url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatzs-medical-tele-training-bill-signed-into-law,Schatzs Medical Tele-Training Bill Signed Into Law,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz's Medical Tele-Training Bill Signed Into Law Schatz's Medical Tele-Training Bill Signed Into Law Thursday, December 31, 2020 WASHINGTON This week, the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) 2019 Act was signed into law as part of the annual government funding bill. The bipartisan legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), establishes a $10 million per year grant program for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to promote the use of technology to connect health care providers and deliver high-quality care in hard-to-reach regions. Technology hasn't just transformed how doctors care for patients, it has helped health care providers work and learn from with each other, said Senator Schatz. This new law will help connect more primary care providers in rural areas with specialists from across the country so that more families have access to the critical health care services they need."" The new law will expand the use of the ECHO model an innovative medical education program that deploys interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams with primary care providers in rural areas. This helps hard-to-reach communities access the health care services they otherwise would not be able to receive. During the pandemic, the ECHO model has been important to the public health response, used by states across the country to share best practices for treating COVID-19 patients as well as improve testing and contact tracing. In 2016, Schatz authored the first ECHO Act, which was signed into law and initiated a study of the model. The resulting report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that the ECHO model addresses important gaps in health care for underserved populations and recommended its expansion. Acting on this recommendation, Senator Schatz authored the current ECHO Act, which creates a program to provide grants and technical assistance to further develop the ECHO model and other similar models and expand their use nationwide. These grants will be used for: Equipment to support the use and expansion of the models, including for the secure exchange of electronic health information; Support for health care providers that provide services under these models; Instructional programming and training; and Information collection and evaluation activities to study the impact of such models. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatzs-medical-tele-training-bill-signed-into-law,Schatz’s Medical Tele-Training Bill Signed Into Law,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) 2019 Act was signed into law as part of the annual government funding bill. The bipartisan legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), establishes a $10 million per year grant program for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to promote the use of technology to connect health care providers and deliver high-quality care in hard-to-reach regions. “Technology hasn’t just transformed how doctors care for patients, it has helped health care providers work and learn from with each other,” said Senator Schatz. “This new law will help connect more primary care providers in rural areas with specialists from across the country so that more families have access to the critical health care services they need."" The new law will expand the use of the ECHO model — an innovative medical education program that deploys interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams with primary care providers in rural areas. This helps hard-to-reach communities access the health care services they otherwise would not be able to receive. During the pandemic, the ECHO model has been important to the public health response, used by states across the country to share best practices for treating COVID-19 patients as well as improve testing and contact tracing. In 2016, Schatz authored the first ECHO Act, which was signed into law and initiated a study of the model. The resulting report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that the ECHO model addresses important gaps in health care for underserved populations and recommended its expansion. Acting on this recommendation, Senator Schatz authored the current ECHO Act, which creates a program to provide grants and technical assistance to further develop the ECHO model and other similar models and expand their use nationwide. These grants will be used for: Equipment to support the use and expansion of the models, including for the secure exchange of electronic health information; Support for health care providers that provide services under these models; Instructional programming and training; and Information collection and evaluation activities to study the impact of such models. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-releases-new-covid-19-federal-resource-guide-to-help-hawaii-small-businesses-access-new-funding-programs,"Schatz Releases New COVID-19 Federal Resource Guide To Help Hawaii Small Businesses Access New Funding, Programs",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Releases New COVID-19 Federal Resource Guide To Help Hawaii Small Businesses Access New Funding, Programs Updated Resource Guide Includes Information On New Relief Funding, New Program To Support Live Venue Operators, Museums, Independent Movie Theaters; Schatz's Resource Guide Available At Schatz.Senate.Gov/Coronavirus/Small-Businesses Wednesday, December 30, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today released an updated resource guide to help Hawaii small businesses better understand how to access federal loans and new federal funding. The new $900 billion relief package, which is the second largest aid package in American history and was signed into law on Sunday, includes a new round of federal funding for small businesses and nonprofits and a new program to support live venue operators, including museums and independent movie theaters. The new round of funding will help Hawaii small businesses meet their payroll and provide people with paychecks, said Senator Schatz. As more federal help becomes available, we'll continue to work to provide more information about how Hawaii families and businesses can access these new resources. The new COVID-19 relief funding includes $15 billion nationwide to a new Small Business Administration (SBA) grant program for live venues impacted by the public health crisis. Eligible grant recipients include live venue operators, promoters or theatrical producers, independent movie theatre operators, museum operators, and talent representatives. Of the total amount, $2 billion is set aside for eligible entities that employ fewer than 50 full-time employees. The new relief package also provides an additional $20 billion of targeted funding for the SBA's economic injury disaster loans (EIDL) emergency advance grants program and extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to March 31, 2021, providing $284 billion nationwide for additional first- and second-round PPP loans to small businesses and nonprofits. The full small business resource guide is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403,Case Releases End Of 116th Congress Report To Hawai’i,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=28,scraper,"(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today released his 116th Congress End-Of-Term Report back to Hawai’i on his activities and efforts throughout the two-year 116th Congress (January 3, 2019 - January 3, 2021). “In January 2019, as I returned to Capitol Hill for my third full term representing Hawai’i in the U.S. House of Representatives, the country was mired in what soon became the longest federal government shutdown in our history,” said Case. “As I end the 116th and am sworn into the 117th Congress this Sunday, we continue to confront the far-worse crisis of COVID-19. “These are truly difficult times, when we desperately need our institutions of government to function as our founders intended. “And a critical part of functioning government is staying in very close touch with those we represent, reporting back and seeking guidance wherever and however we can.” In his report, Case summarizes his activities in the 116th in his three areas of focus: leading on national issues; helping Hawai’i; and helping constituents. “I hope my report will provide those I serve with some sense of where I’ve been in the 116th and where I’m going in the 117th as we all chart the best path forward for our county and Hawai’i over the next two years and beyond”, said Case. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-releases-new-covid-19-federal-resource-guide-to-help-hawaii-small-businesses-access-new-funding-programs,"Schatz Releases New COVID-19 Federal Resource Guide To Help Hawai‘i Small Businesses Access New Funding, Programs",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released an updated resource guide to help Hawai‘i small businesses better understand how to access federal loans and new federal funding. The new $900 billion relief package, which is the second largest aid package in American history and was signed into law on Sunday, includes a new round of federal funding for small businesses and nonprofits and a new program to support live venue operators, including museums and independent movie theaters. “The new round of funding will help Hawai‘i small businesses meet their payroll and provide people with paychecks,” said Senator Schatz. “As more federal help becomes available, we’ll continue to work to provide more information about how Hawai‘i families and businesses can access these new resources.” The new COVID-19 relief funding includes $15 billion nationwide to a new Small Business Administration (SBA) grant program for live venues impacted by the public health crisis. Eligible grant recipients include live venue operators, promoters or theatrical producers, independent movie theatre operators, museum operators, and talent representatives. Of the total amount, $2 billion is set aside for eligible entities that employ fewer than 50 full-time employees. The new relief package also provides an additional $20 billion of targeted funding for the SBA's economic injury disaster loans (EIDL) emergency advance grants program and extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to March 31, 2021, providing $284 billion nationwide for additional first- and second-round PPP loans to small businesses and nonprofits. The full small business resource guide is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-provision-to-begin-process-for-stronger-protection-national-marine-sanctuary-designation-for-papahanaumokuakea-signed-into-law,"Schatz Provision To Begin Process For Stronger Protection, National Marine Sanctuary Designation For Papahanaumokuakea Signed Into Law",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Provision To Begin Process For Stronger Protection, National Marine Sanctuary Designation For Papahanaumokuakea Signed Into Law Tuesday, December 29, 2020 WASHINGTON On Sunday, the president signed a bipartisan government funding bill which included a provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that will strengthen protections for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument by starting the process to designate it as a National Marine Sanctuary. A new sanctuary designation means more resources and stronger protections for Papahanaumokuakea, said Senator Schatz. This will give us more opportunities to better understand and conserve one of our most important natural resources. The Schatz provision directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to commence the process to designate Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument as a National Marine Sanctuary. Following this initiation, NOAA can begin public meetings and the formal legal process to complete the requirements to finalize an official designation. Sanctuary status for the Monument would make it more difficult to weaken the protections in the Executive Orders signed by Presidents Obama and Bush. Schatz also secured $1.2 million for research and management activities at the marine monument in this year's appropriations bill, which is a $200,000 increase from last year. The funding is subject to a 100 percent non-federal match and will bring new resources to keep the Hawaiian archipelago healthy and productive. Past uses of the funding have included research to understand the impact of climate change on the ecosystem, and the removal of marine debris. Papahanaumokukea was first established as a marine national monument in 2006. It was expanded by President Obama in 2016 following a formal proposal from Senator Schatz. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-provision-to-begin-process-for-stronger-protection-national-marine-sanctuary-designation-for-papahanaumokuakea-signed-into-law,"Schatz Provision To Begin Process For Stronger Protection, National Marine Sanctuary Designation For Papahanaumokuakea Signed Into Law",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Sunday, the president signed a bipartisan government funding bill which included a provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that will strengthen protections for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument by starting the process to designate it as a National Marine Sanctuary. “A new sanctuary designation means more resources and stronger protections for Papahanaumokuakea,” said Senator Schatz. “This will give us more opportunities to better understand and conserve one of our most important natural resources.” The Schatz provision directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to commence the process to designate Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument as a National Marine Sanctuary. Following this initiation, NOAA can begin public meetings and the formal legal process to complete the requirements to finalize an official designation. Sanctuary status for the Monument would make it more difficult to weaken the protections in the Executive Orders signed by Presidents Obama and Bush. Schatz also secured $1.2 million for research and management activities at the marine monument in this year’s appropriations bill, which is a $200,000 increase from last year. The funding is subject to a 100 percent non-federal match and will bring new resources to keep the Hawaiian archipelago healthy and productive. Past uses of the funding have included research to understand the impact of climate change on the ecosystem, and the removal of marine debris. Papahanaumokukea was first established as a marine national monument in 2006. It was expanded by President Obama in 2016 following a formal proposal from Senator Schatz. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/emergency-coronavirus-spending-bill-signed-into-law-includes-hirono-backed-education-priorities,Emergency Coronavirus Spending Bill Signed Into Law Includes Hirono-Backed Education Priorities,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 28, 2020 Emergency Coronavirus Spending Bill Signed Into Law Includes Hirono-Backed Education Priorities Bill includes substantial funding for K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and early childhood programs to respond to COVID-19 HONOLULU Senator Mazie K. Hirono successfully advocated for education programs in the emergency coronavirus relief bill that will support K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and early childhood programs as they respond to COVID-19. The bill also includes provisions from Senator Hirono's Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act to strengthen and expand the federal Pell Grant program and improve financial aid for students. Students and educators in Hawaii and elsewhere need support as they continue to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. This legislation includes provisions I have worked on to strengthen and expand the federal Pell Grant program, which will improve college affordability for lower income students. It also includes funding to support K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and early childhood providers,Senator Hirono said.While this bill provides much-needed funding, the scope of this pandemic means that we will need to take further action, and I stand ready to work with my colleagues to provide additional investments in education and child care. The legislation includes the following funding for education priorities; the Hawaii-specific estimates below were calculated by the Congressional Research Service using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Education: K-12 Schools: $183.6 million for Hawaii schools to address the pandemic's consequences on K-12 schools, with flexibility to address learning loss for at-risk and marginalized students through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSERF).The legislation provides $54.3 billion in total funding for the ESSERF, and includes flexibility for schools to address learning loss in low-income students, children with disabilities, English learners, migrant students, students experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care. In October, Senator Hirono introduced theLearning Opportunity and Achievement Act, which provides funding for states, school districts, teachers, school leaders, and others to address learning loss due to COVID-19. She also cosponsored the Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act (CCCERA), which included $175 billion for the ESSERF, and requirements to measure and address learning loss. $14.2 million for Hawaii to support K-12 schools, colleges and universities, early childhood programs, and other programs through the Governors Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF).The legislation provides $4.1 billion in total funding for the GEERF, which states can use to support studentsincluding through innovation grants. CCCERA included $33 billion for the GEERF. E-Rate:$3.2 billion to expand broadband connectivity for teachers and students across the country. Higher Education: $56.8 million to provide support for institutions of higher education in Hawaii and their students through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).The legislation provides $23.0 billion in total funding for the HEERF. Federal Pell Grant Program:Several parts of Senator Hirono'sPell Grant Preservation and Expansion Actto strengthen and expand the Pell Grant program were included in the end-of-year package, including provisions to restore eligibility for incarcerated individuals, students who have been defrauded, and students with drug-related offenses, raise the auto-zero threshold, and increase the income protection allowanceimproving the program for students. Earlier this year, Senator Hirono led a letter with 43 Senate colleagues requesting expanded eligibility and support for the Pell Grant program in Fiscal Year 2021. Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs):Nationally, the bill included $1.7 billion for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges (TCUs), and other MSIsincluding Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions like the University of Hawaii. Earlier this year, Senator Hirono led a letter with 18 colleagues requesting strong and continued support for HBCUs, TCUs, and other MSIs in Fiscal Year 2021. Early Childhood: $34.1 million for Hawaii through the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG).The total program funding is set at$10 billion for child care providers to promote healthy and safe learning environments for workers, students, and families, and to provide financial assistance for low-income families through CCDBG. Earlier this year, Senator Hirono led a letter with Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and 39 other colleagues, requesting strong support for early childhood programs, including CCDBG, Head Start/Early Head Start programs, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act early childhood services, and Preschool Development Grants in Fiscal Year 2021. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-expanding-access-to-mental-health-care-signed-into-law,Schatz Legislation Expanding Access To Mental Health Care Signed Into Law,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Legislation Expanding Access To Mental Health Care Signed Into Law Provision Removes Unnecessary Restrictions, Expands Access To Mental Health Services Through Telehealth Monday, December 28, 2020 HONOLULU Last night, legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that will expand access to mental health care was signed into law as part of the annual appropriations bill. The provision, which was originally part of Schatz's CONNECT for Health Act, will allow Medicare beneficiaries across the country to permanently use telehealth to receive mental health services remotely, including in their homes. This will make it easier for more people in every part of Hawaii to see a mental health care provider by just using their smart phones or home computers, said Senator Schatz. Telehealth is about giving more people access to health care. Telehealth has seen a sharp rise in use since the start of pandemic as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by 11,718 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic. In particular, the use of telehealth for mental health services with a psychiatrist or psychologist rose significantly, with almost half a million beneficiaries receiving mental health services through telehealth. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-legislation-expanding-access-to-mental-health-care-signed-into-law,Schatz Legislation Expanding Access To Mental Health Care Signed Into Law,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – Last night, legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that will expand access to mental health care was signed into law as part of the annual appropriations bill. The provision, which was originally part of Schatz’s CONNECT for Health Act, will allow Medicare beneficiaries across the country to permanently use telehealth to receive mental health services remotely, including in their homes. “This will make it easier for more people in every part of Hawai‘i to see a mental health care provider by just using their smart phones or home computers,” said Senator Schatz. “Telehealth is about giving more people access to health care.” Telehealth has seen a sharp rise in use since the start of pandemic as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by 11,718 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic. In particular, the use of telehealth for mental health services with a psychiatrist or psychologist rose significantly, with almost half a million beneficiaries receiving mental health services through telehealth. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-help-is-on-the-way,Schatz: Help Is On The Way,2020-12-27,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz: Help Is On The Way President Signs COVID-19 Relief Package With At Least $1.7 Billion Heading To Hawaii Sunday, December 27, 2020 HONOLULU U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) released the following statement after President Trump signed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package into law. The package includes at least $1.7 billion in funding for Hawaii. Help is on the way. With this bill now signed into law, at least $1.7 billion will now flow to Hawaii to help those who've lost their job or can't make rent. It will provide more money for businesses, and give our state, hospitals, and health care providers more resources to distribute the vaccine and fight this pandemic. While it's not enough, and we still have more work to do, this will provide help immediately. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395,Case Statement on the President Approving the $900 Billion Further COVID-19 Emergency Relief and $1.4 Trillion Regular Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations Measure,2020-12-27,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=28,scraper,"(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) issued the following statement following the President’s signing of H.R. 133, passed by Congress December 21st and including $2.3 trillion in both further COVID-19 emergency assistance and the regular annual funding of the federal government for Fiscal Year 2021: “The President’s approval of Congress’ bipartisan compromise $900 billion COVID-19 emergency assistance measure, along with our $1.4 trillion regular annual federal funding bill, is welcome news for all Americans. Not only does it deliver further critical COVID-related assistance across-the-board, but it averts a federal government shutdown amidst the worst of the crisis. “But I’m not going to fawn with gratitude for his doing what he could and should have done almost a week ago, as soon as Congress sent him a measure he and his own administration negotiated and he said he’d sign if Congress got it to him. He knew then, as he knows today, that his own party had firmly rejected a higher direct stimulus payment and that the only way to get critical aid out now was to sign the bill right away. “We will keep seeking a higher direct stimulus payment starting with a vote in the U.S. House tomorrow, though the real obstacle has always been and remains the U.S. Senate majority. But what a disruptive and cruel week the President unnecessarily imposed on the country and on families, communities, businesses and governments throughout.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-help-is-on-the-way,Schatz: Help Is On The Way,2020-12-27,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after President Trump signed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package into law. The package includes at least $1.7 billion in funding for Hawai‘i. “Help is on the way. With this bill now signed into law, at least $1.7 billion will now flow to Hawai‘i to help those who’ve lost their job or can’t make rent. It will provide more money for businesses, and give our state, hospitals, and health care providers more resources to distribute the vaccine and fight this pandemic. While it’s not enough, and we still have more work to do, this will provide help immediately.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-bill-to-help-va-home-loan-recipients-rebuild-after-natural-disasters-sent-to-president,Hirono Bill to Help VA Home Loan Recipients Rebuild After Natural Disasters Sent to President,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2020 Hirono Bill to Help VA Home Loan Recipients Rebuild After Natural Disasters Sent to President WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, announced she secured a provision from her Veteran Home Loan Disaster Recovery Act in the recently-passed Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act. The legislation now heads to President Trump's desk. The Veteran Home Loan Disaster Recovery Act was inspired by Tam Hunt, a Hawaii Island Army veteran and one of Senator Hirono's constituents, who faced challenges financing a replacement for the home he lost in the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption. The eruption destroyed as many as 700 homes, including at least one home purchased using the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program. Senator Hirono's provision would allow veterans replacing homes lost to natural disasters through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Guaranty Program to access a lower fee rateas if they were a first-time participant in the program. Veterans who are trying to rebuild their lives after a natural disaster should not be penalized when they try to rebuild their home,Senator Hirono said.This provision will provide a bit of relief during a stressful time and I thank Mr. Hunt for his advocacy on behalf of his fellow veterans. I'm very happy to hear that this bill has been passed by the Senate and big mahalo to Senator Hirono for making this happen,""Tam Hunt said. In 2019, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), there were over 100 Presidentially-declared disasters across almost every U.S. state and territory. The VA Home Loan Guaranty program was established through the Servicemen's Readjustment Act in 1944 and has since been used by generations of our nation's veterans to purchase homes. Borrowers are required to pay an up-front funding fee, which functions similarly to closing costs. The amount of this fee is determined by a number of factors, including whether this is their first time participating in the program. For those who have used this program more than once, the fee is higher, regardless of the circumstances that led to them needing to purchase a home through the program, like a home being destroyed by a natural disaster. This bill amends the program to allow an exemption for homes destroyed by natural disasters. Congressman Joe Cunningham (D-S.C.) introduced the House version of the Veteran Home Loan Disaster Recovery Act. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/-schatz-hirono-bill-to-protect-hawaiis-coral-reefs-passes-the-senate,"Schatz, Hirono Bill To Protect Hawaiis Coral Reefs Passes The Senate",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz, Hirono Bill To Protect Hawaii's Coral Reefs Passes The Senate Tuesday, December 22, 2020 HONOLULU Last night, the bipartisanRestoring Resilient Reefs Act, which was authoredbyU.S.SenatorsBrian Schatz (D-Hawai?i) and Mazie K.Hirono (D-Hawai?i),passedthe Senate. This bill directsfederal funding and technical assistance to states, territories, and local communities for the restoration and management of coral reef ecosystems. It alsoreauthorizes and modernizes the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000. Ocean warming and acidification have pushed our corals to the brink of extinction,SenatorSchatz said.Time is running out, but we can save them if we act now. Our bill deploys federal resources to the local governments and community organizations that are in the water right now working to restore our reefs. In Hawai?i, healthy oceans and coral reefs are critical to our way of life,Senator Hirono said.This bipartisan bill provides much needed resources to help our communities preserve and improve coral ecosystem health, and includes my coral reef prize competition, a provision I have introduced over the last three Congresses. I am proud that the Senate has passed our bipartisan bill and look forward to seeing this become law. The Coral Reef Conservation Act, which expired more than 15 years ago, was designed to promote the conservation of our nation's reefs. In recent years, the decline in the nation's coral reefs has only become more severe. TheRestoring Resilient ReefsActmodernizes the approach to coral conservation by: incentivizing increased state and local investment in coral reef management capacity; strengthening NOAA's Coral Reef program; encouraging innovative public-private Coral Reef Stewardship Partnerships among agencies, research centers, and community stakeholders; codifying and updating the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force; ensuring that our national coral strategy is informed by a robust local stakeholder engagement process; and allowing for emergency grants for coral disasters, among other measures. First introduced in August 2019, the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and U.S. Representatives Darren Soto (D-Fla.) and Jenniffer Gonzlez-Coln (R-Puerto Rico). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-funding-deal-includes-millions-in-federal-funding-for-hawaii-will-help-rebuild-hawaiis-economy-create-jobs,"Schatz: Funding Deal Includes Millions In Federal Funding For Hawaii, Will Help Rebuild Hawaiis Economy, Create Jobs",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz: Funding Deal Includes Millions In Federal Funding For Hawaii, Will Help Rebuild Hawaii's Economy, Create Jobs Bill Includes Millions In New And Increased Funding For Housing, Infrastructure, Health Care, And Education; Separate COVID-19 Relief Package Included In Appropriations Bill Tuesday, December 22, 2020 WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate last night voted to pass a bipartisan spending deal that will increase federal funding for critical programs that benefit Hawaii for fiscal year 2021. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, successfully advanced state priorities, which are now included in the final deal. A separate COVID-19 relief package was attached to the annual appropriations bill and both were approved by Congress. This appropriations bill will give our state millions in much-needed federal funding to help us rebuild our economy, create new jobs, and help people access critical programs during this difficult time, said Senator Schatz. It's been a tough year for our state so this increase in federal dollars this year is welcome news. The annual government bill includes funding for housing, roads, public transit, and infrastructure, as well as Native Hawaiian health and education programs. NEW AND INCREASED FUNDING FOR HAWAII Affordable Housing $43.1 billion (nationwide), a $2.6 billion increase from last year. This funding supports Public Housing programs, Section 8 vouchers, the HOME Investment Partnership program and the Housing Trust Fund, which provides resources to help communities build and maintain affordable housing. It also supports the Community Development Block Grant Program and Emergency Solutions grant programs. Native Hawaiian Health Care $20.5 million, a $1.5 million increase from last year. Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems, as part of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program, provide critical access to health education, promotion, disease prevention, and basic primary care services for thousands of Native Hawaiians. This funding will support five health centers on Hawaii Island, Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and Oahu. Pearl Harbor National Memorial $6 million, new funding. The majority of these funds, $5,647,000, are a one-time appropriation to replace the existing shore-side floating dock, which is used to provide visitor transport to and from the USS Arizona Memorial. The additional $435,000 in operational funds will be used at the Memorial to improve visitor services and security. Veterans Affairs $104.4 billion (nationwide), a $12.5 billion increase from last year. Funding will be used to: Ensure robust in-house medical care so that the VA Pacific Island Health Care System can continue to provide high-quality care to all veterans in Hawaii; Increase pandemic-related assistance to state veterans homes to protect veterans and health care workers; Address ongoing non-recurring maintenance challenges at VA facilities, including aged electrical systems and leaking roofs; Strengthen medical research into new therapeutic approaches for service-connected injuries so that veterans can live full and productive lives; Further expand VA telehealth services for veterans in rural and remote areas that have been essential during the public health emergency; Continue to provide support for caregivers of severely injured veterans as the VA expands the program to veterans of all eras; Support VA's ability to process benefits claims and provide care to Blue Water Navy veterans; and Enhance support to homeless veterans, particularly homeless women veterans and homeless veterans in rural communities. East-West Center $19.7 million, a $3 million increase from last year and despite President Trump's proposed elimination. Senator Schatz worked with his colleagues to increase support to the East-West Center, which directly supports U.S. engagement in the Indo Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue with countries in the region. It is the only U.S. institution that provides a multilateral approach through research and exchange programs. Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument $1.2 million, a $200,000 increase from last year. The spending deal authorizes NOAA to award a competitive grant of up to $1 million for research and management activities in Papahanaumokuakea. The funding is subject to a 100 percent non-federal match and will bring new resources to keep our Hawaiian archipelago healthy and productive. Past uses of the funding have included research to understand the impact of climate change on the ecosystem, and the removal of marine debris. Red Hill Fuel Storage Protections and Improvements $5 million, new funding. This new funding supports a collaboration between the University of Hawaii and the Navy to improve the clean, inspect, and repair process for the fuel tanks at Red Hill. This collaboration will help keep the drinking water safe while the Navy continues to work to implement a double-wall equivalency solution for the fuel tanks or move the fuel tanks off the aquifer if it cannot provide secondary containment for them. Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native-Serving Institutions $19 million (nationwide), a $724,000 increase from last year despite President Trump's proposed elimination. This program provides funding and vital support to Hawaii's colleges and universities, enabling them to improve and expand their capacity to serve Native Hawaiian students. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions $5.1 million (nationwide), a $676,000 increase from last year despite President Trump's proposed elimination. This program provides funding and vital support to Hawaii's colleges and universities, enabling them to improve and expand their capacity to serve Asian American and Pacific Islander students. National Estuarine Research Reserve, including Heeia $28.5 million (nationwide), a $1 million increase from last year. Funding will be shared among system sites, including the Heeia National Estuarine Research Reserve. This site demonstrates the value of Native Hawaiian taro cultivation and fishpond aquaculture to maintain a healthy ecosystem. It is viewed by NOAA to be a model site because of its seamless integration of science and culture. Impact Aid Program $50.2 million, a $700,000 increase from last year. The estimated Impact Aid funding will provide the Hawaii Department of Education with the resources to help finance the education of federally-connected children. Impact Aid funds a range of programs, including efforts to retain highly qualified teachers, adequate technology, facilities renovation, and maintenance of transportation fleets. Coral Reef Conservation $33 million (nationwide), a $3.5 million increase from last year. This funding supports NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program, which addresses the top threats to coral reef ecosystems in Hawaii and across the country. Working with partners, NOAA develops place-based strategies, measures the effectiveness of management efforts, and builds capacity among reef managers globally. Military and National Security Construction Projects $363 million. $89 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar at Wheeler Army Airfield; $115 million for two waterfront projects to improve the wharves at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam; $114 million for two child development centers at Schofield Barracks and Aliamanu Military Reservation included from the Army's unfunded requirements list to support military families in Hawaii; and $45 million for Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point to address an unfunded requirement to construct a new hangar for C-130Js that will support homeland defense missions in Hawaii and the Pacific. Clean Energy Research for the Military $25 million, a $5 million increase from last year. Hawaii continues to lead in clean energy technology and implementation, which will pay dividends to our state, our economy, and our national security. This funding supports the Navy's alternative energy research programs, including those in Hawaii that are working to make the Navy and its installations more resilient and less reliant on fossil fuels. Senator Schatz worked to secure $25 million in funding for the Navy's alternative energy research and development, which was not part of the president's budget. National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund $34 million (nationwide), a $1 million increase from last year. The program funds projects that help coastal communities and ecosystems prepare for extreme weather events, climate hazards, and changing ocean conditions. In Hawaii, it has funded projects to improve high wave and king tide forecasts, to plan and prepare better for extreme coastal weather, and to restore native Hawaiian fishponds. Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals and Sea Turtles Protection $9.6 million, a $300,000 increase from last year. Hawaiian monk seals are the only seal species in the world that live in only one nation's territorial waters. Because these seals are an extremely endangered species, we have a responsibility to help them toward recovery. This funding will continue to support monk seal conservation and recovery, with research on vaccination and disease prevention (morbillivirus and toxoplasmosis). Funding will also support sea turtle conservation activities such as continued monitoring of endangered turtle populations and the impacts of habitat loss at French Frigate Shoals from Hurricane Walaka (2018). Airport Agricultural Inspections $32.9 million (nationwide), an increase of $600,000 from last year. In Hawaii, this program helps to fund federal agricultural inspectors at airports on Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii Island. It is critical to conduct inspections at the neighbor island airports so that passengers can directly connect to flights to the mainland. Kalaupapa National Historical Park $16 million, new funding. Additional NPS funds are also provided to rehabilitate the unsafe and failing electrical system at the settlement. Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Na Wai Eha Forest Watershed, and Hawaii Koa Forest $10 million, new funding. This year the Land and Water Conservation Fund was fully and permanently funded at $900 million annually. Within this allocation, three land acquisition projects in Hawaii will receive funding: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Na Wai Eha Forest Watershed, and Hawaii Koa Forest. False Killer Whales $1 million, new funding. False killer whales are social animals found globally in all tropical and subtropical oceans and generally in deep offshore waters. Current population assessments indicate that the false killer populations are very small, and this funding will help minimize harmful interactions with Hawaii's longline fisheries. The funding will also support routine population assessments of false killer whales, the development of new monitoring technology, and studies to mitigate harm when the whales interact with fishing gear. Tsunami Program $28 million (nationwide), a $500,000 increase from last year. The NOAA Tsunami Program provides funding to coastal states for preparedness activities such as inundation mapping, disaster planning, and tsunami education. Funding includes support for tsunami monitoring, forecasts, and a grant program, which states can compete for, to prepare inundation maps and assist with outreach and education. Hawaii relies on all three components of the program. Despite deep cuts proposed by President Trump, Senator Schatz helped increase funding for this critical program. PROTECTED FUNDING Bus and Transit $13 billion (nationwide). This funding is distributed among the stated and counties for the operation and capital costs associated with the operation of public transit systems, including the Maui Bus, TheBus, Kauai Bus, Hele-On Bus, and TheHandi-Van fleets. Highway and Transportation $49.1 billion (nationwide). This funding is distributed from the Highway Trust Fund to states for highway maintenance and new construction of bridges, roads, and bike and pedestrian paths. Native Hawaiian Housing $2 million, despite President Trump's proposed elimination. The Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program provides financial assistance for Native Hawaiian families to obtain new homes, make renovations, build community facilities, and receive housing services, including counseling, financial literacy and other critical resources to address housing disparities. Native Hawaiian Education $37.4 million, despite President Trump's proposed elimination. This funding supports programs that strengthen Native Hawaiian culture, improve levels of educational attainment, and enhance family and community involvement in education. President Trump proposed eliminating funding for Native Hawaiian education programs in his budget. Senator Schatz included a provision to allow funds to be used for construction, renovation, and modernization of public schools that predominantly serve Native Hawaiian students. Senator Schatz also included a provision fixing the restriction on use of funds for indirect administrative costs. Native American Language Preservation $13 million (nationwide). This funding includes $12.5 million for Native American language preservation activities under the Administration for Native Americans, with priority funding for Native American language immersion schools as authorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act. Native American Language Immersion Schools and Program $2 million (nationwide). Senator Schatz co-authored the legislation to create new grants for Native American immersion schools and programs. Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii $133 million, despite President Trump's proposed elimination. This funding will allow the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to continue to develop a homeland defense radar to be sited in Hawaii following the outcome of the environmental impact review. When completed, the Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii will optimize MDA's ability to detect, track, discriminate, and intercept missile threats, making it increasingly difficult for North Korea and other states to credibly threaten Hawaii and the U.S. mainland. Compact of Free Association Impact $4 million (nationwide). The United States has entered into the Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the governments of the Freely Associated States (FAS), which are the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. These Compacts allow FAS citizens to live in the United States and receive certain benefits. This funding will help Hawaii provide those benefits to FAS citizens who live and work in the state. Japanese American Confinement Sites, including Honouliuli $3.2 million (nationwide), despite President Trump's proposed elimination. Funding will support Japanese American Confinement Sites (JACS) grants. JACS grants support the preservation of Japanese American internment camps, including the Honouliuli National Monument, through partnerships with local preservation groups. Grants may also be used to encourage and support the research, interpretation, and preservation of internment camps to help prevent the injustice of internment from being repeated. Native American Workforce Programs $55.5 million (nationwide), despite President Trump's proposed elimination. This funding supports programs that provide quality employment and training services to Native Hawaiian organizations, tribes, tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities, and Indian controlled organizations serving unemployed and low income Native Hawaiians, Native Americans, and Alaska Natives. Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Art $1.25 million (Hawaii and Alaska). Under the National Recreation and Preservation programs, Senator Schatz secured funding for grants to nonprofit organizations or institutions that support programs for Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native culture and arts development. Invasive Species Control $38 million (nationwide). The USGS Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program supports essential research, management tools, and support to meet the science needs of resource managers to reduce or eliminate the threat of invasive species and wildlife disease. Due to the high number of invasive species in Hawaii, a significant portion of this funding is directed to the state for projects related to brown tree snakes, regional biosecurity, rapid ohia death, and many others. Macadamia Nut Health Initiative $1 million. This funding will support research to combat and control the felted macadamia nut coccid to improve the production of this iconic Hawaiian crop. Food Security Microgrants $2 million. This funding will go towards helping individuals and groups in Hawaii purchase tools, soil, seeds, plants, animals, composting units, gardening systems, and other necessities for growing and preserving food. The funds can also be used to expand areas under cultivation, extend the growing season, build or repair livestock fencing, travel to agricultural education programs, expand the sale of locally grown crops and meats, and to engage in other activities that increase food security. WaterSMART Grants $55 million (nationwide), with projects in Hawaii now eligible. The competitively awarded, locally cost-shared WaterSMART grants support local water management projects that conserve and use water more efficiently, increase the use of clean, renewable energy, protect endangered species, and facilitate water markets. Environmental Restoration on Formerly Used Defense Sites $289 million (nationwide), despite a proposed cut from President Trump. Funding supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' continued efforts to identify and remove unexploded ordnance at former military sites across the neighbor islands and to ensure that military training and activities remain in balance with Hawaii's local needs. Senator Schatz worked to secure an additional $72 million above the president's budget. STEM Apprenticeship Grant Program $2 million (nationwide). The new funding will implement a new grant program created by Senator Schatz. The new program at the Economic Development Administration will help create new apprenticeships in STEM fields. State of the Birds Research $3.5 million, a $250,000 increase from last year. State of the Birds activities are dedicated to stopping the bird extinction crisis in Hawaii. More than 90 Hawaiian bird species have gone extinct, and nine listed Hawaiian bird species are currently in decline. These funds are crucial to prevent further extinctions as climate change, habitat degradation and destruction, and other human and environmental impacts threaten to reach crisis levels. Hansen's Disease Treatment in Hawaii $1.9 million. Under this Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) program, payments are made to the State of Hawaii for the medical care and treatment of persons with Hansen's Disease in its hospital and clinic facilities in Kalaupapa and Honolulu. Programs supported by HRSA to address Hansen's Disease are particularly important in states like Hawaii that have large populations of immigrants from nations with high rates of the disease. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS FOR HAWAII Papahanaumokuakea Sanctuary Designation The deal includes a provision directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to commence the process to designate Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument as a National Marine Sanctuary. Sanctuary status for the Monument would make it more difficult to weaken the protections in the Executive Orders signed by Presidents Obama and Bush. Post Office Service The bill ensures that six day delivery of mail continues, and guarantees that no funds may be used by the United States Post Office to close small rural and other small post offices, including post offices in Hakalau, Lihue, Hana, and Kalaupapa. Invasive Agricultural Pest Control The bill includes a provision directing the Agricultural Research Service to assess options for controlling invasive agricultural pests in the Pacific, including the construction of an invasive species biocontrol research and development facility. A positive assessment could lead to expanding the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center to include better facilities to study how to eradicate, control, and manage invasive agricultural pests such as Coffee Leaf Rust and the Two-Line Spittlebug. Coffee Leaf Rust The bill urges the USDA to provide emergency response resources for agricultural pests that threaten high value crops in Hawaii. This direction will help coffee farmers because of the recent discovery of Coffee Leave Rust (CLR) on Maui and Hawaii islands. CLR poses an enormous threat to Hawaii's $54 million coffee industry. In other locations where CLR has become established, farmers have lost up to 30-80 percent of their crops. Maui Space Surveillance Research $17.1 million. This funding includes $12.1 million for the Maui Space Surveillance System and a $5 million increase to the Air Force space technology program that Senator Schatz secured to harness advancements in digital engineering. The additional funding will allow the Air Force Research Laboratory to create a collaborative digital engineering platform to simulate future complex space vehicle in-flight experiments and demonstration. High Performance Computing Modernization Program $228 million, despite President Trump's $40 million proposed cut. This funding supports DoD's regional supercomputing centers, including the Maui High Performance Computing Center (MHPCC). Working with Committee leaders, Senator Schatz was able to increase funding for the program by $40 million above the president's budget. FAA Accountability The package includes the Federal Aviation Administration Accountability Enhancement Act, S.4565, which strengthens and clarifies the role of the FAA whistleblower office, including by providing it authority to investigate certain instances of whistleblower retaliation and creating an FAA whistleblower ombudsman to ensure FAA employees are properly educated on prohibited acts of whistleblower retaliation. Taxpayer Services The bill directs the IRS to properly staff Taxpayer Assistance Centers and offices of the Taxpayer Advocate Service in Hawaii to help resolve complex taxpayer problems. Because of Hawaii's distance from the mainland, Hawaii residents often experience difficulty receiving needed tax assistance by the national toll-free line. It is therefore imperative that the IRS improve face-to-face taxpayer services offered in Hawaii. Project HOPE Opportunity Probation with Enforcement $4.5 million (nationwide). Based on Hawaii's Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) program, this high-intensity supervision program reduces probation violations by drug offenders and others at high risk of recidivism. The funds will support the existing federal program to replicate the HOPE model and provide $500,000 to establish an institute to provide training, technical assistance, and best practices to assist other jurisdictions with the program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-secures-extension-of-250-million-honolulu-rail-funding-grant-in-bipartisan-appropriations-deal,Schatz Secures Extension Of $250 Million Honolulu Rail Funding Grant In Bipartisan Appropriations Deal,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Secures Extension Of $250 Million Honolulu Rail Funding Grant In Bipartisan Appropriations Deal Tuesday, December 22, 2020 WASHINGTON Last night, the U.S. Senate passed an appropriations deal, which includes a provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that will extend the deadline for a $250 million funding grant for the Honolulu Rail Transit project. The federal grant, which was secured by Senator Schatz in FY2015, was set to expire at the end of the year if left unspent. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz worked with congressional leaders to include the deadline extension and protect the project's federal funding for another year. My objective was to prevent the loss of these federal dollars. While this extension buys them more time, HART and the City must now revise their financial plan and come back with something that can actually work. They now have an opportunity to focus on what is most important developing a clear-eyed plan for the people of Honolulu, said Senator Schatz. The new spending deadline for these funds is December 31, 2021. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-schatz-hirono-bill-to-protect-hawaiis-coral-reefs-passes-the-senate,"Schatz, Hirono Bill To Protect Hawai‘i’s Coral Reefs Passes The Senate",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU — Last night, the bipartisan Restoring Resilient Reefs Act, which wasauthored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), passed the Senate. This bill directs federal funding and technical assistance to states, territories, and local communities for the restoration and management of coral reef ecosystems. It also reauthorizes and modernizes the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000. “Ocean warming and acidification have pushed our corals to the brink of extinction,” Senator Schatz said. “Time is running out, but we can save them if we act now. Our bill deploys federal resources to the local governments and community organizations that are in the water right now working to restore our reefs.” “In Hawai‘i, healthy oceans and coral reefs are critical to our way of life,” Senator Hirono said. “This bipartisan bill provides much needed resources to help our communities preserve and improve coral ecosystem health, and includes my coral reef prize competition, a provision I have introduced over the last three Congresses. I am proud that the Senate has passed our bipartisan bill and look forward to seeing this become law.” The Coral Reef Conservation Act, which expired more than 15 years ago, was designed to promote the conservation of our nation’s reefs. In recent years, the decline in the nation’s coral reefs has only become more severe. The Restoring Resilient Reefs Act modernizes the approach to coral conservation by: incentivizing increased state and local investment in coral reef management capacity; strengthening NOAA’s Coral Reef program; encouraging innovative public-private Coral Reef Stewardship Partnerships among agencies, research centers, and community stakeholders; codifying and updating the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force; ensuring that our national coral strategy is informed by a robust local stakeholder engagement process; and allowing for emergency grants for coral disasters, among other measures. First introduced in August 2019, the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and U.S. Representatives Darren Soto (D-Fla.) and Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-funding-deal-includes-millions-in-federal-funding-for-hawaii-will-help-rebuild-hawaiis-economy-create-jobs,"Schatz: Funding Deal Includes Millions In Federal Funding For Hawai‘i, Will Help Rebuild Hawai‘i’s Economy, Create Jobs",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate last night voted to pass a bipartisan spending deal that will increase federal funding for critical programs that benefit Hawai‘i for fiscal year 2021. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, successfully advanced state priorities, which are now included in the final deal. A separate COVID-19 relief package was attached to the annual appropriations bill and both were approved by Congress. “This appropriations bill will give our state millions in much-needed federal funding to help us rebuild our economy, create new jobs, and help people access critical programs during this difficult time,” said Senator Schatz. “It’s been a tough year for our state so this increase in federal dollars this year is welcome news.” The annual government bill includes funding for housing, roads, public transit, and infrastructure, as well as Native Hawaiian health and education programs. NEW AND INCREASED FUNDING FOR HAWAI‘I Affordable Housing – $43.1 billion (nationwide), a $2.6 billion increase from last year. This funding supports Public Housing programs, Section 8 vouchers, the HOME Investment Partnership program and the Housing Trust Fund, which provides resources to help communities build and maintain affordable housing. It also supports the Community Development Block Grant Program and Emergency Solutions grant programs. Native Hawaiian Health Care – $20.5 million, a $1.5 million increase from last year. Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems, as part of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program, provide critical access to health education, promotion, disease prevention, and basic primary care services for thousands of Native Hawaiians. This funding will support five health centers on Hawai‘i Island, Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and Oahu. Pearl Harbor National Memorial – $6 million, new funding. The majority of these funds, $5,647,000, are a one-time appropriation to replace the existing shore-side floating dock, which is used to provide visitor transport to and from the USS Arizona Memorial. The additional $435,000 in operational funds will be used at the Memorial to improve visitor services and security. Veterans Affairs – $104.4 billion (nationwide), a $12.5 billion increase from last year. Funding will be used to: Ensure robust in-house medical care so that the VA Pacific Island Health Care System can continue to provide high-quality care to all veterans in Hawai‘i; Increase pandemic-related assistance to state veterans homes to protect veterans and health care workers; Address ongoing non-recurring maintenance challenges at VA facilities, including aged electrical systems and leaking roofs; Strengthen medical research into new therapeutic approaches for service-connected injuries so that veterans can live full and productive lives; Further expand VA telehealth services for veterans in rural and remote areas that have been essential during the public health emergency; Continue to provide support for caregivers of severely injured veterans as the VA expands the program to veterans of all eras; Support VA’s ability to process benefits claims and provide care to Blue Water Navy veterans; and Enhance support to homeless veterans, particularly homeless women veterans and homeless veterans in rural communities. East-West Center – $19.7 million, a $3 million increase from last year and despite President Trump’s proposed elimination. Senator Schatz worked with his colleagues to increase support to the East-West Center, which directly supports U.S. engagement in the Indo Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue with countries in the region. It is the only U.S. institution that provides a multilateral approach through research and exchange programs. Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument – $1.2 million, a $200,000 increase from last year. The spending deal authorizes NOAA to award a competitive grant of up to $1 million for research and management activities in Papahanaumokuakea. The funding is subject to a 100 percent non-federal match and will bring new resources to keep our Hawaiian archipelago healthy and productive. Past uses of the funding have included research to understand the impact of climate change on the ecosystem, and the removal of marine debris. Red Hill Fuel Storage Protections and Improvements – $5 million, new funding. This new funding supports a collaboration between the University of Hawai‘i and the Navy to improve the clean, inspect, and repair process for the fuel tanks at Red Hill. This collaboration will help keep the drinking water safe while the Navy continues to work to implement a double-wall equivalency solution for the fuel tanks or move the fuel tanks off the aquifer if it cannot provide secondary containment for them. Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native-Serving Institutions – $19 million (nationwide), a $724,000 increase from last year despite President Trump’s proposed elimination. This program provides funding and vital support to Hawai‘i’s colleges and universities, enabling them to improve and expand their capacity to serve Native Hawaiian students. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions – $5.1 million (nationwide), a $676,000 increase from last year despite President Trump’s proposed elimination. This program provides funding and vital support to Hawai‘i’s colleges and universities, enabling them to improve and expand their capacity to serve Asian American and Pacific Islander students. National Estuarine Research Reserve, including Heeia – $28.5 million (nationwide), a $1 million increase from last year. Funding will be shared among system sites, including the Heeia National Estuarine Research Reserve. This site demonstrates the value of Native Hawaiian taro cultivation and fishpond aquaculture to maintain a healthy ecosystem. It is viewed by NOAA to be a model site because of its seamless integration of science and culture. Impact Aid Program – $50.2 million, a $700,000 increase from last year. The estimated Impact Aid funding will provide the Hawai‘i Department of Education with the resources to help finance the education of federally-connected children. Impact Aid funds a range of programs, including efforts to retain highly qualified teachers, adequate technology, facilities renovation, and maintenance of transportation fleets. Coral Reef Conservation – $33 million (nationwide), a $3.5 million increase from last year. This funding supports NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program, which addresses the top threats to coral reef ecosystems in Hawai‘i and across the country. Working with partners, NOAA develops place-based strategies, measures the effectiveness of management efforts, and builds capacity among reef managers globally. Military and National Security Construction Projects – $363 million. $89 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar at Wheeler Army Airfield; $115 million for two waterfront projects to improve the wharves at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam; $114 million for two child development centers at Schofield Barracks and Aliamanu Military Reservation included from the Army’s unfunded requirements list to support military families in Hawai‘i; and $45 million for Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point to address an unfunded requirement to construct a new hangar for C-130Js that will support homeland defense missions in Hawai‘i and the Pacific. Clean Energy Research for the Military – $25 million, a $5 million increase from last year. Hawai‘i continues to lead in clean energy technology and implementation, which will pay dividends to our state, our economy, and our national security. This funding supports the Navy’s alternative energy research programs, including those in Hawai‘i that are working to make the Navy and its installations more resilient and less reliant on fossil fuels. Senator Schatz worked to secure $25 million in funding for the Navy’s alternative energy research and development, which was not part of the president’s budget. National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund – $34 million (nationwide), a $1 million increase from last year. The program funds projects that help coastal communities and ecosystems prepare for extreme weather events, climate hazards, and changing ocean conditions. In Hawai‘i, it has funded projects to improve high wave and king tide forecasts, to plan and prepare better for extreme coastal weather, and to restore native Hawaiian fishponds. Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals and Sea Turtles Protection – $9.6 million, a $300,000 increase from last year. Hawaiian monk seals are the only seal species in the world that live in only one nation's territorial waters. Because these seals are an extremely endangered species, we have a responsibility to help them toward recovery. This funding will continue to support monk seal conservation and recovery, with research on vaccination and disease prevention (morbillivirus and toxoplasmosis). Funding will also support sea turtle conservation activities such as continued monitoring of endangered turtle populations and the impacts of habitat loss at French Frigate Shoals from Hurricane Walaka (2018). Airport Agricultural Inspections – $32.9 million (nationwide), an increase of $600,000 from last year. In Hawai‘i, this program helps to fund federal agricultural inspectors at airports on Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and Hawai‘i Island. It is critical to conduct inspections at the neighbor island airports so that passengers can directly connect to flights to the mainland. Kalaupapa National Historical Park – $16 million, new funding. Additional NPS funds are also provided to rehabilitate the unsafe and failing electrical system at the settlement. Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Na Wai Eha Forest Watershed, and Hawai‘i Koa Forest – $10 million, new funding. This year the Land and Water Conservation Fund was fully and permanently funded at $900 million annually. Within this allocation, three land acquisition projects in Hawai‘i will receive funding: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Na Wai Eha Forest Watershed, and Hawai‘i Koa Forest. False Killer Whales – $1 million, new funding. False killer whales are social animals found globally in all tropical and subtropical oceans and generally in deep offshore waters. Current population assessments indicate that the false killer populations are very small, and this funding will help minimize harmful interactions with Hawai‘i’s longline fisheries. The funding will also support routine population assessments of false killer whales, the development of new monitoring technology, and studies to mitigate harm when the whales interact with fishing gear. Tsunami Program – $28 million (nationwide), a $500,000 increase from last year. The NOAA Tsunami Program provides funding to coastal states for preparedness activities such as inundation mapping, disaster planning, and tsunami education. Funding includes support for tsunami monitoring, forecasts, and a grant program, which states can compete for, to prepare inundation maps and assist with outreach and education. Hawai‘i relies on all three components of the program. Despite deep cuts proposed by President Trump, Senator Schatz helped increase funding for this critical program. PROTECTED FUNDING Bus and Transit – $13 billion (nationwide). This funding is distributed among the stated and counties for the operation and capital costs associated with the operation of public transit systems, including the Maui Bus, TheBus, Kauai Bus, Hele-On Bus, and TheHandi-Van fleets. Highway and Transportation – $49.1 billion (nationwide). This funding is distributed from the Highway Trust Fund to states for highway maintenance and new construction of bridges, roads, and bike and pedestrian paths. Native Hawaiian Housing – $2 million, despite President Trump’s proposed elimination. The Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program provides financial assistance for Native Hawaiian families to obtain new homes, make renovations, build community facilities, and receive housing services, including counseling, financial literacy and other critical resources to address housing disparities. Native Hawaiian Education – $37.4 million, despite President Trump’s proposed elimination. This funding supports programs that strengthen Native Hawaiian culture, improve levels of educational attainment, and enhance family and community involvement in education. President Trump proposed eliminating funding for Native Hawaiian education programs in his budget. Senator Schatz included a provision to allow funds to be used for construction, renovation, and modernization of public schools that predominantly serve Native Hawaiian students. Senator Schatz also included a provision fixing the restriction on use of funds for indirect administrative costs. Native American Language Preservation – $13 million (nationwide). This funding includes $12.5 million for Native American language preservation activities under the Administration for Native Americans, with priority funding for Native American language immersion schools as authorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act. Native American Language Immersion Schools and Program – $2 million (nationwide). Senator Schatz co-authored the legislation to create new grants for Native American immersion schools and programs. Homeland Defense Radar-Hawai‘i – $133 million, despite President Trump’s proposed elimination. This funding will allow the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to continue to develop a homeland defense radar to be sited in Hawai‘i following the outcome of the environmental impact review. When completed, the Homeland Defense Radar-Hawai‘i will optimize MDA’s ability to detect, track, discriminate, and intercept missile threats, making it increasingly difficult for North Korea and other states to credibly threaten Hawai‘i and the U.S. mainland. Compact of Free Association Impact – $4 million (nationwide). The United States has entered into the Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the governments of the Freely Associated States (FAS), which are the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. These Compacts allow FAS citizens to live in the United States and receive certain benefits. This funding will help Hawai‘i provide those benefits to FAS citizens who live and work in the state. Japanese American Confinement Sites, including Honouliuli – $3.2 million (nationwide), despite President Trump’s proposed elimination. Funding will support Japanese American Confinement Sites (JACS) grants. JACS grants support the preservation of Japanese American internment camps, including the Honouliuli National Monument, through partnerships with local preservation groups. Grants may also be used to encourage and support the research, interpretation, and preservation of internment camps to help prevent the injustice of internment from being repeated. Native American Workforce Programs – $55.5 million (nationwide), despite President Trump’s proposed elimination. This funding supports programs that provide quality employment and training services to Native Hawaiian organizations, tribes, tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities, and Indian controlled organizations serving unemployed and low income Native Hawaiians, Native Americans, and Alaska Natives. Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Art – $1.25 million (Hawai‘i and Alaska). Under the National Recreation and Preservation programs, Senator Schatz secured funding for grants to nonprofit organizations or institutions that support programs for Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native culture and arts development. Invasive Species Control – $38 million (nationwide). The USGS Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program supports essential research, management tools, and support to meet the science needs of resource managers to reduce or eliminate the threat of invasive species and wildlife disease. Due to the high number of invasive species in Hawai‘i, a significant portion of this funding is directed to the state for projects related to brown tree snakes, regional biosecurity, rapid ohia death, and many others. Macadamia Nut Health Initiative – $1 million. This funding will support research to combat and control the felted macadamia nut coccid to improve the production of this iconic Hawaiian crop. Food Security Microgrants – $2 million. This funding will go towards helping individuals and groups in Hawai‘i purchase tools, soil, seeds, plants, animals, composting units, gardening systems, and other necessities for growing and preserving food. The funds can also be used to expand areas under cultivation, extend the growing season, build or repair livestock fencing, travel to agricultural education programs, expand the sale of locally grown crops and meats, and to engage in other activities that increase food security. WaterSMART Grants – $55 million (nationwide), with projects in Hawai‘i now eligible. The competitively awarded, locally cost-shared WaterSMART grants support local water management projects that conserve and use water more efficiently, increase the use of clean, renewable energy, protect endangered species, and facilitate water markets. Environmental Restoration on Formerly Used Defense Sites – $289 million (nationwide), despite a proposed cut from President Trump. Funding supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ continued efforts to identify and remove unexploded ordnance at former military sites across the neighbor islands and to ensure that military training and activities remain in balance with Hawai‘i’s local needs. Senator Schatz worked to secure an additional $72 million above the president’s budget. STEM Apprenticeship Grant Program – $2 million (nationwide). The new funding will implement a new grant program created by Senator Schatz. The new program at the Economic Development Administration will help create new apprenticeships in STEM fields. State of the Birds Research – $3.5 million, a $250,000 increase from last year. State of the Birds activities are dedicated to stopping the bird extinction crisis in Hawai‘i. More than 90 Hawaiian bird species have gone extinct, and nine listed Hawaiian bird species are currently in decline. These funds are crucial to prevent further extinctions as climate change, habitat degradation and destruction, and other human and environmental impacts threaten to reach crisis levels. Hansen’s Disease Treatment in Hawai‘i – $1.9 million. Under this Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) program, payments are made to the State of Hawai‘i for the medical care and treatment of persons with Hansen’s Disease in its hospital and clinic facilities in Kalaupapa and Honolulu. Programs supported by HRSA to address Hansen’s Disease are particularly important in states like Hawai‘i that have large populations of immigrants from nations with high rates of the disease. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS FOR HAWAI‘I Papahanaumokuakea Sanctuary Designation – The deal includes a provision directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to commence the process to designate Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument as a National Marine Sanctuary. Sanctuary status for the Monument would make it more difficult to weaken the protections in the Executive Orders signed by Presidents Obama and Bush. Post Office Service – The bill ensures that six day delivery of mail continues, and guarantees that no funds may be used by the United States Post Office to close small rural and other small post offices, including post offices in Hakalau, Lihue, Hana, and Kalaupapa. Invasive Agricultural Pest Control – The bill includes a provision directing the Agricultural Research Service to assess options for controlling invasive agricultural pests in the Pacific, including the construction of an invasive species biocontrol research and development facility. A positive assessment could lead to expanding the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center to include better facilities to study how to eradicate, control, and manage invasive agricultural pests such as Coffee Leaf Rust and the Two-Line Spittlebug. Coffee Leaf Rust – The bill urges the USDA to provide emergency response resources for agricultural pests that threaten high value crops in Hawai‘i. This direction will help coffee farmers because of the recent discovery of Coffee Leave Rust (CLR) on Maui and Hawai‘i islands. CLR poses an enormous threat to Hawai‘i’s $54 million coffee industry. In other locations where CLR has become established, farmers have lost up to 30-80 percent of their crops. Maui Space Surveillance Research – $17.1 million. This funding includes $12.1 million for the Maui Space Surveillance System and a $5 million increase to the Air Force space technology program that Senator Schatz secured to harness advancements in digital engineering. The additional funding will allow the Air Force Research Laboratory to create a collaborative digital engineering platform to simulate future complex space vehicle in-flight experiments and demonstration. High Performance Computing Modernization Program – $228 million, despite President Trump’s $40 million proposed cut. This funding supports DoD’s regional supercomputing centers, including the Maui High Performance Computing Center (MHPCC). Working with Committee leaders, Senator Schatz was able to increase funding for the program by $40 million above the president’s budget. FAA Accountability – The package includes the Federal Aviation Administration Accountability Enhancement Act, S.4565, which strengthens and clarifies the role of the FAA whistleblower office, including by providing it authority to investigate certain instances of whistleblower retaliation and creating an FAA whistleblower ombudsman to ensure FAA employees are properly educated on prohibited acts of whistleblower retaliation. Taxpayer Services – The bill directs the IRS to properly staff Taxpayer Assistance Centers and offices of the Taxpayer Advocate Service in Hawai‘i to help resolve complex taxpayer problems. Because of Hawai‘i’s distance from the mainland, Hawai‘i residents often experience difficulty receiving needed tax assistance by the national toll-free line. It is therefore imperative that the IRS improve face-to-face taxpayer services offered in Hawai‘i. Project HOPE Opportunity Probation with Enforcement – $4.5 million (nationwide). Based on Hawai‘i’s Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) program, this high-intensity supervision program reduces probation violations by drug offenders and others at high risk of recidivism. The funds will support the existing federal program to replicate the HOPE model and provide $500,000 to establish an institute to provide training, technical assistance, and best practices to assist other jurisdictions with the program. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-secures-extension-of-250-million-honolulu-rail-funding-grant-in-bipartisan-appropriations-deal,Schatz Secures Extension Of $250 Million Honolulu Rail Funding Grant In Bipartisan Appropriations Deal,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Last night, the U.S. Senate passed an appropriations deal, which includes a provision authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that will extend the deadline for a $250 million funding grant for the Honolulu Rail Transit project. The federal grant, which was secured by Senator Schatz in FY2015, was set to expire at the end of the year if left unspent. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz worked with congressional leaders to include the deadline extension and protect the project’s federal funding for another year. “My objective was to prevent the loss of these federal dollars. While this extension buys them more time, HART and the City must now revise their financial plan and come back with something that can actually work. They now have an opportunity to focus on what is most important – developing a clear-eyed plan for the people of Honolulu,” said Senator Schatz. The new spending deadline for these funds is December 31, 2021. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-hirono-schatz-advocacy-congress-poised-to-restore-medicaid-eligibility-for-citizens-of-the-freely-associated-states-living-in-the-united-states,"Following Hirono, Schatz Advocacy, Congress Poised to Restore Medicaid Eligibility for Citizens of the Freely Associated States Living in the United States",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 21, 2020 Following Hirono, Schatz Advocacy, Congress Poised to Restore Medicaid Eligibility for Citizens of the Freely Associated States Living in the United States Covering Our FAS Allies Act, Introduced by Senators Hirono and Schatz, Included in Bipartisan Omnibus Appropriations Legislation Unveiled Today WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announced that Congress is poised to restore Medicaid eligibility for citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau collectively known as the Freely Associated States living in the United States under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) as part of the bipartisan omnibus appropriations bill unveiled today. If enacted, the legislation would expand health care access for thousands of COFA citizens living and working in Hawaii at a time when the community has experienced a disproportionate number of cases and deaths from COVID-19. It would help states like Hawaii and territories like Guam that have provided tens of millions of dollars in care and services to the COFA community that would otherwise be reimbursable under Medicaid. Restoring Medicaid access for COFA citizens has been one of my top priorities since arriving in the Senate in 2013, and this work has become only more urgent as the COFA community in Hawaii and across the country have experienced overwhelming levels of disease and death from COVID-19,Senator Hirono said.This bipartisan agreement will unlock new tools to assist the COFA community suffering from unequal access to health care. By allowing States to enroll COFA citizens in Medicaid, we are upholding the promises we made to our critical national security partners in the Freely Associated States, and supporting jurisdictions like Hawaii that have traditionally stepped in to provide health care for the COFA community. For too long, Hawaii has shouldered the costs while COFA residents have struggled to get essential health care, so restoring this funding will help both our state and all COFA citizens,Senator Schatz said. This will help our state's fiscal condition when we need it the most. Senator Hirono has been a consistent champion for restoring Medicaid access for COFA citizens during her time in the Senate, and has worked with the Hawaii Congressional Delegation to introduce legislation to do so in the114th,115th, and116thCongresses. In 2013, she successfully included COFA Medicaid language in the Senate's bipartisan Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill that passed the Senate in an overwhelming vote, but was ignored by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. In July, Senator Hironotook to the Senate floor to urge Congress to restore Medicaid eligibility for COFA citizens as a way to assist a community suffering disproportionately during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Schatz has fought to protect federal funding to Hawaii for COFA citizens, securing millions every year in Congress' annual appropriations bill. Last year, when an error at the Department of the Interior revealed an undercount of COFA residents resulted in an underpayment in federal funding for Hawaii,Schatz led callsto restore the funding which helps support services for COFA citizens, including health care, education, and transportation. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-gardner-portman-peters-klobuchar-bill-to-improve-federal-governments-use-of-artificial-intelligence-set-to-become-law,"Schatz, Gardner, Portman, Peters, Klobuchar Bill To Improve Federal Government's Use Of Artificial Intelligence Set To Become Law",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz, Gardner, Portman, Peters, Klobuchar Bill To Improve Federal Government's Use Of Artificial Intelligence Set To Become Law Monday, December 21, 2020 WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio),Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) announced that their Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Government Act was included as part of the must-pass government funding deal and is set to become law. The AI in Government Act will ensure that the use of AI across the federal government is effective, ethical, and accountable by providing resources and guidance to federal agencies. We need to get smart on AI if we want to have a competitive edge against the rest of the world in the next decade. That starts with making sure the federal government is using AI technology ethically and effectively,said Senator Schatz, the ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet.With our bill set to become law, we will now be able to coordinate AI strategy so that all federal agencies can take full advantage of these new technologies and do so in a responsible way. Artificial intelligence will have significant impacts on our country, economy, and society,said Senator Portman, Co-Chair of the Senate AI Caucus.Ensuring that our government has the capabilities and expertise to help navigate those impacts will be important in the coming years and decades. I'm pleased this important bipartisan legislation was included in theFY 2021 bipartisan fundingpackage passed by the House. It will ensure our government understands the benefits and pitfalls of this technology as it engages in a responsible, accountable rollout of AI, and I urge my colleagues to support it when it comes the floor for a vote. Artificial intelligence is an emerging frontier and the United States has a responsibility to ensure our government is using this technology ethically and efficiently,said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and a founding member of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus.I am thrilled this bipartisan measure will become law so government employees and agencies can utilize this innovative technology while safeguarding Americans' rights and liberties. TheAI in Government Act, which is expected to pass the House and the Senate today and quicklybe signed into law, will: expand an office within the General Services Administration to provide technical expertise to relevant government agencies; conduct forward-looking, original research on federal AI policy; and promote U.S. competitiveness through agency and industry cooperation; establish an advisory board to address AI policy opportunities and challenges for executive agencies; direct the Office of Management and Budget to establish a strategy for investing and using AI as part of the federal data strategy; and direct the Office of Personnel Management to identify skills and competencies for AI and establish a new or update an existing occupational series. The bill was first introduced by Senators Schatz, Gardner, andPortmanin 2018. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-help-is-on-the-way-new-covid-19-relief-deal-includes-at-least-17-billion-for-hawaii,"Schatz: Help Is On The Way, New COVID-19 Relief Deal Includes At Least $1.7 Billion For Hawaii",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz: Help Is On The Way, New COVID-19 Relief Deal Includes At Least $1.7 Billion For Hawaii New Funding For Unemployment Assistance, Small Businesses, Rent Relief, Vaccine Distribution, Schools, Hospitals, Food Programs; COVID-19 Relief Package Included In Annual Must-Pass Funding Bill Monday, December 21, 2020 WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announced that Hawaii will receive at least $1.7 billion in estimated funding from a new $900 billion COVID-19 relief package. The bipartisan deal the second largest emergency relief package in American history includes funding for unemployment assistance, and aid for small businesses, schools, vaccine distribution, hospitals, and health care workers. Help is on the way. This relief package will help those who've lost their job or can't make rent. It provides more money for businesses, and gives our state, hospitals, and health care providers more resources to distribute the vaccine and fight this pandemic, said Senator Schatz. While it's not enough, and we still have more work to do, this will provide help immediately. The COVID-19 relief package was included in the annual spending bill, which includes additional money for Hawaii for housing, roads, public transit, and infrastructure, as well as Native Hawaiian health and education programs. Key provisions in the COVID-19 relief package include: Unemployment assistance extension of unemployment insurance to help those who have lost their jobs or are experiencing reduced incomes. At least $200 million in estimated funding will go to helping unemployed Hawaii workers. Available to self-employed individuals, part-time workers, independent contractors, and gig workers, including ride-sharing drivers. Covers those who are sick, quarantined, furloughed, or whose family circumstances keep them from working or reduce their pay as a result of the coronavirus outbreak or government containment efforts. Aid will cover salaries up to about $65,000 for 3 months with an additional $300 per week. Rent relief and eviction moratorium An estimated $200 million to help Hawaii residents who lost their job or saw a significant reduction in income due to the pandemic to make rent. Provides a 30-day extension of the CDC's current eviction moratorium to January 31, 2021. At least 90 percent of the funds must be used for payment of future rent, back rent, utilities and home energy bills, and related housing expenses; and up to 10 percent of the funds are available for housing counseling or other stability services. Includes an additional $2.4 million for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Small businesses and non-profits provides $325 billion nationally for small businesses, including restaurants, hotels, live venues, and non-profits. $284 billion in partially forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to small businesses and non-profits to maintain existing workforce and help pay for other expenses like rent, mortgage, and utilities. The hardest-hit small businessesthose with 300 or fewer employees that have sustained a 25 percent revenue loss in any quarter of 2020can receive a second forgivable PPP loan. Forgivable expenses are expanded to include supplier costs, investments in facility modifications, and purchases of personal protective equipment. Business expenses paid for with PPP loans are now tax deductible, consistent with Congressional intent in the CARES Act. Expanded eligibility for nonprofits, local newspapers, and TV and radio broadcasters. PPP forgiveness process simplified for loans of $150,000 or less, eliminating red tape and making loan forgiveness easier for small businesses. $20 billion for Small Business Administration (SBA) emergency grant advances of up to $10,000 to provide immediate relief for small business operating costs. $15 billion for grants to independent live venue operators, including eligible independent movie theatres and museums, affected by stay-at-home orders. Vaccine distribution and procurement provides nearly $32 billion nationally, including $4.5 billion directly to states and localities and an estimated $35 million to Hawaii, to help distribute and administer COVID-19 vaccines. Testing and contact tracing provides $22.4 billion nationally for testing and contact tracing, including at least $150 million in estimated funding to Hawaii. This funding will expand capacity for COVID-19 testing to effectively monitor and suppress COVID19, conduct surveillance and contact tracing activities, and support other COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Hospitals and health care providers provides $3 billion nationally, including an estimated $5 million for Hawaii providers, to help health care providers through the Provider Relief Fund, extends relief from the Medicare sequester through March 2021, and increases payments under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for all services by 3.75 percent for 2021. Mental health includes more than $4 billion nationally for several mental health programs, including the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant, the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant, and suicide prevention programs. Direct cash payments provides a one-time cash payment to millions of Americans. More than $700 million is estimated to go to Hawaii residents. Individuals will get $600 (joint filers get $1,200) plus $600 per child. Benefits start to phase out for those with incomes exceeding $150,000 for married couples, $75,000 for singles, and $112,500 for single parents. Payments will not go to single filers earning more than $87,000; head-of-household filers with one child, more than $136,500; and more than $174,000 for joint filers with no children. Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will be eligible for this cash payment. Expands direct payments to households with mixed immigration status, retroactive to the CARES Act. Education provides at least an estimated $200 million for Hawaii schools, which can be used to support teacher salaries, including: An estimated $4.4 million for Hawaii in the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund, which provides both K-12 schools and institutions of higher education with emergency assistance funding; An estimated $178 million for Hawaii in Elementary and Secondary School (K-12) Emergency Relief Funding with eligibility for Native Hawaiian Education Programs specifically included; and Access to additional funding from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to support Hawaii's colleges and universities; and At least $20 million in estimated funding for Hawaii to support Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions. Child care $10 billion for grants for child care providers, including an estimated $25 million or more for Hawaii. Native-serving community lenders provides $25 million nationally in grants to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) serving Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, and other Native American communities across the country to help them withstand the economic impacts of the pandemic. Transportation provides at least $128 million in estimated funding for Hawaii to support transportation and airport services including: $60 million to ensure that transit services in Hawaii continue operating with enhanced safety procedures for passengers and staff; $42 million to continue funding for critical highway projects; $26 million for Hawaii airports. Funds can be used for operations and expenses related to coronavirus safety procedures as well as a set-aside for aide to in-terminal airport concessions and other service providers; Access to $2 billion in national funding to transportation service companies, such as tour bus operators. At least 60 percent of the funding must be used to retain or rehire staff; and Access to $15 billion in national funding to airlines for workforce salaries and benefits to prevent layoffs. Coronavirus Relief Fund extension includes a one-year extension of the CARES Act's Coronavirus Relief Fund, providing state and county governments with more time to expend their allocations. The new deadline is December 31, 2021. Broadband internet provides at least $7 billion nationally to improve broadband infrastructure, expand access high-speed internet, including: At least $30 million in funding for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; $3.2 billion nationally in an Emergency Broadband Benefit to help low-income Americans get connected or remain connected to broadband; $250 million nationally for a new telehealth pilot program; $300 million national grant program to fund broadband in rural areas; and $65 million to improve U.S. broadband maps. Food and nutrition programs provides $13 billion nationally for nutrition programs, including an increase of 15 percent in monthly SNAP benefits to ensure that all Americans receive the food they need. The bill also provides funding for food banks, food pantries, school meal programs, and other nutrition programs. Agricultural producers and fisheries provides $13 billion nationally to support agriculture, fisheries, and rural communities, including: $9.7 billion for assistance to farmers and ranchers, including specialty crops, and floriculture; $1.5 billion to purchase food, agricultural products, and seafood for individuals in need; and $300 million for assistance to commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-hfc-phasedown-a-win-in-fight-against-climate-change,Schatz: HFC Phasedown A Win In Fight Against Climate Change,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz: HFC Phasedown A Win In Fight Against Climate Change Monday, December 21, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chair of the Special Committee on the Climate Crisis, today commended the inclusion of legislation to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the annual spending deal. Commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners, HFCs are especially potent greenhouse gases, trapping thousands of times as much heat in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. This bill is a huge win in our fight against climate change. Specifically, the agreement to phase down HFCs will have a real, measurable impact in reducing warming. This agreement proves what we know to be true: climate action is good for businesses and innovation. We still have a lot more work to do, but hopefully this sets the stage for the bigger, bolder policies we'll need to address this planetary crisis, said Senator Schatz. The provision included in the spending deal will phase down HFCs by 85 percent by 2035 in line with the Kigali Amendment timeline. It also protects a small number of uses (less than 5 percent of the current market) for which no viable HFC alternatives currently exist. Senator Schatz, a cosponsor of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, has been a leading voice for climate action and the need to phase down HFCs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-restore-educational-opportunities-for-those-incarcerated-and-improve-public-safety-set-to-become-law,Schatz Legislation To Restore Educational Opportunities For Those Incarcerated And Improve Public Safety Set To Become Law,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Legislation To Restore Educational Opportunities For Those Incarcerated And Improve Public Safety Set To Become Law Bipartisan REAL Act Included In Spending Deal, Expected To Pass Congress, Head To President's Desk Monday, December 21, 2020 WASHINGTON Today, the Restoring Education and Learning (REAL) Act, bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai?i) that will restore Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals, was included in the annual omnibus spending bill and will be passed by Congress. Schatz's bipartisan bill will cut the cycle of recidivism, save taxpayer money, and improve safety. The REAL Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). When we give people in prison an opportunity to earn an education, our communities are safer, taxpayers save money, and we can end the cycle of recidivism,Senator Schatz said.With our bill now set to become law, we'll finally restore a program we know already works and give people a real chance to rebuild their lives. In 1994, incarcerated individuals lost access to Pell Grant assistance, causing a significant drop in the number of education programs in prisons. The REAL Act would restore access to these grants, which would reduce recidivism and incarceration costs by increasing access to higher education.The bill is expected to pass Congress tonight and head to the president's desk for his signature. The national recidivism rate is 43.3 percent within three years, but higher education can have a dramatic impact on reducing that rate. Areportfound that people who participate in correctional education while in prison were 43 percent less likely to recidivate than non-participants, and 13 percent more likely to obtain employment. First introduced by Senator Schatz in2016, the REAL Act has gained broadbipartisan support, including fromRepublican Senators,key business groups,governorsfrom bothparties, and adiverse coalitionof stakeholders.The language in the omnibus also includes additionalprovisionsled by Senator Schatz to promoteeducational opportunitiesfor people with criminal histories, and to increaseresearchon the effectiveness of prison education programs. The REAL Act has been endorsed by the American Correctional Association, Business Roundtable, The Education Trust, FreedomWorks, Institute for Higher Education Policy, National District Attorneys Association, Prison Fellowship, R Street, and Vera Institute of Justice. A full list of endorsing organizations can befound here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392,Case Statement on Passage of Second Massive Federal COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=28,scraper,"The $900 billion measure follows on the CARES Act in delivering further critical assistance to the frontlines of health care including vaccine distribution, to small businesses, to unemployed workers and directly to American families (Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) issued the following statement on passage in the U.S. House today of a second huge federal COVID-19 emergency assistance package, the second largest federal rescue measure ever passed by Congress after the CARES Act this past March, and the fifth federal assistance package overall. “As our COVID-19 public health, economic and social crisis continues on, for far too many Americans this further assistance is not just about stability and stimulus but survival,” said Case. “Though the delay in enacting this further emergency assistance was inexcusable, the additional $900 billion in federal funding to address critical COVID-19 needs throughout our country could not come at a more critical time for our country and Hawai‘i,” said Case, a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for federal funding. “I especially support the additional assistance to our healthcare frontlines including vaccine distribution, to hard-hit areas of our economy such as travel and tourism, to our small businesses, and to our unemployed workers.” “But like the CARES Act, our work in making sure this critical assistance gets to where it needs to get throughout our country and Hawai‘i as quickly and fully as possible is just starting.” “There were also many needs that were unfortunately not addressed in this measure, such as further direct state and local government funding. Finally, it is crystal clear that even this major additional emergency assistance will not be enough to see us all through COVID-19. “So, I’m already working with my colleagues on addressing those additional needs and delivering further assistance in the early part of the upcoming 117th Congress which begins January 3rd.” Highlights of the $900 billion relief measure of special interest to Hawai‘i include: $120 billion in expanded unemployment benefits: Continued federal assistance to supplement state unemployment benefits, to include $300 per week through March 14, 2021 and the continuation of Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). $166 billion in further direct cash payments to lower and middle-income Americans: Further direct cash payments to lower-and middle-income Americans of $600 for individuals with incomes of up to $75,000 a year, $1,200 for couples with incomes of up to $150,000 a year, and $600 for each child dependent. $325 billion in additional small business relief: Critical additional funding and policy changes to help small businesses, including minority-owned businesses, and nonprofits recover from the pandemic, including: More than $284 billion for first and second forgivable loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, and key modifications to PPP to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits and better assist independent restaurants. $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. $20 billion for targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Grants which are critical to many smaller businesses, and $3.5 billion for continued Small Business Administration debt relief payments. $25 billion in emergency assistance to renters: To be distributed by state and local governments for families struggling to stay in their homes. These funds will go to pay for past due and future rent payments, as well as to pay utility and energy bills and prevent shutoffs. Also, an extension of the federal eviction moratorium to January 31, 2021, and further authorization to the President to extend the moratorium through administrative action. $73 billion for health and human services: Includes funding for vaccine procurement and distribution, including $20 billion to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority for procurement of vaccines and therapeutics, $9 billion to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and states for vaccine distribution, and more than $3 billion for the strategic national stockpile. Additionally, more than $22 billion, all sent directly to states, for testing, tracing and COVID-19 mitigation programs, $4.5 billion in mental health funding, $9 billion in support for health care providers, and more than $1 billion additionally to the National Institutes of Health to continue COVID-19 research. $26 billion for nutrition assistance for hungry families: $13 billion in increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the historic hunger crisis that has left up to 17 million children food insecure, as well as ensure that college students have access to SNAP. This funding will also go to food banks and senior nutrition programs. Another $13 billion for payments, purchases and loans to farmers and ranchers who have suffered losses due to the pandemic. $82 billion for schools: Similar to the CARES Act, these emergency education relief funds include: Relief for outlying areas and the Bureau of Indian Education: $818.8 million Governors Emergency Education Relief Fund: $4.1 billion Includes a set aside for services to private K-12 schools to be administered by public agencies. Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (Public K-12 schools): $54.3 billion Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund: $22.7 billion $20 billion distributed to all public and private non-profit institutions of higher education. $908 million to for-profit colleges to provide financial aid grants to students. Includes set-asides of an additional $1.7 billion for Historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges, and Minority-Serving Institutions and $113.5 million for institutions with the greatest unmet needs or those not served by the primary formula, such as independent graduate schools. $45 billion for transportation: Further reliefto transit agencies, airlines and airline contractors, airports, state transportation departments, the motor coach industry, and Amtrak, including $15 billion for airline payroll support, $1 billion for airline contractor payrolls, $14 billion for transit, $10 billion for state highways, $2 billion for airports and airport concessionaires, $2 billion for the private motor coach, school bus, and ferry industries, and $1 billion for Amtrak. Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions: Further PPP set-asides for very small businesses and lending through community-based lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), including $9 billion in emergency U.S. Treasury capital investments in CDFIs and MDIs to support lending in low-income and underserved communities, including persistent poverty counties, that may be disproportionately impacted by the economic effects of the COVID–19 pandemic, and $3 billion in emergency support for CDFIs through the CDFI Fund to respond to the economic impact of the pandemic on underserved low-income and minority communities. -30- · Note: a summary of the measure is attached.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394,U.S. House Approves $1.4 Trillion Federal Funding Bills for Current Fiscal Year 2021,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=28,scraper,"Bills Will Avert Threatened Government Shutdown and Include Major Funding for Hawai‘i Projects Sought by Appropriations Committee Member Case (Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for all federal discretionary spending, today voted with a majority of his colleagues to pass a $1.4 trillion measure to fund the federal government for the current 2021 fiscal year (FY). If approved by the Senate as expected, the bill will go immediately to President Donald Trump for his consideration and expected signature into law. “It was way too late and unnecessarily disruptive, but Congress is finally coming together to avert what would have been another disastrous government shutdown with an agreement to pass this bill providing critical funding for our current fiscal year,” said Case. “This measure supports indispensable programs for all Americans across the board including defense, health care, education, social services and natural resources. It also includes key provisions of special importance to our Hawai‘i that I requested and worked for through my House Appropriations Committee and otherwise.” Highlights of the FY 2021 measure of special interest to Hawai‘i and for which Case advocated throughout the yearlong appropriations process include: Homeland Security $355 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants, rejecting the Administration’s proposal to cut this program by $76 million. This program helps fund the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency. Direction that the United States Customs and Border Protection consult with and provide recommendations to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other state and local partners on preventing the introduction of invasive species to Hawai‘i and non-contiguous U.S. territories. $101 million, level funding from FY 2020, for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, which includes the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Direction that the Department of Homeland Security provide a report to the Committee on Appropriations on the challenges of recruiting and retaining federal employees in rural and non-contiguous states, to include Hawai‘i. Financial Services and General Government and Related Agencies Extension of Hawai‘i’s longstanding fourth temporary federal district judgeship. $778.9 million for the Small Business Administration. $4 million for the Federal and State Technology Partnership (FAST) Program to foster innovative, technology-driven small business development. Defense $133 million to continue development of Home Defense Radar – Hawai‘i, rejecting the Administration’s decision to zero-out funding for the project. $5 million to assure the full research needed to ensure the safety of military underground fuel storage tanks while the Navy, Environmental Protection Agency and State of Hawai‘i work to determine a permanent solution for the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. $77.3 million for the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s Regional Centers, $3.9 million above the President’s budget. This account support Hawaii’s Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Waikīkī. $23.3 billion to procure 10 Navy ships, including two SSN-774 Virginia Class attack submarines which are the next generation of our country’s sub fleet and in the Indo-Pacific will be serviced at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Hawai‘i’s largest industrial employer. $50 million for military Impact Aid programs under which the federal government compensates state and local school districts with high military populations for the cost of educating dependents, with an additional $20 million specifically set aside for children with severe disabilities. Commerce, Justice and Science $1.25 million for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Atmospheric Baseline Observatories, which includes the Mauna Loa Observatory, to modernize infrastructure. $56.5 million, a $1 million increase, for the NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries Program, which includes the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. $33 million, a $4.5 million increase, for the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program. $9 million for the Marine Debris Program to clean up our oceans and develop solutions to land-generated debris. Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies $2 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program. Direction ensuring that the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration funding does not lapse at the end of 2020. $3 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants, a $238 million increase. $40 million for HUD/VA Supportive Housing for Homeless Veterans Program, a critical program for homeless veterans in Hawai‘i. Report to Congress on the implementation of the National Parks Air Tour Management Act, which requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Park Service to establish air tour management plans for the most impacted National Parks, including Hawai‘i Volcanoes and Haleakalā National Parks. Report to Congress on how the FAA has implemented National Transportation Safety Board recommendations on commercial tour flights, and, if the FAA decided not to implement these recommendations, why. Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies $1.7 billion for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, an increase of $50 million above the FY 2020 level and an increase of $665 million above the request. Sustained support for this program is needed because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reported that authorized channel depths nationwide are available less than half of the time, and even then, only over half of the channel’s width are supported. Hawai‘i-specific U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Operations and Maintenance Projects: Barber Point Deep Draft Harbor ($350 million), Hilo Harbor ($200 million), inspections of completed works ($591 million) and project surveys ($684 million). $1.8 million for the National Shoreline Management Study. This study contributes to ongoing efforts to improve coastal management in collaboration with other agencies and states to address erosion, sand movement and the environmental and economic implications of shoreline change. $62.5 million for the State Energy Program Grants, which the Administration proposed eliminating. These grants will allow Hawai‘i to ramp up energy efficiency, renewable energy projects and grid-modernization projects. Labor, Health, Human Services and Education $20.5 million for the Native Hawaiian Health Care program. $37.4 million for the Native Hawaiian Education program. $19.0 million for the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions program. $5.1 million for the Strengthening Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions program. $2.3 million for the Native American/Native Hawaiian Library Services program. Interior, Environment and Related Agencies $223.9 million for National Park Service (NPS) construction, which includes $5.7 million for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and $16 million for Kalaupapa National Historical Park. $3.5 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service State of the Birds Activities, a $250,000 increase. These funds support efforts to recover our most endangered Hawaiian forest bird species. $1.3 million for the NPS American Indian and Native Hawaiian Art and Culture Grants program. $34 million in Department of Interior Compact Impact funds, which assists Hawai‘i and the Pacific territories to partially offset the costs of Compact migration. $3.2 million for the NPS Japanese American Confinement Sites program, which funds the preservation and interpretation of U.S. confinement sites where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II, such as the Honouliuli Internment Camp and Sand Island Detention Camp on O‘ahu. $30.3 million for the U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program. This includes funding for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, which monitors the active volcanoes in Hawai‘i, assesses their hazards, issues warnings and advances scientific understanding to reduce impacts of volcanic eruptions. $15.2 million, a $1 million increase, for the NPS National Trails System. This includes the Ala Kahakai National Historical Trail on Hawai‘i Island. $3.5 million for brown tree snake research and control. State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs $19.7 million for the East-West Center, an increase of $3 million over the FY 2020 enacted level. Direction that the new U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) prioritize investments in the Pacific Islands, including to support women’s economic empowerment, and requiring a report on a strategy to increase DFC investments in the region. Direction that the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) study and enhance its outreach to areas of the United States that have received disproportionately less engagement and financing support from EXIM. Hawai‘i is among a handful of states that receive disproportionately less export financing from EXIM relative to gross domestic product. $1.5 billion to support the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-409). Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Funding for five major military construction projects in Hawai‘i: two new child development centers, an aircraft maintenance hangar at Wheeler Army Airfield ($89 million) and two wharf improvement projects at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam ($115 million). Direction to the military to address the parking shortfall at Tripler Army Medical Center, to include the possible location, cost and timeline for building a new parking garage that sufficiently fulfills the parking demands for both the Army and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). $1.2 million for the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program, which assists Native Hawaiians. Directing continued preferential contracting for Native Hawaiian Organizations and other indigenous peoples with respect to working with the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration and National Cemetery Administration. Also, direction that the VA has not done a sufficient job of making eligible communities aware of the opportunity, and thus is instructed to provide to the Committees on Appropriations a plan for providing information to relevant communities about their eligibility for this opportunity. Prevents efforts to transfer funds away from the Filipino Equity Compensation Fund, which provides a one-time, lump-sum payments to eligible World War II Philippine Veterans. Direction to the VA to provide the Committees on Appropriations with a feasibility study on the establishment of a VA Center for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islander Health to focus on research, service and education to improve the lives of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders and U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islander veterans. Notes that American Battle Monuments Commission (AMBC) has completed the draft report on its study of three potential sites for the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific interpretive center and is awaiting stakeholder feedback, including from the National Cemetery Administration. The agreement urges ABMC to provide its final report to Congress by the end of the calendar year so a final decision can be made. Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Direction to the USDA to update its 1979 calculation of school nutrition assistance program reimbursement rates in Hawai‘i to actually reflect today’s cost of producing a school lunch and breakfast. $5 million for the Micro-Grants for Food Security program, which provides grants to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food through small-scale gardening, herding and livestock in food insecure communities in Hawaii. -30- NOTE: Summary of the measure is attached",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-gardner-portman-peters-klobuchar-bill-to-improve-federal-governments-use-of-artificial-intelligence-set-to-become-law,"Schatz, Gardner, Portman, Peters, Klobuchar Bill To Improve Federal Government's Use Of Artificial Intelligence Set To Become Law",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) announced that their Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Government Act was included as part of the must-pass government funding deal and is set to become law. The AI in Government Act will ensure that the use of AI across the federal government is effective, ethical, and accountable by providing resources and guidance to federal agencies. “We need to get smart on AI if we want to have a competitive edge against the rest of the world in the next decade. That starts with making sure the federal government is using AI technology ethically and effectively,” said Senator Schatz, the ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. “With our bill set to become law, we will now be able to coordinate AI strategy so that all federal agencies can take full advantage of these new technologies and do so in a responsible way.” “Artificial intelligence will have significant impacts on our country, economy, and society,” said Senator Portman, Co-Chair of the Senate AI Caucus. “Ensuring that our government has the capabilities and expertise to help navigate those impacts will be important in the coming years and decades. I’m pleased this important bipartisan legislation was included in the FY 2021 bipartisan funding package passed by the House. It will ensure our government understands the benefits and pitfalls of this technology as it engages in a responsible, accountable rollout of AI, and I urge my colleagues to support it when it comes the floor for a vote.” “Artificial intelligence is an emerging frontier and the United States has a responsibility to ensure our government is using this technology ethically and efficiently,” said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and a founding member of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus. “I am thrilled this bipartisan measure will become law so government employees and agencies can utilize this innovative technology while safeguarding Americans’ rights and liberties.” The AI in Government Act, which is expected to pass the House and the Senate today and quickly be signed into law, will: expand an office within the General Services Administration to provide technical expertise to relevant government agencies; conduct forward-looking, original research on federal AI policy; and promote U.S. competitiveness through agency and industry cooperation; establish an advisory board to address AI policy opportunities and challenges for executive agencies; direct the Office of Management and Budget to establish a strategy for investing and using AI as part of the federal data strategy; and direct the Office of Personnel Management to identify skills and competencies for AI and establish a new or update an existing occupational series. The bill was first introduced by Senators Schatz, Gardner, and Portman in 2018. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-help-is-on-the-way-new-covid-19-relief-deal-includes-at-least-17-billion-for-hawaii,"Schatz: Help Is On The Way, New COVID-19 Relief Deal Includes At Least $1.7 Billion For Hawai‘i",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that Hawai‘i will receive at least $1.7 billion in estimated funding from a new $900 billion COVID-19 relief package. The bipartisan deal – the second largest emergency relief package in American history – includes funding for unemployment assistance, and aid for small businesses, schools, vaccine distribution, hospitals, and health care workers. “Help is on the way. This relief package will help those who’ve lost their job or can’t make rent. It provides more money for businesses, and gives our state, hospitals, and health care providers more resources to distribute the vaccine and fight this pandemic,” said Senator Schatz. “While it’s not enough, and we still have more work to do, this will provide help immediately.” The COVID-19 relief package was included in the annual spending bill, which includes additional money for Hawai‘i for housing, roads, public transit, and infrastructure, as well as Native Hawaiian health and education programs. Key provisions in the COVID-19 relief package include: Unemployment assistance – extension of unemployment insurance to help those who have lost their jobs or are experiencing reduced incomes. At least $200 million in estimated funding will go to helping unemployed Hawai‘i workers. Available to self-employed individuals, part-time workers, independent contractors, and gig workers, including ride-sharing drivers. Covers those who are sick, quarantined, furloughed, or whose family circumstances keep them from working or reduce their pay as a result of the coronavirus outbreak or government containment efforts. Aid will cover salaries up to about $65,000 for 3 months with an additional $300 per week. Rent relief and eviction moratorium – An estimated $200 million to help Hawai‘i residents who lost their job or saw a significant reduction in income due to the pandemic to make rent. Provides a 30-day extension of the CDC’s current eviction moratorium to January 31, 2021. At least 90 percent of the funds must be used for payment of future rent, back rent, utilities and home energy bills, and related housing expenses; and up to 10 percent of the funds are available for housing counseling or other stability services. Includes an additional $2.4 million for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Small businesses and non-profits – provides $325 billion nationally for small businesses, including restaurants, hotels, live venues, and non-profits. $284 billion in partially forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to small businesses and non-profits to maintain existing workforce and help pay for other expenses like rent, mortgage, and utilities. The hardest-hit small businesses—those with 300 or fewer employees that have sustained a 25 percent revenue loss in any quarter of 2020—can receive a second forgivable PPP loan. Forgivable expenses are expanded to include supplier costs, investments in facility modifications, and purchases of personal protective equipment. Business expenses paid for with PPP loans are now tax deductible, consistent with Congressional intent in the CARES Act. Expanded eligibility for nonprofits, local newspapers, and TV and radio broadcasters. PPP forgiveness process simplified for loans of $150,000 or less, eliminating red tape and making loan forgiveness easier for small businesses. $20 billion for Small Business Administration (SBA) emergency grant advances of up to $10,000 to provide immediate relief for small business operating costs. $15 billion for grants to independent live venue operators, including eligible independent movie theatres and museums, affected by stay-at-home orders. Vaccine distribution and procurement – provides nearly $32 billion nationally, including $4.5 billion directly to states and localities and an estimated $35 million to Hawai‘i, to help distribute and administer COVID-19 vaccines. Testing and contact tracing – provides $22.4 billion nationally for testing and contact tracing, including at least $150 million in estimated funding to Hawai‘i. This funding will expand capacity for COVID-19 testing to effectively monitor and suppress COVID–19, conduct surveillance and contact tracing activities, and support other COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Hospitals and health care providers – provides $3 billion nationally, including an estimated $5 million for Hawai‘i providers, to help health care providers through the Provider Relief Fund, extends relief from the Medicare sequester through March 2021, and increases payments under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for all services by 3.75 percent for 2021. Mental health – includes more than $4 billion nationally for several mental health programs, including the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant, the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant, and suicide prevention programs. Direct cash payments – provides a one-time cash payment to millions of Americans. More than $700 million is estimated to go to Hawai‘i residents. Individuals will get $600 (joint filers get $1,200) plus $600 per child. Benefits start to phase out for those with incomes exceeding $150,000 for married couples, $75,000 for singles, and $112,500 for single parents. Payments will not go to single filers earning more than $87,000; head-of-household filers with one child, more than $136,500; and more than $174,000 for joint filers with no children. Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will be eligible for this cash payment. Expands direct payments to households with mixed immigration status, retroactive to the CARES Act. Education – provides at least an estimated $200 million for Hawai‘i schools, which can be used to support teacher salaries, including: An estimated $4.4 million for Hawai‘i in the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund, which provides both K-12 schools and institutions of higher education with emergency assistance funding; An estimated $178 million for Hawai‘i in Elementary and Secondary School (K-12) Emergency Relief Funding with eligibility for Native Hawaiian Education Programs specifically included; and Access to additional funding from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to support Hawai‘i’s colleges and universities; and At least $20 million in estimated funding for Hawai‘i to support Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions. Child care – $10 billion for grants for child care providers, including an estimated $25 million or more for Hawai‘i. Native-serving community lenders – provides $25 million nationally in grants to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) serving Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, and other Native American communities across the country to help them withstand the economic impacts of the pandemic. Transportation – provides at least $128 million in estimated funding for Hawai‘i to support transportation and airport services including: $60 million to ensure that transit services in Hawai‘i continue operating with enhanced safety procedures for passengers and staff; $42 million to continue funding for critical highway projects; $26 million for Hawai‘i airports. Funds can be used for operations and expenses related to coronavirus safety procedures as well as a set-aside for aide to in-terminal airport concessions and other service providers; Access to $2 billion in national funding to transportation service companies, such as tour bus operators. At least 60 percent of the funding must be used to retain or rehire staff; and Access to $15 billion in national funding to airlines for workforce salaries and benefits to prevent layoffs. Coronavirus Relief Fund extension – includes a one-year extension of the CARES Act’s Coronavirus Relief Fund, providing state and county governments with more time to expend their allocations. The new deadline is December 31, 2021. Broadband internet – provides at least $7 billion nationally to improve broadband infrastructure, expand access high-speed internet, including: At least $30 million in funding for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; $3.2 billion nationally in an Emergency Broadband Benefit to help low-income Americans get connected or remain connected to broadband; $250 million nationally for a new telehealth pilot program; $300 million national grant program to fund broadband in rural areas; and $65 million to improve U.S. broadband maps. Food and nutrition programs – provides $13 billion nationally for nutrition programs, including an increase of 15 percent in monthly SNAP benefits to ensure that all Americans receive the food they need. The bill also provides funding for food banks, food pantries, school meal programs, and other nutrition programs. Agricultural producers and fisheries – provides $13 billion nationally to support agriculture, fisheries, and rural communities, including: $9.7 billion for assistance to farmers and ranchers, including specialty crops, and floriculture; $1.5 billion to purchase food, agricultural products, and seafood for individuals in need; and $300 million for assistance to commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hfc-phasedown-a-win-in-fight-against-climate-change,Schatz: HFC Phasedown A Win In Fight Against Climate Change,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chair of the Special Committee on the Climate Crisis, today commended the inclusion of legislation to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the annual spending deal. Commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners, HFCs are especially potent greenhouse gases, trapping thousands of times as much heat in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. “This bill is a huge win in our fight against climate change. Specifically, the agreement to phase down HFCs will have a real, measurable impact in reducing warming. This agreement proves what we know to be true: climate action is good for businesses and innovation. We still have a lot more work to do, but hopefully this sets the stage for the bigger, bolder policies we’ll need to address this planetary crisis,” said Senator Schatz. The provision included in the spending deal will phase down HFCs by 85 percent by 2035 – in line with the Kigali Amendment timeline. It also protects a small number of uses (less than 5 percent of the current market) for which no viable HFC alternatives currently exist. Senator Schatz, a cosponsor of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, has been a leading voice for climate action and the need to phase down HFCs. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-restore-educational-opportunities-for-those-incarcerated-and-improve-public-safety-set-to-become-law,Schatz Legislation To Restore Educational Opportunities For Those Incarcerated And Improve Public Safety Set To Become Law,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, the Restoring Education and Learning (REAL) Act, bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that will restore Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals, was included in the annual omnibus spending bill and will be passed by Congress. Schatz’s bipartisan bill will cut the cycle of recidivism, save taxpayer money, and improve safety. The REAL Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). “When we give people in prison an opportunity to earn an education, our communities are safer, taxpayers save money, and we can end the cycle of recidivism,” Senator Schatz said. “With our bill now set to become law, we’ll finally restore a program we know already works and give people a real chance to rebuild their lives.” In 1994, incarcerated individuals lost access to Pell Grant assistance, causing a significant drop in the number of education programs in prisons. The REAL Act would restore access to these grants, which would reduce recidivism and incarceration costs by increasing access to higher education. The bill is expected to pass Congress tonight and head to the president’s desk for his signature. The national recidivism rate is 43.3 percent within three years, but higher education can have a dramatic impact on reducing that rate. A report found that people who participate in correctional education while in prison were 43 percent less likely to recidivate than non-participants, and 13 percent more likely to obtain employment. First introduced by Senator Schatz in 2016, the REAL Act has gained broad bipartisan support, including from Republican Senators, key business groups, governors from both parties, and a diverse coalition of stakeholders. The language in the omnibus also includes additional provisions led by Senator Schatz to promote educational opportunities for people with criminal histories, and to increase research on the effectiveness of prison education programs. The REAL Act has been endorsed by the American Correctional Association, Business Roundtable, The Education Trust, FreedomWorks, Institute for Higher Education Policy, National District Attorneys Association, Prison Fellowship, R Street, and Vera Institute of Justice. A full list of endorsing organizations can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-reinstate-wwii-era-excess-profits-tax-large-corporations,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Reinstate WWII-era Excess Profits Tax on Large Corporations Seeing Windfall Profits from Pandemic to Help Small Business Recovery,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCYesterday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) introduced H.Res.1267, the Pandemic Crisis Excess Profits Tax, which calls on Congress to levy a limited-time tax on the excess profits of large corporations who profited beyond their average profits over the past several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to direct the funds collected to support small businesses. Big tech corporations and big box retailers are among those who have made excessive profits during the COVID-19 pandemic, while mom and pop shops are being forced to close their doors due to government-mandated restrictions. Because of this, these large corporations will be better positioned with a competitive advantage over small businesses in a post-pandemic economy. Congress must reinstate the WWII-era excess profit tax used at that time to prevent war-time profiteering, and dedicate the funds collected to helping small businesses recover,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and have borne the brunt of this crisis. We need to support our small businesses and make sure that they are able to thrive and compete. Background:H.Res.1267, the Pandemic Crisis Excess Profits Tax resolution calls on Congress to levy an excess profits tax on large corporations, like Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Wal-Mart who have seen windfall profits because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution proposes an additional tax, at a rate of 95%, on excess profits as calculated by subtracting their 2020 gross earnings from the average gross earnings of these companies from 2016-2019. The resolution notes that excess profits taxes were originally adopted by Congress during WWI and WWII to siphon off war profits from companies profiting as a result of the war, and provide assistance to those who were struggling and who needed help the most. In early March, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced H.Res.897, a resolution that would provide an emergency non-taxable Universal Basic Payment to all adult Americans until COVID-19 no longer presents a public health emergency. She was the earliest Member of Congress to introduce legislation for a Universal Basic Income-like payment as a temporary economic stimulus package to directly and immediately help Americans as they weather this crisis. She fought to make sure that Economic Stimulus Payments got to individuals quickly. She called for a rule change to enable recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and non-taxable VA benefits (VA Disability Compensation and Veterans Pension) to more easily obtain their recovery rebates. She also called upon the Department of the Treasury to to prohibit financial institutions from garnishing the economic impact payments to pay debts owed, ensuring that taxpayers receive their direct cash payments as Congress intended. She continues to advocate for a monthly direct basic payment to continue for as long as this healthcare crisis continues. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been hard at work keeping Hawaii residents updated regularly through e-newsletters and tele-town hall events regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis and its impact on the country. You can read more about how she is fighting for families, frontline essential workers, to prevent the virus spread, and help the economy survive and recover from this crisis by visiting her COVID-19 resource webpage. About Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for over 17 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major in the Army Reserves. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard... Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hirono-meets-with-secretary-of-defense-nominee-lloyd-austin-announces-support-for-his-nomination-and-nsa-waiver,"Senator Hirono Meets with Secretary of Defense Nominee Lloyd Austin, Announces Support for His Nomination and NSA Waiver",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 17, 2020 Senator Hirono Meets with Secretary of Defense Nominee Lloyd Austin, Announces Support for His Nomination and NSA Waiver WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, announced today that she would support a waiver to the National Security Act of 1947 to allow General Lloyd Austin to serve as the next Secretary of Defense after meeting with the nominee. After speaking with General Austin today in a meeting that covered a wide range of issues including our strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and the importance of diplomacy to our national security I will support a waiver of the National Security Act for the General to serve as our next Secretary of Defense, Senator Hirono said. This is not a decision that I made lightly and I hope the waiver process does not become routine. I will continue to assess each nomination on its merits just as I did when I supported General Mattis' nomination in 2017. During their meeting, Senator Hirono shared her perspective that the Secretary of Defense should be someone who can question longstanding assumptions and be willing make necessary structural changes at the Department. Senator Hirono and General Austin discussed the need for improvements in how the Department deals with sexual assault, sexual harassment, and retaliation within DOD. They also discussed the importance of diplomacy in strengthening U.S. national security interests around the world. Senator Hirono urged General Austin to prioritize sustained DOD engagement and investment in the Indo-Pacific, including with our allies in the Freely Associated States. Senator Hirono and General Austin also discussed the importance of continued modernization at our four public shipyards, which includes Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. This modernization is essential to military readiness. General Austin emphasized the importance he would place on housing, child care, mental health care, and other quality of life issues essential to service members and their families. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bit.ly/3msIT88,"Following Hirono and Ernst Advocacy, Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Permanently Establish Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act in Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division Passes Senate, Heads to President",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,bit.ly,,,legacy,"December 16, 2020 Following Hirono and Ernst Advocacy, Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Permanently Establish Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act in Justice Department's Civil Rights Division Passes Senate, Heads to President WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and Representatives Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) and Van Taylor (R-Texas), announced that their bipartisan, bicameral legislation to permanently establish the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative (SVI) inside the Justice Department (DOJ)'s Civil Rights Division passed the Senate, sending the bill to the President. The Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020, ensures that the SVI, which started as an independent DOJ initiative in 2015, remains a permanent part of the Justice Department. Since 2015, the SVI has coordinated and expanded DOJ's work to enforce statutes created to protect the legal interests and rights of servicemembers and their families. Senator Hirono and Senator Ernst's legislation updates and formalizes the SVI's mandate. Their bill mandates that the SVI will advise the Attorney General on legal and policy matters related to federal laws that protect servicemembers and veterans, serve as the liaison between DOJ and military departments, and serve as a liaison within DOJ to coordinate prosecution of fraud that targets servicemembers and their families. In 2018, the SVI helped inform DOJ's settlement with the City and County of Honolulu and its contracted towing company for illegally auctioning cars owned by servicemembers on deployment. The Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative has provided critical support for servicemembers and veterans over the last five years. This bipartisan legislation makes sure that the Department of Justice has the tools and direction to remain focused on supporting servicemembers, veterans, and their families. As a member of both the Senate Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs Committees, I am proud to have worked with this bipartisan group to pass this legislation, and urge that it be swiftly signed into law,Senator Hirono said. As a combat veteran, caring for our servicemembers, veterans, and military families is one of my top priorities. That's why I've helped lead this bipartisan effort to ensure the Department of Justice continues their work to protect the rights and legal interests of our nation's heroes during and long after their military careers. I'm glad this important legislation passed the Senate this week, and is now one step closer to being signed into law,said Senator Ernst. Our servicemembers and veterans have served our country and defended the freedoms we enjoy each day and we must do everything to meet their needs and protect them and their families from abuses such as fraud and predatory lending,said Congresswoman Escobar. My Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020 upholds this moral responsibility by permanently establishing the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative within the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, and I am proud to see this bipartisan legislation clear the final step on its way to becoming law. I am grateful to Senators Hirono and Ernst and Congressman Taylor for their commitment to our heroes and cooperation on this crucial piece of legislation. Senator Hirono originallyintroducedthe Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020 in November, and worked with her House counterparts and Senator Ernst to file the updated, bipartisan version of the bill (S. 5010) on December 10, 2020. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the identical bill introduced by Reps. Escobar and Taylor (H.R. 8354) on a 400-1 vote on December 8. Senators Hirono and Ernst worked with their Senate colleagues to pass the bill unanimously, sending it to the President to be signed into law. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-gabbard-and-massie-bill-repeal-government-surveillance-laws-which-threaten,Reps. Gabbard and Massie Bill to Repeal Government Surveillance Laws Which Threaten Civil Liberties,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCYesterday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Rep. Thomas Massie (KY-04) introduced H.R.8970, the Protect Our Civil Liberties Act. This bipartisan bill would repeal the USA PATRIOT Act and amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to remove dangerous provisions that undermine Americans' civil liberties. The Constitution of the United States guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms for every American including the right to privacy and protection against illegal search and seizure without probable cause. Unfortunately, the so-called Patriot Act and FISA Amendments Act allowed the intelligence community to conduct mass surveillance on Americans, collecting information about our phone calls and our emails,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Our legislation will repeal these laws and require Congress to strike the right balance between serving our national security interests and protecting our civil liberties and Fourth Amendment rights. The Patriot Act contains many provisions that violate the Fourth Amendment and have led to a dramatic expansion of our domestic surveillance state, said Rep. Thomas Massie. ""Our Founding Fathers fought and died to stop the kind of warrantless spying and searches that the Patriot Act and the FISA Amendments Act authorize. It is long past time to repeal the Patriot Act and reassert the constitutional rights of all Americans. I am honored to co-sponsor Congresswoman Gabbard's bill and look forward to working with her on this issue. Background:H.R.8970, the Protect Our Civil Liberties Act, a bipartisan bill, would repeal the USA PATRIOT Act as well as amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to address dangerous changes made to it in the years following the 9/11 attacks. and which were not addressed by subsequent FISA amendments made by Congress. The USA PATRIOT Act along with changes to FISA have been used to undermine Americans' civil liberties, particularly Fourth Amendment protections. The Protect Our Civil Liberties Act would: Repeal the PATRIOT Act (which contains provisions allowing for mass telephone metadata collection) Repeal the FISA Amendments Act (which contains provisions allowing for mass email collection), except for provisions regarding FISA court reporting and WMD intelligence collection. Makes retaliation against federal national security whistleblowers illegal and provides for the termination of individuals who engage in such retaliation. Ensure that any FISA collection against a U.S. person can only occur with a valid warrant based on probable cause (which was the original FISA standard from 1978 to 2001). Retain the ability for government surveillance capabilities to be targeted against a specific non-U.S. person, regardless of the type of communications method(s) or device(s) being used by the subject of the surveillance. Retain provisions in current law dealing with the acquisition of intelligence information involving weapons of mass destruction from entities not composed primarily of U.S. persons. Prohibit government-mandated back doors in electric devices or software that allow the government to bypass encryption or other privacy technology built into said hardware and/or software. Increase the terms of judges on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) from seven to ten years and allow their reappointment. Mandate that the FISC utilize technologically competent technical and legal experts (Special Masters) to help determine the veracity of government claims about privacy, minimization and collection capabilities employed by the U.S. government in FISA applications. Mandate that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) regularly monitor such domestic surveillance programs for compliance with the law, including responding to Member requests for investigations and whistleblower complaints of wrongdoing. Explicitly ban the use of Executive Order 12333 as a way of conducting surveillance on U.S. persons or mass collection of information Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has long advocated for reforms that address our government's responsibility to protect civil liberties and ensure a strong national defense. She has actively sought reforms to Section 702, the Patriot Act, introduced legislation to strengthen and expand the functions of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB), and is a founding member of the bipartisan Fourth Amendment Caucus focused on protecting the privacy and security of Americans in the digital age. This past October, she introduced two bipartisan resolutions, H.Res.1162 with Rep. Matt Gaetz and H.Res.1175 with Rep. Thomas Massie. H.Res.1162 called on the Federal government to drop all charges against Edward Snowden while H.Res.1175 defended the freedom of the press and called on the Federal government to drop all charges against Julian Assange. That same month, she also introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Unplug the Internet Kill Switch Act (H.R.8336) which would amend Section 706 of the Communications Act of 1934 to strip out the Internet Kill Switch and help shut the door to broader government surveillance or outright control of our communications channels and some of Americans' most sensitive information. The legislation would also reassert a stronger balance of power during a national emergency between the Executive Branch and the people's representatives in Congress. She has also drawn attention to whistleblowers who have uncovered illegal surveillance activity and warned that efforts to prosecute those who report about it would threaten yet another Constitutional right, the freedom of the press. In October of this year, she introduced H.R.8452, the Protect Brave Whistleblowers Act, a bill intended to reform the Espionage Act to better protect whistleblowers. Her work has earned her an A+ rating from civil liberties advocacy groups Restore the Fourth and Fight for the Future. About Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for over 17 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major in the Army Reserves. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard... Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hirono-meets-with-katherine-tai-nominee-for-us-trade-representative,"Senator Hirono Meets with Katherine Tai, Nominee for U.S. Trade Representative",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 15, 2020 Senator Hirono Meets with Katherine Tai, Nominee for U.S. Trade Representative WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) met today with Katherine Tai, President-elect Joe Biden's nominee for U.S. Trade Representative. Senator Hirono and Ms. Tai discussed the need to make sure U.S. trade policies work for everyonespecifically workers and consumers. They discussed the need to make sure trade deals consider important questions like worker protections, environmental protections, and whether Hawaii small businesses and farmers are supported by these deals. They also discussed the importance of open communication between the Executive and Legislative branches on trade issues. In closing, Senator Hirono indicated that she looked forward to having other conversations with Ms. Tai in the future. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-fed-joining-network-for-greening-the-financial-system,Schatz Statement On Fed Joining Network For Greening The Financial System,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Statement On Fed Joining Network For Greening The Financial System Tuesday, December 15, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Banking Committee and Chair of the Special Committee on the Climate Crisis, today released the following statement on the Federal Reserve's announcement that it has joined the Network for Greening the Financial System as a full member. The Fed joining the NGFS as a full member is a necessary step forward. Now that they have joined this international effort, I will expect them to take further concrete steps towards managing climate risks. That includes setting clear supervisory expectations for how banks should manage their climate risk exposure, and using tools like stress testing to hold them accountable. Climate change poses systemic risks to our financial system and economy. Our financial regulators' job is to ensure a stable and efficient financial system, and that means managing these risks. This is important but incremental progress, and we'll continue working with the Fed to strengthen our financial system. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390,Case Announces Winners of 2020 Congressional App Contest,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=28,scraper,"(Honolulu, HI) - Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today announced the winners of his 2nd annual Congressional App Challenge for Hawaii’s First Congressional District. “The Challenge is a great opportunity for our local students to focus their skills and creativity on developing, testing and analyzing new applications for real-world use,” said Case. “And results of this year’s Challenge prove again that they have the skill set, imagination and resolve to compete against the best of our young people nationwide in science, technology, engineering and math, along with the potential to lead the next generations of computer science and technology.” The winners include: 1st Place Tony Dang Grade: 12th grader, Iolani School App: Glaucomark Video: Glaucomark: Congressional App Challenge 2020 YouTube Summary: This web application is based on deep learning that offers a handy and cost-worthy glaucoma exam that is available to everyone with access to the Internet. Users only need to upload a picture of a retina taken by any smartphone with a 20D lens that costs only 10 dollars. 2nd Place Harvey Lloyd Picar, Reyan Lee, Destiny Shishido and Kristine Orpilla Grade: 12th graders, Waipahu High School App: ClubHub Video: 2020 Congressional App Challenge: ClubHub -YouTube Summary: This is a website was designed specifically for Waipahu High School students to find out everything about the clubs they signed up for as members, as well as other extra-curricular activities offered by the school. 3rd Place Xhavier Teocson, Kalani Ashton Agustin, Jett Marco Palacpac and Aaron Moises Paned Grade: 12th graders, Waipahu High School App: Studentjobapp Video: Congressional App Challenge 2020-""studentjobapp"" Demo - YouTube Summary: This App provides a simple way for students and minors to find part-time job listings and reaches out to companies that are looking for applicants interested in part-time work. Honorable Mention: Kieri Isara Grade: 8th grader, Ewa Makai Middle School App: What’s Next Video: What’s Next App on Vimeo Summary: This App was designed to help students in Middle School from 6th through 8th grade to organize their schoolwork as they undertake distance learning. “While I congratulate all 33 student participants in this year’s App Challenge who submitted a total of 13 Apps, I also want to extend my gratitude to the volunteer judges this year: Sarah Tran-Leony, an electrical engineer with Oceanit; Ray Tsuchiyama, business and real estate consultant, and Kelsi Nichols, the Operations Manager for Nalu Scientific,” said Case. The Congressional App Challenge is an official national initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, in which Members of Congress host contests in their districts for middle and high school students, and the winner is invited to showcase the winning application at the United States Capitol and on the U.S. House website. The Challenge encourages students to learn code and inspires them to pursue careers in computer science. Every spring winning teams are highlighted on Capitol Hill where they demo their apps to their Representatives at a celebration called #HouseOfCode. It’s the most prestigious demo day in student STEM — the new national science fair. At #HouseOfCode students get to see their apps displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building, meet their Representatives, and connect with other coders from around the country. The next #HouseOfCode will be held in Spring 2021, and due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, may be remote in nature. NOTE: An application is a type of software that allows a person to perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications, while those for mobile devices are called mobile apps. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-fed-joining-network-for-greening-the-financial-system,Schatz Statement On Fed Joining Network For Greening The Financial System,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Banking Committee and Chair of the Special Committee on the Climate Crisis, today released the following statement on the Federal Reserve's announcement that it has joined the Network for Greening the Financial System as a full member. “The Fed joining the NGFS as a full member is a necessary step forward. Now that they have joined this international effort, I will expect them to take further concrete steps towards managing climate risks. That includes setting clear supervisory expectations for how banks should manage their climate risk exposure, and using tools like stress testing to hold them accountable. “Climate change poses systemic risks to our financial system and economy. Our financial regulators’ job is to ensure a stable and efficient financial system, and that means managing these risks. This is important but incremental progress, and we’ll continue working with the Fed to strengthen our financial system.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-introduces-bill-to-provide-immediate-housing-assistance-to-low-income-families-and-individuals-during-natural-and-economic-disasters,Schatz Introduces Bill To Provide Immediate Housing Assistance To Low-Income Families And Individuals During Natural And Economic Disasters,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Introduces Bill To Provide Immediate Housing Assistance To Low-Income Families And Individuals During Natural And Economic Disasters New Housing Voucher Program Would Be Automatically Triggered By Natural Disasters And Sharp Rises In Unemployment Monday, December 14, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. SenatorsBrian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) introduced the Crisis Housing Act, legislation that wouldestablisha new housing assistance program. The new program would be automatically triggeredand help ensure that families andindividuals whohave been forced from their home or areat risk of losing their home asa result of a natural or economicdisasterhave immediate access to adequate housing. When disaster strikes,familiesshouldn'tbe left without a home or stuck in limbo waiting for Congress to pass a disaster relief bill,said Senator Schatz.Our new bill will make sure that our most vulnerable communitiesreceive housing assistance after a severe storm, public health emergency, or economic downturn. Too many people in our country are housing insecure, and this is a good first step to building a safety net to support them. From the COVID-19 pandemic to severe weather events, natural and economic disasters often leave our most vulnerable families hardest-hit. In these emergency situations, we need to make sure relief is available fast. This legislation will provide urgent support to help ensure Americans are able to keep a roof over their heads during times of crisis, said Senator Van Hollen. TheCrisis HousingActwould automatically provide low-income families and individuals withrental assistancefrom the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD)whentheir communitymeets one of two triggers: 1) the Stafford Act is invoked during natural disaster, or2) when the state unemployment rate suddenlyincreases bya certain amount. Families earning incomes up to 80 percent of the area median and households deemed to require housing assistance by FEMA (pursuant to Section 408 of the Stafford Act) are eligible to receive the vouchers. Housing assistance would be available within one month ofwhen a community is determined eligibleand last for at least two years.The program would also help families secure permanent housing after the voucher's expiration. Currently, there is no housing support program that is automatically triggered when a natural or economic disaster occurs. Bipartisan Congressional findings have longcriticizedFEMA's housing strategies as slow and unreliable.While4.9 millionlow-income families and individuals are supported byHUD'srental assistance programs, theseprograms lack the resources and flexibility to respond in a time of crisis. Before the pandemic and ensuing economic recession, too many families were living in constant fear of losing their homes.It is critical that we establishasafety netthatcan quicklydeliver much needed housing assistance during a crisis, without needing Congressional intervention. The Crisis Housing Actof 2020is supported byNational Low Income Housing Coalition. Disasters often hit the lowest income households hardest, yet these same families struggle to receive the housing assistance they need afterwards. The result is often a predictable and entirely preventable rise in eviction and homelessness rates,said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.If passed, the Crisis Housing Act would play a critical role in providing safe, accessible, and affordable homes to individuals with the greatest needs after a disaster by providing longer-term, flexible, rental assistance helping them safely recover without the fear of being rendered homeless. For a one pager of the bill, click here. For a copy of the bill text, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-bill-to-provide-immediate-housing-assistance-to-low-income-families-and-individuals-during-natural-and-economic-disasters,Schatz Introduces Bill To Provide Immediate Housing Assistance To Low-Income Families And Individuals During Natural And Economic Disasters,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) introduced the Crisis Housing Act, legislation that would establish a new housing assistance program. The new program would be automatically triggered and help ensure that families and individuals who have been forced from their home or are at risk of losing their home as a result of a natural or economic disaster have immediate access to adequate housing. “When disaster strikes, families shouldn't be left without a home or stuck in limbo waiting for Congress to pass a disaster relief bill,” said Senator Schatz. “Our new bill will make sure that our most vulnerable communities receive housing assistance after a severe storm, public health emergency, or economic downturn. Too many people in our country are housing insecure, and this is a good first step to building a safety net to support them.” “From the COVID-19 pandemic to severe weather events, natural and economic disasters often leave our most vulnerable families hardest-hit. In these emergency situations, we need to make sure relief is available fast. This legislation will provide urgent support to help ensure Americans are able to keep a roof over their heads during times of crisis,” said Senator Van Hollen. The Crisis Housing Act would automatically provide low-income families and individuals with rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when their community meets one of two triggers: 1) the Stafford Act is invoked during natural disaster, or 2) when the state unemployment rate suddenly increases by a certain amount. Families earning incomes up to 80 percent of the area median and households deemed to require housing assistance by FEMA (pursuant to Section 408 of the Stafford Act) are eligible to receive the vouchers. Housing assistance would be available within one month of when a community is determined eligible and last for at least two years. The program would also help families secure permanent housing after the voucher’s expiration. Currently, there is no housing support program that is automatically triggered when a natural or economic disaster occurs. Bipartisan Congressional findings have long criticized FEMA’s housing strategies as “slow and unreliable.” While 4.9 million low-income families and individuals are supported by HUD’s rental assistance programs, these programs lack the resources and flexibility to respond in a time of crisis. Before the pandemic and ensuing economic recession, too many families were living in constant fear of losing their homes. It is critical that we establish a safety net that can quickly deliver much needed housing assistance during a crisis, without needing Congressional intervention. The Crisis Housing Act of 2020 is supported by National Low Income Housing Coalition. “Disasters often hit the lowest income households hardest, yet these same families struggle to receive the housing assistance they need afterwards. The result is often a predictable and entirely preventable rise in eviction and homelessness rates,” said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “If passed, the Crisis Housing Act would play a critical role in providing safe, accessible, and affordable homes to individuals with the greatest needs after a disaster by providing longer-term, flexible, rental assistance – helping them safely recover without the fear of being rendered homeless.” For a one pager of the bill, click here. For a copy of the bill text, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-hirono-statement-on-the-fda-granting-emergency-use-authorization-to-the-pfizer/biontech-covid-19-vaccine,Hirono Statement on the FDA Granting Emergency Use Authorization to the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 11, 2020 Hirono Statement on the FDA Granting Emergency Use Authorization to the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization to the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: Today's announcement is a long-awaited milestone in our nation's fight against COVID-19, and I commend the many people in government and the private sector whose dedication, professionalism, and ingenuity made this achievement possible. While we celebrate the authorization of the first coronavirus vaccine, we cannot ignore the immense, ongoing human toll of this pandemic which has already claimed nearly 300,000 lives and is currently surging across the country. The authorization of this vaccine alone will not end the pandemic, and all of us must continue doing our part by wearing a mask, washing our hands, and practicing social distancing. We expect the first doses of this vaccine to be distributed in the coming days, beginning with frontline health care workers and our kupuna living in elder care facilities. I plan to get vaccinated on a timeline determined by the State of Hawaii and based on the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure equitable distribution. I encourage every Hawaii resident and American to do the same. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-amendment-to-boost-military-spouse-education-opportunities-passes-in-ndaa,Hirono Amendment to Boost Military Spouse Education Opportunities Passes in NDAA,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 11, 2020 Hirono Amendment to Boost Military Spouse Education Opportunities Passes in NDAA More than 1,000 Hawaii military spouses have used this program to further their careers WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), a Senate Armed Services Committee member, announced that a provision she authored to help military spouses achieve their professional goals through licensing, certification, or associate degree programs passed the Senate and is expected to become law. The provision was included in the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the Senate and House with veto-proof majorities. Senator Hirono's provision expands the use of My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program funds to cover the cost of national exams that award college credit for prior learning. It also pays for continuing education costs necessary to maintain a professional license or certification. Hawaii is home to more than 100,000 military personnel and their families. While some families are long-term residents, others have just moved to our state, and military spouses may need financial assistance getting licenses, college credits, or other certifications. This provision will give military spouses more flexibility to pursue their careers, regardless of their location,Senator Hirono said.I will continue to advocate for federal programs that support our service members and their families in Hawaii and across the world. The language is similar to the Military Spouse Career Education Act, which Representative Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands) successfully included in the House-passed NDAA. The Military Spouse Career Education Act helps cover the costs of restarting their careers, when military spouses have to relocate. Training needed to relicense in a new location and exams granting college credits will be paid for, making life a little bit easier for military families,Rep. Sablan said. Senator Hirono announced earlier this month that shesuccessfully includedthe authorization of two military child care centers in Hawaii in the NDAA, as well as other military construction projects. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-blumenthal-introduce-social-security-covid-correction-and-equity-act,"Hirono, Blumenthal Introduce Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 11, 2020 Hirono, Blumenthal Introduce Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act Bill includes fix to Social Security formula to prevent substantial benefits cuts for retirees due to pandemic WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced S. 4986, the Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act, which provides temporary emergency relief for Social Security beneficiaries, and makes a technical correction to the formula used for determining benefits to prevent substantial cuts for individuals turning 60 this year. Specifically, the bill ensures that these individuals are not penalized due to the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and that their benefits are not calculated based on lower average wages from 2020. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by Congressman John B. Larson (D-Conn.), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee. Social Security benefits are calculated based on a person's lifetime earnings, which are indexed to account for increases in wages over time. Because of the significant economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic that will result in lower average wages in 2020, individuals who turn 60 this year could see their Social Security benefits permanently reduced by an average of $960 per year or more. This change could impact many of the 17,800 Hawaii residents who turn 60 this year, and millions of Americans nationwide. Separately, the bill also includes temporary emergency relief for individuals who rely on Social Security by increasing benefits across the board, increasing the special minimum benefit for lower income beneficiaries, reducing taxation on benefits for lower and middle income beneficiaries, providing support for grandparents with dependent children, providing support for dependent children who are students, and expanding benefits for widow(er)s, among other things. The pandemic's fallout has had devastating economic consequences for communities across the country this year, but Hawaii workers shouldn't also be disadvantaged in the long-run. They and millions of Americans who turn 60 this year are facing tough economic choices. The Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act makes sure that beneficiariesthrough no fault of their owndon't pay the price for an unexpected economic crisis,Senator Hirono said. Americans of all ages are struggling during this pandemic, but unless Congress takes action, Social Security beneficiaries who turn 60 this year will be particularly hard hit. Because Social Security benefits are directly tied to average yearly income, Americans who celebrate their 60th birthday this year could see a significant decrease in benefits over their lifetime. The Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act would make sure that beneficiaries aren't unfairly penalized for the economic downturn, and don't further suffer or lose out on hard-earned benefits,Senator Blumenthal said. No one could have predicted the COVID-19 pandemic, especially not in 1977 when the Social Security benefit formula was created. Through no fault of their own, around 4 million Americans will lose out on the Social Security benefits they've earned, because of an unexpected drop in the Average Wage Index used to calculate benefits. For a median earner born in 1960, this could mean a reduction of nearly $1,000 a year for the rest of their life,said Chairman John B. Larson.As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, I have introduced legislation to prevent this. I thank Senator Hirono for her work on this issue in the Senate and look forward to working with her. Senator Hirono's legislation ensures that the earned benefits of individuals born in 1960 and 1961 will not be cut by the COVID notch' and it makes this fix without cutting benefits for any other beneficiaries. And the temporary benefit improvements in her bill will give seniors the peace of mind to get through this crisis that has hit them harder than anyone. We look forward to helping Senator Hirono enact this needed legislation,Max Richtman, President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare said. Senator Hirono has championed efforts to make Social Security benefits more accessible and fair. In 2013, Senator Hirono worked with the Social Security Administration (SSA), Hawaii County, and Hawaiian Telecom to provide video teleconferencing services at WHCC for West Hawaii residents. Since 2015, Senator Hirono hasintroducedthe Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act (PPSSA), which would strengthen the Social Security program by restoring fairness in contributions, and increase Social Security benefits for seniors and other beneficiaries who rely on the program. Recently, SSA indicated that PPSSA would extend the solvency of the combined Social Security Trust Fund by an additional 19 yearsthrough 2053. Earlier this year, Senator Hirono also aled a letterwith 37 colleagues demanding that President Trump retract comments about cutting earned benefits like Social Security and Medicare. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-blumenthal-introduce-social-security-covid-correction-and-equity-act-,"Hirono, Blumenthal Introduce Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 11, 2020 Hirono, Blumenthal Introduce Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act Bill includes fix to Social Security formula to prevent substantial benefits cuts for retirees due to pandemic WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced S. 4986, the Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act, which provides temporary emergency relief for Social Security beneficiaries, and makes a technical correction to the formula used for determining benefits to prevent substantial cuts for individuals turning 60 this year. Specifically, the bill ensures that these individuals are not penalized due to the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and that their benefits are not calculated based on lower average wages from 2020. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by Congressman John B. Larson (D-Conn.), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee. Social Security benefits are calculated based on a person's lifetime earnings, which are indexed to account for increases in wages over time. Because of the significant economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic that will result in lower average wages in 2020, individuals who turn 60 this year could see their Social Security benefits permanently reduced by an average of $960 per year or more. This change could impact many of the 17,800 Hawaii residents who turn 60 this year, and millions of Americans nationwide. Separately, the bill also includes temporary emergency relief for individuals who rely on Social Security by increasing benefits across the board, increasing the special minimum benefit for lower income beneficiaries, reducing taxation on benefits for lower and middle income beneficiaries, providing support for grandparents with dependent children, providing support for dependent children who are students, and expanding benefits for widow(er)s, among other things. The pandemic's fallout has had devastating economic consequences for communities across the country this year, but Hawaii workers shouldn't also be disadvantaged in the long-run. They and millions of Americans who turn 60 this year are facing tough economic choices. The Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act makes sure that beneficiariesthrough no fault of their owndon't pay the price for an unexpected economic crisis, Senator Hirono said. Americans of all ages are struggling during this pandemic, but unless Congress takes action, Social Security beneficiaries who turn 60 this year will be particularly hard hit. Because Social Security benefits are directly tied to average yearly income, Americans who celebrate their 60th birthday this year could see a significant decrease in benefits over their lifetime. The Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act would make sure that beneficiaries aren't unfairly penalized for the economic downturn, and don't further suffer or lose out on hard-earned benefits, Senator Blumenthal said. No one could have predicted the COVID-19 pandemic, especially not in 1977 when the Social Security benefit formula was created. Through no fault of their own, around 4 million Americans will lose out on the Social Security benefits they've earned, because of an unexpected drop in the Average Wage Index used to calculate benefits. For a median earner born in 1960, this could mean a reduction of nearly $1,000 a year for the rest of their life, said Chairman John B. Larson. As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, I have introduced legislation to prevent this. I thank Senator Hirono for her work on this issue in the Senate and look forward to working with her. Senator Hirono's legislation ensures that the earned benefits of individuals born in 1960 and 1961 will not be cut by the COVID notch' and it makes this fix without cutting benefits for any other beneficiaries. And the temporary benefit improvements in her bill will give seniors the peace of mind to get through this crisis that has hit them harder than anyone. We look forward to helping Senator Hirono enact this needed legislation, Max Richtman, President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare said. Senator Hirono has championed efforts to make Social Security benefits more accessible and fair. In 2013, Senator Hirono worked with the Social Security Administration (SSA), Hawaii County, and Hawaiian Telecom to provide video teleconferencing services at WHCC for West Hawaii residents. Since 2015, Senator Hirono has introduced the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act (PPSSA), which would strengthen the Social Security program by restoring fairness in contributions, and increase Social Security benefits for seniors and other beneficiaries who rely on the program. Recently, SSA indicated that PPSSA would extend the solvency of the combined Social Security Trust Fund by an additional 19 yearsthrough 2053. Earlier this year, Senator Hirono also a led a letter with 37 colleagues demanding that President Trump retract comments about cutting earned benefits like Social Security and Medicare. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-encourages-president-elect-biden-to-appoint-julie-su-as-secretary-of-labor,Hirono Encourages President-Elect Biden to Appoint Julie Su as Secretary of Labor,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 11, 2020 Hirono Encourages President-Elect Biden to Appoint Julie Su as Secretary of Labor In Letter to the President-Elect, Senator Hirono Expresses Her Strong Support for Su's Nomination, Noting It Would Help Fulfill Commitment to Nominate a Cabinet that Reflects America's Diversity WASHINGTON, D.C. In a letter to President-Elect Joe Biden, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) expressed her strong support for California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Secretary Julie Su to serve as the next Secretary of the Department of Labor. I am strongly supporting Julie Su for the position of Secretary of Labor and I hope you will nominate her. She is highly qualified and well respected and her dedication to protecting worker and civil rights has spanned decades and earned her a reputation as an expert and a highly effective leader. She would be a great asset to your administration as you work to rebuild our nation's economy with fair and just labor policies,Senator Hirono said. Senator Hirono continued:Julie Su represents the best of what this country can be. As the daughter of Chinese immigrants, she would bring her life experiences and professional expertise to bear on the immense issues facing our nation's workers and their employers. Her clear record of achievement, innovation, and leadership would be a significant advantage to your Department of Labor. Julie Su would be an invaluable addition to your cabinet. A copy of the letter can be downloadedhere. The full text of the letter is below: Dear President-Elect Biden: I know you have heard from the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community that they are increasingly concerned there will be insufficient AAPI representation at the cabinet level. I am strongly supporting Julie Su for the position of Secretary of Labor and I hope you will nominate her. She is highly qualified and well respected and her dedication to protecting worker and civil rights has spanned decades and earned her a reputation as an expert and a highly effective leader. She would be a great asset to your administration as you work to rebuild our nation's economy with fair and just labor policies. Your nomination of Julie Su will help to deliver on your commitment to nominate a cabinet that reflects America's diversity. Julie Su represents the best of what this country can be. As the daughter of Chinese immigrants, she would bring her life experiences and professional expertise to bear on the immense issues facing our nation's workers and their employers. Her clear record of achievement, innovation, and leadership would be a significant advantage to your Department of Labor. Julie Su would be an invaluable addition to your cabinet. As Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, Julie Su oversees the labor department of our most populous state. She has navigated her department through the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing issues from unemployment insurance to the unanimous approval of an emergency temporary standard to protect workers and the workplace. As the California Labor Commissioner she reinvigorated the enforcement of state labor laws with record-setting results. Her government experience has prepared her to hit the ground running on day one of your administration, able to work with employers and employees alike, to help steer our nation through the impacts of the pandemic and beyond. Prior to her government service, Julie Su had already established a record of fighting for worker and civil rights. Although she worked for a non-profit focused on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, she worked to protect all vulnerable workers, bringing landmark lawsuits and helping to improve policies protecting immigrants and victims. Throughout her professional life, Julie Su has worked tirelessly to help people and communities who may not otherwise have access to justice. Her dedication has earned her awards and recognition as a trailblazer and an influential leader. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Mazie K. Hirono United States Senator ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/following-calls-for-reform-from-schatz-key-provision-to-begin-improving-1033-program-passes-senate-in-ndaa-set-to-become-law,"Following Calls For Reform From Schatz, Key Provision To Begin Improving 1033 Program Passes Senate In NDAA, Set To Become Law",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Following Calls For Reform From Schatz, Key Provision To Begin Improving 1033 Program Passes Senate In NDAA, Set To Become Law Schatz Forced Bipartisan Vote On Amendments To Reform 1033 Program Despite Republican Objections; NDAA Heads To President's Desk Friday, December 11, 2020 WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate today passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including key reforms to the Department of Defense's 1033 program, which authorizes the federal transfer of military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. The adoption of the provision follows legislation and calls from U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) to stop police militarization and reform the 1033 program. Schatz first introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the program in May 2015. These reforms will help take weapons of war including bayonets and grenades out of our communities, said Senator Schatz. This is an essential step forward in demilitarizing our police departments. Senator Schatz forced a series of votes on the Senate floor in July during its consideration of the annual defense authorization bill. The final provision will restrict the transfer of bayonets, grenades, weaponized tracked combat vehicles, and weaponized drones. It will also require law enforcement agencies that receive 1033 equipment to certify that their police officers receive annual training on respect for the rights of citizens under the Constitution and de-escalation of force. Reports have shown that police militarization fails to reduce rates of violent crime or change the number of officers assaulted or killed. Instead, arming police departments with military equipment has led to an increase in officer-involved shootings and civilian deaths. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-improve-the-way-the-public-receives-emergency-alerts-passes-senate-set-to-become-law,"Schatz Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Emergency Alerts Passes Senate, Set To Become Law",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Emergency Alerts Passes Senate, Set To Become Law Included In NDAA, READI Act Heads To President's Desk; Three Additional Bipartisan Schatz Provisions To Create A Nationwide AMBER Alert System, Encourage And Plan For Growth Of Internet-Connect Devices, And Confront Deepfake Videos Included In NDAA Friday, December 11, 2020 WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate today passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act. The bipartisan legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), will ensure more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions, and radios, explore new ways of alerting the public through online video and audio streaming services, track and study false alerts when they occur, and improve the way states plan for emergency alerts. When a missile alert went out across Hawaii in 2018, some people never got the message on their phones, while others missed it on their TVs and radios. Even though it was a false alarm, the missile alert highlighted real ways we can improve the way people get emergency alerts, said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee. Our bill, which will soon become law, fixes some of these issues and will help make sure that in an emergency, the public gets the right information on their phones, TVs, radios, and computers as quickly as possible. The Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts System ensure that the public is quickly informed about emergency alerts issued by federal, state, tribal, and local governments and delivered over the radio, television, and mobile wireless devices. These announcements keep the public safe and informed and have ever-increasing importance in the wake of the emergencies and disasters Americans faced throughout 2020.FEMA administers the platform government agencies use to originate alerts, while the FCC oversees the systems used to distribute the alerts over broadcast and mobile wireless networks. The READI Act will: Ensure more people receive emergency alerts by eliminating the option to opt out of receiving certain federal alerts, including missile alerts, on mobile phones; Require active alerts issued by the President or FEMA to be repeated. Currently, alerts on TV or radio may only be played once; Explore updating the system to offer emergency alerts over the internet, including to audio and video online streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify; Encourage State Emergency Communications Committees to periodically review and update their State Emergency Alert System Plans, which are often out of date; and Establish a reporting system for false alerts so the FCC can track when they occur and examine their causes. In addition to the READI Act, three bipartisan Schatz-led provisions were also included in the NDAA and passed the Senate today. They include: The AMBER Alert Nationwide Act, which will expand the AMBER Alert system to include all U.S. territories; The DIGIT Act, which will encourage and plan for the growth of internet-connect devices, known as the Internet of Things; and The Deepfake Report Act, which will confront the rising threat of disinformation and deepfakes. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-fda-emergency-use-authorization-of-first-covid-19-vaccine,Schatz Statement On FDA Emergency Use Authorization Of First COVID-19 Vaccine,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Statement On FDA Emergency Use Authorization Of First COVID-19 Vaccine Friday, December 11, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today issued the following the statement on the Food and Drug Administration's issuance of an Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Today is a day of great hope and promise. The emergency use authorization of the first vaccine to prevent COVID-19 means that our frontline health care workers and vulnerable populations in Hawaii and across the country will start receiving the vaccine within days. There is light at the end of the tunnel. We can get through this as a community, if we stay safe, keep our distance, and keep our masks on. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-calls-for-reform-from-schatz-key-provision-to-begin-improving-1033-program-passes-senate-in-ndaa-set-to-become-law,"Following Calls For Reform From Schatz, Key Provision To Begin Improving 1033 Program Passes Senate In NDAA, Set To Become Law",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including key reforms to the Department of Defense’s 1033 program, which authorizes the federal transfer of military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. The adoption of the provision follows legislation and calls from U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) to stop police militarization and reform the 1033 program. Schatz first introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the program in May 2015. “These reforms will help take weapons of war – including bayonets and grenades – out of our communities,” said Senator Schatz. “This is an essential step forward in demilitarizing our police departments.” Senator Schatz forced a series of votes on the Senate floor in July during its consideration of the annual defense authorization bill. The final provision will restrict the transfer of bayonets, grenades, weaponized tracked combat vehicles, and weaponized drones. It will also require law enforcement agencies that receive 1033 equipment to certify that their police officers receive annual training on respect for the rights of citizens under the Constitution and de-escalation of force. Reports have shown that police militarization fails to reduce rates of violent crime or change the number of officers assaulted or killed. Instead, arming police departments with military equipment has led to an increase in officer-involved shootings and civilian deaths. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-improve-the-way-the-public-receives-emergency-alerts-passes-senate-set-to-become-law,"Schatz Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Emergency Alerts Passes Senate, Set To Become Law",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act. The bipartisan legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), will ensure more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions, and radios, explore new ways of alerting the public through online video and audio streaming services, track and study false alerts when they occur, and improve the way states plan for emergency alerts. “When a missile alert went out across Hawai‘i in 2018, some people never got the message on their phones, while others missed it on their TVs and radios. Even though it was a false alarm, the missile alert highlighted real ways we can improve the way people get emergency alerts,” said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee. “Our bill, which will soon become law, fixes some of these issues and will help make sure that in an emergency, the public gets the right information – on their phones, TVs, radios, and computers – as quickly as possible.” The Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts System ensure that the public is quickly informed about emergency alerts issued by federal, state, tribal, and local governments and delivered over the radio, television, and mobile wireless devices. These announcements keep the public safe and informed and have ever-increasing importance in the wake of the emergencies and disasters Americans faced throughout 2020. FEMA administers the platform government agencies use to originate alerts, while the FCC oversees the systems used to distribute the alerts over broadcast and mobile wireless networks. The READI Act will: Ensure more people receive emergency alerts by eliminating the option to opt out of receiving certain federal alerts, including missile alerts, on mobile phones; Require active alerts issued by the President or FEMA to be repeated. Currently, alerts on TV or radio may only be played once; Explore updating the system to offer emergency alerts over the internet, including to audio and video online streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify; Encourage State Emergency Communications Committees to periodically review and update their State Emergency Alert System Plans, which are often out of date; and Establish a reporting system for false alerts so the FCC can track when they occur and examine their causes. In addition to the READI Act, three bipartisan Schatz-led provisions were also included in the NDAA and passed the Senate today. They include: The AMBER Alert Nationwide Act, which will expand the AMBER Alert system to include all U.S. territories; The DIGIT Act, which will encourage and plan for the growth of internet-connect devices, known as the Internet of Things; and The Deepfake Report Act, which will confront the rising threat of disinformation and deepfakes. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-fda-emergency-use-authorization-of-first-covid-19-vaccine,Schatz Statement On FDA Emergency Use Authorization Of First COVID-19 Vaccine,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today issued the following the statement on the Food and Drug Administration’s issuance of an Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. “Today is a day of great hope and promise. The emergency use authorization of the first vaccine to prevent COVID-19 means that our frontline health care workers and vulnerable populations in Hawai‘i and across the country will start receiving the vaccine within days. There is light at the end of the tunnel. We can get through this as a community, if we stay safe, keep our distance, and keep our masks on.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-introduces-bill-help-protect-hawai-i-s-vital-ecosystems,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Introduces Bill to Help Protect Hawaiis Vital Ecosystems from Invasive Species,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCThis week, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) introduced H.R.8887, the Areawide Integrated Pest Management Act which would create a framework within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture Crop and Pest Management Program to support farmers, ranchers, and land managers in pursuit of long-term and sustainable solutions to fighting invasive species. Invasive species are a challenge faced by states across this country, but none more so than in Hawaii where our unique and delicate environment and economy can be ravaged by these pests. This bill will help protect our farms and public lands which are vital to growing food to feed our families, protecting public forests, and strengthening the agriculture sector of our economy,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Invasive species require an all-hands community response. My bill will help harness community awareness, expertise, and resources required to monitor and rapidly prevent and suppress infestations that threaten our crops, agriculture, and forests. Background:H.R.8887, the Areawide Integrated Pest Management Act creates a framework within the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Crop and Pest Management Program to: Implement a carefully managed program to foster best AIPM practices in cooperation with local grower and regulator groups Empower end-users farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and land managers to take a larger role in creating solutions for their agricultural businesses and industries Increase the return on investments for farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and land managers by providing them with multiple invasive species management options Support long-term and sustainable solutions to reduce invasive species impacts on agriculture, including grazing, dairy farming, and natural resources Support improved use of federal dollars through competition to control and/or eradicate invasive species Protect human health and the environment Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been a leader in Congress on combating invasive species and fighting for sustainable agriculture. In Hawaii, invasive species, including the two-lined spittlebug, coffee berry borer, coffee leaf rust, little fire ant, fruit flies, and macadamia felted coccid and others cost our local farmers and agriculture industry millions in lost revenue every year, threaten Hawaii's unique ecosystems, agriculture, and waterways, as well as our food supply and public health. Rep. Gabbard successfully included the Coffee Plant Health Initiative (CPHI) and Macadamia Tree Health Initiative (MTHI) in the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. The CPHI and MTHI authorized research and extension grants to develop ways to combat the coffee berry borer and the macadamia felted coccid. Implementation of both initiatives are being carried out by scientists in Hawaii. She also introduced the Spittlebug Act, which is modeled after the CPHI and MTHI. About Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for over 17 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major in the Army Reserves. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard... Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-gabbard-and-mullin-introduce-bill-ensure-title-ix-protections-women-and,Reps. Gabbard and Mullin Introduce Bill to Ensure Title IX Protections for Women and Girls in Sports,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) introduced H.R.8932, the Protect Women's Sports Act. Given the average difference in abilities conferred by biological sex, this bill would clarify Title IX protections for female athletes is based on biological sex. Title IX was a historic provision championed by Hawaii's own Congresswoman Patsy Mink in order to provide equal opportunity for women and girls in high school and college sports. It led to a generational shift that impacted countless women, creating life-changing opportunities for girls and women that never existed before. However, Title IX is being weakened by some states who are misinterpreting Title IX, creating uncertainty, undue hardship and lost opportunities for female athletes. Our legislation protects Title IX's original intent which was based on the general biological distinction between men and women athletes based on sex,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. It is critical that the legacy of Title IX continues to ensure women and girls in sports have the opportunity to compete and excel on a level playing field. Title IX was designed to give women and girls an equal chance to succeed, including in sports. Allowing biological males to compete in women's sports diminishes that equality and takes away from the original intent of Title IX. As the father of three girls involved in athletics, I want them to be able to compete on a level playing field. I am proud to lead this bill that will safeguard the integrity of women's sports and ensure female athletes can compete fairly,said Rep. Markwayne Mullin. Background:Since its creation, Title IX has been confronted by various challenges, often resulting in nuanced or situational solutions to the circumstances. This has included considering the fairness of an individual of one sex to play on a team designated for another sex when no such team is available to the individual, such as women's field hockey or men's football. This bill protects the sex-based intention of Title IX protections by reaffirming the biological sex-based distinctions between men and women in athletics. About Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for over 17 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major in the Army Reserves. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard... Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-welcomes-establishment-of-new-navy-tech-bridge-in-hawaii,Hirono Welcomes Establishment of New Navy Tech Bridge in Hawaii,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 09, 2020 Hirono Welcomes Establishment of New Navy Tech Bridge in Hawaii Collaboration between U.S. Navy, UH Office of Innovation and Commercialization, and the Hawaii High Technology Development Corporation Will Bring Opportunities for Academia, Hawaii Small Businesses, and Local Organizations to Engage in the Defense Space WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, welcomed the U.S. Navy's announcement today that it was establishing a new Tech Bridge in Hawaii. A collaboration between the Navy, the University of Hawaii's Office of Innovation and Commercialization, and the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), the Tech Bride program aims to deepen the Navy's collaboration with and expand opportunities for Hawaii academics, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen the sea service. The establishment of a new Tech Bridge in Hawaii will serve as a conduit for the U.S. Navy to draw upon the expertise of local Hawaii businesses and research institutions, while simultaneously providing new economic opportunities in our state,Senator Hirono said.I want to thank Secretary Geurts for selecting Hawaii as the next Tech Bridge site, and I will continue working to leverage our local expertise to enhance American national security and grow our economy. Today's Tech Bridge additions are a symbol of the Department of Navy's momentum to rapidly deliver capabilities into the hands of our Sailors and Marines,Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition James Geurts said. There is nothing more exciting than seeing the speed and transition of technology that dramatically accelerates capability, and improved development processes this allows our Navy and Marine Corps to provide the U.S. with the ability to adopt and scale its asymmetric advantage."" The Hawaii Tech Bridge will be a tremendous resource for our innovation community,Wayne Inouye, Director for INNOVATE Hawaii, said. We can't wait to get started."" According to the Navy, Tech Bridges collaborate and partner with start-ups, academia, corporations, small businesses, non-profits, and private capital to match capability problems with technology solutions. Additionally, Tech Bridges serve within the growing ecosystem of the U.S. Department of Defense's innovation groups -- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), U.S. Army Futures Command, AFWERX, SOFWERX -- that bolsters NavalX's overarching ability to connect people, companies, and technology solutions. The Hawaii Tech Bridge focus areas entails efforts to adopt technology advances for command and control, communications, cybersecurity, intelligence, space systems, and resilient infrastructure. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/waianae-coast-comprehensive-health-center-set-to-receive-18-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-care-for-underserved-families,Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center Set To Receive $1.8 Million In Federal Funding To Support Care For Underserved Families,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center Set To Receive $1.8 Million In Federal Funding To Support Care For Underserved Families Wednesday, December 9, 2020 WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announced that the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) will receive a $1,811,639 grant to help low incomefamilies onOahuaccess highquality,comprehensive health care.The funding, which comes from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, will help WCCHC operate seven sites on the west side of the island and make sure local families can receiveprimary care, emergency medical, behavioral health, and dental services, as well as COVID-19testing and treatment, in their own communities. Thisfundingwill make sure thatthousands of WestOahufamilies can accessaffordablehealth care services in their communities,said SenatorSchatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.WCCHC is animportant provider of primary, emergency, and other types of care, and I'll keep fighting for more federal funding to support their life-saving work. WCCHC is the largest federally qualified health center in the state, annuallyserving37,000medically underserved individuals and families regardless of their ability to pay. 70 percent of their patients are at or below the federal poverty level, and more than 40 percent of their patients are Native Hawaiian. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=389,Case Introduces Measure to Require Federal Benefit Coverage of Compact Migrants,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=28,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today introduced a measure in the U.S. House of Representatives to require the federal government to extend the same federal benefits to citizens of three Pacific Island nations legally entitled to live and work in the U.S. as are available to other legal permanent residents. “For over three decades our country and Hawai’i have welcomed citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau to live and work in our country legally under Compacts of Free Association (COFA) between our nations,” said Case. “Yet, although COFA are critical national agreements for our country in the increasingly critical Indo-Pacific, our federal government has dumped the financial burden of providing needed services to FAS citizens on the few states and territories with the most migrants, in part by disqualifying legal FAS citizens from receiving the same basic federal benefits from key federal programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Children’s Health Insurance (CHIP) that other legal permanent residents are entitled to.” “In fact, Hawai’i, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands, which have the highest relative COFA populations in the country, were required to spend some $3.2 billion for services to COFA migrants from 2004 to 2018 but were only reimbursed some $500 million, for a whopping bill of $2.7 billion”, said Case, citing a comprehensive June 2020 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). “For Hawai’i alone, our bill is now around $200 million annually and no doubt growing rapidly with the severe COVID-related needs of our COFA communities. “It is fundamentally unfair for our federal government to ignore its obligations under agreements that are purely national in interest and scope and transfer this crushing financial burden to the states and territories. My measure would address much of this unfairness by requiring our federal government to extend to FAS citizens the same basic federal benefits provided to other legal permanent residents and thus pay for basic services that the state states and territories are now forced to provide and fund.” The GAO report counted some 100,000 and growing FAS citizens throughout the country. They reside disproportionately in Hawai‘i, Guam, Washington, Arkansas, Oregon, California, Texas, the Northern Marianas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Missouri, Georgia, Colorado and Iowa, but are located in every state. The GAO estimated Compact migrant growth at 68% over the last decade, with about 50% now located in Hawai’i (the largest population at about 26% of the total), Guam and the Northern Marianas and about 50% on the U.S. Mainland. “The COFA provide for U.S. economic assistance to the FAS, exclusive U.S. military use and defense rights in and to the FAS, and the ability of FAS citizens to live and work anywhere in the U.S. indefinitely. Initially, the relatively few FAS citizens living and working in our country legally under the COFA received the basic standard federal benefits granted to permanent residents and other legal non-citizens. However, due to a technical error in the 1996 welfare reform bill, FAS citizens were rendered ineligible for Medicaid and other public benefits. FAS citizens, like other permanent legal residents, should be eligible for all public benefit programs,” said Case in a letter to his colleagues. “There is also no reason that federal law should distinguish between FAS citizens and other legal resident non-citizens in eligibility for these key social safety net federal programs. The Compact Impact Fairness Act would correct the mistake in the 1996 law and treat FAS citizens basically the same as any other legal resident non-citizen for these purposes.” Case’s co-introducers of the Compact Impact Fairness Act include: Steve Womack (R-Arkansas), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Committee on the Budget and Case’s colleague on the House Appropriations Committee; Adam Smith (D-Washington), Chair of the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services; and Case’s Pacific Islands colleagues, Gregorio Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands), Aumua Amata Radewagon (R-American Samoa), and Michael San Nicolas (D-Guam). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/capac-members-and-congressional-leaders-honor-chinese-american-world-war-ii,CAPAC Members and Congressional Leaders Honor Chinese American World War II Veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and Congressional leaders released the following statements to honor Chinese American World War II veterans, who will be collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in a virtual Congressional ceremony today. CAPAC Members Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL) and Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33) were the lead Democratic sponsors of the legislation to grant these veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal, which is the highest civilian honor that Congress can bestow: Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair: I am proud to join my colleagues in Congress today as we honor Chinese American World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal. Despite facing discriminatory laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act, which restricted their rights and treated them as second-class citizens, nearly 20,000 Chinese Americans valiantly served our country during World War II. These American heroes defended our nation's democracy and ideals abroad even as they faced racial prejudice at home. And they included heroes like my late father, Judson Chu, who served in the Army during World War II as a Radio Communications Sergeant in Okinawa. I especially want to thank our CAPAC Members, Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congressman Ted Lieu, as well as congressional leaders like Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who helped to pass critical legislation to ensure that veterans like my father receive the long overdue recognition they have earned. These veterans and their families deserve our deepest gratitude, and it is with tremendous pride that we honor them today. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-12): As Speaker of the House, it is an honor to join my colleagues in bestowing Congress's highest honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, on the valiant Chinese American Veterans of World War II. These patriotic servicemembers hailed from every state in the union, served in every branch of the U.S. military and courageously fought in every theater of the war, helping secure victory for the Allies and advance the promise of liberty for all. Thanks to the committed leadership of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the tireless voices of AAPI and veterans' advocates, our heroic Chinese American veterans will finally take their rightful place among the pantheon of American heroes. Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL), Senate Co-Lead of Congressional Gold Medal Bill: Our nation is finally recognizing the service of the more than 18,000 Chinese Americans who served in every theater of war, and in every branch of service, during World War II by presenting these patriots with the highest civilian honor awarded in the United States of America: the Congressional Gold Medal. Despite being forced to live under the indignity of a Chinese Exclusion Act, Chinese American World War II Veterans never lost sight of the potential and promise of a nation that emerged from a declaration that all men are created equal. These Veterans exemplify the greatness of an America that always strives to improve and always seeks to live up to its founding principlesand I am grateful I could help make sure their service will be forever honored. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI), Senate Co-Lead of Congressional Gold Medal Bill: Today's presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal honors the immense contributions of Chinese American World War II veterans. Despite facing discrimination here at home, more than 18,000 Chinese Americans courageously risked their lives to patriotically serve our nation during World War II. Recognition for these Chinese American veterans' valor and sacrifice is long overdue, and awarding them the highest civilian honor that Congress can bestow is an important step in showing our gratitude for their service during the war. Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), House Co-Lead of Congressional Gold Medal Bill: I'm proud to have co-led the introduction of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act to award the highest civilian honora Congressional Gold Medalto these heroes. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Chinese Americans served with courage and distinction during World War II. Even with the Chinese Exclusion Act in place, almost 20,000 of these brave men and women served in the armed forces in every theater of battle and every branch of service, earning citations for their heroism and honorable service. As a veteran, I'm grateful to have worked on this bipartisan, bicameral legislation with Senators Tammy Duckworth and Mazie Hirono as well as former Representative Ed Royce and Senator Thad Cochran to honor the lives and legacies of our World War II heroes. CAPAC Leadership Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice Chair: Today, our nation honors the sacrifices and bravery of Chinese American World War II Veterans. Despite facing despicable discrimination and racism, especially through the Chinese Exclusion Act, thousands of Chinese Americans answered the call of duty. I applaud the Chinese American World War II Veterans for their bravery, sacrifices, and patriotism. Congratulations to the Gold Medal awardees. We are forever grateful. Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice Chair: During World War II, Chinese American men and women stepped up to serve our country with bravery, resilience, and, above all, patriotism. Chinese American servicemembers fought alongside their fellow Americans with a shared love of country. Today, we celebrate the Congressional Gold Ceremony for Chinese American WWII Veterans, tell a more complete story of the Chinese Americans who fought for our country and the systemic challenges they faced, and finally, thank them for their service. CAPAC Executive Board Members Congressman Ed Case (HI-01): This long wait is over. I join with all Americans in saluting our Chinese Americans veterans who served our country so selflessly in World War II. In my home state of Hawaii, they include Army Captain Francis Wai, posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his leadership in battle against the enemy during the invasion of Leyte in the Philippines in 1944. Words cannot fully express our gratitude for the sacrifices these veterans made and risks they took. But today we provide some small recognition and pause to remember and reflect on what they gave for us all. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02): Chinese American veterans who served in World War II are brave servicemembers who answered the call to protect freedoms they themselves did not enjoy due to the Chinese Exclusion Act and anti-Chinese sentiment of the time. Despite these hurdles, Chinese Americans excelled in the Armed Forces, with many awarded for their bravery in combat. After the war these veterans continued to distinguish themselves, striving to improve their communities through business and public service. The perseverance, valor, and patriotism of our Chinese American veterans is humbling, and I join my colleagues in congratulating these brave heroes and their families on this historic occasion. Congressman TJ Cox (CA-21): Today, we honor the brave Chinese Americans who answered the call to defend their country in World War II. When they signed-up they agreed to risk their lives not only to fight the evils of fascism threatening the world, but also to protect the ideals that America was founded on. The ideals of freedom, equality, and the right of every American to speak up for what they believe in. I'm proud to join my fellow Chinese Americans in recognizing the great sacrifice these Americans made to ensure that those American ideals were protected, to ensure that we all have the chance to make our own path in our country. Congressman Al Green (TX-09): I salute the Chinese American veterans being recognized today with the Congressional Gold Medal the highest civilian recognition bestowed by Congress for their bravery and selfless service to our nation during World War II. At a time when many of these individuals were ineligible for citizenship because of the Chinese Exclusion Act, these veterans persisted, fighting for the country they call home. They are more than deserving of this esteemed honor. CAPAC Associate Members Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01): We are indebted to the Chinese Americans who made tremendous sacrifices while serving our country in WWII. This recognition is long overdue. This Gold Medal expresses our appreciation for the valiant service of these veterans, who served ably abroad despite facing blatant discrimination at home. We thank them and their families, and we recognize their heroic efforts. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12): Today, we recognize the tremendous contributions made by more than 18,000 Chinese American World War II veterans who volunteered to risk their lives to protect their fellow Americans by awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal. Despite facing racial discrimination at home, these Americans showed true patriotism and service to our country. It is only right that we finally pay national tribute to these heroes by awarding them with our nation's highest civilian honor. These veterans are finally receiving the long overdue recognition they deserve. Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03): Today, we recognize the brave Chinese American World War II veterans who put their lives on the line for our country with Congress's highest honor, the Congressional Gold Medal. This is the least we could do to show our gratitude to these veterans who embody service and sacrifice for the greater good. Thank you for all you have done to keep us safe. We honor you today and every day.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-gabbard-gosar-introduce-break-big-tech-bill-remove-legal-immunity-big-tech,Reps. Gabbard & Gosar Introduce Break Up Big Tech Bill to Remove Legal Immunity from Big Tech Who Censor Users,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-04) introduced the Break Up Big Tech Act of 2020, which would remove the Section 230 legal immunity shield that protects interactive computer service providers like big tech monopolies and social media companies who engage in certain manipulative practices, including acting as publishers and censoring certain users. Big tech monopolies like Google and Facebook have made billions of dollars by creating online platforms that monetize our private information, use manipulative and destructive algorithms, and act as publishers choosing what information they want to censor or publish. They undermine our freedom of speech and treat us and our attention as the product, monetizing it to line their pockets with more money without any regard for the damaging consequences,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. This bill removes the legal immunity that service providers have taken advantage of to act with impunity, while maintaining Section 230 protections for those who provide truly neutral social media platforms or search engines without the use of manipulative algorithms. Big Tech monopolies continue to censor and manipulate users without consent or liability. The Break Up Big Tech Act revokes liability protections for bad Samaritans and instead empowers users, said Rep. Paul Gosar. I am proud to work with Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on the Don't Push My Buttons Act, Stop the Censorship Act, and now the Break Up Big Tech Act to reform Section 230 and protect online consent and free speech instead of censorship and manipulation. Background: The Breakup Big Tech Act of 2020 would take away legal immunity from interactive computer service providers that engage in certain manipulative activities, including social media companies who act as publishers by moderating and censoring content. Specifically, the Breakup Big Tech Act of 2020 would remove legal immunity for providers that engage in the following activities: Selling and displaying personalized as well as contextual advertising without user's consent Collecting data for commercial purposes other than the direct sale of the interactive computer service, i.e. turning the user into a commodity or otherwise monetizing the transmission of content Acting as a marketplace in the digital space by facilitating the placement of items into the stream of commerce Employing digital products and designs intended to engage and addict users to the service Acting as a publisher by using algorithms to moderate or censor content without opt-in from users Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act generally provides liability immunity for online companies that publish information provided by third-party users. The regulation creates a Good Samaritan liability protection for those running interactive computer services should they remove third-party materials deemed obscene or objectionable so long as it is done in good faith. The law is out of date and has not kept up with the destructive practices of big tech monopolies, who are essentially acting as publishers with the use of manipulative algorithms. In October, Rep. Gabbard and Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-04) introduced H.R.8515, the Don't Push My Buttons Act which would reform Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act by limiting immunity from liability for online platforms that curate content for users based on collected personal data, unless users explicitly choose to receive curated content. Reps. Gabbard and Gosar are also cosponsors of H.R.7808, the Stop the Censorship Act. About Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for over 17 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major in the Army Reserves. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard... Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/waianae-coast-comprehensive-health-center-set-to-receive-18-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-care-for-underserved-families,Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center Set To Receive $1.8 Million In Federal Funding To Support Care For Underserved Families,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) will receive a $1,811,639 grant to help low income families on Oahu access high quality, comprehensive health care. The funding, which comes from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, will help WCCHC operate seven sites on the west side of the island and make sure local families can receive primary care, emergency medical, behavioral health, and dental services, as well as COVID-19 testing and treatment, in their own communities. “This funding will make sure that thousands of West Oahu families can access affordable health care services in their communities,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “WCCHC is an important provider of primary, emergency, and other types of care, and I'll keep fighting for more federal funding to support their life-saving work.” WCCHC is the largest federally qualified health center in the state, annually serving 37,000 medically underserved individuals and families regardless of their ability to pay. 70 percent of their patients are at or below the federal poverty level, and more than 40 percent of their patients are Native Hawaiian. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/kitv-4-abc-representative-tulsi-gabbard-speaks-latest-progress-funding-bill,KITV 4 ABC | Representative Tulsi Gabbard speaks on the latest progress on a funding bill,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hawai'i U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard explained how some of the provisions of the $900 billion bill would cover rental relief, unemployment aid, funding for testing and contact tracing. NOTE: Video of segment included at kitv.com, includes statement from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Hundreds of billions of dollars are on the line as Congress negotiates another bill to fund the government or possibly face another shutdown. During an interview with Maleko McDonnell and Lei U'i Kaho'okula on Good Morning Hawaii, Representative Tulsi Gabbard explained how some of the provisions of the $900 billion bill would cover rental relief, unemployment aid, funding for testing and contact tracing. Gabbard believes Congress still has a long way to go. ""It will not be enough -- it will provide some assistance, but in my opinion it does not go nearly far enough. It'll provide another $288 billion toward that PPP small business assistance, so those small business owners will be able to go and get assistance,"" Gabbard stated. ""It'll add $180 billion toward unemployment assistance fund, making it so that those on state unemployment now will get that additional $300 a week of federal unemployment through the end of March."" Representative Gabbard said Wednesday Congressional leaders are expected to vote on a one week extension to postpone Friday's spending deal deadline.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/marijuana-moment-congress-cautions-military-leaders-about-marijuana-punishments,Marijuana Moment | Congress Cautions Military Leaders About Marijuana Punishments For Recruits In Defense Bill Report,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House of Representatives approved a defense spending bill on Tuesday that includes language pushing military leaders to exercise discretion in enforcing marijuana-related penalties against service members. That said, for the second year in a row, House Democratic leaders have given up in negotiations with the Senate on stronger cannabis reform measures that were included in their chamber's original version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). One House-passed amendment, sponsored by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), would have required the secretary of defense to issue regulations clarifying that military branches can grant reenlistment waivers to service members who have committed a single low-level cannabis offense. The Senate didn't include that component in their NDAA bill, however, and Democratic conferees ended up receding to the other body in the final version. In a joint explanatory statement on the bill, however, the bicameral conferees included language saying that the secretaries of the military departments have the authority to allow for enlistment and reenlistment with waivers for cannabis use based on the needs of the military department. The conferees encourage the secretaries of the military departments to use their authority as appropriate to ensure the military departments are not excluding talent from the pool of eligible individuals who volunteer to serve, they said. Another House-passed measure that the chamber receded on, championed by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), would have prohibited the Secretary of Defense from banning service members from possessing or consuming hemp or CBD products that are legal under state and federal law. There was no explanation included in the report about why House leaders didn't fight for its inclusion in the final bill. The Department of Defense and various military branches under it have issued several memos stipulating that service members are banned from using CBD, even though the cannabinoid was legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill. Most recently, the Navy explained that it prohibited use of hemp products, including topicals and shampoos, because there's a risk that the products are mislabeled and contain excess THC. Gabbard told Marijuana Moment in an interview earlier this year that the military's anti-hemp policies reflect a very backward way of viewing these products. Despite giving up on the cannabis-focused provisions, it's not the case that House conferees receded on all of their proposals in the large-scale defense legislation. They gave in on 654 amendments and the Senate receded on 580, according to a keyword search of the document. And while the supplementary note on cannabis reenlistment waivers does signal that there was conversation on the issue, the Democratic-controlled chamber was evidently unable to get the GOP-run Senate side on board with its original language containing the specific policy directive to the defense secretary. Another drug policy amendment, sponsored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), that the House receded on after its passage would have prohibited the use of funds for aerial fumigation on drug crops in Colombia, a practice widely criticized by reform and human rights advocates. A note on the measure states that any Department support for counterdrug activities in Colombia should be compliant with Colombia's national and local laws and regulations. Earlier this year, a bipartisan group of senators attempted to attach marijuana and CBD research language to their version of the appropriations legislation, but that did not pan out. For last year's defense bill, House conferees receded on both the military reenlistment waiver proposal and a separate measure the chamber approved to protect veterans from being denied home loans from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs over employment in a state-legal cannabis market. The Senate is also expected to take up the final version of this year's NDAA soon. But assuming it gets to the president's desk, it might face an unusual challenge. President Trump has threatened to veto the legislation because it doesn't contain a provision making social media companies liable for content posted by users. That said, lawmakers from both parties have made clear they are prepared to override any veto of the annual defense spending bill. All of this comes in the shadow of two significant marijuana-related developments in the House. Most notably, the chamber approved a historic billthe Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Actto federally legalize marijuana last week. And the House is scheduled to vote on bipartisan legislation as early as Wednesday that would promote research into cannabis, in part by allowing scientists to obtain marijuana from state-legal dispensaries.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-house-passes-bill-millions-dollars-funding-protect-hawai-i-s,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: House Passes Bill With Millions of Dollars in Funding to Protect Hawaiis Water Resources,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) called on President Trump to sign S.1811, the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 into law. The House passed the bill today by voice vote following its passage by the Senate. It now heads to the White House for the President's signature. The Water Resources Development Act authorizes a wide range of projects, predominantly managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, to improve water resource infrastructure including environmental projects, natural resource preservation, flood protection and improvements to our nation's waterways and ports. The well-being of our waterways and safety of our communities are vital to Hawaii and the country. The funding in this bill will help to support our agricultural industry and ensure our ports and harbors are able to support our commerce needs. It also provides hundreds of millions of dollars to support flood control, ecosystem restoration, shoreline protection, and hurricane restoration in Hawaii,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. This legislation is an example of what can be accomplished when people come together to work for the best interest of the country. I urge the President to sign it into law without delay. Background:Nearly 80 percent of traded goods used by Americans is transported through U.S. ports, harbors, and inland waterways. The economic impact of projects supported by the Water Resources Development Act help mitigate flood damage which can cost billions of dollars every year. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has worked throughout the year to urge appropriators to robustly fund Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works (CW) and CAP programs in this year's Energy and Water Development funding bill, passed by the House in July. She successfully got appropriators to support the Emergency Streambank and Shoreline Protection, Beneficial Uses of Dredged Material, Flood Control Projects, Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration, National Shoreline Management Study, Aquatic Plant Control, Flood Plain Management Services, Aquatic Plant Control, Emergency Streambank Protection, Shoreline Protection, and Regional Sediment Management programs. She also secured $305,000 for the Fort DeRussy Recreation Visitor's Center and $200,000 for Hilo Harbor breakwater repair. Programs in today's bill that fall under CAP include: $69.3 million for small flood control projects. $63 million for small river and harbor improvement. $63 million for regional sediment management. $63 million for aquatic ecosystem restoration. $50.5 million to modify projects for environmental improvement. $38 million for hurricane restoration and impact minimization. $25.5 million for emergency streambank and shoreline protection. $8 million to clear channels. These programs provide funds which can be used for projects in Hawaii. The bill also lifts the $10 billion spending cap on the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund and authorizes $25 million for a pilot program to control invasive species in culturally significant forested watersheds in U.S. states and territories outside of the contiguous 48 states. About Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for over 17 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major in the Army Reserves. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard... Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=388,U.S. House Passes Case's Measure Advancing First National Forest for Hawai‘i,2020-12-05,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=29,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives this Thursday passed his bill to advance creation of Hawaii’s first National Forest. A member of the House’s Natural Resources Committee and of its Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands with jurisdiction over the National Forest System, Case managed (led majority party efforts) in the full House in debating and passing his (H.R. 7045) and several other key Natural Resources bills. Case’s bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration. “My measure will move us toward finally correcting a longstanding omission by adding the best of Hawaii’s unique and endangered forests to our country’s invaluable National Forest System,” said Case. “It will direct our federal government to pursue a formal process led by the U.S. Forest Service of engaging with state and community stakeholders toward identification of the most suitable Hawaii forests for inclusion as National Forests.” The National Forest System currently comprises 154 national forests, 20 national grasslands and several other federal land designations containing 193 million acres. Its core mission is to conserve precious resources for a variety of uses to include watershed management, research, cultural site preservation, wildlife habitat management and research and outdoor recreation. Case said: “Despite having some of the most unique and endangered forest lands in the country, Hawai‘i is one of only a handful of states nationwide without a National Forest. Establishing a National Forest in Hawai‘i would support tropical forest conservation and research throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and provide appropriate recreational, cultural and commercial opportunities in Hawai‘i,” all with financial and other assistance from the federal government. Earlier this year, Case arranged for Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources’ First Deputy Robert Masuda to testify before his Subcommittee in favor of the measure. “The citizens of Hawaii share a passion for the lands and resources that have sustained our islands for generations,” Masuda told the Subcommittee. “It’s ingrained into our culture and outlook. Like other island peoples around the world, we understand that we live with finite resources on a limited land base. Living on isolated islands, we are particularly sensitive to the threats posed by pollution, climate change, and invasive species. We know that the conservation of our terrestrial and marine resources is necessary for the quality of life we now enjoy, and for future generations. Masuda continued: “The State and the U.S. Forest Service already have a successful record of ongoing collaboration in tropical forestry research. We believe Hawaii’s existing Forest Reserves, watershed and endangered species protection programs would align well with a National Forest in Hawai‘i.” NOTE: The measure can be found here https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/7045.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-hirono-advocacy-senate-clears-key-procedural-hurdle-to-build-community-based-outpatient-clinic-for-leeward-oahu-veterans,"Following Hirono Advocacy, Senate Clears Key Procedural Hurdle to Build Community-Based Outpatient Clinic for Leeward Oahu Veterans",2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 04, 2020 Following Hirono Advocacy, Senate Clears Key Procedural Hurdle to Build Community-Based Outpatient Clinic for Leeward Oahu Veterans Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Approved Lease Prospectus for the Long-Awaited Advanced Leeward Outpatient Health Care Access (ALOHA) Project WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, announced that the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee approved a resolution that would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award a lease for the Advanced Leeward Outpatient Health Care Access (ALOHA) Project. Once the project receives similar approval from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the VA could formally move forward with the lease award. Leeward Oahu veterans have been waiting for years for a new facility that would improve their access to health care closer to home,Senator Hirono said.Passage of this resolution brings us one step closer to making the ALOHA Project a reality for these veterans, and represents progress toward fulfilling the vision of Senator Daniel K. Akaka who first spearheaded this project working with local veterans. I will work with my former colleagues on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to pass their companion resolution when the new Congress convenes in January 2021 so an award can be made and construction can finally begin. The unanimous passage of this resolution in the EPW Committee authorizes the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide approval to award a 15-year lease at an annual rent of $5.9 million for the project. It also authorizes an up-front lump sum payment of $18 million to facilitate construction of the facility. When completed, the ALOHA Project will be a 66,000 foot multispecialty VA clinic on the Ewa Plain area of Oahu and provide primary care, mental health care, x-ray, laboratory, diagnostic, pharmacy, and specialty care for 25,000 veterans in the area. The clinic will also reduce wait times, increase provider availability, and help alleviate traffic challenges and parking deficits veterans currently experience on the Tripler Army Medical Center campus, where the Spark M. Matsunaga Veterans Affairs Medical Center is located. Senator Hirono has long been a champion of the ALOHA Project. In 2014, Senator Hironoincluded authorization for the facility in the VA Choice Actand originallysecured lease award authorization in the Senate in January 2018. After internal delays at the VA pushed the timeline for construction of the project, Senator Hirono pressed VA Secretary Robert Wilkie to expedite a lease award at Veterans' Affairs Committee hearings inMarch 2019andJune 2020. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-effort-to-approve-construction-of-two-military-child-care-centers-in-hawaii-included-in-legislation-expected-to-be-made-law,Hirono Effort to Approve Construction of Two Military Child Care Centers in Hawaii Included in Legislation Expected to Be Made Law,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 04, 2020 Hirono Effort to Approve Construction of Two Military Child Care Centers in Hawaii Included in Legislation Expected to Be Made Law NDAA includes $307.9 million in military construction in Hawaii WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), a Senate Armed Services Committee member and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conferee, successfully included $65 million to construct a child development center at Aliamanu Military Reservation and $39 million for a Schofield Barracks child development center in the Fiscal Year 2021 NDAA conference report, which is expected to pass Congress and become law in the coming weeks. Senator Hirono also successfully advocated for the construction of an $89 million aircraft maintenance hangar at Wheeler Army Air Field and $114.9 million to improve waterfront facilities at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to accommodate Los Angeles and Virginia class submarines. The need for quality child care has become even clearer during the pandemic. That need is especially acute for military families, as many service members are still performing their duties in person. I advocated for the inclusion of language that clears the way for the construction of two new child care facilities in Hawaii, so that service members can have peace of mind that their children are safe while they serve our country,Senator Hirono said.I also secured approval for other construction that will keep our state and country safe, including improvements to Wheeler Army Air Field and wharves at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Senator Hirono announced in June that she had successfullyincludedthe child care facilities andotherHawaii military construction projects in the Senate Armed Services Committee-passed version of the NDAA. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-first-anniversary-of-pearl-harbor-naval-shipyard-shooting,Hirono Statement on First Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Shooting,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 04, 2020 Hirono Statement on First Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Shooting WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today issued the following statement on the first anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard shooting: One year ago, Roldan Agustin and Vincent Kapoi, Jr. reported to work at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to continue their vital role supporting our military and national security.By that afternoon, our state was shaken by news of a mass shooting at the shipyard. The anxiety of waiting for more information turned to grief at the news thatRoldan and Vincent lost their lives, and a third employee, Roger Nakamine, was wounded who thankfully later recovered. No community in our country, even in Hawaii, is immune from the tragedy of gun violence.Though we cannot ease the pain of their loss, I join the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard ohana in extending my thoughts and aloha to their loved ones. As we honor the memory of Roldan and Vincent, we also offer our gratitude to the Navy and first responders who courageously rushed into action to save lives. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/hawaii-to-receive-more-than-9-million-in-disaster-relief-funding-to-cover-hi-ema-operational-costs-from-2018-kilauea-eruption,Hawaii To Receive More Than $9 Million In Disaster Relief Funding To Cover HI-EMA Operational Costs From 2018 Kilauea Eruption,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hawaii To Receive More Than $9 Million In Disaster Relief Funding To Cover HI-EMA Operational Costs From 2018 Kilauea Eruption Friday, December 4, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today announced that the State of Hawaii will receive $9.3 million in new federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cover administrative expenses following the Kilauea eruption in 2018. While HI-EMA has been asked to do much more this year with a lot less revenue, this new funding will give the state more resources to continue their critical work and protect Hawaii residents from disasters,said Senator Schatz. To date, Hawaii has received more than a half a billion dollars in total federal relief funding to recover from the 2018 natural disasters. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-leads-bipartisan-bicameral-group-of-49-lawmakers-in-calling-for-permanent-expansion-of-telehealth-coverage-in-end-of-year-legislation,"Schatz Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Of 49 Lawmakers In Calling For Permanent Expansion Of Telehealth Coverage In End Of Year Legislation",2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Of 49 Lawmakers In Calling For Permanent Expansion Of Telehealth Coverage In End Of Year Legislation Schatz Telehealth Measures Included in COVID-19 Relief Bills On Temporary Basis; Telehealth Use Among Medicare Beneficiaries Increased By Nearly 13,000% In Just Over A Month Friday, December 4, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) led a bipartisan group of 49 lawmakers in calling for the expansion of access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic to be made permanent. Provisions from the Schatz-authored CONNECT for Health Act that have allowed Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country, and in their homes, to utilize telehealth services, as well as more types of health care providers to provide telehealth, were included in previous COVID-19 legislation but will expire following the pandemic unless congressional leaders act now to make those measures permanent. Telehealth has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring that patients can continue to receive the health care services that they need while minimizing the spread of the virus and keeping health care providers and patients healthy and safe, the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). We continue to hear from our constituents and health care providers that the uncertainty about the long-term future of Medicare telehealth coverage is a barrier to organizations investing fully in telehealth. Congress needs to act now to better serve patients and health care providers during the pandemic, and to ensure that telehealth remains an option after the pandemic is over. In their letter, the lawmakers highlight the growing use and benefits of telehealth during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by nearly 13,000 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic. The bipartisan and bicameral Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, led by Senator Schatz, was first introduced in 2016. The bill, which is cosponsored by 46 senators, is considered the most comprehensive telehealth legislation in Congress. In addition to Schatz, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), David McKinley (R-W.Va.), Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), David N. Cicilline (D-R.I.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.), Tom O'Halleran (D-Ariz.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Elise M. Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), and Ron Kind (D-Wis.). The full text of the letter is below and available here. Dear Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Minority Leader McCarthy: As we near the end of the year and the 116th Congress, we urge you to include provisions in end of the year legislation to make permanent expanded coverage of Medicare telehealth services. Specifically, immediate action to permanently waive geographic restrictions for originating sites, authorize health centers in rural and underserved areas to provide telehealth, and allow beneficiaries to use telehealth in their homes would be key steps to ensure much-needed certainty about Medicare telehealth coverage for health care providers and to improve access to care for patients. Telehealth has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring that patients can continue to receive the health care services that they need while minimizing the spread of the virus and keeping health care providers and patients healthy and safe. Telehealth is also important in increasing capacity at health care facilities and reducing health care providers' use of scarce personal protective equipment. For these reasons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance at the beginning of the pandemic advising individuals and health care providers to optimize the use of telehealth services. The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act included provisions from our bipartisan CONNECT for Health Act to increase access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, waivers of statutory geographic and originating site restrictions have allowed Medicare beneficiaries to use telehealth services in all areas of the country, as well as in their homes. In addition, more types of health care providers including health centers in rural and underserved areas, are authorized to provide distant site telehealth services, among other important flexibilities. This new authority resulted in a rapid increase in telehealth utilization. An early analysis of the expansion of Medicare telehealth coverage during the pandemic shows that before the public health emergency, about 13,000 beneficiaries in fee-for-service Medicare received telehealth services in a week, but by the last week of April, nearly 1.7 million beneficiaries received telehealth services. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also found that beneficiaries are getting care through telehealth at similar rates across demographics. In response to these findings, CMS stated that, The rapid adoption of telemedicine among providers and patients has shown that telehealth is here to stay. However, the authority for this expanded coverage of Medicare telehealth services is temporary and tied to the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, which is renewed in three-month increments. We continue to hear from our constituents and health care providers that the uncertainty about the long-term future of Medicare telehealth coverage is a barrier to organizations investing fully in telehealtheven now during the pandemic. Ramping up telehealth requires significant costsincluding the purchase of equipment such as tablets and webcams, telehealth platforms, additional staff, provider training, and changes to electronic health records, billing, and patient engagement processes. Without more certainty about the future of Medicare coverage, many organizations are not investing in all of these areas to optimize the use and availability of telehealth. Therefore, Congress needs to act now to better serve patients and health care providers during the pandemic, and to ensure that telehealth remains an option after the pandemic is over. We understand that further data analysis is underway to assess the impact of the telehealth changes that have been available during the public health emergency. However, to fully benefit from telehealth during the pandemic, there are steps Congress should take before the end of the year to expand access to telehealth with appropriate guardrails and beneficiary protections. In particular, Congress should immediately provide permanent authority to waive or remove the geographic restrictions on originating sites in section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act so that a beneficiary's ability to receive telehealth services is no longer based on where he or she lives. Services that CMS has determined to be clinically appropriate to be delivered through telehealth should be available to all beneficiaries, not just some. CMS concurs, stating that The data have shown that telehealth can be an important source of care across the country, not just for those living in rural areas. We also urge action to permanently authorize Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics to provide distant site telehealth services and to allow patients to receive clinically appropriate telehealth services in their homes. These actions would address the restrictions on originating sites that CMS has stated are the greatest barriers to the expansion of Medicare telehealth services as well as ensure that health centers can continue their pivotal role in providing health care in rural and underserved areas. Telehealth is an area of strong bipartisan support, and Congress can, and should, act now to lead the way in ensuring expanded access to telehealth. We appreciate your collaboration on this important issue. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/honolulu-civil-beat-gabbard-case-vote-decriminalize-marijuana,"Honolulu Civil Beat | Gabbard, Case Vote To Decriminalize Marijuana",2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House bill, which faces an uphill Senate vote, would also expunge pending and past pot convictions. Hawaii's two U.S. representatives were in the majority Friday in a 228-164 vote approving the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement Act. The bill would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse and include heroin, LSD, Ecstasy and peyote. The measure would also retroactively apply to prior and pending convictions for pakalolo. The MORE Act, which was introduced by Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, was co-introduced by Tulsi Gabbard, a fellow Democrat. Finally, Gabbard said on the House floor in remarks later distributed in a press release. This is a historic moment that so many here and across the country have been working towards to take this step to end America's destructive and costly war on drugs that has turned everyday Americans into criminals and torn families apart ruining so many people's lives. Democrat Ed Case of Hawaii also voted in favor of the bill, which now goes on to the GOP-controlled Senate where its prospects are dim, according to news reports. The bill also creates pathways for ownership opportunities in the emerging industry, says NBC News, allowing veterans to obtain medical cannabis recommendations from Veteran Affairs doctors, and establishes funding sources to reinvest in communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. Friday's vote was the first time a full chamber of Congress has taken up the issue of federally decriminalizing cannabis. Five Republicans voted with 222 Democrats in approving the bill, while 158 GOP members voted against it along with six Democrats. Thirty-eight members did not vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/video-rep-gabbard-votes-end-marijuana-criminalization-protect-freedom-choice,"VIDEO: Rep. Gabbard Votes to End Marijuana Criminalization, Protect Freedom of Choice",2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCToday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) voted to pass H.R.3884, the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act. Rep. Gabbard co-led introduction of the bill last summer along with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (NY-10) and others. The bill would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level, expunge pending and past convictions, and authorize a sales tax on marijuana with funds to be used for programs to help communities disproportionately impacted by marijuana's criminalization. The bill was passed by a vote of 228-164 and now goes to the Senate for consideration. During debate on the bill, Rep. Gabbard offered remarks in support of the bill. Her remarks follow: Finally. This is a historic moment that so many here and across the country have been working towards to take this step to end America's destructive and costly war on drugs that has turned everyday Americans into criminals and torn families apart ruining so many people's lives. This legislation removes cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and frees states to regulate it as they choose and encourages research into the medicinal qualities of this plant that we already know are changing people's lives and saving people's lives. It also applies retroactively, expunging prior convictions and records, freeing a generation of people from the shackles of this failed war on drugs. The bottom line is this vote is about freedom. It's about freedom of choice for every American to make their own decisions for themselves without fear of the government coming and arresting them. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. The Senate should pass it quickly so we can send it to the President for his signature. Background:H.R.3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act: Decriminalizes marijuana at the federal level by removing the substance from the Controlled Substances Act. This applies retroactively to prior and pending convictions, and enables states to set their own policy. Requires federal courts to expunge prior convictions, allows prior offenders to request expungement, and requires courts, on motion, to conduct re-sentencing hearings for those still under supervision. Authorizes the assessment of a 5% sales tax on marijuana and marijuana products to create an Opportunity Trust Fund, which includes three grant programs: The Community Reinvestment Grant Program: Provides services to the individuals most adversely impacted by the War on Drugs, including job training, re-entry services, legal aid, literacy programs, youth recreation, mentoring, and substance use treatment. The Cannabis Opportunity Grant Program: Provides funds for loans to assist small businesses in the marijuana industry that are owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The Equitable Licensing Grant Program: Provides funds for programs that minimize barriers to marijuana licensing and employment for the individuals most adversely impacted by the War on Drugs. Opens up Small Business Administration funding for legitimate cannabis-related businesses and service providers. Provides non-discrimination protections for marijuana use or possession, and for prior convictions for a marijuana offense: Prohibits the denial of any federal public benefit (including housing) based on the use or possession of marijuana, or prior conviction for a marijuana offense. Provides that the use or possession of marijuana, or prior conviction for a marijuana offense, will have no adverse impact under the immigration laws. Requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to collect data on the demographics of the industry to ensure people of color and those who are economically disadvantaged are participating in the industry. The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act has the support of a broad coalition of civil rights, criminal justice, drug policy, and immigration groups, including: the Drug Policy Alliance, Center for American Progress, 4thMVMT, ACLU, California Minority Alliance, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Human Rights Watch, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), Sentencing Project, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, UndocuBlack Network, Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has long called for sensible marijuana policies as part of her ongoing commitment to common sense criminal justice reform. She introduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. Don Young (AK-at large) (the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act (H.R. 1588) and the Marijuana Data Collection Act (H.R. 1587). H.R. 1588 would remove marijuana from the federal controlled substances list. H.R. 1587 would direct the National Academy of Sciences to study the effects of state legalized medicinal and adult-use marijuana programs from a variety of perspectives, including state revenues, public health, substance abuse and opioids, criminal justice, and employment. She has called for closing the gaps between federal and state law to resolve current contradictions and provide legally abiding marijuana businesses with clear access to financial services. She joined several of her colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Secure And Fair Enforcement Banking Act (H.R.1595) in March 2019 which was passed by the House in September 2019. The bill would help prevent federal banking regulators from penalizing depository institutions for providing banking services to a legitimate marijuana-related business. She is a cosponsor of H.R.1456, the Marijuana Justice Act, to reform unjust federal marijuana laws and empower minority communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the failed War on Drugs. And, to protect veterans engaged in the state-legalized cannabis industry, Rep. Gabbard sent a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie in June 2019 to demand a correction of the VA's denial of loan guarantee benefits to these veterans. Last year, Rep. Gabbard also introduced H.R.3652, the Hemp for Victory Act, which establishes studies of the benefits of hemp cultivation and hemp-based products as well as outlines a comprehensive approach to the re-emerging hemp industry in the United States. The bill outlines an industry-wide set of policies that are environmentally-friendly, protect the rights of workers, safeguard against monopolies, and promote small businesses. The bill will ensure that this resurgent cannabis industry grows for the benefit of all Americans especially those who were disproportionately impacted by America's misguided and failed war on drugs which criminalized hemp and marijuana. About Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for over 17 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major in the Army Reserves. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard... Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-to-receive-more-than-9-million-in-disaster-relief-funding-to-cover-hi-ema-operational-costs-from-2018-kilauea-eruption,Hawai‘i To Receive More Than $9 Million In Disaster Relief Funding To Cover HI-EMA Operational Costs From 2018 Kilauea Eruption,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that the State of Hawai‘i will receive $9.3 million in new federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cover administrative expenses following the Kilauea eruption in 2018. “While HI-EMA has been asked to do much more this year with a lot less revenue, this new funding will give the state more resources to continue their critical work and protect Hawai‘i residents from disasters,” said Senator Schatz. To date, Hawai‘i has received more than a half a billion dollars in total federal relief funding to recover from the 2018 natural disasters. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-bipartisan-bicameral-group-of-49-lawmakers-in-calling-for-permanent-expansion-of-telehealth-coverage-in-end-of-year-legislation,"Schatz Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Of 49 Lawmakers In Calling For Permanent Expansion Of Telehealth Coverage In End Of Year Legislation",2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a bipartisan group of 49 lawmakers in calling for the expansion of access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic to be made permanent. Provisions from the Schatz-authored CONNECT for Health Act that have allowed Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country, and in their homes, to utilize telehealth services, as well as more types of health care providers to provide telehealth, were included in previous COVID-19 legislation but will expire following the pandemic unless congressional leaders act now to make those measures permanent. “Telehealth has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring that patients can continue to receive the health care services that they need while minimizing the spread of the virus and keeping health care providers and patients healthy and safe,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). “We continue to hear from our constituents and health care providers that the uncertainty about the long-term future of Medicare telehealth coverage is a barrier to organizations investing fully in telehealth. Congress needs to act now to better serve patients and health care providers during the pandemic, and to ensure that telehealth remains an option after the pandemic is over.” In their letter, the lawmakers highlight the growing use and benefits of telehealth during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by nearly 13,000 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic. The bipartisan and bicameral Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, led by Senator Schatz, was first introduced in 2016. The bill, which is cosponsored by 46 senators, is considered the most comprehensive telehealth legislation in Congress. In addition to Schatz, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), David McKinley (R-W.Va.), Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), David N. Cicilline (D-R.I.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.), Tom O’Halleran (D-Ariz.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Elise M. Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), and Ron Kind (D-Wis.). The full text of the letter is below and available here. Dear Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Minority Leader McCarthy: As we near the end of the year and the 116th Congress, we urge you to include provisions in end of the year legislation to make permanent expanded coverage of Medicare telehealth services. Specifically, immediate action to permanently waive geographic restrictions for originating sites, authorize health centers in rural and underserved areas to provide telehealth, and allow beneficiaries to use telehealth in their homes would be key steps to ensure much-needed certainty about Medicare telehealth coverage for health care providers and to improve access to care for patients. Telehealth has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring that patients can continue to receive the health care services that they need while minimizing the spread of the virus and keeping health care providers and patients healthy and safe. Telehealth is also important in increasing capacity at health care facilities and reducing health care providers’ use of scarce personal protective equipment. For these reasons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance at the beginning of the pandemic advising individuals and health care providers to optimize the use of telehealth services. The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act included provisions from our bipartisan CONNECT for Health Act to increase access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, waivers of statutory geographic and originating site restrictions have allowed Medicare beneficiaries to use telehealth services in all areas of the country, as well as in their homes. In addition, more types of health care providers including health centers in rural and underserved areas, are authorized to provide distant site telehealth services, among other important flexibilities. This new authority resulted in a rapid increase in telehealth utilization. An early analysis of the expansion of Medicare telehealth coverage during the pandemic shows that before the public health emergency, about 13,000 beneficiaries in fee-for-service Medicare received telehealth services in a week, but by the last week of April, nearly 1.7 million beneficiaries received telehealth services. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also found that beneficiaries are getting care through telehealth at similar rates across demographics. In response to these findings, CMS stated that, “The rapid adoption of telemedicine among providers and patients has shown that telehealth is here to stay.” However, the authority for this expanded coverage of Medicare telehealth services is temporary and tied to the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, which is renewed in three-month increments. We continue to hear from our constituents and health care providers that the uncertainty about the long-term future of Medicare telehealth coverage is a barrier to organizations investing fully in telehealth—even now during the pandemic. Ramping up telehealth requires significant costs—including the purchase of equipment such as tablets and webcams, telehealth platforms, additional staff, provider training, and changes to electronic health records, billing, and patient engagement processes. Without more certainty about the future of Medicare coverage, many organizations are not investing in all of these areas to optimize the use and availability of telehealth. Therefore, Congress needs to act now to better serve patients and health care providers during the pandemic, and to ensure that telehealth remains an option after the pandemic is over. We understand that further data analysis is underway to assess the impact of the telehealth changes that have been available during the public health emergency. However, to fully benefit from telehealth during the pandemic, there are steps Congress should take before the end of the year to expand access to telehealth with appropriate guardrails and beneficiary protections. In particular, Congress should immediately provide permanent authority to waive or remove the geographic restrictions on originating sites in section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act so that a beneficiary’s ability to receive telehealth services is no longer based on where he or she lives. Services that CMS has determined to be clinically appropriate to be delivered through telehealth should be available to all beneficiaries, not just some. CMS concurs, stating that “The data have shown that telehealth can be an important source of care across the country, not just for those living in rural areas.” We also urge action to permanently authorize Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics to provide distant site telehealth services and to allow patients to receive clinically appropriate telehealth services in their homes. These actions would address the restrictions on originating sites that CMS has stated are the greatest barriers to the expansion of Medicare telehealth services as well as ensure that health centers can continue their pivotal role in providing health care in rural and underserved areas. Telehealth is an area of strong bipartisan support, and Congress can, and should, act now to lead the way in ensuring expanded access to telehealth. We appreciate your collaboration on this important issue. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-13-million-in-funding-for-west-hawaii-community-health-center,Hirono Announces $1.3 Million in Funding for West Hawaii Community Health Center,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 03, 2020 Hirono Announces $1.3 Million in Funding for West Hawaii Community Health Center WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced that West Hawaii Community Health Center (CHC) is set to receive $1,311,644 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue offering critical health services, including medical, dental, and behavioral health care, to rural and underserved communities at eight locations in West Hawaii. West Hawaii CHC also offers coronavirus testing and telemedicine to better serve their patients during the ongoing public health crisis. The coronavirus pandemic has stretched public health resources thin. This ongoing funding will support West Hawaii Community Health Center as they continue providing the essential health care services that Hawaii Island residents rely on. I remain an advocate of full funding for community health centers so these vital safety net providers can continue to keep communities across our state and country healthy,Senator Hirono said. Access to affordable primary health care is incredibly vital for all people - especially now during the pandemic. All people deserve safe and dependable access to health care, regardless of their ability to pay. West Hawaii Community Health Center is proud to serve our community, providing essential medical, dental and behavioral health care services in-person, and via telehealth, for our community. Keeping our patients and our community safe during this pandemic is our number one priority. This award helps make these crucial services available for the people of West Hawaii,Richard Taaffe, CEO of West Hawaii Community Health Center said. This funding is part of a continuing grant for the calendar year 2021. Health centers may use this funding for a variety of projects, including the expansion of primary health care access to new health centers and sites, additional services, improving information technology, and boosting services for emerging public health concerns like COVID-19 prevention, response, testing, and recovery. Senator Hirono has been a steadfast champion for community health centers. She has repeatedly called on her colleagues to provide additional emergency funding for CHCs to respond to COVID-19. Senator Hirono each year supports funding for community health centers through the Health Centers Program during the annual appropriations process, and she has advocated for long-term reauthorization of the Community Health Center Fund. In April, Senator Hironoannouncedover $10 million in new funding for Hawaii CHCs from the CARES Act to respond to, prevent, diagnose, and treat COVID-19, including more than $780,000 for West Hawaii CHC. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/-following-calls-for-reform-from-schatz-key-provision-to-begin-improving-1033-program-included-in-ndaa,"Following Calls For Reform From Schatz, Key Provision To Begin Improving 1033 Program Included In NDAA",2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Following Calls For Reform From Schatz, Key Provision To Begin Improving 1033 Program Included In NDAA Schatz Forced Bipartisan Vote On Amendments To Reform 1033 Program Despite Republican Objections; NDAA Expected To Pass Congress And Be Signed Into Law In Coming Weeks Thursday, December 3, 2020 WASHINGTON Bipartisan congressional leaders today announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes key reforms to the Department of Defense's 1033 program, which authorizes the federal transfer of military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. The adoption of the provision follows legislation and calls from U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) to stop police militarization and reform the 1033 program. Schatz first introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the program in May 2015. These reforms will help take weapons of war including bayonets and grenades out of our communities, said Senator Schatz. This is an essential step forward in demilitarizing our police departments. Senator Schatz forced a series of votes on the Senate floor in July during its consideration of the annual defense authorization bill. The final provision will restrict the transfer of bayonets, grenades, weaponized track combat vehicles, and weaponized drones. It will also require law enforcement agencies that receive 1033 equipment to certify that their police officers receive annual training on respect for the rights of citizens under the Constitution and de-escalation of force. Reports have shown that police militarization fails to reduce rates of violent crime or change the number of officers assaulted or killed. Instead, arming police departments with military equipment has led to an increase in officer-involved shootings and civilian deaths. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-improve-the-way-the-public-receives-emergency-alerts-set-to-become-law,Schatz Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Emergency Alerts Set To Become Law,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Emergency Alerts Set To Become Law Included In NDAA, READI Act Expected To Easily Pass Congress And Be Signed Into Law; Three Additional Bipartisan Schatz Provisions To Create A Nationwide AMBER Alert System, Encourage And Plan For Growth Of Internet-Connect Devices, And Confront Deepfake Videos Included In Must-Pass NDAA Thursday, December 3, 2020 WASHINGTON Bipartisan congressional negotiators released details of the annual must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and John Thune (R-S.D.), will ensure more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions, and radios, explore new ways of alerting the public through online video and audio streaming services, track and study false alerts when they occur, and improve the way states plan for emergency alerts. When a missile alert went out across Hawaii in 2018, some people never got the message on their phones, while others missed it on their TVs and radios. Even though it was a false alarm, the missile alert highlighted real ways we can improve the way people get emergency alerts, said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee. Our bill, which will soon become law, fixes some of these issues and will help make sure that in an emergency, the public gets the right information on their phones, TVs, radios, and computers as quickly as possible. The Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts System ensure that the public is quickly informed about emergency alerts issued by federal, state, tribal, and local governments and delivered over the radio, television, and mobile wireless devices. These announcements keep the public safe and informed and have ever-increasing importance in the wake of the emergencies and disasters Americans faced throughout 2020. FEMA administers the platform government agencies use to originate alerts, while the FCC oversees the systems used to distribute the alerts over broadcast and mobile wireless networks. The READI Act will: Ensure more people receive emergency alerts by eliminating the option to opt out of receiving certain federal alerts, including missile alerts, on mobile phones; Require active alerts issued by the President or FEMA to be repeated. Currently, alerts on TV or radio may only be played once; Explore updating the system to offer emergency alerts over the internet, including to audio and video online streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify; Encourage State Emergency Communications Committees to periodically review and update their State Emergency Alert System Plans, which are often out of date; and Establish a reporting system for false alerts so the FCC can track when they occur and examine their causes. In addition to the READI Act, three bipartisan Schatz-led provisions were also included in the NDAA. They include: The AMBER Alert Nationwide Act, which will expand the AMBER Alert system to include all U.S. territories; The DIGIT Act, which will encourage and plan for the growth of internet-connect devices, known as the Internet of Things; and The Deepfake Report Act, which will confront the rising threat of disinformation and deepfakes. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-funding-extension-for-hawaii-national-guards-covid-19-response-operations,Schatz Statement On Funding Extension For Hawaii National Guards COVID-19 Response Operations,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Statement On Funding Extension For Hawaii National Guard's COVID-19 Response Operations Thursday, December 3, 2020 HONOLULU Following a letter sent by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Hawaii's congressional delegation, President Trump approved authorization and funding to extend the use of the Hawaii National Guard in a federal status, known as Title 32, in support of the state's COVID-19 response operations. This extension means our soldiers and airmen who are performing essential missions, including contact tracing and food and medical supply distribution, can continue their work without interruption, said Senator Schatz. In addition to contact tracing and food and supply distribution, the Hawaii National Guard is expected to play a key role in supporting the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to the public. The authorization and funding extension runs through March 31, 2021. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-following-calls-for-reform-from-schatz-key-provision-to-begin-improving-1033-program-included-in-ndaa,"Following Calls For Reform From Schatz, Key Provision To Begin Improving 1033 Program Included In NDAA",2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Bipartisan congressional leaders today announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes key reforms to the Department of Defense’s 1033 program, which authorizes the federal transfer of military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. The adoption of the provision follows legislation and calls from U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) to stop police militarization and reform the 1033 program. Schatz first introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the program in May 2015. “These reforms will help take weapons of war – including bayonets and grenades – out of our communities,” said Senator Schatz. “This is an essential step forward in demilitarizing our police departments.” Senator Schatz forced a series of votes on the Senate floor in July during its consideration of the annual defense authorization bill. The final provision will restrict the transfer of bayonets, grenades, weaponized track combat vehicles, and weaponized drones. It will also require law enforcement agencies that receive 1033 equipment to certify that their police officers receive annual training on respect for the rights of citizens under the Constitution and de-escalation of force. Reports have shown that police militarization fails to reduce rates of violent crime or change the number of officers assaulted or killed. Instead, arming police departments with military equipment has led to an increase in officer-involved shootings and civilian deaths. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-legislation-to-improve-the-way-the-public-receives-emergency-alerts-set-to-become-law,Schatz Legislation To Improve The Way The Public Receives Emergency Alerts Set To Become Law,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Bipartisan congressional negotiators released details of the annual must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and John Thune (R-S.D.), will ensure more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions, and radios, explore new ways of alerting the public through online video and audio streaming services, track and study false alerts when they occur, and improve the way states plan for emergency alerts. “When a missile alert went out across Hawai‘i in 2018, some people never got the message on their phones, while others missed it on their TVs and radios. Even though it was a false alarm, the missile alert highlighted real ways we can improve the way people get emergency alerts,” said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee. “Our bill, which will soon become law, fixes some of these issues and will help make sure that in an emergency, the public gets the right information – on their phones, TVs, radios, and computers – as quickly as possible.” The Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts System ensure that the public is quickly informed about emergency alerts issued by federal, state, tribal, and local governments and delivered over the radio, television, and mobile wireless devices. These announcements keep the public safe and informed and have ever-increasing importance in the wake of the emergencies and disasters Americans faced throughout 2020. FEMA administers the platform government agencies use to originate alerts, while the FCC oversees the systems used to distribute the alerts over broadcast and mobile wireless networks. The READI Act will: Ensure more people receive emergency alerts by eliminating the option to opt out of receiving certain federal alerts, including missile alerts, on mobile phones; Require active alerts issued by the President or FEMA to be repeated. Currently, alerts on TV or radio may only be played once; Explore updating the system to offer emergency alerts over the internet, including to audio and video online streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify; Encourage State Emergency Communications Committees to periodically review and update their State Emergency Alert System Plans, which are often out of date; and Establish a reporting system for false alerts so the FCC can track when they occur and examine their causes. In addition to the READI Act, three bipartisan Schatz-led provisions were also included in the NDAA. They include: The AMBER Alert Nationwide Act, which will expand the AMBER Alert system to include all U.S. territories; The DIGIT Act, which will encourage and plan for the growth of internet-connect devices, known as the Internet of Things; and The Deepfake Report Act, which will confront the rising threat of disinformation and deepfakes. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-funding-extension-for-hawaii-national-guards-covid-19-response-operations,Schatz Statement On Funding Extension For Hawai‘i National Guard’s COVID-19 Response Operations,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – Following a letter sent by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation, President Trump approved authorization and funding to extend the use of the Hawai‘i National Guard in a federal status, known as Title 32, in support of the state’s COVID-19 response operations. “This extension means our soldiers and airmen who are performing essential missions, including contact tracing and food and medical supply distribution, can continue their work without interruption,” said Senator Schatz. In addition to contact tracing and food and supply distribution, the Hawai‘i National Guard is expected to play a key role in supporting the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to the public. The authorization and funding extension runs through March 31, 2021. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-urges-ige-to-maintain-expanded-covid-19-contact-tracing-program-calls-for-plan-to-continue-funding-operating-program,"Schatz Urges Ige To Maintain Expanded COVID-19 Contact Tracing Program, Calls For Plan To Continue Funding, Operating Program",2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Urges Ige To Maintain Expanded COVID-19 Contact Tracing Program, Calls For Plan To Continue Funding, Operating Program Tuesday, December 1, 2020 HONOLULU U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today called on Governor David Ige to maintain Hawaii's expanded COVID-19 contact tracing program. With some federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act set to expire at the end of the year, Schatz urged Ige to utilize other sources of funding to ensure the contact tracing program remains fully operational. I am alarmed that there does not seem to be a plan yet for how to fully fund the contact tracing program after December 30. I urge you to maintain the expanded contact tracing program beyond the end of the year and to utilize all available resources to do so. Now is not the time to let our foot off the pedalwe must do all we can to keep the number of new cases low and protect the health of the residents of Hawai?i, Senator Schatz wrote in a letter to the governor. The full text of the letter follows and is available here. Dear Governor Ige: Contact tracing is an important component of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. As you know, I was frustrated with the Department of Health's (DOH's) initial reluctance to implement a robust contact tracing program, but I have been encouraged by the ramp-up of hiring and efforts to improve the efficiency of the program in recent months. However, I am writing with concerns about the future of the contact tracing program. I understand that federal funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, has supported the increase in contact tracing staff. The CRF can only be used for costs incurred until December 30, 2020, and I am alarmed that there does not seem to be a plan yet for how to fully fund the contact tracing program after December 30. I urge you to maintain the expanded contact tracing program beyond the end of the year and to utilize all available resources to do so. Now is not the time to let our foot off the pedalwe must do all we can to keep the number of new cases low and protect the health of the residents of Hawai?i. To better understand the status of the contact tracing program, I also request answers as soon as possible to the following questions: Is DOH planning to maintain the current number of contact tracers beyond the end of the year? If not, why not? I understand that DOH has adjusted its approach to contact tracing to maximize efficiency, including contact tracing by priority groups. What are the specifics of the priority groups, and how does this approach ensure effective tracing of community transmission? Beyond the CRF, what funding sources has DOH used for the contact tracing program? How has DOH utilized the $50,283,598 provided by the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act for contact tracing, testing, and other activities? What portion of these funds is still available, and will DOH use any remaining funds for contact tracing? What additional funding sources are available to support the contact tracing program? Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your hard work during this extremely challenging time. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-urges-ige-to-maintain-expanded-covid-19-contact-tracing-program-calls-for-plan-to-continue-funding-operating-program,"Schatz Urges Ige To Maintain Expanded COVID-19 Contact Tracing Program, Calls For Plan To Continue Funding, Operating Program",2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today called on Governor David Ige to maintain Hawai‘i’s expanded COVID-19 contact tracing program. With some federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act set to expire at the end of the year, Schatz urged Ige to utilize other sources of funding to ensure the contact tracing program remains fully operational. “I am alarmed that there does not seem to be a plan yet for how to fully fund the contact tracing program after December 30. I urge you to maintain the expanded contact tracing program beyond the end of the year and to utilize all available resources to do so. Now is not the time to let our foot off the pedal—we must do all we can to keep the number of new cases low and protect the health of the residents of Hawai‘i,” Senator Schatz wrote in a letter to the governor. The full text of the letter follows and is available here. Dear Governor Ige: Contact tracing is an important component of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. As you know, I was frustrated with the Department of Health’s (DOH’s) initial reluctance to implement a robust contact tracing program, but I have been encouraged by the ramp-up of hiring and efforts to improve the efficiency of the program in recent months. However, I am writing with concerns about the future of the contact tracing program. I understand that federal funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, has supported the increase in contact tracing staff. The CRF can only be used for costs incurred until December 30, 2020, and I am alarmed that there does not seem to be a plan yet for how to fully fund the contact tracing program after December 30. I urge you to maintain the expanded contact tracing program beyond the end of the year and to utilize all available resources to do so. Now is not the time to let our foot off the pedal—we must do all we can to keep the number of new cases low and protect the health of the residents of Hawai?i. To better understand the status of the contact tracing program, I also request answers as soon as possible to the following questions: Is DOH planning to maintain the current number of contact tracers beyond the end of the year? If not, why not? I understand that DOH has adjusted its approach to contact tracing to maximize efficiency, including contact tracing by priority groups. What are the specifics of the priority groups, and how does this approach ensure effective tracing of community transmission? Beyond the CRF, what funding sources has DOH used for the contact tracing program? How has DOH utilized the $50,283,598 provided by the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act for contact tracing, testing, and other activities? What portion of these funds is still available, and will DOH use any remaining funds for contact tracing? What additional funding sources are available to support the contact tracing program? Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your hard work during this extremely challenging time. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-the-nomination-of-neera-tanden-to-serve-as-director-of-the-office-of-management-and-budget,Hirono Statement on the Nomination of Neera Tanden to Serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget,2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 30, 2020 Hirono Statement on the Nomination of Neera Tanden to Serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) issuing the following statement after President-elect Joe Biden announced the nomination of Neera Tanden to serve as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget: President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris have committed to building an administration of highly-qualified individuals that reflect the diversity of our country. They continued to make good on this promise by nominating a groundbreaking economic team including Neera Tanden who, if confirmed, would be the first woman of color and first South Asian American to serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Neera is a highly qualified nominee whose professional and lived experience makes her an accomplished choice to lead OMB. As someone who relied on food stamps and public housing growing up, Neera understands the transformational role and responsibility of government programs to help individuals and families across our country. I'm confident that she will focus on and support policies that address widespread inequality and promote economic opportunity for working families as OMB Director. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-demands-state-department-justify-removal-group-terrorist-list,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Demands State Department Justify Removal of Group from Terrorist List,2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo requesting evidence regarding the State Department's decision to remove the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) from its list of designated terrorist organizations. ETIM has a history of engaging in multiple terrorist activities targeting Americans, undermining security and stability in Central Asia, and has deep connections to Al-Qaida and the Taliban. Reports indicate ETIM is responsible for attacks in China ranging from mass stabbings to targeting the 2008 Beijing Olympics. These are a few examples that have warranted its placement on the State Department's list of designated terrorist organizations,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The State Department's quiet removal of this organization from the list of designated terrorist organizations without providing evidence to Congress to justify why they no longer view ETIM as a threat to the U.S., what to speak of evidence proving that this group is no longer affiliated with Al-Qaida, presents a serious national security concern. The American people and Congress deserve the facts and an explanation about how this action best serves the safety and security of our nation. Background: Independent experts such as Rohan Gunaratna, the former Head of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR) at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and Raffaello Pantucci, a senior associate fellow with the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies in London, as well as other terrorism experts, still consider ETIM to be a security threat that should not be removed from the designated terrorist list. About Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for over 17 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major in the Army Reserves. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard... Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-calls-on-president-to-extend-funding-for-hawaii-national-guards-covid-19-response-operations,Hawaii Delegation Calls On President To Extend Funding For Hawaii National Guards COVID-19 Response Operations,2020-11-25,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hawaii Delegation Calls On President To Extend Funding For Hawaii National Guard's COVID-19 Response Operations National Guard COVID-19 Operations Include Contact Tracing, Food And Medical Supply Distribution Wednesday, November 25, 2020 HONOLULU U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) and Ed Case (D-Hawaii) today called on President Trump to approve Governor David Ige's request to extend authorization and funding for Hawaii National Guard's COVID-19 response operations. These brave soldiers and airmen are performing essential missions, such as contact tracing, operating mobile swab teams, delivering health education to at-risk communities, screening travelers, and supporting food and medical supply distribution. We also anticipate that the Hawaii National Guard will be instrumental in supporting the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to the public, the delegation wrote in their letter to the president. Your approval of this extension will give the Federal Emergency Management Agency the authority to amend the current mission assignment and release needed resources to the State of Hawaii as we continue to work to combat this virus and protect the public. The full text of the letter is below and is available here. Dear Mr. President: We respectfully ask that you expeditiously approve Governor David Ige's October 26, 2020, request to extend the authorization and funding under 502(f)(2)(A) of Title 32, U.S. Code for Hawaii's COVID-19 response operations. An extension of this authorization and funding through March 31, 2021, is critical to the public health and safety of Hawaii. We also urge you to restore the 100 percent federal cost share for these missions. The Governor's request would allow the Hawaii National Guard to continue critical and timely support across the State of Hawaii that is essential to helping the public remain safe during the pandemic. These brave soldiers and airmen are performing essential missions, such as contact tracing, operating mobile swab teams, delivering health education to at-risk communities, screening travelers, and supporting food and medical supply distribution. We also anticipate that the Hawaii National Guard will be instrumental in supporting the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to the public. It is critical that we avoid any disruption to the Hawaii National Guard's COVID-19 response operations. Any lapse in the authorization and funding under Title 32 would be detrimental to our pandemic response and long-term economic recovery. Your approval of this extension will give the Federal Emergency Management Agency the authority to amend the current mission assignment and release needed resources to the State of Hawaii as we continue to work to combat this virus and protect the public. We appreciate your attention to this request and your support of the Hawaii National Guard's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-calls-on-president-to-extend-funding-for-hawaii-national-guards-covid-19-response-operations,Hawai‘i Delegation Calls On President To Extend Funding For Hawai‘i National Guard’s COVID-19 Response Operations,2020-11-25,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawai‘i) and Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) today called on President Trump to approve Governor David Ige’s request to extend authorization and funding for Hawai‘i National Guard’s COVID-19 response operations. “These brave soldiers and airmen are performing essential missions, such as contact tracing, operating mobile swab teams, delivering health education to at-risk communities, screening travelers, and supporting food and medical supply distribution. We also anticipate that the Hawai‘i National Guard will be instrumental in supporting the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to the public,” the delegation wrote in their letter to the president. “Your approval of this extension will give the Federal Emergency Management Agency the authority to amend the current mission assignment and release needed resources to the State of Hawai‘i as we continue to work to combat this virus and protect the public.” The full text of the letter is below and is available here. Dear Mr. President: We respectfully ask that you expeditiously approve Governor David Ige’s October 26, 2020, request to extend the authorization and funding under 502(f)(2)(A) of Title 32, U.S. Code for Hawai‘i’s COVID-19 response operations. An extension of this authorization and funding through March 31, 2021, is critical to the public health and safety of Hawai‘i. We also urge you to restore the 100 percent federal cost share for these missions. The Governor’s request would allow the Hawai‘i National Guard to continue critical and timely support across the State of Hawai‘i that is essential to helping the public remain safe during the pandemic. These brave soldiers and airmen are performing essential missions, such as contact tracing, operating mobile swab teams, delivering health education to at-risk communities, screening travelers, and supporting food and medical supply distribution. We also anticipate that the Hawai‘i National Guard will be instrumental in supporting the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to the public. It is critical that we avoid any disruption to the Hawai‘i National Guard’s COVID-19 response operations. Any lapse in the authorization and funding under Title 32 would be detrimental to our pandemic response and long-term economic recovery. Your approval of this extension will give the Federal Emergency Management Agency the authority to amend the current mission assignment and release needed resources to the State of Hawai‘i as we continue to work to combat this virus and protect the public. We appreciate your attention to this request and your support of the Hawai‘i National Guard’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/kauai-set-to-receive-more-than-350000-to-help-renters-who-lost-income-due-to-pandemic,"Kauai Set To Receive More Than $350,000 To Help Renters Who Lost Income Due To Pandemic",2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Kauai Set To Receive More Than $350,000 To Help Renters Who Lost Income Due To Pandemic Tuesday, November 24, 2020 HONOLULU Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announced that the Kauai County Housing Agency will receive $352,924 in federal funding to support the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. These funds will help support rental assistance programs for current voucher holders who lost their job or saw a significant reduction in income due to the pandemic. This federal grant will help those who have lost their job or had their hours cut make rent, said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. During this tough time, we'll keep working to deliver more relief to help both renters and landlords avoid falling into debt. The HCV program helps very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Approximately 700 households rely on Section 8 housing on Kauai. Before the pandemic, HCV voucher holders were required to pay 30 percent of their income towards rent, and the voucher covered the difference. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, tenants affected by the pandemic can pay less than 30 percent toward rent and this new funding for the HCV program will offset the difference. This grant follows the $1.8 million the state of Hawaii received to support the HCV program earlier this month. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-22-million-in-federal-funding-headed-to-hawaii-island-to-repair-old-mamalahoa-highway-after-damage-from-hurricane-lane,Schatz: $2.2 Million In Federal Funding Headed To Hawaii Island To Repair Old Mamalahoa Highway After Damage From Hurricane Lane,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz: $2.2 Million In Federal Funding Headed To Hawaii Island To Repair Old Mamalahoa Highway After Damage From Hurricane Lane Tuesday, November 24, 2020 HONOLULU U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today announced that Hawaii County will receive $2,246,668.50 in new federal funding to repair Old Mamalahoa Highway after severe flood damage from Hurricane Lane in 2018. This new grant will help us build guard rails and other improvements on Old Mamalahoa Highway after damage from Hurricane Lane. That way, we can keep the road open even after heavy storms and help Big Island families travel safely,said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.""As we continue to recover from the natural disasters of 2018, I'll keep fighting for more federal resources for our state."" This new federal grant came from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding will restore the damaged section of the highwayto its pre-disaster condition. To date, Hawaii has received more than $12 million to recover from Hurricane Lane and a half a billion dollars in total federal relief funding to recover from the 2018 natural disasters. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/kauai-set-to-receive-more-than-350000-to-help-renters-who-lost-income-due-to-pandemic,"Kauai Set To Receive More Than $350,000 To Help Renters Who Lost Income Due To Pandemic",2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the Kauai County Housing Agency will receive $352,924 in federal funding to support the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. These funds will help support rental assistance programs for current voucher holders who lost their job or saw a significant reduction in income due to the pandemic. “This federal grant will help those who have lost their job or had their hours cut make rent,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “During this tough time, we’ll keep working to deliver more relief to help both renters and landlords avoid falling into debt.” The HCV program helps very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Approximately 700 households rely on Section 8 housing on Kauai. Before the pandemic, HCV voucher holders were required to pay 30 percent of their income towards rent, and the voucher covered the difference. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, tenants affected by the pandemic can pay less than 30 percent toward rent and this new funding for the HCV program will offset the difference. This grant follows the $1.8 million the state of Hawai‘i received to support the HCV program earlier this month. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-22-million-in-federal-funding-headed-to-hawaii-island-to-repair-old-mamalahoa-highway-after-damage-from-hurricane-lane,Schatz: $2.2 Million In Federal Funding Headed To Hawai‘i Island To Repair Old Mamalahoa Highway After Damage From Hurricane Lane,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU — U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that Hawai‘i County will receive $2,246,668.50 in new federal funding to repair Old Mamalahoa Highway after severe flood damage from Hurricane Lane in 2018. “This new grant will help us build guard rails and other improvements on Old Mamalahoa Highway after damage from Hurricane Lane. That way, we can keep the road open even after heavy storms and help Big Island families travel safely,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. ""As we continue to recover from the natural disasters of 2018, I'll keep fighting for more federal resources for our state."" This new federal grant came from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding will restore the damaged section of the highway to its pre-disaster condition. To date, Hawai‘i has received more than $12 million to recover from Hurricane Lane and a half a billion dollars in total federal relief funding to recover from the 2018 natural disasters. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-the-nomination-of-alejandro-mayorkas-to-be-secretary-of-homeland-security,Hirono Statement on the Nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas to be Secretary of Homeland Security,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 23, 2020 Hirono Statement on the Nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas to be Secretary of Homeland Security HONOLULU Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement after President-elect Joe Biden announced he selected Alejandro Mayorkas to serve as the next Secretary of Homeland Security: Today, President-elect Biden made a historic decision in selecting Alejandro Mayorkas to serve as the next Secretary of Homeland Security. The first Latino and immigrant nominated to serve in this role, Mr. Mayorkas will bring critical experience and perspective to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at a time when we need to fix our broken immigration system, undo the damage of the Trump Administration's cruel and inhumane anti-immigrant policies, and protect our nation from myriad threats in a manner consistent with our values. Our next DHS Secretary will face considerable challenges, and I am confident Mr. Mayorkas is the right person to restore America's core values as a nation of immigrants, reuniting families instead of tearing them apart, and keeping our country safe. I collaborated with Mr. Mayorkas during his previous tenure at DHS to expand federal support for growing Hawaii's visitor industry, and I look forward to working with him again as our state looks to recover from the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/honolulu-set-to-receive-nearly-18-million-to-repair-2018-flood-damage-to-wailupe-stream-boulder-basin,Honolulu Set To Receive Nearly $1.8 Million To Repair 2018 Flood Damage To Wailupe Stream Boulder Basin,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu Set To Receive Nearly $1.8 Million To Repair 2018 Flood Damage To Wailupe Stream Boulder Basin Monday, November 23, 2020 HONOLULU Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announced that the county of Honolulu will receive $1,766,053.50 to repair damage to the Wailupe Stream Boulder Basin resulting from severe flooding and landslides inApril2018. We need to do everything we can toprotect our families and our homes from devastating floods. These new federal funds will help by restoring the Wailupe Stream Boulder Basin to full strength,"" said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. As we continue to recover from the natural disasters in 2018, I will keep fighting for more federal resources at every opportunity. This new federal grant came from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding will not only restore the basin to its pre-disaster condition, but will cover additional improvements to prevent similar damage from severe weather in the future. To date, Hawaii has received more than a half a billion dollars in federal relief funding to help the state recover from the 2018 natural disasters. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/honolulu-set-to-receive-nearly-18-million-to-repair-2018-flood-damage-to-wailupe-stream-boulder-basin,Honolulu Set To Receive Nearly $1.8 Million To Repair 2018 Flood Damage To Wailupe Stream Boulder Basin,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"HONOLULU — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the county of Honolulu will receive $1,766,053.50 to repair damage to the Wailupe Stream Boulder Basin resulting from severe flooding and landslides in April 2018. “We need to do everything we can to protect our families and our homes from devastating floods. These new federal funds will help by restoring the Wailupe Stream Boulder Basin to full strength,"" said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “As we continue to recover from the natural disasters in 2018, I will keep fighting for more federal resources at every opportunity.” This new federal grant came from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding will not only restore the basin to its pre-disaster condition, but will cover additional improvements to prevent similar damage from severe weather in the future. To date, Hawai‘i has received more than a half a billion dollars in federal relief funding to help the state recover from the 2018 natural disasters. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/videos/view/senator-hirono-questions-tech-executives-on-anti-conservative-bias-and-labeling-social-media-posts,Senator Hirono Questions Tech Executives on Anti-Conservative Bias and Labeling Social Media Posts,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Hirono Questions Tech Executives on Anti-Conservative Bias and Labeling Social Media Posts Connect with Senator Mazie Hirono Online: Visit Senator Mazie Hirono's WEBSITE: https://sen.gov/Z7ZK Like Senator Mazie Hirono on FACEBOOK: https://sen.gov/W7WW Follow Senator Mazie Hirono on TWITTER: https://sen.gov/X5X0",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-introduces-bill-to-permanently-establish-servicemembers-and-veterans-initiative-in-justice-departments-civil-rights-division,Hirono Introduces Bill to Permanently Establish Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative in Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 19, 2020 Hirono Introduces Bill to Permanently Establish Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative in Justice Department's Civil Rights Division WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced S. 4915, the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020, to permanently establish the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative (SVI) within the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ). In 2015, DOJ announced the creation of the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative. The SVI coordinated and expanded the Department's efforts to enforce the statutes created to protect the rights and legal interests of the men and women serving in the armed forces and their families. The Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020 supports the critical work of the existing SVI by updating and formalizing the SVI's mandate. The legislation specifies that the SVI serves as legal and policy advisor to the Attorney General on enforcing federal laws that protect servicemembers and veterans, serves as the liaison between DOJ and the military departments, and serves as a liaison with the Criminal Division to coordinate the prosecution of fraud that targets servicemembers and their families. Our servicemembers, veterans, and their families in Hawaii and across our country make significant sacrifices to safeguard our freedoms. We owe it to them to make sure that our government protects their rights and legal interests during their deployment, while they transition back home, and as they settle into their civilian lives. The Servicemembers and Veterans Act of 2020 recognizes and supports DOJ's important work to defend the rights of those who protect our country,Senator Hirono said. Since its creation, the SVI has worked with the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Judge Advocate General offices at military installations to bring successful claims on behalf of servicemembers, veterans, and their families. In 2018, through the work of the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative, DOJ reached a settlement with the City and County of Honolulu and its contracted towing company for illegally auctioning cars owned by servicemembers on deployment. This legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Veronica Escobar (D-Tex.) and Van Taylor (R-Tex.). Our veterans and military families have served our country and defended the freedoms we enjoy each day. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice and must work tirelessly to protect them,said Congresswoman Escobar.The Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020 would make it easier for the Department of Justice to coordinate with the Department of Defense to ensure that their needs are met and that they are protected from abuses such as fraud and predatory lending. I am proud to lead this legislation in the House and look forward to working with Senator Hirono to advance this crucial piece of legislation. ""PVA thanks Senator Hirono for her efforts to protect the rights of veterans, servicemembers, and their families through introduction of the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020,said Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Associate Executive Director for Government Relations Heather Ansley.Passage of this legislation would ensure that the Department of Justice maintains a permanent, dedicated focus on those who have served their nation in uniform when developing policy and enforcing laws that protect them. Many veterans, service members, and their families are entitled to vital employment, financial, and voting protections in recognition of their service and sacrifice but these rights often go unrecognized,said Justin Hauschild, Legal Fellow with Student Veterans of America (SVA).SVA supports the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020, which cements an initiative within the Department of Justice to specifically protect these legal rights, and we applaud Senator Hirono for introducing this important legislation. This bill has been endorsed by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans Education Success, and Student Veterans of America. The bill text of the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act is availablehere. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-more-than-2-million-in-federal-grants-to-hawaii-in-national-coastal-resilience-fund-awards,Hirono Announces More Than $2 Million in Federal Grants to Hawaii in National Coastal Resilience Fund Awards,2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 18, 2020 Hirono Announces More Than $2 Million in Federal Grants to Hawaii in National Coastal Resilience Fund Awards WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced that Hawaii will receive more than $2 million in federal grant funds from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 2020 National Coastal Resilience Fund. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Forestry and Wildlife received $1,861,422 to build community resiliency by restoring native ecosystems and constructing strategic firebreaks on Molokai. The University of Hawaii at Manoa received $337,037 to create a living shoreline project in American Samoa that will protect critical infrastructure, improve water quality by increasing filtration, and enhance biodiversity. Hanalei Watershed Hui received $250,000 to address flooding in Hanalei Basin and to begin designing mitigation strategies on Kauai. Island communities in Hawaii and the Pacific region continue to experience more frequent and extreme weather events due to climate change. Investments in natural infrastructure are critical in helping to mitigate adverse impacts from climate change. This funding will contribute to increased resiliency across the islands by helping communities protect our eroding shorelines, conserve our coastal and marine ecosystems, mitigate wildfires, and preserve our biodiversity,Senator Hirono said. Senator Hirono has consistently supported funding for the National Coastal Resilience Fund and is a longtime champion for directing federal resources to help protect Hawaii's unique biodiversity. She has introduced a variety of bills to support biodiversity, includingS. 2384, the Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act,S. 3117, the Extinction Prevention Act,S. 2429, the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2019, andS. 1922, the Coral Sustainability Through Innovation Act of 2019. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-nearly-1-million-headed-to-hawaii-to-increase-covid-19-testing-for-pacific-islander-communities,Schatz: Nearly $1 Million Headed To Hawaii To Increase COVID-19 Testing For Pacific Islander Communities,2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz: Nearly $1 Million Headed To Hawaii To Increase COVID-19 Testing For Pacific Islander Communities New Federal Funding Will Help Address Disproportionately High Infection Rates Among Pacific Islanders Wednesday, November 18, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) today announced that the University of Hawaii(UH)at Manoa will receive $958,613 from the National Institutes of Health to increase the reach, access and uptake of COVID-19 testing amongPacific Islander communities in Hawaii and Guam. This grant will fund the Puipuia le Ola project, whichimproves testingoutreach toPacific Islanders throughculturallyand linguistically appropriate community engagement. ""We need to do more to fightoutbreaks in Pacific Islander communities. By ramping up testing and supporting the targeted outreach efforts of local agencies on the ground, we can help stop the spread of the virus,said Senator Schatz, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.There's still more work to do, but this federal grant is a good start. According to the Hawaii Department of Health, Pacific Islanders account for28 percent of COVID-19 infections, despite being just 4 percent of the state's population.Public health experts agree that increasing testing will help stop community spread of the virus, which will lead to fewer infections and deaths. ThePuipuia le Olaproject is a partnership between UH Manoa, University of Guam, Kalihi-Palama Health Center, the Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander COVID-19 Response, Recovery, Resilience Team (COVID 3R), HawaiiPublic Housing Authority, Hawaii Affordable Housing, Inc., American Samoa Government, and multiple community-based organizations. Since the start of the pandemic,Hawaii has received tens of millions in federal fundingfor coronavirus testing and other public health strategies to stop the spread. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-commends-passage-her-bill-crucial-emergency-alert-systems,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Commends Passage of Her Bill Crucial to Emergency Alert Systems Readiness,2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCYesterday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) hailed the House passage of H.R.6096, the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act. It was passed by voice vote and now goes to the Senate for consideration. She re-introduced the bill in March this year along with Reps. McNerney (CA-09), Bilirakis (FL-12), and Olson (TX-22). The January 2018 false missile alert crisis we endured in Hawaii revealed deep vulnerabilities within our warning system infrastructure. Given our location as a state and the threats we are exposed to, our warning system must be current, functional, and able to communicate accurate information to people across all available platforms. The READI Act requires states to keep their Emergency Alert System Plans tested and up to date, and it requires the FCC to create best practices for state and local governments,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. It ensures more people are reached by removing the opt-out feature for emergency alerts on mobile phones and brings us into the 21st Century by meeting consumers in new digital spaces like online streaming services. The READI Act has bipartisan, bicameral support and was included in the Senate version of the 2021 national defense authorization bill earlier this year. There are efforts to include the bill in the final version of the annual defense bill, which is being considered by Congress this month. Background:H.R.6096, the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement Act (READI Act) would: Require State Emergency Communications Committees to periodically review and update their State Emergency Alert System (EAS) Plans, which are often out of date. Direct Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide guidance to state, tribal, and local governments on issuing alerts (including the initiation, modification, and cancellation of alerts) and on training and certification of alerting officials, among other things. Ensure that more people receive emergency alerts by eliminating the option to opt out of receiving certain federal alerts on mobile phones. Require active alerts issued by the President or FEMA to be repeated. Currently alerts on TV or radio may only be played once. Explore the feasibility of providing emergency alerts to the public through online audio and video streaming services. In the 115th Congress, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and former Rep. Colleen Hanabusa introduced the READI Act and urged Congress to pass the bill. Earlier that year, an emergency alert indicating an inbound, ballistic missile threat later determined to be false alarm raised concerns across the state and Rep. Gabbard's swift response called for accountability as well as renewed diplomatic efforts to address the nuclear threat by North Korea. In the aftermath of the missile threat false alert, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced several related measures including: The Civil Defense Accountability Act of 2018 (H.R. 4949) that would improve accountability by ensuring transparent investigations and disclosure into the incident and establish best practices to strengthen state and national preparedness and disaster communications plans, among other measures. The Authenticating Local Emergencies and Real Threats (ALERT) Act of 2018 (H.R. 4965) would improve the emergency alert system and give the federal government the primary responsibility of alerting the public of a missile threat. About Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for over 17 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major in the Army Reserves. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard... Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-nearly-1-million-headed-to-hawaii-to-increase-covid-19-testing-for-pacific-islander-communities,Schatz: Nearly $1 Million Headed To Hawai‘i To Increase COVID-19 Testing For Pacific Islander Communities,2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,schatz,https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that the University of Hawai‘i (UH) at Manoa will receive $958,613 from the National Institutes of Health to increase the reach, access and uptake of COVID-19 testing among Pacific Islander communities in Hawai‘i and Guam. This grant will fund the Puipuia le Ola project, which improves testing outreach to Pacific Islanders through culturally and linguistically appropriate community engagement. ""We need to do more to fight outbreaks in Pacific Islander communities. By ramping up testing and supporting the targeted outreach efforts of local agencies on the ground, we can help stop the spread of the virus,” said Senator Schatz, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “There’s still more work to do, but this federal grant is a good start.” According to the Hawai‘i Department of Health, Pacific Islanders account for 28 percent of COVID-19 infections, despite being just 4 percent of the state’s population. Public health experts agree that increasing testing will help stop community spread of the virus, which will lead to fewer infections and deaths. The Puipuia le Ola project is a partnership between UH Manoa, University of Guam, Kalihi-Palama Health Center, the Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander COVID-19 Response, Recovery, Resilience Team (COVID 3R), Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority, Hawai‘i Affordable Housing, Inc., American Samoa Government, and multiple community-based organizations. Since the start of the pandemic, Hawai‘i has received tens of millions in federal funding for coronavirus testing and other public health strategies to stop the spread. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-11-senate-democrats-in-calling-for-trump-administration-to-support-nationwide-capacity-for-shipping-handling-and-distribution-of-covid-19-vaccines-requiring-ultra-cold-storage,"Hirono Leads 11 Senate Democrats in Calling for Trump Administration to Support Nationwide Capacity for Shipping, Handling, and Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines Requiring Ultra-Cold Storage",2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 17, 2020 Hirono Leads 11 Senate Democrats in Calling for Trump Administration to Support Nationwide Capacity for Shipping, Handling, and Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines Requiring Ultra-Cold Storage WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and 11 of her Senate Democratic colleagues wrote to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Robert Redfield, urging the agencies to work with state, Tribal, territorial, and local stakeholders to identify gaps in ultra-cold storage capability, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and use existing authority to prevent supply shortages. This information will be especially important in light of recent news that Pfizer/BioNTech may soon apply for Emergency Use Authorization for their COVID-19 vaccine candidate, which requires ultra-cold temperature storage capabilities that many providers currently lack. The absence of guidance and support from the federal government about how to secure cold chain integrity is a critical challenge for states working to craft and eventually implement their immunization programs. The letter asks HHS and CDC to urgently provide additional information to help ensure that stakeholders nationwide can be prepared to distribute, store, and administer ultra-cold vaccines as soon as one is approved or authorized, which could be as soon as next month. While we understand that some logistical details may be unknowable at this time given that a vaccine has yet to be granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), it is alarming that the federal government has not provided more detailed guidance or additional resources to help state, territorial, and local governments understand the most likely mechanisms for distribution or requirements and recommendations for maintaining the cold chain, funding projections, or critical risks that should be addressed,the Senators wrote.This lack of guidance has severely hindered the ability of state, Tribal, territorial, and local public health officials to develop distribution plans and of individual clinics to prepare to accept, store, handle, and administer vaccines, and to share their comprehensive plans with CDC. Additionally, unknowns around cold chain storages issues add to the already difficult task of ensuring vaccination locations can schedule vaccine clinics to administer the doses quickly while also adhering to public health protocols like social distancing. The Senators continued, writing,The time to get ahead of potential distribution issues and cold chain requirements is now. The federal government should be looking ahead to secure our supply chains and prepare to adequately transport and distribute whatever vaccine becomes available first. Communities around the country are still trying to compensate for the federal government's failure to secure adequate and sustainable supplies of personal protective equipment earlier this year and throughout the pandemic. That failure has had tragic results, and your agencies should be doing everything in your power to avoid such a fiasco with the distribution of a vaccine. In addition to Senator Hirono, Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) also signed the letter. A digital copy of the letter can be foundhere. The full text of the letter is below: Dear Secretary Azar and Dr. Redfield: We write to express concern about the lack of details regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Health and Human Services' (HHS) plans for allocation, transportation, distribution, and storage of approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines. We are especially concerned about the logistics of distributing and storing vaccines that require ultra-cold storage, particularly in rural and remote areas. The CDC's interim COVID-19 Playbook, published on September 16, 2020, provided initial guidance to state, territorial, and local public health programs and their partners for planning and operationalizing a vaccination response to COVID-19 within their jurisdictions. The Playbook also asked that states submit their distribution plans to the CDC within 30 days. According to the Playbook, it is expected that cold chain storage and handling requirements for COVID-19 vaccine products will range from refrigerated (2C to 8C) to frozen (-15 to -25C) to ultra-cold (-60C to -80C). Yet, jurisdictions were advisednotto purchase ultra-cold storage equipment at this time. The Playbook's lack of details prompted the National Governors Association (NGA) to send a list of additional questions to the agencies on October 18, 2020 covering a range of topics including funding for vaccine administration, allocation and supply chain, and communication and information requirements. Among the concerns raised by NGA is the need for more details on handling vaccines that should be stored at ultra-cold temperatures, including if states should purchase ultra-cold freezers and how the vaccines requiring ultra-cold storage can be redistributed. The NGA questions also cited a shortage of dry ice, which is currently being used to store vaccines during clinical trials, and asked about plans for redistribution of vaccines requiring ultra-cold storage. The answers received on November 5, 2020 noted that plans were still forthcoming regarding redistribution of vaccine, provided minimal details on ultra-cold storage requirements, and lacked critical details spelling out how the federal government will ensure states have the necessary equipment required for management of ultra-cold vaccines. While we understand that some logistical details may be unknowable at this time given that a vaccine has yet to be granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), it is alarming that the federal government has not provided more detailed guidance or additional resources to help state, territorial, and local governments understand the most likely mechanisms for distribution or requirements and recommendations for maintaining the cold chain, funding projections, or critical risks that should be addressed. This lack of guidance has severely hindered the ability of state, Tribal, territorial, and local public health officials to develop distribution plans and of individual clinics to prepare to accept, store, handle, and administer vaccines, and to share their comprehensive plans with CDC. Additionally, unknowns around cold chain storage issues add to the already difficult task of ensuring vaccination locations can schedule vaccine clinics to administer the doses quickly while also adhering to public health protocols like social distancing. The time to get ahead of potential distribution issues and cold chain requirements is now. The federal government should be looking ahead to secure our supply chains and prepare to adequately transport and distribute whatever vaccine becomes available first. Communities around the country are still trying to compensate for the federal government's failure to secure adequate and sustainable supplies of personal protective equipment earlier this year and throughout the pandemic. That failure has had tragic results, and your agencies should be doing everything in your power to avoid such a fiasco with the distribution of a vaccine. These concerns are not hypothetical. Several leading vaccine candidates are expected to require cold or ultra-cold storage. For example, without adequate cold chain refrigeration mechanisms, deployment of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which recently demonstrated a high level of efficacy in Phase 3 trials, would be severely limited, impacting not only the ability to transport the vaccine, but clinics' ability to store and administer the vaccine to patients as well. We understand that Pfizer has made an investment in the design of a reusable container to keep the vaccine ultra-cold for up to 10 days.While that will be helpful to ensure initial delivery, our concerns lie with what is being done to enable this cold chain to be maintained beyond that point so that shipments may be unpacked and moved in smaller lots. Neglecting to invest in additional ultra-cold transportation and storage capabilities would necessitate that an ultra-cold vaccine could only be used in certain settings with proper storage equipment, further exacerbating the disparity of the pandemic among poor, rural, and marginalized communities. Put another way, we know a vaccine is coming. We know cold storage and transport capacity are likely necessary. We know that there is insufficient capacity nationwide. Therefore, we need the federal government to be planning ahead to ensure that our delivery networks, equipment procurement, supply chains, and other logistical capacities are secure and operationalbeforethe first vaccine is ready. Without such preparation, we can expect a tragic delay that may unnecessarily cost additional loss of life. We urge the CDC and HHS to work with state, Tribal, territorial, and local stakeholders to identify gaps in ultra-cold storage capability, particularly in outlying and underserved communities, and then utilize all existing authorities to prevent shortages, including by coordinating with the Department of Defense (DoD) to leverage the Defense Production Act (DPA) to produce the supplies necessary to ensure ultra-cold storage capability. The federal government must use every tool at its disposal to guarantee the safe, timely, and effective delivery of a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is approved or authorized for use by the Food and Drug Administration. To ensure stakeholders nationwide can be prepared to distribute, store, and administer ultra-cold vaccine(s), we request responses to the following: 1)Do state vaccination plans report on the number and location of health care providers that have ultra-cold storage capabilities? a.If so, please characterize the types of provider locations that have ultra-cold storage capabilities, including the types of populations they serve (rural/urban, socioeconomic, and racial/ethnic demographic groups). b.If not, do you plan to request this information in the future? 2)Do you anticipate adequate supplies of dry ice to be able to serve nationwide demand if a vaccine requiring ultra-cold storage is authorized? a.If so, please explain your rationale. b.If not, please describe the steps your agencies will take to ensure adequate supplies. 3)Besides dry ice, what additional supplies are needed and what protocols should be implemented to maintain the cold chain (and ultra-cold chain if required) and to properly handle cold or ultra-cold vaccines? 4)What are critical risks that state, Tribal, territorial, and local health departments should plan for in advance of vaccine distribution? 5)Reports indicate that CDC has advised health departments and providers to not purchase ultra-cold freezers, though many larger hospital systems and some state health departments have still chosen to invest in this equipment. a.Please detail any guidance your agencies have provided to health care providers and state, Tribal, territorial, and local health departments about the purchase of ultra-cold freezers in preparation for vaccine distribution, particularly for storage and distribution in rural and underserved communities. b.Does CDC have confidence that rural and remote settings without access to freezers will be able to safely and efficiently distribute a vaccine that must be stored at ultra-cold temperatures? c.Please detail the agency's thinking in providing these recommendations, and any contingency planning if settings experience constraints due to a lack of freezer equipment. 6)CDC has stated it is up to the states to coordinate the distribution of smaller dose packages for more rural communities. a.Does CDC have confidence that all states will have the appropriate expertise, resources, and capacity to ensure that this occurs effectively? If so, please provide that analysis. b.Will CDC support this distribution including through resources, funding, and supplies if requested by a state, or if a state is determined to have inadequate capacity? c.Has the CDC communicated with vaccine developers, including Pfizer, about making changes to the package size of vaccine allotments, including guidance on breaking up packages or providing additional cold-storage supplies, to better support distribution to rural communities? 7)In the beginning of the pandemic, due to the federal government's lack of leadership and guidance, states began procuring their own medical equipment, like ventilators, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), creating bidding wars between states and unnecessarily driving up the costs of these items. How will the administration use the DPA and/or other authorities to ensure all communities have access to the equipment required for cold and ultra-cold chain management, including for redistribution to rural and underserved communities? We request a response addressing these concerns by no later than November 30, 2020, as well as a briefing by appropriate administration officials so that Members and staff can discuss cold chain and other distribution logistics. We look forward to your response. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z