American people. And until then, Democrats are going to keep fighting to protect Americans’ health care, reopen the government, and hold this regime accountable for the harm that they are inflicting on this country every single day.

Mr. President, I yield back.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-blast-secretary-collins-for-politicizing-key-veteran-services-during-shutdown,"Hirono, Colleagues Blast Secretary Collins for Politicizing Key Veteran Services During Shutdown",2025-10-09,2025,2025-10,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) joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Representative Mark Takano (D-CA), and 10 colleagues in calling out Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins for weaponizing the government shutdown and artificially ending communications with Congress—despite the fact these constituent services have already been funded by multi-year appropriation bills that are not affected by the current government shutdown. The group criticized Collins for spending taxpayer resources to politicize the government shutdown, while simultaneously refusing to assist veterans with their casework.

“Congress has provided the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with multi-year funding, which ensures a government shutdown has minimal impact on veterans’ health care and benefits,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to VA Secretary Collins. “That is why we are deeply concerned that your Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA) refuses to initiate, dispatch, or respond to congressional inquiries on behalf of our veteran constituents. Every single day, veterans and their families come to our offices for help in getting their health care and benefits from VA. Often, they come to us as their last resort. We take those concerns or their specific cases directly to VA and advocate on their behalf. Thus, any delay in responding to this outreach or dispatching their cases will cause harm to the veterans we serve…The Department must revisit this prioritization scheme and dedicate sufficient staff and resources necessary to accomplish the task of responding in a timely manner to ALL constituent casework requests initiated by Congress.”

The lawmakers pressed the Trump Administration for ending all Congressional communications during the shutdown, even though the office which handles these communications—VA’s Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA)—has available carryover funding, unrelated to the shutdown, it can use to continue operations: “…[W]e know that previous administrations planned to continue dispatching and responding to congressional inquiries during government shutdowns by utilizing non-furloughed employees. The fact that VA has chosen not to prioritize communication with Congress on policy matters is clearly a leadership decision and a direct affront to our constitutional duty to oversee the work of the Department.” Further, the VA has continued communicating with the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s Majority Staff despite ceasing communication with the other Committees’ staff.

The lawmakers also condemned leaders for violating the Hatch Act in their communications to veterans and VA employees: “To make matters worse, it appears that leaders within your Department have used congressionally appropriated funds to send politically charged messages to veterans and VA staff about the shutdown in what seem to be clear violations of the Hatch Act. We remind you and your leadership team that we are tracking these violations and taking them very seriously. While the Trump Administration may not enforce the Hatch Act currently, we will not hesitate to investigate these violations.”

In addition to Senators Hirono and Blumenthal, the letter was also signed by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Angus King (I-ME). In the House, in addition to Representative Takano, the letter was also signed by Representatives Julia Brownley (D-CA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Herb Conaway (D-NJ), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), and Delia Ramirez (D-IL).

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

Dear Mr. Secretary:

We write to urge you to reverse your weaponization of the current lapse in appropriations and restore vital congressional communications to ensure our veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve, which are covered by multi-year appropriations and should not be affected by the current shutdown.

Congress has provided the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with multi-year funding, which ensures a government shutdown has minimal impact on veterans’ health care and benefits. That is why we are deeply concerned that your Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA) refuses to initiate, dispatch, or respond to congressional inquiries on behalf of our veteran constituents. Every single day, veterans and their families come to our offices for help in getting their health care and benefits from VA. Often, they come to us as their last resort. We take those concerns or their specific cases directly to VA and advocate on their behalf. Thus, any delay in responding to this outreach or dispatching their cases will cause harm to the veterans we serve.

We understand that a lapse in appropriations requires certain nonessential functions to cease. However, it is imperative that the Department continue to be fully open, transparent and communicative with elected representatives in Congress. This is why we find the October 2, 2025, communication from OCLA Assistant Secretary Don Bergin to our Committees so troubling.

Not only does it show a lack of commitment to the relationship with Congress in overseeing the work that we have mandated to continue during a shutdown, but it also diminishes the role of Senators and Representatives in protecting the health and welfare of our veterans, a concern which we know you share. And nowhere is this lack of prioritization more acutely felt than with respect to casework submitted to OCLA by Member offices. While we understand that, according to Assistant Secretary Bergin, “…casework involving the health and welfare of veterans will be prioritized…” during this lapse in appropriations, it is difficult to rationalize how EVERY veteran-related casework would not be categorized as necessary to protect the life and property of veterans. The Department must revisit this prioritization scheme and dedicate sufficient staff and resources necessary to accomplish the task of responding in a timely manner to ALL constituent casework requests initiated by Congress.

Moreover, we are troubled that Assistant Secretary Bergin asserts that, “VA cannot initiate, dispatch, or respond to congressional request…” during this shutdown. The use of the word “cannot” is likely intentional in this context. It is also greatly misleading. We know that OCLA has carryover funding at its disposal during this shutdown and may choose which activities to prioritize with that funding. Additionally, we know that previous administrations planned to continue dispatching and responding to congressional inquiries during government shutdowns by utilizing non-furloughed employees. The fact that VA has chosen not to prioritize communication with Congress on policy matters is clearly a leadership decision and a direct affront to our constitutional duty to oversee the work of the Department.

To make matters worse, it appears that leaders within your Department have used congressionally appropriated funds to send politically charged messages to veterans and VA staff about the shutdown in what seem to be clear violations of the Hatch Act. We remind you and your leadership team that we are tracking these violations and taking them very seriously. While the Trump Administration may not enforce the Hatch Act currently, we will not hesitate to investigate these violations.

To that end, we respectfully request the following information as soon as possible:

Please provide us with a “status of funds” report for the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, along with a specific breakdown of prior fiscal year carryover and a delineation of which activities within OCLA this funding has been dedicated toward.

Please provide a breakdown of current staffing levels within OCLA, disaggregated by function. Additionally, we would like a breakdown of how many staff have left OCLA since January 3, 2025, disaggregated by reason for their departure to include retirement (regular or VERA), Delayed Resignation Program, termination, reassignment or other.

According to Assistant Secretary Bergin’s message, OCLA staff is “…committed to working on government shutdown activities.” Please provide a detailed description of those activities, along with a list of which specific staff are assigned what duties during this shutdown.

Which if any staff of OCLA are involved in planning for the White House’s planned Reductions in Force during this lapse in appropriations, which appear to violate the law?

Which if any staff of OCLA have been involved in the shutdown-related messages sent to employees and veterans on behalf of the Department in apparent violation of the Hatch Act?

It has come to our attention that information has continued to be shared with the House Committee on Veterans Affairs (HVAC) Majority, which has not been shared with either the HVAC Minority or the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Majority and Minority, even after the shutdown commenced, contrary to Mr. Bergin’s message. Please provide us with all communications sent to the HVAC Majority of which the Minority was not copied or provided.

Mr. Secretary, we respect that you have the difficult task of maintaining access to care and benefits during an uncertain funding environment. However, it is crucial that you view the Congress as a partner in this effort, and not the enemy. Therefore, we encourage you to continue robust communication with Congress and dedicate sufficient time, both staff and your own, to the task.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. And we look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-protect-federal-workers-and-their-families-from-losing-homes-falling-behind-on-paying-bills-during-shutdown,"Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Federal Workers and Their Families from Losing Homes, Falling Behind on Paying Bills During Shutdown",2025-10-08,2025,2025-10,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) joined Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and 17 colleagues in introducing the Federal Employee Civil Relief Act. The legislation would protect federal workers, federal contractor employees, and their families from foreclosures, evictions, and loan defaults during a government shutdown.

“Federal workers provide essential services to our government and our country, and their livelihoods should not be used by Trump and Republicans as a bargaining chip in this shutdown,” said Senator Hirono. “These workers shouldn’t be punished for a shutdown that they had no control over, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Federal Employee Civil Relief Act. This legislation would help hundreds of thousands of federal employees, ensuring that they have a chance to keep up with their bills and continue to support themselves and their families.”

The Federal Employee Civil Relief Act addresses the threat of federal workers and contractors losing their homes, falling behind on student loans and other bills, or having their car repossessed because they have been furloughed during a shutdown or required to work without pay. The legislation would protect impacted workers from:

Being evicted or foreclosed;

Having their car or other property repossessed;

Falling behind on their student loan payments;

Having negative effects on their credit history;

Falling behind on paying their bills; or

Losing their insurance because of missed premiums.

The protection would last during and 30 days following a shutdown to give workers a chance to keep up with their bills. The government shutdown, now in its second week, impacts thousands of federal workers and federal contractor employees in all 50 states.

The Federal Employee Civil Relief Act is supported by the National Treasury Employees Union, International Federal of Professional and Technical Engineers, National Federation of Federal Employees-IAM, American Federation of Government Employees, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, UNITE HERE, LIUNA (Laborers' International Union of North America), and the Transport Workers Union.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Schatz, the legislation is also cosponsored by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).Companion legislation in the House of Representatives is set to be introduced by U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA).

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-18-senators-in-introducing-legislation-to-protect-federal-workers-and-their-families-from-losing-their-homes-falling-behind-on-paying-bills-during-shutdown,"Schatz Leads Group Of 18 Senators In Introducing Legislation To Protect Federal Workers And Their Families From Losing Their Homes, Falling Behind On Paying Bills During Shutdown",2025-10-08,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today led a group of 18 senators in introducing the Federal Employee Civil Relief Act. The legislation would protect federal workers, federal contractor employees, and their families from foreclosures, evictions, and loan defaults during a government shutdown.

“While the President and congressional Republicans continue to refuse to work with Democrats to stop health care costs from skyrocketing and reopen the government, people are suffering,” said Senator Schatz. “Right now, hundreds of thousands of federal workers, federal contractor employees, and their families don’t know whether they’ll be able to pay rent and make ends meet. Our bill will protect these workers and make sure they aren’t harmed during this shutdown.”

Cosponsors of Schatz’s bill in the Senate include Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.). Companion legislation in the House of Representatives is set to be introduced by U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.).

“Republicans control the House, Senate, and Presidency – and they have led our country into a shutdown to avoid bipartisan negotiations or a discussion about the impending Republican-led healthcare crisis. Now, Republicans and the White House are even threatening to not provide legally mandated backpay to workers,” said Leader Schumer. “Unfortunately, there are real people – with real concerns about pay and livelihood – who are being used as political pawns in the Republicans’ attempt to cater to billionaires and special interests. Senate Democrats remain committed to protecting federal workers who are affected by this shutdown. With the passage of the commonsense Federal Employee Civil Relief Act, federal workers could rest a little easier knowing they and their families are protected from foreclosures, evictions, and defaults during this tumultuous period.”

“Federal workers should not have to pay the price for the Trump Administration’s decision to shut down the government. While the President and congressional Republicans refuse to save Americans’ health care and fund our government, federal workers are left without a paycheck, worrying that they won’t be able to pay their mortgage or rent,” said Senator Durbin. “I’m joining my colleagues to introduce the Federal Employee Civil Relief Act to ensure that federal workers are protected from the impact of Republicans’ shutdown.”

“For nine months, Donald Trump has taken a sledgehammer to our federal workforce, intimidating and purging hardworking public servants as he consolidates power. Now, he’s threatening to use the Republican shutdown to inflict even more pain,” said Senator Padilla. “California has one of the largest federal workforces in the country, and we must ensure they can pay their bills and stay in their homes through any future shutdown.”

“Our federal workers should not be at risk of losing their homes, falling behind on loans, or failing to meet insurance and childcare payments because of this shameful Republican shutdown. This legislation would help protect our dedicated civil servants from financial harm caused through no fault of their own as we work to responsibly fund the government without handing a lawless president a blank check or allowing a massive spike in health care costs for families across America,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“When Congress fails to do its job, hundreds of thousands of hardworking Americans are either sent home or forced to work without pay. The financial pain this causes is real — families across the country are still expected to pay their bills even as they go without a paycheck,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Whether it’s being evicted or having their cars repossessed, federal employees shouldn’t lose the essentials they rely on because lawmakers failed to keep the lights on. I’ll keep fighting to support our federal workers and get this critical legislation across the finish line.”

“Patriotic, hardworking civil servants shouldn't be punished because of Republicans cruelty and inability to govern. I am proud to join in fighting to protect our civil servants - including the over 260,000 civil servants in Maryland - so they don't lose their homes, health insurance, or cars,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“Instead of negotiating with us to ensure our government works for the American people, Trump is forcing millions of workers through a needless government shutdown and threatening to withhold their backpay despite signing the law guaranteeing it himself,” said Senator Duckworth. “The longer this shutdown continues, the more harm they’ll cause to federal workers across the country and their families. Our bill would help protect federal employees until Republicans finally come to the negotiating table and help find a bipartisan solution that meets the needs of the American people, addresses the health care crisis and reopens our government.”

“Federal workers provide essential services to our government and our country, and their livelihoods should not be used by Trump and Republicans as a bargaining chip in this shutdown,” said Senator Hirono. “These workers shouldn’t be punished for a shutdown that they had no control over, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act. This legislation would help hundreds of thousands of federal employees, ensuring that they have a chance to keep up with their bills and continue to support themselves and their families.”

“During a government shutdown, federal employees and contractors are forced to work without pay, leaving many trying to figure out how they’re going to pay their rent, mortgage, car payment, or other bills,” said Senator Kaine. “That’s why I’m introducing this legislation to help protect these federal workers and contractors from losing their home or defaulting on payments during a shutdown.”

“Missing even one paycheck can put immense stress on federal employees and their families, including young children,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “These public servants are not responsible for Washington’s dysfunction, and they should not lose their homes or suffer long-term financial consequences because the government has shut down.”

“Federal workers and contractors should not suffer because President Trump and Republicans refuse to negotiate a bipartisan government funding bill that adequately addresses the health care crisis,” said Senator Booker. “Congress must act to ensure these workers are protected from penalties resulting from delayed mortgage, insurance, or student loan payments caused by this Republican-led shutdown, during which they are not receiving pay. I will continue to fight for relief for our hardworking federal workers and contractors, and for a funding bill that puts the American people first.”

“Federal workers make our government work for New Mexico families — from caring for our veterans to maintaining our public lands and keeping our communities safe. They shouldn’t have to suffer because Republicans in Congress refuse to come to the table and work with Democrats to lower health care costs,” said Senator Heinrich. “Every hardworking New Mexican deserves the dignity of financial stability and security. The Federal Employees Civil Relief Act will help ensure that the folks who keep our country running aren’t left wondering how they’ll pay their bills or keep their homes during Trump’s manufactured crisis.”

“Through no fault of their own, hundreds of thousands of dedicated public servants in Virginia have been furloughed or are currently working without pay. That creates real financial strain for families trying to keep up with mortgages, student loans, and other bills. This legislation will help ensure federal workers and contractors aren’t forced to bear the cost of a shutdown they didn’t cause,” said Senator Warner.

Schatz’s legislation addresses the threat of federal workers and contractors losing their homes, falling behind on student loans and other bills, having their car repossessed, or losing their health insurance because they have been furloughed during a shutdown or required to work without pay. The Federal Employee Civil Relief Act would protect impacted workers from:

Being evicted or foreclosed;

Having their car or other property repossessed;

Falling behind on their student loan payments;

Having negative effects on their credit history;

Falling behind on paying their bills; or

Losing their insurance because of missed premiums.

The protection would last during and 30 days following a shutdown to give workers a chance to keep up with their bills. The government shutdown, now in its second week, impacts thousands of federal workers and federal contractor employees in all 50 states.

The Federal Employee Civil Relief Act is supported by the National Treasury Employees Union, International Federal of Professional and Technical Engineers, National Federation of Federal Employees-IAM, American Federation of Government Employees, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, UNITE HERE, LIUNA (Laborers' International Union of North America), and the Transport Workers Union.

“Federal employees have student loans, mortgages, car payments, and other financial commitments just like every other American. Those obligations don’t go away during a shutdown. Thanks to the leadership of Senator Schatz, if passed, the Federal Employee Civil Relief Act will help civil servants across the nation have peace of mind when navigating the uncertainty posed when the government shuts down and their financial security is jeopardized. Federal employees serve the public daily. This legislation honors their service and ensures they aren’t penalized when circumstances arise that are no fault of their own,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President of NTEU.

“On behalf of our members, we strongly support the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act. This bill provides essential protections for federal workers who, through no fault of their own, face severe financial hardship during a government shutdown. No public servant should be at risk of eviction, repossession, or losing health insurance simply because they are working without pay or furloughed,” said Everett Kelley, President of AFGE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-to-house-republicans-on-third-week-of-vacation-get-back-to-work,Schatz To House Republicans On Third Week Of Vacation: Get Back To Work,2025-10-08,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today spoke on the Senate floor and called on Republicans to work with Democrats to reopen the government and stop health care costs from rising for millions of people. Schatz also called on House Republicans to return to work from their current weeks-long vacation after more than a month off in August.

“Get back to work,” Senator Schatz said after detailing House Republicans’ lengthy vacation. “We are facing a health care crisis. For 22 million Americans the price of health care is about to go up 114 percent. Help us help you, Republicans. You created this mess. We're simply saying we can open the government tomorrow morning if Donald Trump and Republicans realize that they’re hurting their own people.”

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

It is day eight of the government shutdown, but it is day 19 of the House being on vacation. How is it possible that the party in charge of the government is sitting at home while the government is shut down?

Well, let's take a look. So this is the House schedule. These yellow blocks are work days. It's already a pretty nice schedule. Most people, if they are fortunate, get either seven days or ten days of vacation. Some people get less, some people get more, but nobody gets this amount of time off. Now we call that a district work period or a home work period. And that's true. We need to be home to interact with our constituents. But that's what August is for.

So here's what happened. They left early on the 25th, specifically to avoid a vote on the Epstein files. And they had this week off, this week off, this week off this week off this week off…

Get back to work. Get back to work.

We are facing a health care crisis. And we didn't pull this out of some Democratic strategist lab. And the presiding officer knows this in his home state. Prices are about to spike disproportionately among people who voted for Donald Trump, disproportionately in rural communities, disproportionately among farmers. And they're not going to spike a little. This is not like a normally 4 percent increase is now 7 percent.

For 22 million Americans the price of health care is about to go up 114 percent. You can find some people who are only paying like a 40 or 50 percent increase, and you still can't afford that. Most people can't afford a 40 or 50 percent increase in the cost of almost anything. But health care is a big chunk of the cost of living.

And so here we are as Democrats saying, help us help you, Republicans. You created this mess that is causing your signature legislative achievement to be a drag on your electoral chances. And if we were a little bit more cynical, we would just let you stew in it. But we want those 22 million people to have relief.

We're simply saying we can open the government tomorrow morning if Donald John Trump realizes that he's hurting his own people.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-trump-is-trying-to-jail-his-political-opponents-actually-going-through-with-authoritarian-actions,"Schatz: Trump Is Trying To Jail His Political Opponents, Actually Going Through With Authoritarian Actions",2025-10-08,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor today about President Trump’s calls for the arrests of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, which came as National Guard troops prepare to deploy to Chicago at the president’s direction and over the objections of local leaders.

“Trump is going through with these authoritarian actions. The last time he posted that one of his political enemies should be jailed, it was James Comey. And then James Comey was indicted this morning,” said Senator Schatz. “This morning, Donald Trump is in one of his moods, and he says Governor Pritzker should go to jail. Are we to assume he's kidding this time? I'm asking my Republican colleagues who swore an oath to the Constitution and love this country, just like I do, to say, publicly or privately: ‘Enough is enough.’”

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

We all swore an oath to the Constitution. And I am honestly scared.

I used to do this sort of shtick on Twitter, where I would say, ‘The thing about what Donald Trump said on Twitter is that he's…’ And then I would just say, ‘He's trying to take your health care away.’ And my point was, that's a distraction from the main issue, which was that he was going to try to take your health care away.

That's not true anymore. He's going through with these authoritarian actions. The last time he posted that one of his political enemies should be jailed, it was James Comey. And then James Comey was indicted this morning. He pled not guilty. His trial is in January.

And so this morning, Donald Trump, with the assistance of the Texas governor, who is endlessly servile to him, is mobilizing – over the objection of the Illinois governor – two- or three hundred troops to go into Chicago to do it. Nobody knows really what other than to terrorize people. They're belaying off a helicopter into an apartment building in urban Chicago. Give me a break.

And lest you think this is theater. This morning, Donald Trump is in one of his moods, and he says Governor Pritzker should go to jail. Are we to assume he's kidding this time? Are you sure he's kidding this time?

‘Oh, he's just trolling.’ Last time, three weeks ago, he clearly wasn't trolling. The attorney general went through with what he asked.

And so I'm asking my Republican colleagues who swore an oath to the Constitution and love this country, just like I do, to say publicly or privately – I don't care – ‘Enough is enough.’

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-urges-doi-secretary-to-reinstate-funding-for-crucial-environmental-research-and-conservation-program,Hirono Urges DOI Secretary to Reinstate Funding for Crucial Environmental Research and Conservation Program,2025-10-07,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Sen. Hirono: “If this Administration is successful in eliminating the USGS EMA, the costs will far exceed any short-term savings—eroding our global leadership in climate research and our ability to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to environmental threats.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum urging him 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. The USGS EMA funds research facilities that employ and serve communities in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific, including Guam, the Northern Marianas, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and American Samoa.

“By zeroing out funding for the EMA, the President’s fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget proposal poses a direct threat to that critical science and the communities that depend on it,” wrote Senator Hirono. “In Hawaii and throughout the Pacific Region, the USGS EMA funds a significant amount of research that advances our understanding of the natural environment, directly benefits our communities, and supports the next generation of scientists.”

In her letter, the Senator stressed the importance of Secretary Burgum’s support for the EMA facilities, citing uncertainty and chaos surrounding government funding that has ensued since Trump took office in January.

“We cannot rely on Congress alone to fix this problem,” continued Senator Hirono. “Even if Congress disagrees with the ‘savings’ that defunding EMA provides and appropriates funding, there is no guarantee that this Administration will follow the rule of law. Currently, this Administration is freezing funding for a variety of programs and agreements across the executive branch to align with the President’s priorities, sometimes providing funding that needs to be dispersed within weeks, and other times completely clawing back the funding that Congress has appropriated.”

Senator Hirono also listed examples of facilities in Hawaii and across the Pacific region that would be impacted by a reduction in EMA funding, including the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PI-CASC) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa; the Pacific Islands Ecosystem Research Center (PIERC); and the Hawaii Cooperative Fishery Research Unit (HCFRU). The President’s budget would also eliminate eight other regional CASCs across the country, as well as the national CASC.

“These are just a few examples of how devastating these decisions are for Hawaii and the Pacific Region, but these impacts will play out in communities across the country,” concluded the Senator. “If this Administration is successful in eliminating the USGS EMA, the costs will far exceed any short-term savings—eroding our global leadership in climate research and our ability to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to environmental threats.”

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

Dear Secretary Burgum:

I write to express my deep concerns about this Administration’s decision to eliminate funding for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA). This short-sighted decision will have a lasting negative impact on Hawaii and throughout the Pacific Region. I urge you, as the Secretary of the Department of the Interior, to change course and fully support this mission area.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the EMA “provides science that directly benefits the health, safety, and prosperity of the American people by providing trusted and timely information to help address the Nation’s toughest management and conservation issues impacting public lands and the surrounding communities that benefit from them.” By zeroing out funding for the EMA, the President’s fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget proposal poses a direct threat to that critical science and the communities that depend on it.

In Hawaii and throughout the Pacific Region, the USGS EMA funds a significant amount of research that advances our understanding of the natural environment, directly benefits our communities, and supports the next generation of scientists. For example, the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center, or PI-CASC, is hosted at the University of Hawaii Manoa and is comprised of 13 federal and university staff and research fellows and, supports over 25 student researchers each year. This center, which serves Hawaii, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and American Samoa, not only provides critical information to natural and cultural resource managers and decisionmakers on climate impacts but also supports students who will go on to become our country’s next generation of scientists. The President’s budget does away with the PI-CASC, eight other regional CASCs located throughout the country, and the national CASC. Further, for the first time since the CASCs were established in 2010, your department has failed to renew in a timely manner contracts with three of the regional centers that expire in 2025—the Northeast CASC, the South Central CASC, and PI-CASC.

Defunding USGS EMA will also result in the shuttering of the Pacific Islands Ecosystem Research Center, or PIERC. This center employs 26 people and 21 federally funded research staff and performs critical work to protect biological resources in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific Islands. This work includes researching the brown tree snake to ensure it does not spread from Guam to other islands while also managing brown tree snake populations within Guam. PIERC staff are also working to save the remaining populations of Hawaiian native forest birds, which are critically important to native ecosystems and Hawaiian culture, as they face extinction. PIERC also serves as a lead organization in the fight to arrest addressing Rapid Ohia Death, which has killed millions of native Ohia trees throughout Hawaii. Finally, PIERC is aiding in the effort to restore ecosystems following increasingly frequent wildfire events throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

Other important USGS work in Hawaii that will abruptly end should EMA be eliminated includes the Hawaii Cooperative Fishery Research Unit (HCFRU), which supports 2 federal employees and 10-22 students each year to support the priorities of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Specifically, HCFRU teaches and trains students and DLNR staff on monitoring non-commercial fisheries, managing fisheries, and protecting public health from fish poisoning. At a time when interest in increasing domestic food supply in Hawaii is so high, ending this federal support is inappropriate. Additionally, the USGS National Wildlife Health Center Field Station in Honolulu, which is made up of 3 staff, specifically works with the Department of Defense and the State of Hawaii to control movement of marine and terrestrial invasive species in Hawaii, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas. Given the geopolitical significance of the region and the susceptibility of island ecosystems to invasive species, this loss of decades of expertise and experience would be detrimental to natural resource managers. It would also be a waste of $2 million, which was allocated in 2024 to complete state-of-the-art laboratory facilities to serve wildlife health needs for Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.

We cannot rely on Congress alone to fix this problem. Even if Congress disagrees with the “savings” that defunding EMA provides and appropriates funding, there is no guarantee that this Administration will follow the rule of law. Currently, this Administration is freezing funding for a variety of programs and agreements across the executive branch to align with the President’s priorities, sometimes providing funding that needs to be dispersed within weeks, and other times completely clawing back the funding that Congress has appropriated. There are reports that FY2025 Congressionally appropriated funds for USGS EMA programs will be rescinded. Furthermore, for the CASCs specifically, even if federal funding is provided by Congress and your department makes the funds available, the three regional centers with expired contracts will not be able to continue operations without signing new agreements. Your support for EMA and within this DOI mission areas like PIERC, PI-CASC, and the CFRUs is needed now.

These are just a few examples of how devastating these decisions are for Hawaii and the Pacific Region, but these impacts will play out in communities across the country. The President’s FY26 budget claims that the important research funded by the USGS EMA is best supported by states. With no plan in place for how states will successfully continue the work, one can assume gaps will form, setting our country back by years, if not decades, and making us vulnerable to competing foreign entities in the region. In the short term, resource managers will have less information on which to base decisions. Long-term, our pipeline of next generation scientists will be weakened reducing the United States’ standing as a global leader and eroding our nation’s influence.

If this Administration is successful in eliminating the USGS EMA, the costs will far exceed any short-term savings—eroding our global leadership in climate research and our ability to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to environmental threats. I urge you to reverse these ill-conceived cuts and restore full funding and support for the EMA.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-hirono-presses-attorney-general-bondi-on-rampant-corruption-at-trump-doj,VIDEO: Hirono Presses Attorney General Bondi on Rampant Corruption at Trump DOJ,2025-10-07,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Sen. Hirono: “What was once the Department of Justice has become the Department of Revenge and Corruption. Rather than pursuing cases without fear or favor, this DOJ seeks to favor the President’s friends and instill fear in his alleged enemies.”

~ Video of Sen. Hirono’s question line can be found here ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, confronted Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi about corruption at the Department of Justice (DOJ), as President Trump abuses the DOJ to intimidate his perceived enemies and help his friends. During her line of questioning, Senator Hirono pressed Bondi on the DOJ’s decisions to indict James Comey, shut down the bribery investigation into Trump ‘Border Czar’ Tom Homan, and more.

“It’s very clear to me that when the President posts something like that, that he considers the DOJ to be his law firm and you his lawyer, and in fact, very shortly after the post to you, Comey gets indicted,” said Senator Hirono in reference to a social media post from Trump directed at Bondi, pressuring the AG to punish several of the President’s perceived political enemies, including James Comey, Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Senator Hirono also questioned Bondi about whether the DOJ would support setting up a compensation fund for convicted January 6th rioters, which Bondi refused to answer. The Senator then pressed the AG about the DOJ’s decision to fire dozens of career prosecutors who worked on cases involving President Trump or January 6th rioters. When asked whether the DOJ was firing these prosecutors solely because of the cases they worked on, Bondi again refused to answer.

“What was once the Department of Justice has become the Department of Revenge and Corruption,” said Senator Hirono in her closing remarks. “Rather than pursuing cases without fear or favor, this DOJ seeks to favor the President’s friends and instill fear in his alleged enemies.”

“The double standard is clear and the American people are waking up to the corruption and favoritism and the lawlessness at the DOJ,” concluded the Senator.

The full transcript of Senator Hirono’s exchange with Ms. Bondi is available below. Video of Senator Hirono’s question line can be found here.

Sen. Hirono: At your confirmation hearing, you assured me that it is the Department of Justice’s decision to determine what cases will be prosecuted. Last month, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was forced out. President Trump then posted the message behind me, asking about prosecuting James Comey. You then appointed a new U.S. Attorney who, within days, secured an indictment against James Comey. That social media post behind me saying ‘What about Comey,’ was directed to ‘Pam.’ Are you the ‘Pam’ that the President was referring to?

A.G. Bondi: I'm sure I was.

Sen. Hirono: So, it’s very clear to me that when the President posts something like that, that he considers the DOJ to be his law firm and you his lawyer, and in fact, very shortly after the post to you, Comey gets indicted.

Last year, President Trump’s new border czar—now border czar—Tom Homan was videotaped taking a bag with $50,000 in cash from undercover FBI agents after suggesting he could help with government contracts—sounds like a bribe. Two weeks ago, DOJ officials reportedly shut down the bribery investigation into Mr. Homan. Ms. Bondi, did you approve closing the Homan bribery investigation?

A.G. Bondi: As I stated earlier, the Department of Justice and the FBI conducted a thorough review and they found no credible

evidence of any wrongdoing. You were also on video outside the White House protesting with a group called CASA, where anti-fa members were. Does that mean you are a member of anti-fa?

Sen. Hirono: I simply asked a question as to whether or not you approved the shutting down of the investigation of Mr. Homan. I have to assume that you did because the FBI reports to you, but the American people would look at the situation where this person is taking $50,000 in cash, no less, and you testify today that a thorough investigation was done. Now, I have to assume and conclude that since no wrongdoing was determined—that in answer to Senator Whitehouse’s question—he kept the money. He kept the money and I hope that he will put that on his tax returns as income.

Next question, over 1,200 rioters were convicted of charges related to January 6th. President Trump has since pardoned nearly all of them. As if that weren’t enough, last month there were reports that a lawyer for the January 6th rioters met with senior DOJ officials about setting up a compensation fund—like the one that Congress set up after 9/11—to compensate these rioters. Ms. Bondi, is anyone at DOJ considering setting up a compensation fund for January 6th rioters? Yes or No?

A.G. Bondi: I have had no meetings or discussions about a fund.

Sen. Hirono: So would you support such a fund? Would you okay such a fund?

A.G. Bondi: You can send me the information on the fund and I would be happy to look at it.

Sen. Hirono: But do you think it’s a good idea to—this is what I'm getting at, because to actually set up a fund and to have people talking with your senior people at DOJ—political people—about creating a fund, and you won't let us know what you think about that, that’s pretty unbelievable.

On January 30th of this year, the Trump DOJ’s Antitrust Division sued to block the merger of two tech companies. Then, well-connected lobbyists met with your political deputies, who overruled the career staff and approved the merger. So, there’s a settlement from that. Separately, DOJ sued Ticketmaster last year for monopolizing concert tickets and forcing consumers to pay outrageous fees. Ticketmaster has hired the exact same lobbyist who met with senior DOJ political people regarding the merger of the two tech companies. So, my question is Ms. Bondi, have lobbyists met with your political deputies about the Ticketmaster case?

A.G. Bondi: As I stated earlier, I am not going to discuss anything that is ongoing. Gail Slater runs the antitrust office and, if I can finish, Gail Slater is doing an incredible job running my antitrust unit.

Sen. Hirono: It is highly likely, Ms. Bondi, that the same lobbyist who met with your people and basically got rid of the antitrust case.

[A.G. Bondi interrupts]

Next question, you have fired dozens of career prosecutors because they worked on cases involving President Trump or January 6 rioters. For example, one career federal prosecutor who secured over 100 convictions in Florida. He also spent time in DC prosecuting January 6 cases. He received an outstanding review only two days before you signed a memo firing him. The memo cited no reason for his firing. Are you firing career prosecutors solely because they worked on cases like January 6, that the President doesn't like?

A.G. Bondi: I am not going to talk about personnel matters with you.

Sen. Hirono: Well we all know that hundreds of career prosecutors have left the DOJ, literally hundreds we’re told.

[A.G. Bondi interrupts]

Sen. Hirono: Would you say that DOJ losing these career prosecutors and the thousands of hours of experience they have prosecuting criminals, that is not a reassuring situation?

A.G. Bondi: Many employees took the fork in the road and resigned. DOJ is hiring committed prosecutors who will actually come into the office and work, and not work remotely, and prosecute violent criminals around the country and terrorists. And I am very proud of the work all of our prosecutors are doing.

Sen. Hirono: I'm running out of time so I think you should stop your continuous interruptions, in my opinion.

Mr. Chairman, I just want to close by saying that what was once the Department of Justice has become the Department of Revenge and Corruption. Rather than pursuing cases without fear or favor, this DOJ seeks to favor the President’s friends and instill fear in his alleged enemies.

If you’re a friend of the President, this corrupt DOJ will bend over backwards to help you—just like it dropped the bribery investigation of Tom Homan; like it’s considering paying money to January 6th rioters; and like it has put antitrust enforcement decisions in the hands of well-connected lobbyists.

But if you’re on the wrong side of this President, you will face the wrath of DOJ, no matter what the facts, law, or justice support—James Comey is indicted days after the President’s social media directive; experienced, career prosecutors are fired just because they were assigned to work on January 6th cases; Blue states are sued to get highly sensitive private voter data, whereas Red states are left alone. The double standard is clear and the American people are waking up to the corruption and favoritism and the lawlessness at the DOJ.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/amid-government-shutdown-hirono-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-provide-back-pay-for-federal-contract-workers-including-food-service-and-custodial-staff,"Amid Government Shutdown, Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Provide Back Pay for Federal Contract Workers, Including Food Service and Custodial Staff",2025-10-03,2025,2025-10,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) joined Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and 30 colleagues in the Senate in introducing the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act, legislation to secure back pay for the thousands of federal contract workers who face furloughs and missed paychecks when the federal government is shut down. Unlike federal employees, the thousands of federal contract workers—including janitorial, food, and security services workers—have no assurances that they will receive back pay to make up for their loss of hours and pay during a shutdown.

“Federal contractors are essential to keeping the government running, providing critical services that many of us rely on,” said Senator Hirono. “Thousands of workers rely on the income from their federal employment and they should not have to suffer because of a government shutdown they had nothing to do with. I am proud to introduce this long overdue legislation to ensure that federal contractors will receive fair compensation after a shutdown, just the same as federal employees.”

The Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act would ensure federal contract workers, including low-wage service workers providing security, food and janitorial services, are fairly compensated for the wages and benefits lost due to a lapse in appropriations, also known as a government shutdown. It is estimated that more than 327,000 federal contractors make under $15/per hour.

The legislation would:

Provide contract workers, including low-wage service workers, with back pay (and restored paid leave benefits, if used), after a government shutdown,

Cover costs associated with back pay for workers in an amount equal to their weekly compensation up to $1,442, (250% of the federal poverty level for a family of four), and

Require the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to submit a report on federal contractors accessing back pay.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Smith, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jacky Rosen (D-NV),Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The legislation is endorsed by Service Employees International Union (SEIU), AFL-CIO, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Transport Workers Union of America (TWU), Communication Workers of America (CWA), Iron Workers International, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), Transportation Trades Department (AFL-CIO), UNITE HERE and American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-trump-has-billions-to-bail-out-argentina-but-nothing-for-people-whose-health-care-costs-are-about-to-spike,"Schatz: Trump Has Billions To Bail Out Argentina, But Nothing For People Whose Health Care Costs Are About To Spike",2025-10-03,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today spoke on the Senate floor and called on Republicans to work with Democrats to reopen the government and stop health care costs from rising for millions of people.

“Trump has enough money for a $50 billion tariff bailout. There's enough money for Argentina, but there's not enough money for you. They don't have enough money to help a family of four that's going to have to pay $300 more per month to keep their health care plan. They have the money to cover for Trump's economic incompetence, but apparently they don't have the money to prevent a small business owner, or a taxi driver, or an early retiree from losing their health care,” said Senator Schatz.

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

Donald Trump is sending $20 billion to America? No, not to Americans. To Argentina. Donald Trump is sending $20 billion to Argentina to bail out their economy, and he wants to spend $50 billion to clean up the mess that he made by starting a trade war that crushed American soybean producers.

And let's be clear about what happened. It's not that that market is temporarily suspended. That market, in some cases, is gone. And during this period of time $20 billion for the country of Argentina and $50 billion for a tariff bailout. Americans are paying more for absolutely everything. Health care premiums for tens of millions of people are going to go up by a lot. Not 10 percent. Not 20 percent. Not 50 percent. 114 percent. 24 million Americans, 114 percent.

Now, the bailout for Argentina is particularly absurd. Argentina is not a key security or economic partner. It is an economy that is in such dire shape that there's no guarantee that we will ever get our money back. It is a terrible investment any way you look at it, under any circumstances, but certainly in the context of Americans seeing their health care premiums increased by 114 percent right now.

You then have a separate bailout for American soybean producers totaling close to $50 billion. And why? Because of the tariffs. Because in one fell swoop, they wiped out half of the export market for American soybeans in China. And there's no way you can plug that gap. You can't come up with – I don't know what it would be – a 112 individual deals to kind of add up to the market buying power of the PRC. When you lose a buyer that also happens to be the biggest country of the world, you don't have a lot of options. At best, it's going to take you months or years to cut dozens of smaller deals, and it's not going to add up.

So just to recap, Trump is at the exact same time incinerating $70 billion of taxpayer money. But what's the one thing that there's not enough money for you? There's not enough money for you. There's enough money for a $50 billion tariff bailout. There's enough money for Argentina, but there's not enough money for you. They don't have enough money to help a family of four that's going to have to pay $300 more per month to keep their health care plan. They have the money to cover for Trump's economic incompetence, but apparently they don't have the money to prevent a small business owner, or a taxi driver or an early retiree from losing their health care. This is not complicated at all.

Donald Trump's economy is already hard as it is, because of his choices to create shortages of electricity, of lumber, of food, of health care. Electricity prices are going up at twice the rate of inflation. Vegetables are up nearly 40 percent. Grocery prices are at their highest in three years, and now people are supposed to find hundreds, if not thousands of dollars to spare. Every single month or give up their health care coverage and hope they don't get sick.

We could end this shutdown right now if Republicans sat down and worked with us to protect people's health care. By the way, the people who are being particularly hurt by these health care premium increases live in Republican states. Now, that shouldn't matter. But we are in politics and just understand we're standing here fighting for your constituents. If we were a little more cynical, we would let you stew in the most unpopular major legislation that has been passed in generations. But we want to solve this problem for not just the 24 million people on the so-called exchange, but for everybody who's about to see their premiums spike. Let's sit down and fix this.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-republicans-government-shut-down,Hirono Statement on Republicans’ Government Shut Down,2025-10-01,2025,2025-10,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) released the following statement after Republicans shut down the federal government by refusing to negotiate a bipartisan funding bill. Republicans’ shut down comes as new analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that health care premiums will more than double for millions of Americans if Congress fails to act.

“Republicans would rather shut down the government than address the healthcare crisis they’ve created. Without urgent action from Congress, healthcare premiums will double for millions of people across our country in just weeks. That’s why, for months, Democrats have urged Republicans to negotiate a path forward that keeps government funded and addresses the health care needs of the American people.

“Instead of trying to find a bipartisan solution to keep government open, Donald Trump and his allies in Congress are sowing even more chaos by shutting down the government. Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House. They own this shutdown.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/10/01/2025/schatz-statement-on-government-shutdown,Schatz Statement On Government Shutdown,2025-10-01,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement on the federal government shutdown.

“Unfortunately, cooler heads did not prevail tonight, and the government has been forced to shut down. As a result, federal workers will be furloughed and programs that support people across Hawai‘i will be interrupted. We will continue working every day to reopen the government, and my office will remain open to help residents in any way we can during this difficult time.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-case-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-filipino-american-history-month,"Hirono, Case Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing Filipino American History Month",2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,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) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) led their colleagues in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing October as Filipino American History Month. This resolution honors and celebrates the history and culture of Filipino Americans, honoring the key role they have played in shaping our country.

“As we continue working to uplift the voices of Filipino Americans in Hawaii and throughout the country, I am proud to introduce this resolution to recognize the contributions and honor the culture and history of the Filipino American community,” said Senator Hirono. “From the first laborers who arrived in Hawaii to seek a better life, to the many leaders in business, health care, and our Armed Forces, Filipino Americans have contributed significantly to our nation’s diversity and helped to shape our identity as a country.”

The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

In addition to Representative Case, the companion legislation introduced in the House was also led by Representatives James Moylan (R-GU) and David Scott (D-GA), and cosponsored by Representatives Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Susan DelBene (D-WA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Derek Tran (D-CA), and Juan Vargas (D-CA).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

Senator Hirono has long advocated on behalf of the Filipino American community in Hawaii and across the country. Senator Hirono has introduced similar resolutions to recognize Filipino American History Month and honor Filipino Americans’ contributions to the U.S. during multiple past Congresses. Since 2013, Senator Hirono has also led the introduction of the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act, legislation that would speed up the visa process for children of Filipino World War II veterans. In April 2023, Senator Hirono, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, visited the Filipino World War II Veterans Monument at the Waipahu Public Library in Hawaii, which was dedicated this past February. In November 2022, Senator Hirono met with student leaders of the Filipino Curriculum Project, a project to create an elective course within the Hawaii Department of Education that tells the history and contributions of Filipino’s in Hawaii, to discuss the project’s achievements and plans for the future.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-reject-cash-rewards-for-january-6-rioters,"Hirono, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Reject Cash Rewards for January 6 Rioters",2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Lawmakers: “Using taxpayer funds to refund January 6 insurrectionists would be an illegal and corrupt abuse of the justice system.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and six colleagues in demanding that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) abandon any efforts to refund or financially reward convicted January 6 insurrectionists.

The letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi comes amid reports that January 6 insurrectionists are now requesting compensation for the “harms” they suffered because they were prosecuted for their criminal actions. DOJ recently met with a lawyer for these insurrectionists who asked the Department to create a special panel, similar to that used to compensate September 11, 2001, victims, to issue cash rewards to insurrectionists for their alleged damages. The Senators slammed this proposal as an “illegal and corrupt abuse of the justice system.”

Senator Hirono previously joined her colleagues in denouncing DOJ’s argument that the federal government owes insurrectionists a refund for the restitution payments they made for damage they caused to the Capitol building. Since then, restitution refund requests have almost all been denied, but last month, a judge ordered the government to refund the restitution a January 6 insurrectionist paid before they were pardoned and their case was vacated.

“These criminals are apparently demanding taxpayer compensation, not only to refund court-ordered restitution to cover damages they caused to the Capitol building, but also to compensate them for having to face the legal consequences of their criminal acts,” wrote the lawmakers. “While President Trump may have the authority to grant a blanket pardon to these insurrectionists, that miscarriage of justice does not give the Department the unilateral authority to refund or reward these criminals.”

“It is insulting for the Department to even entertain the idea of establishing a ‘victims’ fund for those who violently stormed the U.S. Capitol, injured more than 100 law enforcement officers, and caused nearly $3 million in property damages, which was left to the American taxpayers to cover,” continued the senators. “Moreover, establishing a compensation fund for January 6 insurrectionists without congressional approval would violate federal law. Congress has provided no authorization or funding for such a misguided proposal, and we are confident that it will never do so.”

The violent mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, attempting to prevent the certification of the 2020 election results caused roughly $3 million in damages to the Capitol building, injured more than 100 law enforcement officers, and threatened members and their staff. Damage to the building included widespread vandalism, ruined furniture, shattered glass, broken doors, defaced artwork, and the desecration of the halls of Congress. Convicted January 6 insurrectionists paid about $400,000 in court-ordered restitution to cover the damages they caused, which has since been transferred to the Treasury Department, from where the funds can only be withdrawn by Congress.

“Misusing taxpayer funds to financially reward those insurrectionists because they were prosecuted and convicted for their violent and destructive actions is unthinkable, and the Department should reject any such request,” concluded the senators.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Padilla, Durbin, and Klobuchar, the letter was also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

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

Dear Attorney General Bondi:

We write to reiterate our strong objections to any efforts by the Department of Justice to refund restitution payments to or financially reward convicted January 6 insurrectionists and implore you to forgo any such actions. Using taxpayer funds to refund January 6 insurrectionists would be an illegal and corrupt abuse of the justice system.

Our May 2, 2025 letter urged the Department of Justice to cease advancing arguments in court in support of refunding restitution payments made by convicted January 6 defendants, as it did on April 8, so that these individuals would be held responsible for the physical damage they caused to the Capitol. Over 120 days later, the Department has failed to respond to our letter or justify passing along to taxpayers the full cost of the damage caused during these insurrectionists’ attempt to obstruct the peaceful transfer of power.

Recently, there have been shocking reports that Department officials are meeting with representatives of January 6 insurrectionists who are seeking cash rewards for their violent and illegal behavior. These criminals are apparently demanding taxpayer compensation, not only to refund court-ordered restitution to cover damages they caused to the Capitol building, but also to compensate them for having to face the legal consequences of their criminal acts. While President Trump may have the authority to grant a blanket pardon to these insurrectionists, that miscarriage of justice does not give the Department the unilateral authority to refund or reward these criminals.

Multiple convicted January 6 insurrectionists have already asked courts to refund their previous restitution payments, and in all but one instance the courts have rejected the Justice Department’s assertions and rightfully held that such refunds are unlawful. Yet in an attempt to rewrite history and paint themselves as sympathetic victims, convicted January 6 insurrectionists are now going even further, urging the Justice Department to create a special panel, similar to that used to compensate September 11, 2001 victims, to award them money for the purported harms they suffered at the hands of the federal government. It is insulting for the Department to even entertain the idea of establishing a “victims” fund for those who violently stormed the U.S. Capitol, injured more than 100 law enforcement officers, and caused nearly $3 million in property damages, which was left to the American taxpayers to cover.

Moreover, establishing a compensation fund for January 6 insurrectionists without congressional approval would violate federal law. Congress has provided no authorization or funding for such a misguided proposal, and we are confident that it will never do so.

Misusing taxpayer funds to financially reward those insurrectionists because they were prosecuted and convicted for their violent and destructive actions is unthinkable, and the Department should reject any such request. Instead, we seek a response to this letter by October 10, 2025 confirming that the Department has no plans to pursue further refunds or rewards for anyone who took part in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-crapo-introduce-resolution-recognizing-importance-of-impact-aid-program-celebrating-programs-75th-anniversary,"Hirono, Crapo Introduce Resolution Recognizing Importance of Impact Aid Program, Celebrating Program’s 75th Anniversary",2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~ In fiscal year 2025, the Impact Aid Program provided funding to support approx. 1,100 school districts serving 8 million students across the country ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on the 75th anniversary of the Impact Aid Program, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced a resolution recognizing the importance of the program and designating September 30, 2025 as “Impact Aid Recognition Day.”

“For the past 75 years, the Impact Aid Program has helped millions of students across our nation access quality public education, regardless of where they reside,” said Senator Hirono. “This program serves a crucial role in providing all children, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, with the opportunity to receive the high-quality education they need and deserve. I’m glad to join my colleagues in recognizing the valuable contributions of the Impact Aid Program, and I’ll continue working to help ensure that students across the country have the support they need to learn and grow in our schools.”

“Seventy-five years since its inception, Impact Aid continues to provide critical support for Idaho’s school districts. Across the nation, Impact Aid helps federally impacted school districts provide access to high-quality education and opportunities children need to unlock their full potential,” said Senator Crapo.

Established in 1950 by President Harry Truman, the Impact Aid Program is the oldest K-12 Federal education program in the U.S. The program reimburses school districts across the country that lose local tax revenue due to the tax-exempt status of federal lands, including military installations; Indian Trust, Treaty and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Lands; and other Federal properties and facilities. In fiscal year (FY) 2025, the Impact Aid Program provided funding to support approximately 1,100 school districts serving 8 million students across the country. In FY 2024, Hawaii received $53.3 million in Impact Aid funding to support over 113,000 students.

This resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), James Lankford (R-OK), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jim Risch (R-ID), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), John Thune (R-SD), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

“The Impact Aid program has played a crucial role in supporting children’s education in Connecticut and across the United States. By bolstering schools near military communities and federal lands and ensuring they have the necessary resources to provide quality, comprehensive education, the Impact Aid program serves children with the tools they need to succeed. I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing the Impact Aid program for its invaluable contributions to students, and I look forward to continuing to work to provide students with the top-tier education they deserve,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“The Impact Aid Program has played a vital role in ensuring that countless students have access to critical educational resources. For 75 years, it has helped close school funding gaps in federally impacted communities, including many across New Jersey,” said Senator Booker. “As I join my colleagues in celebrating this milestone, I remain committed to ensuring this program continues to have the resources necessary to continue advancing educational opportunity in my state and across the nation.”

“The Impact Aid program has changed the lives of countless children both in Montana and across the nation since its creation over seven decades ago. Every child deserves access to quality education and tools for a successful future, so I’m proud to join my bipartisan colleagues on this resolution celebrating 75 years of the Impact Aid program,” said Senator Daines.

“When we invest in our students, teachers and schools, we help set our children on a path to succeed both inside and outside the classroom—and that’s exactly what the Impact Aid Program does,” said Duckworth. “For 75 years, this program has helped ensure schools have the resources they need so every child can reach their full potential, no matter their zip code. I’m proud to join Senators Hirono and Crapo and my colleagues in honoring its contributions and remain committed to building a future where every child has the opportunity to succeed.”

“Impact aid has supported communities in welcoming military families and ensuring that the schools surrounding our military bases and our federal lands have the resources they need to provide the best education possible for their students,” Durbin said. “This year, we celebrate the success of impact aid over the last 75 years, and I remain committed to securing appropriate aid for the school districts in Illinois that proudly educate the next generation.”

“Arizona is one of the nation’s largest beneficiaries of the Impact Aid Program, due to the many military bases and tribal communities across our state. For decades, this program has been a lifeline for schools serving military families and tribal communities, helping to level the playing field for students whose schools lack the same tax base as others. That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor this resolution,” said Senator Ruben Gallego. “For me, this isn’t just about education funding, it’s about investing in Arizona’s future and making sure every child, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to succeed.”

“The Impact Aid Program has been a lifeline for Arizona schools on military bases, tribal lands, and other areas that lose out on local tax revenue,” said Kelly. “This program helps make sure those schools have the resources to hire teachers, keep class sizes down, and give every student a shot at success. As we mark its 75th anniversary, I’m proud to join my colleagues in recognizing Impact Aid’s role in supporting kids, families, and communities across our state and our country.”

“For 75 years, the Impact Aid Program has ensured our schools in Oklahoma have the resources they need to provide a quality education. From classrooms that serve military families to those on tribal lands, Impact Aid makes sure our students have the chance to succeed,” said Senator Lankford.

“Education is a critical pillar for success,” said Lummis. “The Impact Aid program supports Wyoming's tribal and military communities by filling the funding gap due to loss of tax revenue from federal lands, ensuring students across the Cowboy State have access to a high-quality education no matter their zip code. I’m proud to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to honor the impact this program has had on Wyoming’s next generation.”

“Every kid deserves the opportunity to have a great education – it’s one of the most important investments we can make,” said Senator Smith. “Impact Aid plays a key part in ensuring that schools all across Minnesota are equipped with needed funding to educate our kids, and I am proud to celebrate all the good work it’s done over the last 75 years.”

The resolution is also endorsed by the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS).

“For 75 years, Impact Aid has been essential, fulfilling the federal government’s obligation to support the students and communities most affected by its presence,” said NAFIS Executive Director Cherise Imai. “The program is critical to ensuring that students in military communities, on tribal lands, and in other federally impacted areas have the same opportunities as any child in America. We thank Congress for its continued support and for reaffirming with this resolution a bipartisan commitment to Impact Aid. As we celebrate this milestone, it is vital that we continue to protect and strengthen the program so future generations can benefit from its promise.”

The full text of the resolution is available here.

As a co-chair of the Congressional Impact Aid Caucus, Senator Hirono has been a strong supporter of the Impact Aid Program. Earlier this year, she introduced the Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act, legislation that would provide a total of $1 billion over four years for Impact Aid Construction Grants to address the significant backlog of facility needs at federally impacted school districts. Senator Hirono also joined two letters led by Senators Reed and Lujan requesting funding support for Impact Aid.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-duckworth-underwood-reignite-push-to-expand-access-to-contraceptive-care-for-veterans,"Hirono, Duckworth, Underwood Reignite Push to Expand Access to Contraceptive Care for Veterans",2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,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) joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), both members of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, along with Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL) in reintroducing legislation that would improve Veterans’ access to contraception and increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness for contraceptive products at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Access to Contraception Expansion for Veterans (ACE Veterans) Act would allow Veterans to request a full-year supply of contraceptive products from the VA—the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States—and require VA providers to inform patients of their option to request a full year of contraception at the time of the prescription being issued.

“As the Trump Administration and Republicans across the country work to limit or ban access to contraception, legislation like the ACE Veterans Act is more important than ever,” said Senator Hirono. “Our veterans shouldn’t have to face barriers to accessing contraception or experience gaps between prescription refills. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bill to help ensure the people who bravely served our country can access the critical preventive care they need.”

Missing more than two consecutive contraceptive pills can increase a woman’s chance of contraceptive failure and the potential for unintended pregnancy, which has been linked to adverse health effects including maternal depression, intimate partner violence, low birth weight, preterm birth and infant mortality. In 2022, the VA expanded the amount of oral contraceptives patients can receive to a 12-month supply—this marked important progress, but the policy still allows for more restrictive dispensing limitations, depending on the type of contraceptive.

The VA’s current policy also doesn’t require its providers to inform patients they have the option to receive a 12-month supply of certain contraceptives at the time the prescription is issued. By addressing these two weaknesses in the current VA policy, the ACE Veterans Act would help women Veterans get the contraceptive care they need and reduce their rate of unintended pregnancies—improving the reliability of our heroes’ health care and saving a substantial amount of taxpayer dollars.

Along with Senators Hirono and Duckworth, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), John Fetterman (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

The ACE Veterans Act is endorsed by AMVETS, Service Womens Action Network, Women Veterans Interactive and the National Women’s Law Center.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-peoples-health-care-premiums-are-going-up-now-its-time-to-act,"Schatz: People’s Health Care Premiums Are Going Up Now, It’s Time To Act",2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Speaking at this afternoon’s Senate Democratic leadership press conference, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) called on Republicans to work with Democrats to stop health care costs from rising and keep the government open.

“The reason that we are trying to take action now on health care is because people's premiums are going up. People are going to lose their health care,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This is not a joke. The idea that this is some Democratic priority or independent priority or Republican priority is nonsense. This is a very damaging issue for Republicans, and if we were terribly cynical, we would just let them stew in it. But we want to solve it because we care in our bones about the people we represent.”

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

I'm struck by the extent to which sort of DC brain has infected us all, where we think that this is some sort of cooked up demand. The reason that we are trying to take action now on health care is because people's premiums are going up this coming week by letter. I got a text from a buddy of mine. He got a letter – 40 percent increase for his father's premiums. This is not a talking point. This is not an allegation. This is literally what's happening. And 40 percent, you should be to be lucky if it's a 40 percent increase – the average increase is going to be 114 percent.

And so the time to solve this problem is now. Open enrollment is now. Letters are going out now. Now some insurance companies are sending out letters saying, ‘Your rates are increasing, but we're not sure by how much.’ And some insurance companies are being jawboned into not even sending letters at all. Now there is only one thing worse than your rates going up on January 1 – it is not being told until December that your rates are going up on January 1.

People are going to lose their health care. This is not a joke. This is not a political talking point. This is what's going to happen across the country. The idea that this is some Democratic priority or independent priority or Republican priority is nonsense. Tens of millions of people are specifically going to see a 114 percent increase and everybody else is in the same risk pool. This is a very damaging issue for Republicans, and if we were terribly cynical, we would just let them stew in it. But we want to solve it because we care in our bones about the people we represent.

And so there is still an opportunity to do something about this. There is still an opportunity to do something about this. None of us like shutdowns. But the only way to avoid a shutdown is to sit down between the political parties – and that includes the party out of power – and to make a deal. There's still time.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-state-department-to-resume-medical-and-humanitarian-visas-for-civilians-in-gaza,"Hirono, Colleagues Urge State Department to Resume Medical and Humanitarian Visas for Civilians in Gaza",2025-09-29,2025,2025-09,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) joined Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and 40 Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern and demanding an explanation over the State Department’s decision last month to suspend the issuance of temporary medical and humanitarian visas for civilians in Gaza in need of urgent medical care, including children with life-threatening injuries or conditions. The letter also requests information on the Department’s recent decision to restrict nonimmigrant visas for people who hold Palestinian passports.

“We write with grave concern regarding the State Department’s recent suspension of all visitor visas for eligible, vetted individuals from Gaza, including those in need of urgent medical care,” the senators wrote. “We are also concerned by the unprecedented decision to abruptly refuse nonimmigrant visas to people with Palestinian passports. It is critical that the Department immediately reinstate temporary medical and humanitarian visas for Palestinian civilians in Gaza in order to save lives, resume nonimmigrant visas for eligible Palestinian passport holders, and double down on the work needed to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region.”

“During the Biden and current Trump administrations, individuals from Gaza who met specific criteria set by the State Department have been granted temporary medical and humanitarian visas, allowing them to access life-saving medical treatment in the United States. These civilians include severely wounded children who are especially vulnerable and, through no fault of their own, have been caught in the crossfire and forced to endure horrible impacts from the war in Gaza. These children and their accompanying caretakers leaving Gaza to receive medical treatment are subject to strong vetting processes, including by the Israeli government, which look specifically at any potential security threats and known associations,” the lawmakers continued.

This blanket decision by the State Department prevents a viable pathway to critical care for individuals who qualify for temporary medical and humanitarian visas, including children with life-threatening injuries or conditions, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. With medical facilities in Gaza growing increasingly limited, and acute shortages of medicines, medical supplies, and medical professionals, particularly those with expertise in complex specialties, care is being delayed and exacerbating the suffering of those in need.

The senators requested a full explanation of the circumstances leading to this abrupt decision to suspend medical and humanitarian visas as well as specific issues, instances, or concerns identified, and a list of any cases of medical treatments that have been delayed as a result. Further, they requested information on what specific processes and procedures are being reviewed, the criteria being used to review them, when the State Department expects the reviews to be completed, and how the Department plans to ensure that access to emergency medical care for those eligible is not disrupted going forward.

“As Secretary of State, we urge you to immediately reinstate the issuance of temporary medical and humanitarian visas in order to provide urgently needed life-saving civilian relief, resume issuing nonimmigrant visas for eligible individuals with Palestinian passports, and refocus U.S. efforts on achieving a lasting end to the conflict in Gaza that ensures security, peace, and prosperity for all in the region,” the Senators concluded.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Booker, the letter was also signed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin, Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), (D-IL), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

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

Dear Secretary Rubio,

We write with grave concern regarding the State Department’s recent suspension of all visitor visas for eligible, vetted individuals from Gaza, including those in need of urgent medical care. We are also concerned by the unprecedented decision to abruptly refuse nonimmigrant visas to people with Palestinian passports. It is critical that the Department immediately reinstate temporary medical and humanitarian visas for Palestinian civilians in Gaza in order to save lives, resume nonimmigrant visas for eligible Palestinian passport holders, and double down on the work needed to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region.

During the Biden and current Trump administrations, individuals from Gaza who met specific criteria set by the State Department have been granted temporary medical and humanitarian visas, allowing them to access life-saving medical treatment in the United States. These civilians include severely wounded children who are especially vulnerable and, through no fault of their own, have been caught in the crossfire and forced to endure horrible impacts from the war in Gaza. These children and their accompanying caretakers leaving Gaza to receive medical treatment are subject to strong vetting processes, including by the Israeli government, which look specifically at any potential security threats and known associations. Despite this rigorous vetting and extreme need for lifesaving treatment, on August 16, the State Department announced that “all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped” pending a “review of the processes and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days.” We are deeply concerned that this blanket decision prevents a viable pathway to critical care for individuals who qualify for temporary medical and humanitarian visas, including children with life-threatening injuries or conditions, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Access to functioning medical facilities in Gaza has grown increasingly limited, and acute shortages of medicines, medical supplies, and medical professionals, particularly those with expertise in complex specialties, delays care and exacerbates the suffering of those in need. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has reported that emergency rooms have been “overcrowded” and health facilities are running over capacity. The State Department’s decision to indefinitely pause the visa process places eligible and vulnerable civilians in a life-threatening position of further uncertainty, likely causing preventable deaths. Therefore, we request a full explanation of the circumstances leading to this abrupt decision, including any specific issues, instances, or concerns identified, and a list of any cases of medical treatments that have been delayed as a result. Further, we request information on what specific processes and procedures are being reviewed, the criteria being used to review them, when you expect the reviews to be completed, and how the Department plans to ensure that access to emergency medical care for those eligible is not disrupted going forward.

More recently, the State Department made another broad decision to refuse nonimmigrant visas for individuals who would otherwise be eligible but hold passports issued by the Palestinian Authority, using a mechanism that is usually applied narrowly in specific circumstances where further documentation is required from a visa applicant. Those receiving nonimmigrant visas also go through a vetting process and often travel to the U.S. for university studies, business, and visits with family and friends. The State Department has not communicated the reasoning behind the abrupt change in procedure nor a timeframe for lifting this categorical visa restriction. As a result, we also request a full explanation of the circumstances leading to the suspension of nonimmigrant visas for people with Palestinian passports, including any specific issues or concerns identified and how they are being addressed, and when the Department plans to resume processing and approving these visas.

As Secretary of State, we urge you to immediately reinstate the issuance of temporary medical and humanitarian visas in order to provide urgently needed life-saving civilian relief, resume issuing nonimmigrant visas for eligible individuals with Palestinian passports, and refocus U.S. efforts on achieving a lasting end to the conflict in Gaza that ensures security, peace, and prosperity for all in the region.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-duckworth-demand-answers-and-briefing-from-hegseth-ahead-of-unprecedented-wasteful-speech-with-top-military-leadership,"Hirono, Duckworth Demand Answers and Briefing from Hegseth Ahead of Unprecedented, Wasteful Speech with Top Military Leadership",2025-09-29,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Senators: “For an administration obsessed with rooting out waste, this abrupt, time and resource-intensive meeting of our military’s top commanders, all of whom have earned their positions through superior performance over decades of service, to reportedly hear you, the least qualified Secretary of Defense in living memory, lecture about military standards and warfighting is absurd.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s abrupt, needless, and wasteful speech to much of our nation’s top military leadership tomorrow, September 30, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), pressed the Secretary on the serious risks that such a gathering poses to security—on top of the monstrous cost to American taxpayers as Republicans march us toward a government shutdown.

Emphasizing the impacts this meeting could have on security, the Senators wrote, “If reports are accurate, this gathering would represent an unprecedented concentration of senior military leadership in one location simply to hear you speak about standards and ethos at significant cost and with potentially serious security implications. This includes both the personal security of all individuals assembling—and creating a rich target for any malign actor—and national security, given that our adversaries will know that many of our most senior commanders from around the world are tied up together with some portion of the highest level of the civilian chain of command.”

In their letter, the senators requested a briefing or detailed written answers to over a dozen questions, including what these additional flights, hotel rooms, and other expenses will cost taxpayers, as well as what impacts this meeting will have on operations around the globe in the absence of senior leadership, and more.

The Senators continued: “For an administration obsessed with rooting out waste, this abrupt, time and resource-intensive meeting of our military’s top commanders, all of whom have earned their positions through superior performance over decades of service, to reportedly hear you, the least qualified Secretary of Defense in living memory, lecture about military standards and warfighting is absurd.”

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

Secretary Hegseth:

Recent reporting that you intend to convene commanders in grade O7 through O10 and their senior enlisted advisors from around the world for an in-person meeting at Marine Corps Base Quantico next week—on short notice, supposedly to hear you make a speech about the “warrior ethos”—raises profound concerns about security, cost and operational impacts. It comes amid a pattern of deeply troubling decisions under your tenure, including continued abuse of the military in American cities for political purposes; the abrupt removal of highly qualified senior leaders without justification, sometimes at the behest of a far-right social media influencer and conspiracy theorist; and your own humiliating mishandling of classified operational information in unclassified, unsecured group chats with your wife, brother and, stunningly, the editor-in-chief of the Atlantic.

If reports are accurate, this gathering would represent an unprecedented concentration of senior military leadership in one location simply to hear you speak about standards and ethos at significant cost and with potentially serious security implications. This includes both the personal security of all individuals assembling—and creating a rich target for any malign actor—and national security, given that our adversaries will know that many of our most senior commanders from around the world are tied up together with some portion of the highest level of the civilian chain of command.

Very few commanders at the specified grades are stationed in the National Capital Region, meaning that this order could potentially require over 1,000 uniformed servicemembers, between commanders, their senior enlisted advisors and support staff, to travel at the taxpayer’s expense, interrupting their planned duties in their areas of responsibility. For an administration obsessed with rooting out waste, this abrupt, time and resource-intensive meeting of our military’s top commanders, all of whom have earned their positions through superior performance over decades of service, to reportedly hear you, the least qualified Secretary of Defense in living memory, lecture about military standards and warfighting is absurd.

To our knowledge, no Secretary of Defense in modern history has convened an in-person gathering of this scale, involving general and flag officer commanders worldwide, without a publicly stated agenda or declared crisis. Even during periods of acute national emergency, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Gulf War or the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks, senior military leaders were summoned only in smaller, mission-specific groups, and always with a clear operational or strategic purpose. Regularly scheduled events such as the Unified Commanders Conference involve far fewer participants, are planned well in advance and are conducted with a defined, operational purpose and full transparency. The reported Quantico meeting departs dramatically from these precedents.

Given the exceedingly costly nature of this meeting and our lack of confidence in your judgement when it comes to operational security on account of your well-publicized failures in this regard, we require detailed responses to the following questions:

What is the estimated total cost of this gathering, including:

Estimated number of flight hours required for military aircraft, fixed wing and rotary wing, and the cost per flight hour;

Estimated number of commercial roundtrip airline tickets required for commanders, senior enlisted advisors and support staff and the estimated total cost of commercial airfare;

Estimated number of hotel rooms required and estimated total lodging costs for all travelers, including commanders, senior enlisted advisors and support staff;

Estimated total per diem for all travelers, including commanders, senior enlisted advisors and support staff;

Estimated total cost of ground transportation, to include rental and contract vehicles, fuel and mileage reimbursements;

Estimated total cost of extra security measures required at Marine Corps Base Quantico and throughout the wider National Capital Region.

What accounts are being used to fund these costs?

If there is a lapse in annual appropriations starting at midnight the night of this meeting, how will it impact meeting participants’ ability to return to their duty stations?

Was a cost-benefit analysis conducted prior to deciding on an in-person format?

Why was a secure virtual alternative not considered sufficient?

Is public reporting that the purpose of this meeting is to deliver a speech accurate? Are there any other objectives planned for this meeting?

What force protection measures are being implemented at Marine Corps Base Quantico during the meeting?

Has the Department conducted a risk assessment of concentrating much of the operational chain of command in one location?

What contingency plans are in place in the event of a security breach during the meeting?

Has the Department coordinated with the intelligence community to assess risks to the senior leadership gathering or broader national security?

What is the impact on command and control in each combatant command during the absence of its senior leadership?

Are there any ongoing or anticipated operations that could be affected by this absence?

What are the anticipated impacts to personnel and operations at Marine Corps Base Quantico in preparation for this meeting, on the day of this meeting and following the conclusion of the meeting?

What installation resources are being used in support of this meeting?

How many installation personnel are being detailed to support this meeting?

How many personnel are being directed to not report to their duty station on the day of the meeting?

What restrictions are being placed on families or individuals living on base and how are base services impacted?

What are the anticipated impacts to personnel and operations at other installations in the National Capital Region in preparation for this meeting, on the day of this meeting and following the conclusion of the meeting? For each impacted installation, detail:

What installation resources are being used in support of this meeting?

How many installation personnel are being detailed to support this meeting?

Has this gathering disrupted any other scheduled operations, training or interagency coordination?

Why has the Department not publicly disclosed the purpose of this meeting?

Has the President directed this gathering? If not, was the President briefed on or otherwise aware of the gathering before it was reported?

Has any previous Secretary of Defense convened a similar gathering under comparable circumstances?

How does the Department justify the urgency of this meeting in the absence of a declared crisis?

Secretary Hegseth, we write with particular concern on account of your consistent prioritization of political theater and distraction over warfighting and blatant disregard for operational security. Given the reported scale and sensitivity of this reported gathering, we require a briefing or written response to answer these questions no later than Monday September 29, 2025. If any of the information requested is classified, we are prepared to receive a briefing in an appropriate setting.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-resolution-honoring-hawaiian-history,Schatz Leads Resolution Honoring Hawaiian History,2025-09-29,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation in introducing a resolution designating September 2025 as “Hawaiian History Month.” The resolution recognizes the rich history and culture of Native Hawaiians and Hawaii.

“Hawaiian cultural traditions and values are an essential part of what makes Hawai‘i special. Hawaiian History Month is an opportunity to honor the culture, history, and contributions of the Native Hawaiian community and recommit to protecting Native Hawaiian rights,” said Senator Schatz.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-electricity-bills-soar-schatz-hails-cheap-clean-energy-at-climate-week-nyc,"As Electricity Bills Soar, Schatz Hails Cheap, Clean Energy At Climate Week NYC",2025-09-26,2025,2025-09,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) concluded his trip to Climate Week NYC. While in New York, Schatz addressed a convening of mayors from across the country and discussed the importance of providing relief at the local level to higher costs and extreme heat and weather. He also spoke about the future of clean energy during moderated conversations at the New York Times’ Climate Forward Live and with Heatmap News.

Schatz later participated in a roundtable discussion about how federal policymaking can bolster carbon dioxide removal (CDR) research and development in the United States. He also met with climate leaders from Hawai‘i – including Hawai‘i Green Growth CEO Kalani Kaanaana – as well as foreign dignitaries, businesses and industry leaders, academics, and advocates.

“Clean energy is cheap, in addition to being good for the planet and the only way to meet soaring demand in the coming years,” said Senator Schatz. “While President Trump and Republicans in Congress race to kill clean energy, I’m encouraged by the conversations I had this week with leaders from across the country and around the world who understand that lowering costs for people and saving the planet are not independent goals – they are one and the same.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-helps-kick-off-climate-week-nyc,Schatz Helps Kick Off Climate Week NYC,2025-09-24,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"NEW YORK – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) will participate in Climate Week NYC. Today, September 24, Senator Schatz will deliver a keynote address at the Climate Mayors Leadership Forum on the future of clean energy and the importance of local climate action. He will also participate in moderated conversations at the New York Times’ Climate Forward Live, which will be livestreamed here, and with Heatmap News.

Tomorrow, September 25, Senator Schatz will discuss how federal policy and private sector investment can bolster carbon dioxide removal (CDR) efforts at a roundtable convened by the Carbon Removal Alliance. Schatz has introduced the Carbon Dioxide Removal Research and Development Act and the Removing and Sequestering Carbon Unleashed in the Environment and Oceans (RESCUE Oceans) Act to advance CDR research and development in the United States.

“As a direct consequence of President Trump and Republicans’ war on clean energy, millions of Americans are paying more for electricity every month,” said Senator Schatz. “The reality is: clean energy is cheap and protects the planet. I look forward to productive conversations at Climate Week NYC with leaders from across the country and around the world about how we can work together to save the planet.”

While in New York, Senator Schatz will also meet with climate leaders from Hawai‘i, foreign dignitaries, businesses and industry leaders, academics, and advocates.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-tokuda-lead-hawaii-congressional-delegation-in-introducing-bill-to-protect-tropical-plants,"Hirono, Tokuda Lead Hawaii Congressional Delegation in Introducing Bill to Protect Tropical Plants",2025-09-23,2025,2025-09,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) and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI) led the rest of the Hawaii Congressional Delegation including Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Representative Ed Case (D-HI), in introducing the Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act. This legislation would 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.

“In Hawaii, and many other states across the country, we rely on growing and exporting tropical plants to boost our economies,” said Senator Hirono. “Conducting research to protect and maintain crops—such as coffee, macadamia nuts, mangos, and vanilla—is crucial in order to understand and mitigate any threats posed to these plants. I’m glad to join my colleagues in the Hawaii Congressional delegation in introducing this legislation to bolster our tropical agriculture and support our local farmers and producers.”

“Tropical crops like kalo, ulu, coffee, bananas, and macadamia nuts are more than economic lifelines for Hawaii’s farmers and small businesses. They are the foods we share, the traditions we carry, and a vital part of who we are as communities,” said Representative Tokuda. “That’s why Senator Hirono and I introduced the Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act, to protect these crops from pests, climate change, and disease, and to safeguard our communities’ future.""

The bill would increase support for tropical plant research by prioritizing relevant applications for USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grants and creating dedicated funding. This would unlock targeted federal support for research and development, integrated pest management, and other initiatives to protect and improve the health of tropical floriculture and nursery crops—all critical to Hawaii’s agriculture and economy.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-trumps-epa-to-reverse-rollback-of-vehicle-emissions-standards-stop-attacks-on-clean-air,"Hirono, Colleagues Urge Trump’s EPA to Reverse Rollback of Vehicle Emissions Standards, Stop Attacks on Clean Air",2025-09-22,2025,2025-09,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) joined Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and nine colleagues in sending a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging the agency to reverse course on the elimination of federal standards for greenhouse gas emissions from passenger cars and medium and heavy-duty trucks. The EPA’s move is enabled by the Trump EPA’s proposal to get rid of the 2009 finding that greenhouse gas emissions threaten our health and welfare by contributing to climate change, which is the underlying basis for EPA’s regulatory ability to address tailpipe climate pollution. Senator Hirono also joined the rest of the Democratic Caucus in demanding the EPA withdraw its legally deficient and factually inaccurate proposed rollback of this finding. The Trump administration’s proposed clean vehicles rollback would decimate regulations that reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution from cars; the current standards on the books are projected to save drivers $6,000 over the next five years by cutting fuel costs and eventually prevent up to 2,500 premature deaths per year thanks to less pollution from vehicles.

In the letter, the lawmakers write, “If the Trump administration persists with eliminating federal vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards, it will be responsible for damaging the environment, hurting public health, costing drivers money, cutting American jobs and competitiveness, and increasing our dependence on foreign oil.”

The lawmakers conclude, “Americans should be able to drive and share the road with cleaner, more efficient vehicles that help clean up our air, save families money at the pump, and strengthen American competitiveness and energy independence. We urge you not to destroy these life- and cost-saving vehicle emission standards on the basis of faulty science and unlawful attacks on the clean air statutes passed by Congress.”

In addition to Senators Hirono and Markey, the letter is also signed by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

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

Dear Administrator Zeldin:

To address the climate crisis, safeguard public health, and protect our economy, we write to urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Trump administration to reverse course on your ill-advised rollback of federal standards for greenhouse gas emissions from passenger cars and medium and heavy-duty trucks. By proposing to eliminate the 2009 endangerment finding on climate emissions from motor vehicles, the underlying basis for EPA’s regulatory ability to address tailpipe climate pollution, EPA is shirking its statutory responsibility to protect human health and the environment, violating the Clean Air Act and Supreme Court precedent, and ignoring the directives of Congress. If the Trump administration persists with eliminating federal vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards, it will be responsible for damaging the environment, hurting public health, costing drivers money, cutting American jobs and competitiveness, and increasing our dependence on foreign oil.

Robust federal vehicle emission standards are a critical tool for addressing the climate crisis and protecting public health. In the United States, transportation is the leading source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for 28 percent of total direct emissions. Cars and trucks contribute 80 percent of the emissions within the transportation sector. Dismantling clean vehicle regulations would leave GHG emissions unchecked, which will lead to worsening climate change and increasingly severe extreme weather events. These disasters hurt our communities and exact an astronomical cost in both public and private spending—over the past year alone, disaster-related spending cost the United States nearly $1 trillion.

Transportation-related air pollution hurts public health. Climate change caused by GHG emissions has driven record temperatures across the nation, doubling the number of heat-related deaths in the United States since 1999. Transportation is a major source of particulate matter and other toxic air pollution, severely affecting communities’ ability to breathe clean air and causing asthma, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. Studies show that deaths increase on days with both high temperatures and poor air quality, relative to days during which only one factor is present.

Removing clean car and truck safeguards would also increase costs for consumers. Studies show that strong clean vehicle standards have saved drivers more than $9,000 per vehicle in fuel since 2001, and if current policies are kept in place, drivers will save an additional $6,000 in fuel savings per vehicle over the next five years. Without standards, the next generation of American vehicles would become significantly more expensive to fuel, maintain, and repair, no longer saving drivers money at the pump.

The world is transitioning to a zero-emission transportation system, and ignoring that reality puts the future of the American auto industry at risk. In 2024, 69 percent of U.S. vehicle exports went to countries with electric vehicle sales requirements, and 62 percent went to countries planning to ban internal combustion engine vehicles entirely. In 2024, the clean vehicles industry employed more than 410,000 Americans, a figure that includes workers manufacturing parts and components to make vehicles cleaner and more fuel-efficient. The clean vehicle job sector grew faster than the gas- and diesel-powered vehicle industry, adding about 60 percent more jobs between 2021 and 2024. Repealing vehicle emission standards would ruin the momentum and hand the future of the automotive industry to global competitors.

Rolling back standards threatens American energy independence by deepening our reliance on foreign oil. Only 60 percent of the oil in U.S. fuel refineries is extracted in the United States. The remaining 40 percent is imported, making our system linked to volatile global markets. For instance, when Russia invaded Ukraine, gas prices jumped 50 cents a gallon in just one week—a reminder that dependence on oil leaves American drivers at the whims of foreign countries.

Americans should be able to drive and share the road with cleaner, more efficient vehicles that help clean up our air, save families money at the pump, and strengthen American competitiveness and energy independence. We urge you not to destroy these life- and cost-saving vehicle emission standards on the basis of faulty science and unlawful attacks on the clean air statutes passed by Congress.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-collins-smith-bacon-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-close-loophole-that-impacts-adoptee-families,"Hirono, Collins, Smith, Bacon Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Close Loophole that Impacts Adoptee Families",2025-09-22,2025,2025-09,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. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA) and Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced the Protect Adoptees and American Families Act, legislation that would grant U.S. citizenship to international adoptees who were legally adopted in the U.S. as children but lack citizenship status due to a loophole in the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.

“Thousands of American families and their internationally-adopted children have been living in fear and uncertainty due to an oversight in the Child Citizenship Act, which is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that would provide a long overdue solution to address this issue,” said Senator Hirono. “The Protect Adoptees and American Families Act will help keep families together, and ensure that international adoptees are afforded the rights they deserve as U.S. citizens.”

Families who adopted children from abroad were previously required to complete a lengthy, expensive naturalization process for their adopted children, on top of the adoption process itself. In some cases, the paperwork was not completed in full, leaving adoptees unaware they were living in the U.S. without citizenship. The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA) streamlined this process by granting automatic citizenship to foreign-born children under 18 adopted by U.S. citizens. However, the law only applied to adoptees under age 18 at the time the CCA took effect in February 2001. Adoptees who had already reached adulthood were excluded, leaving tens of thousands of people without citizenship despite being raised in American families.

The Protect Adoptees and American Families Act fixes this oversight by confirming U.S. citizenship for internationally adopted individuals, regardless of when they were adopted or their age. Specifically, the bill:

Provides automatic citizenship to foreign-born children lawfully adopted by U.S. families who turned 18 before February 27, 2001; and

Establishes a path to citizenship for adoptees living abroad who meet eligibility requirements but currently reside outside the U.S. This process includes background checks and the resolution of any outstanding legal matters before citizenship is granted.

This legislation will provide long-overdue certainty for adoptees who have faced barriers to higher education, employment, and financial services, and who in some cases have even faced deportation to countries where they have no family or community ties.

The bill has been endorsed by Adoptee Rights Campaign; Korean American Grassroots Conference; National Council For Adoption; Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission; NAKASEC; Niskanen Center; Center for Adoption Policy; National Immigration Forum; National Asian Pacific American Bar Association; Adoptees for Justice; Family Coalition for Adoptee Citizenship; National Alliance for Adoptee Equality; and Alliance for Adoptee Citizenship.

“As a national network in five states, the NAKASEC network strongly urges the immediate passage of this legislation. Birth parents, adoptive parents, and sending countries partnered with the United States with the understanding that adoptees would be full members of their families – with all the rights, protections, and opportunities afforded to them. It’s important to note that citizenship for adoptees is an issue only in the United States. No other receiving country failed to confer citizenship for the children in their care. It’s time for the United States to fulfill their promises and secure citizenship for all intercountry adoptees,” said Becky Belcore, Co-Director of the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC).

“We recognize the challenges faced by adoptees who, though raised in American families and contributing fully to our communities, continue to live without the protections of citizenship. We applaud the leadership of Rep. Smith, Rep. Bacon, Sen. Hirono, and Sen. Collins in introducing the Protect Adoptees and American Families Act, a bipartisan measure that offers long-overdue relief and recognition to those who are American in every way except on paper. With Korean American adoptees among the most affected, KAGC is committed to working with partners to ensure this vital legislation is enacted and justice is delivered to all impacted,” said Wonseok Song, Executive Director of the Korean American Grassroots Conference, the largest nationwide network of Korean American voters.

“NCFA supports the Protect Adoptees and American Families Act. Congress intended citizenship for children being internationally adopted by American citizens, but a complicated and confusing immigration and visa system resulted in some parents failing to complete the citizenship process on behalf of their minor children. The Protect Adoptees and American Families Act provides the citizenship that was initially intended for these individuals,” said Ryan Hanlon, National Council For Adoption.

“The Protect Adoptees and American Families Act fixes a 25-year loophole that has prevented internationally adopted Americans, raised by American families and fully integrated into American society, from achieving full United States citizenship. There is no excuse. Now is the time for Congress to get this commonsense bill over the finish line and provide a long-awaited solution for these families and for the betterment of our country,” said Kristie De Pena, Director of Immigration Policy at the Niskanen Center.

“We support this effort to strengthen American families by easing the citizenship process for international adoptees. The Protect Adoptees and American Families Act supports a core aspect of our national values, and we are glad to see Republicans and Democrats come together behind it. We look forward to seeing it passed and signed,” said the National Immigration Forum.

“Fundamental fairness demands that those children who were lawfully adopted and raised in the United States enjoy the full privileges and opportunities of American life.? Yet for thousands of international adoptees, so many of whom arrived from Asian countries and through no fault of their own, that basic promise has been denied due to inadvertent missing paperwork.? The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) commends the sponsors for introducing the Protect Adoptees and American Families (PAAF) Act, a pivotal step to ensure that those impacted within the Asian Pacific American community can finally enjoy stability and pursue a livelihood without fear of removal,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA.

“Adoptees and their families across the country are living in fear, shock, and with a sense of betrayal – often learning they are not citizens when they are well into adulthood and after lifetimes as Americans. More and more adoptees are reaching out when they are approaching or in their senior years. Their stories underscore the urgent need for immediate legislative repair. The introduction of this bill shows that our country’s leaders recognize this profound injustice and are committed to adoptees and American families,” said Rachel Koelzer, Co-Founder of Adoptees For Justice.

“We’re thrilled at the introduction of this bill that will give aging adoptees the rights and protections that are rightfully theirs. Reintroducing this bill is an important step toward ensuring that no one is denied their rights or opportunities because of how they came to be a part of their families. This is the tenth year the bill has been introduced – let’s get it passed this session!” said Amanda Cho, Policy Manager with the Alliance for Adoptee Citizenship.

""Time and again, our legal system has fallen short in safeguarding our rights as Americans, leaving us deprived of the freedoms and security that our parents, siblings, and families enjoy. The Protect Adoptees and American Families Act aims to confront and solve these glaring citizenship inequalities and acknowledge those of us who have been unjustly denied the protections intended through legal adoption. We thank Representatives Smith and Bacon and Senators Hirono and Collins for their bipartisan leadership on this critical legislation,"" said Joy Alessi with the Adoptee Rights Campaign.

“To be adopted into a family is to be chosen, loved, and embraced as one of their own. Adoption is a bond that transcends borders, making you not just a citizen of a country, but a citizen of a family, forever. Somehow, we as adoptees have been forgotten. We were lost in the shuffle and are being held accountable for the responsibilities of adults that were ignorant of the process. Our adoptive parents were under the impression that we were citizens through the adoption process. Many of us were born in the 60s and grew up living as citizens because we were told we were. Why would we believe any different when we grew up being told we were citizens? We were given our social security numbers and our driver’s licenses with no questions asked. Why didn’t the government inform us then? If they did, we would have been able to right the wrong. Now years later, we are in limbo, many of us deported. How is this fair or humane? How is it fair to send someone to a country where they know no one, they don’t know the language, and have no means to make a living? This bill needs to be law for those innocent adoptees who are victims of a faulty system,” said H, an adoptee without citizenship.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-senate-colleagues-in-recognizing-asian-american-and-native-american-pacific-islander-serving-institutions-week,Hirono Leads Senate Colleagues in Recognizing Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions Week,2025-09-22,2025,2025-09,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 cuts 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) led 13 of her Senate colleagues in reintroducing a resolution designating September 22-28, 2025 as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week. This week honors the vital role of AANAPISIs in expanding access to quality higher education for American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students.

“During AANAPISI Week, we celebrate Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions nationwide and the important work they do for our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “As this administration actively works to strip hundreds of millions of dollars in grant funding from these important institutions, it is more critical than ever that we reaffirm our commitment to supporting them. I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this resolution to recognize the importance of AANAPISIs and the role they play in supporting students—expanding opportunities for our youth, while uplifting and connecting students from diverse backgrounds in Hawaii and across the country.”

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 in the wake of the Trump administration’s reckless decision to rescind $350 million in Congressionally-approved funds from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) including AANAPISIs, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNHSIs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). AANAPISIs alone have had over $18 million in grant funding terminated, which will force many to gut support services for students and lay off staff. These cuts will destabilize the education of thousands of students and ultimately harm our nation's economic future.

In addition to Senator Hirono, this resolution was cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN),Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Companion legislation was also introduced in the House by Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), and 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. 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 May, she also introduced the Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act, bicameral legislation to promote the teaching of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history in schools across the country. Senator Hirono also reintroduced a package of bills focused on mental health awareness for AANHPI communities in observance of May as National Mental Health Awareness Month and AANHPI Heritage Month.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-recognize-americas-lgbtq-veterans-and-servicemembers,"Hirono, Colleagues Recognize America’s LGBTQ+ Veterans and Servicemembers",2025-09-19,2025,2025-09,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) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and 17 colleagues in introducing a resolution recognizing September 20, 2025, as “National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day.” This day serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage demonstrated by LGBTQ+ individuals who have served our nation. This resolution is especially salient as the Trump Administration continues to take actions that undermine our national security and dehumanize the thousands of transgender and nonbinary servicemembers who have honorably served in our armed forces.

National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day is celebrated on September 20, as it marks the anniversary of the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in 2011. It is estimated that between World War II and 2011, more than 100,000 servicemembers were discharged from the Armed Forces on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The resolution calls for enhanced awareness of the current and historical injustices faced by LGBTQ+ servicemembers—the ban on serving in the military, restrictions on gender-affirming care, and the decades of exclusion prior to these policies—and urges the U.S. government to provide support for LGBTQ+ patriots.

The ban on military service for transgender people and additional restrictions on gender-affirming care continue to be litigated in federal court, yet the Supreme Court has allowed the implementation of the ban, threatening the careers of thousands of servicemembers who serve in critical national security roles. Former Pentagon officials have testified that allowing transgender servicemembers to openly serve “fosters openness and trust among team members, thereby enhancing unit cohesion.”

In addition to Senators Hirono and Merkley, this resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tammy?Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard?Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy?Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth?Warren (D-MA), Sheldon?Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

This resolution is endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, Modern Military Association of America, Minority Veterans of America, Advocates for Trans Equality, and PFLAG National.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/09/19/2025/senate-passes-schatz-wicker-resolution-designating-telehealth-awareness-week,Senate Passes Schatz-Wicker Resolution Designating Telehealth Awareness Week,2025-09-19,2025,2025-09,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 14-20 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 is a cost-effective way for people in rural and underserved areas to access quality health care. Increasing the services available to patients remains one of my top priorities in Congress,” Senator Wicker said.

“For rural communities across Virginia, telehealth can make all the difference between getting adequate care in a matter of hours or having to wait weeks to see a specialist. Telehealth can also be a great resource for busy families, young adults, or literally anyone who stands to benefit from timely and hassle-free access to medical care and advice. I’m proud to introduce this legislation today to continue raising awareness about the benefits of 21st century health care,” said Senator Warner.

“Telehealth has become a lifeline, especially in our rural communities where access to care is often limited. These services are vital for patients across America, which is why we’re working to protect and promote access to telehealth. Losing coverage would disrupt care for those who need it most. Families deserve reliable, flexible telehealth access to get the care they need, when and where they need it,” Senator Hyde-Smith said.

“Over the past few years, telehealth has proven to be an essential way for patients to get health care across the country. That’s especially true in rural and underserved areas in Vermont,” said Senator Welch. “Our resolution underscores our bipartisan commitment to supporting this lifeline to ensure everyone can get the care they need.”

“In Wyoming, we understand the challenges families in remote areas face when trying to access health care,” said Senator Barrasso. “Telehealth technology is an incredible resource for delivering high-quality care to our frontier communities. Our resolution celebrates telehealth and the vital role it plays in giving rural patients access to medical services as close to home as possible.”

The resolution affirms the bipartisan support in Congress for telehealth and encourages expanded access to telehealth services for all people, including members of rural and underserved communities. It notes that 25 percent of Medicare beneficiaries used telehealth services at least once in 2024, and that nearly 90 percent were satisfied with their experience. It concludes that “Telehealth Awareness Week” unites the efforts of patients, caregivers, health care providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance the role of telehealth in health care.

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

The full text of the resolution is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-demand-va-tighten-opioid-prescribing-abide-by-jasons-law-to-protect-veterans,"Hirono, Colleagues Demand VA Tighten Opioid Prescribing, Abide by Jason’s Law to Protect Veterans",2025-09-18,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"~ Lawmakers’ call follows report funding VA is failing to comply with Jason’s Law since 2019 ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and seven colleagues in demanding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) strengthen compliance with Jason’s Law and improve the VA’s opioid prescribing practices for our veterans. Baldwin’s call comes after a report exposed internal VA audits found lagging compliance with Jason’s Law and recent reporting exposed severe staffing shortages at VA medical centers across Wisconsin.

“The opioid and substance use disorder epidemic continues to have deadly impacts across the country making the VA pain and opioid safety programs critical to our veterans’ safety. We were troubled to see the lack of progress in compliance over recent years,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins. “Jason’s Law and the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act are saving lives, but VA must reach full compliance to continue this work and fulfill our nation’s promise to deliver world-class care to our veterans. There is urgency in ensuring each Veterans Health Administration facility achieves full compliance with the law and that funding is swiftly and effectively utilized.”

Signed into law in 2016, the Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act focuses on strengthening the VA’s opioid prescribing guidelines and improving pain management services.

A recent report published by the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Veterans Affairs identified internal VA audits that found there has not been significant improvement in compliance with Jason’s Law since 2019. In response, the lawmakers are calling for the VA to develop a plan to achieve 100% compliance and identify the resources needed to do so. Additionally, the senators are demanding that the VA spend every dollar available for opioid safety and treatment.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Baldwin, the letter was also signed by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA).

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

Dear Secretary Collins,

We write to raise concerns regarding compliance with the Jason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act (Jason’s Law) that was signed into law as part of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016. Earlier this year, the Office of the Inspector General published its report on oversight of the VA’s Pain Management, Opioid Safety, and Prescriptions Drug Monitoring Program, including its use of appropriated funds and compliance with Jason’s Law. We write to draw your attention to the findings in this report and request your plan to achieve 100% compliance with the law.

Jason’s Law requires all Veterans Health Administration facilities to have a pain management team responsible for coordinating and overseeing pain management therapy for pain unrelated to cancer. The opioid and substance use disorder epidemic continues to have deadly impacts across the country making the VA pain and opioid safety programs critical to our veterans’ safety. We were troubled to see the lack of progress in compliance over recent years. The Inspector General reported that the Veteran’s Health Administration audits of pain management teams found 32% of facilities were not in full compliance with the law in September 2019, and by October 2024, the share of facilities not in full compliance had risen to 33%. We do note that during the same timeframe, the percentage of facilities that were partially compliant increased from 28% to 32%, leading to a decrease in the number of facilities that were noncompliant (4% down to 1%). Despite the modest progress indicated by these numbers, we ask that your response include a plan to bring all facilities to full compliance.

The Inspector General identified several causes for the lack of compliance, including a lack of clarity regarding the standards for Pain Management Teams, their composition, function, and responsibilities, including how these requirements vary across types of medical facilities. It is our understanding that the Department has been working for several years to update this guidance. Please provide us with information on which individuals or organizations contributed recommendations for the new directive and how that input was collected, along with a timeline for its expected distribution.

The Inspector General noted additional barriers to compliance. For example, delays in the hiring process or long wait times to approve positions and hiring actions negatively impact medical facilities’ ability to hire members of pain management teams to achieve compliance. Other factors include difficulties in attracting suitable candidates due to nationwide shortages of certain specialties or in rural locations and a possible lack of VA competitiveness when compared to other medical employers. Please provide your evaluation of all factors that impact the hiring of staff for pain management teams and your plan to address these factors in a way that will substantially improve compliance with the law. Please include your methods of measuring progress for each factor identified and a timeline for achieving full compliance. Please include resources needed, including funding, statutory language, coordination with other government agencies, or other needs.

An additional challenge the Inspector General identified was the lack of expenditure of Congressionally-appropriated funds for opioid safety and treatment programs. Congress includes funding designated for the implementation of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act in annual appropriations bills. In fiscal year 2022, however, the Department did not spend over $93 million, accounting for 44% of the appropriated funds provided for this purpose. This indicator did improve, with the Department’s unexpended funds dropping to $33 million (16%) in fiscal year 2023 and $9 million (4%) in fiscal year 2024. We appreciate the attention the Department showed to this account that led to improved efficiency in utilizing the funds for their intended purpose, but underscore that VA should be spending every dollar available for opioid safety and treatment. Please provide us with your analysis of any difficulties that remain in fully expending the appropriated funds each fiscal year. Please also provide your expenditure rate for fiscal year 2025.

Jason’s Law and the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act are saving lives, but VA must reach full compliance to continue this work and fulfill our nation’s promise to deliver world-class care to our veterans. There is urgency in ensuring each Veterans Health Administration facility achieves full compliance with the law and that funding is swiftly and effectively utilized. Thank you for your attention to this critically important, lifesaving matter. We look forward to working together to fulfill our shared responsibility to those who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-press-doj-on-trump-administrations-binance-ties-and-reported-plan-to-drop-key-safeguards-in-companys-43-billion-settlement-and-plea-agreement,"Hirono, Colleagues Press DOJ on Trump Administration’s Binance Ties and Reported Plan to Drop Key Safeguards in Company’s $4.3 Billion Settlement and Plea Agreement",2025-09-18,2025,2025-09,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Senators: “Since May, President Trump and his family have increased their financial ties to Binance through their company, World Liberty Financial… These reports make it more important than ever that the public understand the Trump Administration’s interactions with, and relationship to, Binance and its employees.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in sending a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting more information regarding the Trump Administration’s oversight of cryptocurrency exchange Binance’s legal obligation to exit the U.S. market, following its 2023 guilty plea and settlement of serious federal charges including money laundering and violations of U.S. sanctions laws.

In May, the lawmakers raised concerns about reported meetings between Binance executives and Trump administration officials and pressed the Department of Treasury and Department of Justice (DOJ) for details about Binance’s compliance obligations, its timeline for exiting the U.S. market, and whether the company sought a pardon for its former CEO. The DOJ’s September response failed to address those questions directly and did not confirm whether Binance is complying with ongoing settlement requirements.

“Notably, this response did not confirm whether or not Binance was, in fact, complying with these ‘ongoing requirements,’” wrote the Senators. “The response then concluded, failing to meaningfully answer any of our questions.”

The Senators continued: “Since May, President Trump and his family have increased their financial ties to Binance through their company, World Liberty Financial, and just this week, news broke that Binance may be ‘moving toward a potential deal with the US Justice Department that would allow it to drop’ its outside compliance monitor—a ‘key oversight requirement in its $4.3 billion settlement’ with the federal government. These reports make it more important than ever that the public understand the Trump Administration’s interactions with, and relationship to, Binance and its employees.”

Amid new reporting that Binance is in talks with DOJ to eliminate that key independent oversight, the Senators requested meaningful answers from the agency by October 1, 2025.

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

Dear Attorney General Bondi:

On May 9, 2025, we wrote to you to express our concerns about reports of meetings between Binance executives and officials from the Treasury Department. We requested information from you regarding the Trump Administration’s efforts to ensure Binance’s compliance with its 2023 plea agreement with the federal government to address charges of money laundering, operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, violating U.S. sanctions laws, and failing to prevent and report suspicious transactions with terrorist groups.

Specifically, we asked:

What steps has the Department of Justice taken to maintain mandatory compliance with Binance as required by its plea agreements?

What is the status of Binance’s pending exit from the United States? Please provide us with information related to the actions taken so far, and an updated timeline on when we can anticipate the company’s complete exit from the country.

Has Binance raised the topic of a potential pardon for former CEO Changpeng Zhao with any Department of Justice officials? If so, what was the context of that conversation?

Has Binance raised the topic of World Liberty Financial or its interest in listing a new stablecoin on Binance with any Department of Justice officials? If so, what was the context of that conversation?

On September 12, 2025, the Department responded. After summarizing publicly available information about Binance’s 2023 plea agreement, the response first stated that “Binance has paid all the penalties due to the Department.” It then asserted that “Binance also has ongoing requirements under the terms of its plea agreement, including cooperating with the Department and remediation and enhancement of its compliance program.” Notably, this response did not confirm whether or not Binance was, in fact, complying with these “ongoing requirements.” The response then concluded, failing to meaningfully answer any of our questions.

Since May, President Trump and his family have increased their financial ties to Binance through their company, World Liberty Financial, and just this week, news broke that Binance may be “moving toward a potential deal with the US Justice Department that would allow it to drop” its outside compliance monitor—a “key oversight requirement in its $4.3 billion settlement” with the federal government. These reports make it more important than ever that the public understand the Trump Administration’s interactions with, and relationship to, Binance and its employees. We therefore once again request meaningful answers to the questions above by no later than October 1, 2025.

Sincerely,

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