url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-intelligence-panel-findings-nsa-overreach-support-serious,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Intelligence Panel Findings on NSA Overreach Support Serious Reform,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement in response to the findings of the President's Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technology: The findings of the President's Review Group are consistent with my call for the need to protect the personal privacy of innocent Americans, who have been unnecessarily targeted by the overreach of the National Security Agency,said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who is a co-sponsor of theUSA FREEDOM Act. This report acknowledges that surveillance reform is critical and urgent, and also builds on a U.S. district court ruling earlier this week that indicated that bulk collection of phone records is likely unconstitutional. The NSA's blatant violation of personal privacy and freedoms are extremely disturbing, and it is crucial that Congress take action on legislation like theUSA FREEDOM Actto put an end to this abuse of the constitutional rights of the American people. The full report may be downloaded here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2013-12-12_rg_final_report.pdf",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-sponsors-bill-undo-military-retiree-benefit-cuts-bipartisan,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Sponsors Bill to Undo Military Retiree Benefit Cuts in the Bipartisan Budget Act,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Announces original co-sponsorship of the Military Retirement Restoration Act Washington, DC Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today announced she will be an original co-sponsor of theMilitary Retirement Restoration Act(H.R. 3793), a bill that would repeal planned cuts to military retiree cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that were included in the Bipartisan Budget Act last week. TheMilitary Retirement Restoration Actwould replace the cuts to military retiree benefits by closing loopholes and preventing companies from avoiding U.S. taxes by abusing overseas tax havens. It is unacceptable to backpedal on the commitment we have made to our men and women in uniform who raise their hand to serve and put their lives on the line for us,said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. While it was far from perfect, the Bipartisan Budget Act was a modest step in the right direction to help us avert preventable government crises; however, we cannot pay for the agreement by short-changing our military retirees. The legislation I sponsored today would completely replace the cuts that were made to those retiree benefits, and instead closes tax loopholes for businesses that avoid paying a fair share by locating their operations overseas. TheMilitary Retirement Restoration Actwould: Repeal the provision in the Bipartisan Budget Act (Section 403) that modifies the annual cost-of-living adjustment for working-age military retirees by making the adjustments equal to inflation minus one percent. This provision, which is scheduled to go into effect in December 2015, would result in a benefit cut for working-age military retirees. The Bipartisan Budget Act modifies the annual cost-of-living adjustment for working-age military retirees by making the adjustments equal to inflation minus one percent. At age 62, the retired pay would be adjusted as if the COLA had been the full CPI adjustment in all previous years, and the service members would receive the full COLA from then on. The provision would have saved approximately $6 billion over ten years. Prevent companies from avoiding paying their fair share of U.S. taxes. The repeal would be fully offset by stopping companies incorporated offshore but managed and controlled from the United States from claiming foreign status and avoiding U.S. taxes on their foreign income. It would require these companies to be treated as U.S. domestic corporations for tax purposes. This provision and is expected to raise over $6.6 billion over ten years. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-statement-arrest-indian-diplomat,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Statement on Arrest of Indian Diplomat,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement regarding the Dec. 12 arrest of Indian Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade: Diplomats play a vital role in our ever-shrinking globalized world. And among America's partnerships, the importance of our alliance with India cannot be overstated.This is why I was disappointed to hear initial reports about the treatment of Devyani Khobragade, India's Deputy Consul General in New York. While we must ensure our laws are being followed by all those who reside in or visit our country, it is also essential that foreign diplomats in the U.S. are treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity, as we expect the same for our own diplomats abroad. Our relationship with India is deeply valued, and the progress we are making on economic, political and security issues is key in Asia and the Pacific region. I urge the State Department to work with its counterparts in India to ensure our relationship remains strong and to ensure our law enforcement agencies put appropriate protocols in place for these situations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112122/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/samoan-language-center-receives-3-year-grant-preserve-language,Samoan Language Center Receives 3-Year Grant to Preserve Language,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Honolulu, Hawaii – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) today announced that the Le Fetuao Samoan Language Center has received a three-year grant from the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) to preserve and maintain the Samoan language, including $211,639 for the first year of operations. It is the first ever award by the ANA for Samoan language preservation and maintenance in the U.S. “This is an important step and a powerful acknowledgement of the importance of the Samoan language and culture in our nation,” Hanabusa said. “While we in Hawaii are aware of the impact Pacific Island cultures have on our community, this will give Le Fetuao a chance to spread that knowledge across the U.S. I want to congratulate and thank the center for their hard work and commitment to their language and culture.” Elisapeta Tuupo-Alaimaleata, the Center’s founder and Executive Director, said the grant’s impact will go beyond just the language. “We have a strong family-oriented project that's providing learning opportunities that teach not just the language, but values in our culture.  Hawaii is such a diverse community and one thing we need is to value our cultures and languages in a humble, respectful and honorable manner. Our work under the grant will support grassroots opportunities to empower families to value education for their children in general. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of Samoan language and culture for future generations.  The objectives of the grant are to document a Samoan Language Curriculum for Hawaii and mainland, develop a Samoan language teacher certification process, and expand our site.  This is all new to our Samoan community in Hawaii, but we understand the effort is valuable. “I want to acknowledge the very valuable assistance we received from the Administration for Native Americans under the leadership of Commissioner Lillian Sparks. The ANA not only provides discretionary funding for community-based projects, but also offers free training and technical assistance through its Pacific Regional TA Provider, Ka'anani'au, LLC.  We as a Samoan language learning center and community are very grateful for all the help and assistance they provided to reach our language preservation goal.” The Le Fetuao Samoan Language Center operates free learning services to help youths and families living in Hawaii, providing free Samoan language learning sessions to all who wish to learn the language.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112156/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/final-defense-bill-includes-provisions-championed-hanabusa-heads-presidents-desk,Final Defense Bill Includes Provisions Championed by Hanabusa; Heads to President's Desk for Signature,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – The final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014 passed the Senate today and included a number of provisions championed by U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “The NDAA affirms Hawaii’s continued importance as the doorstep to Asia and the Pacific, providing for Hawaii’s needs and our nation’s defense priorities. That has always been my goal,” said Hanabusa. “The bill includes vital funding for our state’s defense projects, which means jobs, infrastructure improvements, and investment in breakthrough research and development. I am proud that the final NDAA includes provisions I had inserted in the House Armed Services Committee, and thank my staff for all their hard work during the process.” The NDAA provides the budget authority of the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. The Hanabusa provisions included in the final NDAA would:  ·         Provide $400 million for military construction in Hawaii, as well as prohibit any additional rounds of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). ·         Authorize more than $72 million in new loan guarantees for new commercial ship construction, critical for upgrading and building new shipping vessels running to and from Hawaii. ·         Limit the funding for early retirement of Ticonderoga class cruisers, two of which are homeported at Pearl Harbor and currently conducting ongoing missions in the Asia Pacific. ·         Provide the Secretary of Defense with the authority to lease real estate property for military heritage sites for a term of more than 5 years, and for an amount that is less than the fair market value of the lease interest if it serves the public interest. This language will help leverage this authority for sites like the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum in Hawaii. ·         Require a report from the Secretary of Defense outlining the different savings initiatives that have been outlined and how they coincide with the Budget Control Act. The ultimate goal is to outline a path for how these initiatives can be used to offset sequestration. ·         Require the Department of Defense to consider the strategic value of venues when determining where to hold training and conferences. It is important that certain locations in line with initiatives, like Hawaii, not be excluded from consideration for training and conferences just because of optics.  ·         Extend the authority to provide military transportation services to other federal agencies at the same rate the Department of Defense charges its own units for similar transportation. This enables public-private partnerships between TRANSCOM and other federal agencies. ·         Strengthen enforcement of a provision of the 2008 NDAA that requires that the Department of Defense eliminate unauthorized personal services contracts and contracts for the performance of inherently governmental functions, and to reduce the number of contracts for the performance of closely associated with inherently governmental functions.  ·         Provide research funding to support the development of open source unmanned aerial systems architecture. Unmanned systems control segment software currently does not integrate with the numerous software applications employed by the Services, and the Services have little incentive to procure integrated solutions.  Open source software is being demonstrated in Hawaii currently and this could help further our state’s case to be selected for future FAA test sites. ·         Direct the Office of Naval Research to consider funding initiatives that could lead to the development of a low-cost Array Burial Vehicle capable of installing acoustic intelligence systems. The ability to obtain acoustic intelligence on foreign submarines is a critical national security need. This research has been ongoing in Hawaii, conducted by local, small engineering businesses. ·         Fund further development of prepositioned expeditionary assistance kits (PEAK), which were successfully demonstrated in 2011. PEAKs provide an array of capabilities for field distributed essential services including potable water, power, communications and situational awareness that could allow expeditionary forces to provide effective and efficient operation beyond 72 hours after a disaster event. There is an ongoing effort to produce this capability in Hawaii. ·         Leverage state and local technology investments to encourage the Department of Defense to fund mechanisms for supporting the nation's industrial base for emerging technologies. For example, the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research provides some administrative support and subject matter expertise for small and emerging businesses in diverse fields such as agriculture, renewable energy and health information systems. Also, the Hawaii Technology Development Venture supports Hawaii-based technology businesses, as well as current and future Department of Navy and Department of Defense programs. The NDAA now heads to President Obama’s desk for his signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301134137/http://gabbard.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-intelligence-panel-findings-on-nsa-overreach-support,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Intelligence Panel Findings on NSA Overreach Support Serious Reform,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement in response to the findings of the President’s Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technology: “The findings of the President’s Review Group are consistent with my call for the need to protect the personal privacy of innocent Americans, who have been unnecessarily targeted by the overreach of the National Security Agency,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who is a co-sponsor of the USA FREEDOM Act. “This report acknowledges that surveillance reform is critical and urgent, and also builds on a U.S. district court ruling earlier this week that indicated that bulk collection of phone records is likely unconstitutional. The NSA’s blatant violation of personal privacy and freedoms are extremely disturbing, and it is crucial that Congress take action on legislation like the USA FREEDOM Act to put an end to this abuse of the constitutional rights of the American people.” The full report may be downloaded here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2013-12-12_rg_final_report.pdf",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301134418/http://gabbard.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-sponsors-bill-to-undo-military-retiree-benefit-cuts-in,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Sponsors Bill to Undo Military Retiree Benefit Cuts in the Bipartisan Budget Act,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today announced she will be an original co-sponsor of the Military Retirement Restoration Act (H.R. 3793), a bill that would repeal planned cuts to military retiree cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that were included in the Bipartisan Budget Act last week. The Military Retirement Restoration Act would replace the cuts to military retiree benefits by closing loopholes and preventing companies from avoiding U.S. taxes by abusing overseas tax havens.  “It is unacceptable to backpedal on the commitment we have made to our men and women in uniform who raise their hand to serve and put their lives on the line for us,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “While it was far from perfect, the Bipartisan Budget Act was a modest step in the right direction to help us avert preventable government crises; however, we cannot pay for the agreement by short-changing our military retirees. The legislation I sponsored today would completely replace the cuts that were made to those retiree benefits, and instead closes tax loopholes for businesses that avoid paying a fair share by locating their operations overseas.”   The Military Retirement Restoration Act would: Repeal the provision in the Bipartisan Budget Act (Section 403) that modifies the annual cost-of-living adjustment for working-age military retirees by making the adjustments equal to inflation minus one percent.  This provision, which is scheduled to go into effect in December 2015, would result in a benefit cut for working-age military retirees.  The Bipartisan Budget Act modifies the annual cost-of-living adjustment for working-age military retirees by making the adjustments equal to inflation minus one percent.  At age 62, the retired pay would be adjusted as if the COLA had been the full CPI adjustment in all previous years, and the service members would receive the full COLA from then on.  The provision would have saved approximately $6 billion over ten years. Prevent companies from avoiding paying their fair share of U.S. taxes.  The repeal would be fully offset by stopping companies incorporated offshore but managed and controlled from the United States from claiming foreign status and avoiding U.S. taxes on their foreign income.  It would require these companies to be treated as U.S. domestic corporations for tax purposes.  This provision and is expected to raise over $6.6 billion over ten years. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301224431/http://gabbard.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-statement-on-arrest-of-indian-diplomat,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Statement on Arrest of Indian Diplomat,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement regarding the Dec. 12 arrest of Indian Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade: “Diplomats play a vital role in our ever-shrinking globalized world.  And among America’s partnerships, the importance of our alliance with India cannot be overstated. This is why I was disappointed to hear initial reports about the treatment of Devyani Khobragade, India’s Deputy Consul General in New York.  While we must ensure our laws are being followed by all those who reside in or visit our country, it is also essential that foreign diplomats in the U.S. are treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity, as we expect the same for our own diplomats abroad. “Our relationship with India is deeply valued, and the progress we are making on economic, political and security issues is key in Asia and the Pacific region.  I urge the State Department to work with its counterparts in India to ensure our relationship remains strong and to ensure our law enforcement agencies put appropriate protocols in place for these situations.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307012342/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/201-rep-tulsi-gabbard-sponsors-bill-to-undo-military-retiree-benefit-cuts-in-the-bipartisan-budget-act,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Sponsors Bill to Undo Military Retiree Benefit Cuts in the Bipartisan Budget Act,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Sponsors Bill to Undo Military Retiree Benefit Cuts in the Bipartisan Budget Act Announces original co-sponsorship of the Military Retirement Restoration Act Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today announced she will be an original co-sponsor of the Military Retirement Restoration Act (H.R. 3793), a bill that would repeal planned cuts to military retiree cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that were included in the Bipartisan Budget Act last week. The Military Retirement Restoration Act would replace the cuts to military retiree benefits by closing loopholes and preventing companies from avoiding U.S. taxes by abusing overseas tax havens.  “It is unacceptable to backpedal on the commitment we have made to our men and women in uniform who raise their hand to serve and put their lives on the line for us,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “While it was far from perfect, the Bipartisan Budget Act was a modest step in the right direction to help us avert preventable government crises; however, we cannot pay for the agreement by short-changing our military retirees. The legislation I sponsored today would completely replace the cuts that were made to those retiree benefits, and instead closes tax loopholes for businesses that avoid paying a fair share by locating their operations overseas.”   The Military Retirement Restoration Act would: Repeal the provision in the Bipartisan Budget Act (Section 403) that modifies the annual cost-of-living adjustment for working-age military retirees by making the adjustments equal to inflation minus one percent.  This provision, which is scheduled to go into effect in December 2015, would result in a benefit cut for working-age military retirees.  The Bipartisan Budget Act modifies the annual cost-of-living adjustment for working-age military retirees by making the adjustments equal to inflation minus one percent.  At age 62, the retired pay would be adjusted as if the COLA had been the full CPI adjustment in all previous years, and the service members would receive the full COLA from then on.  The provision would have saved approximately $6 billion over ten years. Prevent companies from avoiding paying their fair share of U.S. taxes.  The repeal would be fully offset by stopping companies incorporated offshore but managed and controlled from the United States from claiming foreign status and avoiding U.S. taxes on their foreign income.  It would require these companies to be treated as U.S. domestic corporations for tax purposes.  This provision and is expected to raise over $6.6 billion over ten years. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015032/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/203-rep-tulsi-gabbard-intelligence-panel-findings-on-nsa-overreach-support-serious-reform,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Intelligence Panel Findings on NSA Overreach Support Serious Reform,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Intelligence Panel Findings on NSA Overreach Support Serious Reform Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement in response to the findings of the President’s Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technology: “The findings of the President’s Review Group are consistent with my call for the need to protect the personal privacy of innocent Americans, who have been unnecessarily targeted by the overreach of the National Security Agency,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who is a co-sponsor of the USA FREEDOM Act. “This report acknowledges that surveillance reform is critical and urgent, and also builds on a U.S. district court ruling earlier this week that indicated that bulk collection of phone records is likely unconstitutional. The NSA’s blatant violation of personal privacy and freedoms are extremely disturbing, and it is crucial that Congress take action on legislation like the USA FREEDOM Act to put an end to this abuse of the constitutional rights of the American people.” The full report may be downloaded here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2013-12-12_rg_final_report.pdf",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015055/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/202-rep-tulsi-gabbard-statement-on-arrest-of-indian-diplomat,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Statement on Arrest of Indian Diplomat,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Statement on Arrest of Indian Diplomat Washington, DC – U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement regarding the Dec. 12 arrest of Indian Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade: “Diplomats play a vital role in our ever-shrinking globalized world.  And among America’s partnerships, the importance of our alliance with India cannot be overstated. This is why I was disappointed to hear initial reports about the treatment of Devyani Khobragade, India’s Deputy Consul General in New York.  While we must ensure our laws are being followed by all those who reside in or visit our country, it is also essential that foreign diplomats in the U.S. are treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity, as we expect the same for our own diplomats abroad. “Our relationship with India is deeply valued, and the progress we are making on economic, political and security issues is key in Asia and the Pacific region.  I urge the State Department to work with its counterparts in India to ensure our relationship remains strong and to ensure our law enforcement agencies put appropriate protocols in place for these situations.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-attaches-key-measures-for-hawaii-to-defense-bill-that-heads-to-president-obama,HIRONO ATTACHES KEY MEASURES FOR HAWAII TO DEFENSE BILL THAT HEADS TO PRESIDENT OBAMA,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HIRONO ATTACHES KEY MEASURES FOR HAWAII TO DEFENSE BILL THAT HEADS TO PRESIDENT OBAMA Bill Includes Hirono Bipartisan Measures To Protect Hawaii National Guard’s Eagle Vision System, Promote Telehealth Programs For Neighbor Island Veterans Thursday, December 19, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs committees, voted today to pass the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act and send it to President Obama for his signature. The bill provides more than $400 million in military construction projects in Hawaii. Military installations including Fort Shafter, Pearl Harbor and Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe will receive funds. Hirono also worked with Republican colleagues to attach key measures to the bill, successfully working with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in an effort to protect the Hawaii National Guard’s Eagle Vision System. She also partnered with Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) to promote the implementation of telehealth programs in the military which could help make these vital health services available for neighbor island service members and veterans. “As home to the U.S. Pacific Command, Hawaii is our nation’s gateway and plays a key role in our military’s rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. The bipartisan bill headed to President Obama provides Hawaii with strategic investments that keep our forces strong and ready while creating jobs in state. I am also proud to work with my Republican colleagues to attach important measures for Hawaii that help protect the Hawaii National Guard’s Eagle Vision System and promote telehealth programs for neighbor island veterans,” said Senator Hirono. The bill does not authorize a new round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). It includes a compromise on Guantanamo, which eases the transfer of GTMO detainees overseas, while retaining prohibitions on transfers to the United States. It also includes a number of reforms to address the problem of sexual assault in the military, including a change to Article 32 proceedings that Hirono cosponsored to protect survivors from humiliating, invasive interrogation. The bill ultimately did not include the Military Justice Improvement Act (MJIA), legislation that would have removed the chain of command’s sole decision-making power over whether cases move forward to trial. Hirono has been a strong supporter of the MJIA and had worked with a diverse coalition of colleagues to have the measure included as an amendment. Moving forward, Hirono will continue to push for this measure as a stand-alone bill. Key provisions for Hawaii include: More Than $400 Million For Military Construction Projects In Hawaii: Hawaii will receive more than $400 million in military construction projects. Projects include a command and control facility at Fort Shafter, a submarine production support facility at Pearl Harbor, and an aircraft hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. Army: Hawaii $70,000,000 Fort Shafter: Command and Control Facility: $70,000,000 Navy: Hawaii $325,080,000 Kaneohe Bay 3rd Radio Battalion Maintenance/Operations Complex: $25,336,000 Kaneohe Bay Aircraft Maintenance Expansion: $16,968,000 Kaneohe Bay Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Upgrades: $31,820,000 Kaneohe Bay Armory Addition and Renovation: $12,952,000 Kaneohe Bay Aviation Simulator Modernization/Addition: $17,724,000 Kaneohe Bay Mv–22 Hangar: $57,517,000 Kaneohe Bay Mv–22 Parking Apron and Infrastructure: $74,665,000 Pearl City Water Transmission Line: $30,100,000 Pearl Harbor Drydock Waterfront Facility: $22,721,000 Pearl Harbor Submarine Production Support Facility: $35,277,000 Air Force: Hawaii $4,800,000 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam C-17 Modernize Hangar 35, Docks 1&2: $4,800,000 Def-Wide Hawaii: $5,415,000 Ford Island DISA Pacific Facility Upgrades: $2,615,000 Joint Base Pearl Harbor Alter Warehouse Space: $2,800,000 Telehealth Implementation in the Military Health System: Telehealth is an innovative approach to helping those suffering from conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and is especially important for veterans living in rural areas where access to mental health treatment is limited. The Department of Defense is required to study how to integrate telehealth into the military health care system, as well as issue a report on the current status of initiatives and the privacy concerns and challenges of implementing telehealth. Eagle Vision System is Protected: The Hawaii National Guard is one of five units around the country which operates the Eagle Vision imagery ground station, which helps monitor Hawaii and surrounding waters via satellite. This provision protects the program from funding cuts until the Chief of Staff of the Air Force submits a report on this program to congressional defense committees for careful evaluation. 11 Acres Conveyed To Navy Hale Keiki School: The Navy is authorized to convey approximately 11 acres of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to the Navy Hale Keiki School, a nonprofit school that serves a significant number of Air Force and Navy children from preschool through fourth grade. This will enable the school to purchase the land at a fair market value. $150 Million For The Energy Conservation Investment Program: The Department of Defense’s Energy Conservation Investment Program will receive $150 million. Hawaii was granted $15.8 million for energy conservation projects at Camp Smith, Tripler Army Medical Center and Joint Base Pearl Harbor - Hickam. Reviews of Appropriate Manpower Performance: The Secretary of Defense will be required to certify that all contractor positions performing governmental functions will be eliminated. It would extend the mandate from FY 2010 that prohibits civilians from holding positions that by law cannot be done by the private sector. The Department of Defense Inspector General will provide an assessment of the inventory and resolve issues from previous reviews. Operationally Responsive Space Report: An amendment to the bill was added that would prohibit the spending of funds until a required report regarding a potential mission that would seek to leverage all the policy objectives of the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) Program was presented to the congressional defense committees. An ORS mission with the University of Hawaii is expected to launch out of the Pacific Missile Range Facility in 2014. TRICARE Prime Eligibility: A provision was included to regulate the authorization of beneficiaries who opt-in to the TRICARE Prime program. Beneficiaries will be required to remain in the same ZIP code that they resided in at the time they signed up for the opt-in. The amendment also clarifies that the Secretary may determine whether to maintain a TRICARE network of providers in an area that is between 40 and 100 miles of a military medical treatment facility.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-supports-us-india-relations-her-opposition-hres-417,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Supports U.S.-India Relations in Her Opposition to H.Res. 417,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement announcing she will not supportH.Res. 417: India is a democratic multi-cultural and multi-faith society, and shares many common values and strategic interests with the United States. It is critically important that we focus on strengthening the ties between the two nations, and I do not believe that H.Res. 417 accomplishes this. Throughout history, India as a nation has been home to many religions, and has protected many as well, including Tibetan Buddhists, Jews, Christians, and Muslims. India has also produced some of the great religions of the world in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. I will continue my outreach with the Indian American community, and my focus on strengthening the U.S.-India relationship as we work together on addressing issues related to religious freedom and human rights around the world. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301224456/http://gabbard.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-supports-us-india-relations-in-her-opposition-to-hres,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Supports U.S.-India Relations in Her Opposition to H.Res. 417,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement announcing she will not support H.Res. 417: “India is a democratic multi-cultural and multi-faith society, and shares many common values and strategic interests with the United States.  It is critically important that we focus on strengthening the ties between the two nations, and I do not believe that H.Res. 417 accomplishes this.  Throughout history, India as a nation has been home to many religions, and has protected many as well, including Tibetan Buddhists, Jews, Christians, and Muslims. India has also produced some of the great religions of the world in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. I will continue my outreach with the Indian American community, and my focus on strengthening the U.S.-India relationship as we work together on addressing issues related to religious freedom and human rights around the world.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015117/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/200-rep-tulsi-gabbard-supports-u-s-india-relations-in-her-opposition-to-h-res-417,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Supports U.S.-India Relations in Her Opposition to H.Res. 417,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Supports U.S.-India Relations in Her Opposition to H.Res. 417 Washington, DC – U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement announcing she will not support H.Res. 417: “India is a democratic multi-cultural and multi-faith society, and shares many common values and strategic interests with the United States.  It is critically important that we focus on strengthening the ties between the two nations, and I do not believe that H.Res. 417 accomplishes this.  Throughout history, India as a nation has been home to many religions, and has protected many as well, including Tibetan Buddhists, Jews, Christians, and Muslims. India has also produced some of the great religions of the world in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. I will continue my outreach with the Indian American community, and my focus on strengthening the U.S.-India relationship as we work together on addressing issues related to religious freedom and human rights around the world.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-votes-to-pass-bipartisan-budget-deal-that-removes-threat-of-government-shutdown-eases-pain-of-sequestration,"HIRONO VOTES TO PASS BIPARTISAN BUDGET DEAL THAT REMOVES THREAT OF GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, EASES PAIN OF SEQUESTRATION",2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HIRONO VOTES TO PASS BIPARTISAN BUDGET DEAL THAT REMOVES THREAT OF GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, EASES PAIN OF SEQUESTRATION Wednesday, December 18, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono voted today in support of the bipartisan budget deal that passed the Senate by a vote of 64-36. The bill now heads to President Obama for his signature. “This budget demonstrates Congress can work together in a bipartisan fashion and break the gridlock. I am proud to join the large majority of my colleagues to move our country forward. While not perfect, this budget agreement contains many measures that will benefit Hawaii and our nation. Individuals and our economy were negatively impacted by both the government shutdown and the indiscriminate cuts of sequestration. This budget will help strengthen our economy by restoring essential funding for government functions and providing certainty to Americans and the business community. It also keeps our promises to our kupuna by protecting Social Security and Medicare. “This agreement contains measures that concern me, including the increase in transportation security fees and cuts to benefits for military retirees and federal workers. I’ve started to work with my colleagues to try and alleviate these impacts to Hawaii families. “As we end the calendar year, I hope Congress will do more to close the opportunity gap by creating good-paying jobs, making access to quality education available to all individuals and working to finish comprehensive immigration reform.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/sens-mazie-hirono-mark-begich-and-brian-schatz-fight-to-protect-travelers-from-increased-security-fees,"SENS. MAZIE HIRONO, MARK BEGICH & BRIAN SCHATZ FIGHT TO PROTECT TRAVELERS FROM INCREASED SECURITY FEES",2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"SENS. MAZIE HIRONO, MARK BEGICH & BRIAN SCHATZ FIGHT TO PROTECT TRAVELERS FROM INCREASED SECURITY FEES Introduce an Amendment to Exempt Hawaii, Alaska from the Increase in Air Travel Fees in Budget Wednesday, December 18, 2013 Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Mark Begich (D-Alaska), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced an amendment that would exempt Hawaii and Alaska from the increase in air travel fees included in the budget deal. This exemption would protect interisland flights from increased air travel fees, which would more than double from $2.50 to $5.60 in the budget compromise bill the Senate will vote on this week. “The budget deal makes tough choices, working to balance critical investments that grow our economy, ease the pain of the sequester and preserve our promises to seniors,” said Hirono. “However, raising air travel fees ignores the economic hardship for those in non-contiguous states. In Hawaii, residents rely on air travel to receive healthcare, connect with family and friends and conduct business. That’s why I’ve introduced this amendment with my colleagues from Hawaii and Alaska, as air transportation is a necessity for our constituents.” “Flying isn’t just a luxury for Alaskans – it’s a necessity for things like work and medical care. With over 30,000 people living off the road system, doubling air travel security fees for some flights in my state would create an unnecessary strain for traveling Alaskans,” said Begich. “This fix is important so the people in my state affected by these security fee increases are not unfairly burdened.” “We in Hawaii are in a different situation than those on the mainland and we often are dependent on air travel for business, health care, or to visit family. Recognizing the unique position of both Hawaii and Alaska, and exempting us from increased air fees is not only fair, it is commonsense,” said Schatz. Senator Hirono sent a letter to Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) before the budget deal was unveiled, noting the history of Congressional exemptions for Hawaii air travel passengers. Hirono also called Murray to discuss the importance of this issue for Hawaii. For the full text of Hirono’s letter, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-honors-sen-daniel-inouye-1st-anniversary-his-passing,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Honors Sen. Daniel Inouye on 1st Anniversary of His Passing,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement to honor the legacy of the late Senator Daniel Inouye on the first anniversary of his passing: As we take time today to remember our beloved Senator Daniel Inouye, we must honor his legacy of selfless servant leadership and life-long commitment to working in the aloha spirit. His humility and deep compassion for people in Hawaii and around the world continues to serve as an inspiration to me and the countless lives he impacted. Senator Inouye sacrificed so much for our nation in the face of tremendous prejudice during World War II. He believed in our country and its greatness, and worked hard every day of his career to put others before himself. With his deep understanding and appreciation of the aloha spirit, he showed us each how to lead with our hearts. While we celebrate his life and legacy today, I am truly grateful for Senator Inouye's passionate work on behalf of the people of Hawaii and selfless life of service to us all.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112244/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/us-rep-hanabusas-statement-remembering-senator-daniel-k-inouye-1st-anniversary-his,U.S. Rep. Hanabusa's Statement Remembering Senator Daniel K. Inouye on the 1st Anniversary of His Passing,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HI – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) remembered her friend and colleague, the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye, on the 1st anniversary of his passing: “Today, I remember and honor my dear friend, mentor, and colleague Senator Daniel K. Inouye.  “The year since we lost our beloved Senator has been filled with bittersweet memories. Just yesterday I spoke at a ceremony dedicating a new NOAA facility in his name overlooking Pearl Harbor, a site that had so changed his life. I joined everyone there--friends, family, colleagues--in sharing not only the pride of honoring this humble, courageous, extraordinary man, but also the continued loss of his wit, love, and guidance. ""While each honor he has received, from posthumously receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama, to the buildings, ships, lighthouses, and telescopes renamed to remember him, has reminded us of the impact he had on our state, nation, and world, they also remind us how much he touched our lives. ""I believe we best honor Senator Inouye by continuing to carry the lessons he passed to us: to serve humbly, respect each other, and always carry aloha in our hearts. His legacy lives on, but I miss him every day.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015140/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/166-rep-tulsi-gabbard-honors-sen-daniel-inouye-on-1st-anniversary-of-his-passing,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Honors Sen. Daniel Inouye on 1st Anniversary of His Passing,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Honors Sen. Daniel Inouye on 1st Anniversary of His Passing Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement to honor the legacy of the late Senator Daniel Inouye on the first anniversary of his passing: “As we take time today to remember our beloved Senator Daniel Inouye, we must honor his legacy of selfless servant leadership and life-long commitment to working in the aloha spirit. His humility and deep compassion for people in Hawai‘i and around the world continues to serve as an inspiration to me and the countless lives he impacted. “Senator Inouye sacrificed so much for our nation in the face of tremendous prejudice during World War II. He believed in our country and its greatness, and worked hard every day of his career to put others before himself. With his deep understanding and appreciation of the aloha spirit, he showed us each how to lead with our hearts. While we celebrate his life and legacy today, I am truly grateful for Senator Inouye’s passionate work on behalf of the people of Hawai‘i and selfless life of service to us all.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-statement-to-commemorate-senator-inouyes-work-on-behalf-of-hawaii-nation,"HIRONO STATEMENT TO COMMEMORATE SENATOR INOUYE’S WORK ON BEHALF OF HAWAII, NATION",2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HIRONO STATEMENT TO COMMEMORATE SENATOR INOUYE’S WORK ON BEHALF OF HAWAII, NATION Introduces a Bill to Redesignate the Asia-Pacific Center For Security Studies as the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies Tuesday, December 17, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement to mark the one-year anniversary of Senator Daniel K. Inouye’s passing. To honor Senator Inouye, Hirono introduced legislation that would redesignate the Asia-Pacific Center For Security Studies as the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in recognition of his instrumental support for the center. Hirono had previously added this measure as an amendment to the defense bill passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee this June, but this language was not included in the compromise defense bill expected to be passed by Congress this week. “As a young man, Senator Daniel K. Inouye responded to the call of duty and wore the uniform in defense of liberty and freedom. He then went on to a lifetime of public service, laying the foundation for a modern Hawaii. “One year later, Senator Inouye’s work on behalf of the people of Hawaii and the nation continues to be acknowledged. Just last month, President Obama honored Senator Inouye’s life of service with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Yesterday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) dedicated its new center on Ford Island as the Daniel K. Inouye Regional Center. Senator Inouye never forgot the people and places in Hawaii and today we honor his tireless work on behalf of Hawaii and the nation.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-cosponsors-bill-combat-antibiotic-resistant-diseases,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Cosponsors Bill to Combat Antibiotic-Resistant Diseases,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today cosponsored legislation designed to stop the overuse of antibiotics on livestock, a practice that is accelerating the growth of antibiotic-resistant diseases among humans. The bill, called the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA; H.R. 1150), aims to preserve the effectiveness of medically important antibiotics. It requires the government to not approve a new animal drug if it reduces the effectiveness of human antibiotics and drugs. I am deeply concerned about the overuse of antibiotics in the livestock industry because it has weakened the effectiveness of drugs important to combat dangerous microorganisms, said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. This is very troubling as the health of all Americans could be compromised should they become ill from bacteria only to discover it is resistant to antibiotics. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voluntary' plan announced this week to phase out antibiotic use in farm animals falls too short in protecting consumers. The FDA's voluntary guidance' does not actually require drug manufactures to do anything, and does not adequately address the public health concern at hand. In an FDA report released in April 2013, antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been found in more than 50 percent of turkey, pork chops, and ground beef tested. FDA's voluntary program only addresses some of the problematic uses. For example, it only asks animal pharmaceutical companies not to promote over-the-counter antibiotics and instead, move to a system requiring veterinary oversight. As the livestock industry accounts for about 80 percent of their sales, animal drug manufacturers might be reluctant to reduce its market share. PAMTA is supported by 450 organizations, including public health organizations, scientists, the World Health Organization, American Medical Association, National Academy of Sciences and small farmers across the United States.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301133125/http://gabbard.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-cosponsors-bill-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Cosponsors Bill to Combat Antibiotic-Resistant Diseases,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today cosponsored legislation designed to stop the overuse of antibiotics on livestock, a practice that is accelerating the growth of antibiotic-resistant diseases among humans. The bill, called the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA; H.R. 1150), aims to preserve the effectiveness of medically important antibiotics. It requires the government to not approve a new animal drug if it reduces the effectiveness of human antibiotics and drugs. “I am deeply concerned about the overuse of antibiotics in the livestock industry because it has weakened the effectiveness of drugs important to combat dangerous microorganisms,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “This is very troubling as the health of all Americans could be compromised should they become ill from bacteria only to discover it is resistant to antibiotics. “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ‘voluntary’ plan announced this week to phase out antibiotic use in farm animals falls too short in protecting consumers. The FDA’s ‘voluntary guidance’ does not actually require drug manufactures to do anything, and does not adequately address the public health concern at hand.”  In an FDA report released in April 2013, antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been found in more than 50 percent of turkey, pork chops, and ground beef tested.  FDA’s voluntary program only addresses some of the problematic uses.  For example, it only asks animal pharmaceutical companies not to promote over-the-counter antibiotics and instead, move to a system requiring veterinary oversight.  As the livestock industry accounts for about 80 percent of their sales, animal drug manufacturers might be reluctant to reduce its market share. PAMTA is supported by 450 organizations, including public health organizations, scientists, the World Health Organization, American Medical Association, National Academy of Sciences and small farmers across the United States. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015202/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/165-rep-tulsi-gabbard-cosponsors-bill-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-diseases,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Cosponsors Bill to Combat Antibiotic-Resistant Diseases,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Cosponsors Bill to Combat Antibiotic-Resistant Diseases Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today cosponsored legislation designed to stop the overuse of antibiotics on livestock, a practice that is accelerating the growth of antibiotic-resistant diseases among humans. The bill, called the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA; H.R. 1150), aims to preserve the effectiveness of medically important antibiotics. It requires the government to not approve a new animal drug if it reduces the effectiveness of human antibiotics and drugs. “I am deeply concerned about the overuse of antibiotics in the livestock industry because it has weakened the effectiveness of drugs important to combat dangerous microorganisms,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “This is very troubling as the health of all Americans could be compromised should they become ill from bacteria only to discover it is resistant to antibiotics. “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ‘voluntary’ plan announced this week to phase out antibiotic use in farm animals falls too short in protecting consumers. The FDA’s ‘voluntary guidance’ does not actually require drug manufactures to do anything, and does not adequately address the public health concern at hand.”  In an FDA report released in April 2013, antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been found in more than 50 percent of turkey, pork chops, and ground beef tested.  FDA’s voluntary program only addresses some of the problematic uses.  For example, it only asks animal pharmaceutical companies not to promote over-the-counter antibiotics and instead, move to a system requiring veterinary oversight.  As the livestock industry accounts for about 80 percent of their sales, animal drug manufacturers might be reluctant to reduce its market share. PAMTA is supported by 450 organizations, including public health organizations, scientists, the World Health Organization, American Medical Association, National Academy of Sciences and small farmers across the United States.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/sens-hirono-heller-reps-swalwell-thompson-introduce-bill-to-provide-expedited-tax-relief-for-donations-to-typhoon-haiyan-recovery-efforts,"SENS. HIRONO, HELLER, REPS. SWALWELL, THOMPSON INTRODUCE BILL TO PROVIDE EXPEDITED TAX RELIEF FOR DONATIONS TO TYPHOON HAIYAN RECOVERY EFFORTS",2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"SENS. HIRONO, HELLER, REPS. SWALWELL, THOMPSON INTRODUCE BILL TO PROVIDE EXPEDITED TAX RELIEF FOR DONATIONS TO TYPHOON HAIYAN RECOVERY EFFORTS Friday, December 13, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Dean Heller (R-NV) and Representatives Eric Swalwell (CA-15) and Mike Thompson (CA-05) introduced the bipartisan Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act, legislation that provides expedited tax relief for Americans making charitable donations in support of Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts in the Philippines. While there was an immediate outpouring of donations and other assistance following the immense destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan this November, the length of the rebuilding process means contributions are still needed now and in the months ahead. This bill is intended to spur donations to charitable organizations by allowing taxpayers who donate to the relief efforts to receive tax benefits nearly a year faster than usual. “With up to 6,000 casualties, almost 1,800 missing people and more than a million destroyed houses in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, it is clear that our work to help this community rebuild is not over. We simply cannot wait to support recovery efforts in the Philippines. To help all families during the holiday, the Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act will boost charitable giving by providing tax relief this year for those who donate to help communities rebuild homes, schools and roads,” said Senator Hirono. “It has been truly heartbreaking to witness the death and destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Many families are still struggling to rebuild their lives, facing displacement and hunger. Everybody can make a difference, even if it’s donating just a little bit. Mahalo to Senator Hirono and her colleagues for encouraging Americans to contribute this holiday season,” said Edmund Aczon, Chairman of the Filipino Community Center Board of Directors. “In the wake of the tremendous devastation suffered by the Philippines as a result of Typhoon Haiyan, many Americans have sprung into action to help provide assistance. Considering so many individuals are still in need, I hope this change will encourage Americans to continue their generous giving to those suffering in the Philippines. I am pleased to work with Senator Hirono and my colleagues in the House of Representatives on this legislation, which allows those who want to donate after the first of the year to benefit from the tax deduction more quickly,” said Senator Heller. “Typhoon Haiyan devastated many parts of the Philippines and we should make it as easy as possible for Americans who want to assist those affected by the storm,” said Congressman Swalwell. “I'm proud to represent a vibrant Filipino community and have witnessed an outpouring of support for storm victims at this critical time. This legislation I'm sponsoring will provide another incentive for Americans to donate and donate now – when their help is needed most.” “When tragedy strikes around the world, the folks in our country don’t sit on the sideline – they help,” said Congressman Thompson. “Our allies in the Philippines are still in the early stages of a long-term rebuilding effort and this bipartisan legislation will make sure that our communities are able to provide the help our friends need during this important phase of rebuilding and recovery.” The tax code provides a delayed incentive for making charitable contributions. Taxpayers can claim a tax deduction for contributions they make to charities, but they receive the tax incentive many months later after they file their tax returns the following year. The Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act eliminates this delay. The bill would allow taxpayers who donate to the relief efforts in the Philippines before March 1, 2014 to take the charitable deduction when they file their 2013 tax returns. Original co-sponsors of the bill also include Reps. Darrell Issa, Joe Heck, Mike Honda, Jackie Speier, Judy Chu, Madeleine Bordallo, Al Green, Colleen Hanabusa, and Juan Vargas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/press-releases/7-rep-tulsi-gabbard-statement-on-passing-of-loretta-fuddy,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Statement on Passing of Loretta Fuddy,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement on the passing of State Health Director Loretta Fuddy, who was killed in a commuter plane crash near Kalaupapa yesterday. Loretta dedicated her life to improving the well-being and health of Hawaiis people, and we are grateful for her decades of selfless service to others. She was a fierce advocate for our keiki and kupuna, working for more than 37 years to create a safe and healthy environment for our residents. While serving in the Honolulu City Council, I was grateful to be able to work closely with Loretta to alleviate the threat of dengue fever and radioactive contamination from the Japanese tsunami; more recently, we had been collaborating to help Hawaii veterans with water catchment systems qualify for VA loans. I am deeply saddened by her untimely passing, and my sincere condolences go out to her loved ones during this difficult time.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-bipartisan-defense-bill-supports-hawai-i-priorities-and,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Bipartisan Defense Bill Supports Hawaii Priorities and Economy,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today voted in support of the annual National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The must-pass bill is a compromise between the House- and Senate-passed versions, and passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 350-69. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard worked on and supported several crucial provisions in the final bill, including more than $400 million for military construction projects in Hawaii and improvements to the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) programs for Iraqi and Afghan citizens who worked asinterpretersworking with the U.S. military overseas. This final bipartisan Defense bill demonstrates a commitment to Hawaii's strategic importance in the Pacific and provides for good jobs across our islands, said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. This year's bill also continues support for missile defense and provides resources for the protection of Hawaii and the mainland from emerging threats around the globe. By improving the Special Immigrant Visa program, the bill recognizes the commitment of the U.S. to the Iraqi and Afghan citizens who put their lives on the line to help our troops overseas. It also will maintain our commitment to Hawaii's selfless veterans by allowing a one-time chance for certain beneficiaries who live within 40-100 miles of a military medical facility to stay on TRICARE Prime, which is critical for our neighbor island residents. While it is disappointing that the Military Justice Improvement Act was not brought to a vote in either the House or Senate this year, I am encouraged by the progress made on the issue of sexual assault in our ranks and the many provisions that were included in the Defense bill. NDAA Highlights: Military Construction (MILCON): Provides more than $400 million in funding orHawaiimilitaryconstructionprojects. TRICARE: Provides a one-time opportunity for certain beneficiaries who live within 40-100 miles of a military medical treatment facility and have not moved to remain on TRICARE Prime. This is a provision that is critical to serve our neighbor island veterans. Rebalance to the Pacific: NDAA reflects the U.S. commitment to the rebalance, but Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will work to ensure that sufficient resources are dedicated to carry out the renewed focus on the Asia-Pacific region. Missile Defense: Authorizes $9.5 billion for missile defense programs and authorizes funds for a new radar aimed at identifying missile launches from North Korea. Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC): Prohibits a new round of BRAC cuts. Iraqi and Afghan Interpreters: The bill extends and improves the Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa program and makes improvements to the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Program. During House consideration of the NDAA earlier this year, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard introduced an amendment to strengthen and reform the backlogged SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan citizens who have bravely served alongside American troops during war. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbardspoke in support of the measure on the House floor and it later passed with an overwhelming vote of 420-3.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-statement-passing-loretta-fuddy,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Statement on Passing of Loretta Fuddy,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement on the passing of State Health Director Loretta Fuddy, who was killed in a commuter plane crash near Kalaupapa yesterday. Loretta dedicated her life to improving the well-being and health of Hawaii's people, and we are grateful for her decades of selfless service to others. She was a fierce advocate for our keiki and kupuna, working for more than 37 years to create a safe and healthy environment for our residents. While serving in the Honolulu City Council, I was grateful to be able to work closely with Loretta to alleviate the threat of dengue fever and radioactive contamination from the Japanese tsunami; more recently, we had been collaborating to help Hawaii veterans with water catchment systems qualify for VA loans. I am deeply saddened by her untimely passing, and my sincere condolences go out to her loved ones during this difficult time.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-votes-pass-bipartisan-budget-compromise-provide-relief-harsh,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Votes to Pass Bipartisan Budget Compromise, Provide Relief from Harsh Cuts",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today voted for a budget compromise that will provide relief from across-the-board budget cuts and manufactured crises. The bipartisan bill passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 332-94. ""Today, Congress came together to pass a bipartisan budget compromise that is a modest step in the right direction as it provides some relief from the harsh effects of arbitrary sequester cuts, as well as the threat of another government shutdown,"" said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. ""Though the deal was far from perfect, no amendments were allowed prior to the vote for final passage, and I am disappointed with certain provisions that unfairly burden military retirees and airline travelers in Hawaii, I was compelled to vote yes on this measure because the consequence of not reaching a budget compromise would have been devastating to our economy, our families, our military, and federal workers. This is a positive step toward bringing back certainty and stability to our country, and averting preventable crises like another government shutdown which negatively affected Hawai`i disproportionately more than most of the country. ""In today's divided government, we have to focus on collaborating, working together, so that we can work out our differences and deliver results that are in the best interest of the American people. This is critically important as we work toward realistic, long-term solutions to the economic challenges we are facing across the country. ""I am still very concerned about some of the arbitrary budget cuts that remain in place, and certain provisions of this bill that will unfairly burden inter-island travelers and people in Hawaii. In particular, the significant hike in the Aviation Passenger Security Fee is harmful because so many of our residents rely on air travel to get to work, access healthcare, and visit loved ones on other islands. I am working towards an exemption to this fee hike, as Congress has granted previously in Hawaii for programs such as the Essential Air Service and other air transportation charges."" The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 sets discretionary, or non-mandatory, spending at $1.012 trillion, about halfway between the Senate and House budgets. The compromise provides $63 billion over two years in relief from across-the-board budget cuts, split evenly between Defense and non-Defense programs. Updated: December 16, 2013.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112329/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/us-rep-hanabusa-votes-support-national-defense-authorization-act-compromise-bill,U.S. Rep. Hanabusa Votes to Support National Defense Authorization Act Compromise Bill,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compromise bill for Fiscal Year 2014, an agreement reached by House and Senate negotiators this week.  “The NDAA has been approved with bipartisan support for 51 consecutive years, and though it was not a perfect process, we were able to continue that practice this year. I was proud to have worked to include provisions that will help Hawaii, among others providing critical funding for construction, research, and sustaining our maritime fleet.  These provisions will strengthen Hawaii’s economy, spur innovation from local businesses, and solidify Hawaii’s presence as a central tenant of the Asia-Pacific rebalance. “The NDAA is critical to our nation’s safety and security, and it is vital that we pass it before we adjourn for the year. Particularly at a time when our military readiness has been hurt by the mindless cuts of sequestration, providing thoughtful and adequate funding for defense operations becomes all the more important. This year’s NDAA includes operation and maintenance funding to help mend some of the damage caused by overused equipment and neglected facilities, and ensures that the U.S. possesses a reliable and well-equipped defense force.  It is my hope that the Senate can take up this bill and pass it swiftly before the year’s end.” To watch Hanabusa’s floor speech in support of the NDAA, click here: http://bit.ly/1b01xbg Hanabusa worked in the House Armed Services Committee and on the House floor to ensure her provisions were included in the bill. Those provisions would: Provide $400 million for military construction in Hawaii, as well as prohibit any additional rounds of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). Authorize more than $72 million in new loan guarantees for new commercial ship construction, critical for upgrading and building new shipping vessels running to and from Hawaii. Limit the funding for early retirement of Ticonderoga class cruisers, two of which are homeported at Pearl Harbor and currently conducting ongoing missions in the Asia Pacific. Provide the Secretary of Defense with the authority to lease real estate property for military heritage sites for a term of more than 5 years, and for an amount that is less than the fair market value of the lease interest if it serves the public interest. This language will help leverage this authority for sites like the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum in Hawaii. Require a report from the Secretary of Defense outlining the different savings initiatives that have been outlined and how they coincide with the Budget Control Act. The ultimate goal is to outline a path for how these initiatives can be used to offset sequestration. Require DoD to consider the strategic value of venues when determining where to hold training and conferences. It is important that certain locations in line with initiatives, like Hawaii, not be excluded from consideration for training and conferences just because of optics.  Extend the authority to provide military transportation services to other federal agencies at the same rate the Department of Defense charges its own units for similar transportation. This enables public-private partnerships between TRANSCOM and other federal agencies. Strengthen enforcement of a provision of the 2008 NDAA that requires that the Department of Defense eliminate unauthorized personal services contracts and contracts for the performance of inherently governmental functions, and to reduce the number of contracts for the performance of closely associated with inherently governmental functions.  Provide research funding to support the development of open source unmanned aerial systems architecture. Unmanned systems control segment software currently does not integrate with the numerous software applications employed by the Services, and the Services have little incentive to procure integrated solutions.  Open source software is being demonstrated in Hawaii currently and this could help further our state’s case to be selected for future FAA test sites. Direct the Office of Naval Research to consider funding initiatives that could lead to the development of a low-cost Array Burial Vehicle capable of installing acoustic intelligence systems. The ability to obtain acoustic intelligence on foreign submarines is a critical national security need. This research has been ongoing in Hawaii, conducted by local, small engineering businesses. Fund further development of prepositioned expeditionary assistance kits (PEAK), which were successfully demonstrated in 2011. PEAKs provide an array of capabilities for field distributed essential services including potable water, power, communications and situational awareness that could allow expeditionary forces to provide effective and efficient operation beyond 72 hours after a disaster event. There is an ongoing effort to produce this capability in Hawaii. Leverage state and local technology investments to encourage the Department of Defense to fund mechanisms for supporting the nation's industrial base for emerging technologies. For example, the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research provides some administrative support and subject matter expertise for small and emerging businesses in diverse fields such as agriculture, renewable energy and health information systems. Also, the Hawaii Technology Development Venture supports Hawaii-based technology businesses, as well as current and future Department of Navy and Department of Defense programs. The bill makes transfers of Guantanamo Bay detainees to foreign countries easier, supporting the ultimate goal of closing the facility, and extends crime victims’ rights to victims of sexual assault under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It also includes a provision originally included in the House version that calls for the development of a facilities master plan that will include planning for healthy communities, controlled growth, and diversified transit systems. The NDAA compromise bill passed the House by a two-thirds majority vote and now heads to the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301132751/http://gabbard.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-bipartisan-defense-bill-supports-hawai-i-priorities,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Bipartisan Defense Bill Supports Hawai‘i Priorities and Economy,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today voted in support of the annual National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The must-pass bill is a compromise between the House- and Senate-passed versions, and passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 350-69. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard worked on and supported several crucial provisions in the final bill, including more than $400 million for military construction projects in Hawai‘i and improvements to the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) programs for Iraqi and Afghan citizens who worked as interpreters working with the U.S. military overseas. “This final bipartisan Defense bill demonstrates a commitment to Hawai‘i’s strategic importance in the Pacific and provides for good jobs across our islands,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “This year’s bill also continues support for missile defense and provides resources for the protection of Hawai‘i and the mainland from emerging threats around the globe. By improving the Special Immigrant Visa program, the bill recognizes the commitment of the U.S. to the Iraqi and Afghan citizens who put their lives on the line to help our troops overseas. It also will maintain our commitment to Hawai‘i’s selfless veterans by allowing a one-time chance for certain beneficiaries who live within 40-100 miles of a military medical facility to stay on TRICARE Prime, which is critical for our neighbor island residents. “While it is disappointing that the Military Justice Improvement Act was not brought to a vote in either the House or Senate this year, I am encouraged by the progress made on the issue of sexual assault in our ranks and the many provisions that were included in the Defense bill.” NDAA Highlights: Military Construction (MILCON): Provides more than $400 million in funding or Hawai‘i military construction projects. TRICARE: Provides a one-time opportunity for certain beneficiaries who live within 40-100 miles of a military medical treatment facility and have not moved to remain on TRICARE Prime.  This is a provision that is critical to serve our neighbor island veterans. Rebalance to the Pacific: NDAA reflects the U.S. commitment to the rebalance, but Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will work to ensure that sufficient resources are dedicated to carry out the renewed focus on the Asia-Pacific region. Missile Defense: Authorizes $9.5 billion for missile defense programs and authorizes funds for a new radar aimed at identifying missile launches from North Korea. Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC):  Prohibits a new round of BRAC cuts. Iraqi and Afghan Interpreters: The bill extends and improves the Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa program and makes improvements to the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Program. During House consideration of the NDAA earlier this year, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard introduced an amendment to strengthen and reform the backlogged SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan citizens who have bravely served alongside American troops during war. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard spoke in support of the measure on the House floor and it later passed with an overwhelming vote of 420-3. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301132818/http://gabbard.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-votes-to-pass-bipartisan-budget-compromise-provide,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Votes to Pass Bipartisan Budget Compromise, Provide Relief from Harsh Cuts",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today voted for a budget compromise that will provide relief from across-the-board budget cuts and manufactured crises. The bipartisan bill passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 332-94. ""Today, Congress came together to pass a bipartisan budget compromise that is a modest step in the right direction as it provides some relief from the harsh effects of arbitrary sequester cuts, as well as the threat of another government shutdown,"" said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. ""Though the deal was far from perfect, no amendments were allowed prior to the vote for final passage, and I am disappointed with certain provisions that unfairly burden military retirees and airline travelers in Hawaii, I was compelled to vote yes on this measure because the consequence of not reaching a budget compromise would have been devastating to our economy, our families, our military, and federal workers.  This is a positive step toward bringing back certainty and stability to our country, and averting preventable crises like another government shutdown which negatively affected Hawai`i disproportionately more than most of the country.   ""In today's divided government, we have to focus on collaborating, working together, so that we can work out our differences and deliver results that are in the best interest of the American people.  This is critically important as we work toward realistic, long-term solutions to the economic challenges we are facing across the country. ""I am still very concerned about some of the arbitrary budget cuts that remain in place, and certain provisions of this bill that will unfairly burden inter-island travelers and people in Hawai‘i. In particular, the significant hike in the Aviation Passenger Security Fee is harmful because so many of our residents rely on air travel to get to work, access healthcare, and visit loved ones on other islands. I am working towards an exemption to this fee hike, as Congress has granted previously in Hawai‘i for programs such as the Essential Air Service and other air transportation charges."" The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 sets discretionary, or non-mandatory, spending at $1.012 trillion, about halfway between the Senate and House budgets. The compromise provides $63 billion over two years in relief from across-the-board budget cuts, split evenly between Defense and non-Defense programs. Updated: December 16, 2013. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301133149/http://gabbard.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-statement-on-passing-of-loretta-fuddy,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Statement on Passing of Loretta Fuddy,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement on the passing of State Health Director Loretta Fuddy, who was killed in a commuter plane crash near Kalaupapa yesterday. “Loretta dedicated her life to improving the well-being and health of Hawai‘i’s people, and we are grateful for her decades of selfless service to others. She was a fierce advocate for our keiki and kupuna, working for more than 37 years to create a safe and healthy environment for our residents. While serving in the Honolulu City Council, I was grateful to be able to work closely with Loretta to alleviate the threat of dengue fever and radioactive contamination from the Japanese tsunami; more recently, we had been collaborating to help Hawai‘i veterans with water catchment systems qualify for VA loans. I am deeply saddened by her untimely passing, and my sincere condolences go out to her loved ones during this difficult time.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015225/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/164-rep-tulsi-gabbard-bipartisan-defense-bill-supports-hawai-i-priorities-and-economy,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Bipartisan Defense Bill Supports Hawaii Priorities and Economy,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Bipartisan Defense Bill Supports Hawai‘i Priorities and Economy Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today voted in support of the annual National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The must-pass bill is a compromise between the House- and Senate-passed versions, and passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 350-69. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard worked on and supported several crucial provisions in the final bill, including more than $400 million for military construction projects in Hawai‘i and improvements to the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) programs for Iraqi and Afghan citizens who worked as interpreters working with the U.S. military overseas. “This final bipartisan Defense bill demonstrates a commitment to Hawai‘i’s strategic importance in the Pacific and provides for good jobs across our islands,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “This year’s bill also continues support for missile defense and provides resources for the protection of Hawai‘i and the mainland from emerging threats around the globe. By improving the Special Immigrant Visa program, the bill recognizes the commitment of the U.S. to the Iraqi and Afghan citizens who put their lives on the line to help our troops overseas. It also will maintain our commitment to Hawai‘i’s selfless veterans by allowing a one-time chance for certain beneficiaries who live within 40-100 miles of a military medical facility to stay on TRICARE Prime, which is critical for our neighbor island residents. “While it is disappointing that the Military Justice Improvement Act was not brought to a vote in either the House or Senate this year, I am encouraged by the progress made on the issue of sexual assault in our ranks and the many provisions that were included in the Defense bill.” NDAA Highlights: Military Construction (MILCON): Provides more than $400 million in funding or Hawai‘i military construction projects. TRICARE: Provides a one-time opportunity for certain beneficiaries who live within 40-100 miles of a military medical treatment facility and have not moved to remain on TRICARE Prime.  This is a provision that is critical to serve our neighbor island veterans. Rebalance to the Pacific: NDAA reflects the U.S. commitment to the rebalance, but Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will work to ensure that sufficient resources are dedicated to carry out the renewed focus on the Asia-Pacific region. Missile Defense: Authorizes $9.5 billion for missile defense programs and authorizes funds for a new radar aimed at identifying missile launches from North Korea. Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC):  Prohibits a new round of BRAC cuts. Iraqi and Afghan Interpreters: The bill extends and improves the Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa program and makes improvements to the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Program. During House consideration of the NDAA earlier this year, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard introduced an amendment to strengthen and reform the backlogged SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan citizens who have bravely served alongside American troops during war. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard spoke in support of the measure on the House floor and it later passed with an overwhelming vote of 420-3.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015255/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/163-rep-tulsi-gabbard-votes-to-pass-bipartisan-budget-compromise-provide-relief-from-harsh-cuts,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Votes to Pass Bipartisan Budget Compromise, Provide Relief from Harsh Cuts",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Votes to Pass Bipartisan Budget Compromise, Provide Relief from Harsh Cuts Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today voted for a budget compromise that will provide relief from across-the-board budget cuts and manufactured crises. The bipartisan bill passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 332-94. ""Today, Congress came together to pass a bipartisan budget compromise that is a modest step in the right direction as it provides some relief from the harsh effects of arbitrary sequester cuts, as well as the threat of another government shutdown,"" said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. ""Though the deal was far from perfect, no amendments were allowed prior to the vote for final passage, and I am disappointed with certain provisions that unfairly burden military retirees and airline travelers in Hawaii, I was compelled to vote yes on this measure because the consequence of not reaching a budget compromise would have been devastating to our economy, our families, our military, and federal workers.  This is a positive step toward bringing back certainty and stability to our country, and averting preventable crises like another government shutdown which negatively affected Hawai`i disproportionately more than most of the country.   ""In today's divided government, we have to focus on collaborating, working together, so that we can work out our differences and deliver results that are in the best interest of the American people.  This is critically important as we work toward realistic, long-term solutions to the economic challenges we are facing across the country. ""I am still very concerned about some of the arbitrary budget cuts that remain in place, and certain provisions of this bill that will unfairly burden inter-island travelers and people in Hawai‘i. In particular, the significant hike in the Aviation Passenger Security Fee is harmful because so many of our residents rely on air travel to get to work, access healthcare, and visit loved ones on other islands. I am working towards an exemption to this fee hike, as Congress has granted previously in Hawai‘i for programs such as the Essential Air Service and other air transportation charges."" The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 sets discretionary, or non-mandatory, spending at $1.012 trillion, about halfway between the Senate and House budgets. The compromise provides $63 billion over two years in relief from across-the-board budget cuts, split evenly between Defense and non-Defense programs. Updated: December 16, 2013.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015320/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/7-rep-tulsi-gabbard-statement-on-passing-of-loretta-fuddy,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Statement on Passing of Loretta Fuddy,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Statement on Passing of Loretta Fuddy Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement on the passing of State Health Director Loretta Fuddy, who was killed in a commuter plane crash near Kalaupapa yesterday.   “Loretta dedicated her life to improving the well-being and health of Hawai‘i’s people, and we are grateful for her decades of selfless service to others. She was a fierce advocate for our keiki and kupuna, working for more than 37 years to create a safe and healthy environment for our residents. While serving in the Honolulu City Council, I was grateful to be able to work closely with Loretta to alleviate the threat of dengue fever and radioactive contamination from the Japanese tsunami; more recently, we had been collaborating to help Hawai‘i veterans with water catchment systems qualify for VA loans. I am deeply saddened by her untimely passing, and my sincere condolences go out to her loved ones during this difficult time.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-the-passing-of-hawaii-state-health-director-loretta-fuddy,HIRONO STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF HAWAII STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR LORETTA FUDDY,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HIRONO STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF HAWAII STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR LORETTA FUDDY Thursday, December 12, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement on the passing of State Health Director Loretta Fuddy, who was killed in a plane crash Wednesday off Kalaupapa: “I join many people in Hawaii today in mourning the sudden, tragic passing of Loretta Fuddy. Loretta was a dedicated public servant who spent most of her life working to improve public health on behalf of Hawaii’s families. It was a privilege to work with Loretta since my time in the Hawaii State Legislature. She touched so many lives and will be missed. Our thoughts are with Loretta’s loved ones, as well as the recovering victims of the plane crash.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-efforts-end-military-sexual-assault-will-continue,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Efforts to End Military Sexual Assault Will Continue,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) issued the following statement on the exclusion of the Military Justice Improvement Act (MJIA) from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2014. While I am encouraged by the progress made this year toward ending sexual assault within our ranks, I am disappointed that the Military Justice Improvement Act was not brought to a vote in Congress, said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. Military sexual assault survivors deserve a vote on the MJIA. Though it will not be included in the Defense bill this year, I will continue to work toward passage of this bipartisan, bicameral effort to end this epidemic. I appreciate the hard work the Armed Services Committees have done to finish the Defense bill before the end of this year, and the steps they have taken to address these violent sexual crimes. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard led the House introduction of the Military Justice Improvement Act (H.R. 2016), which is a bipartisan, bicameral effort to restore the faith of the American people and military sexual assault survivors by removing decision-making from the chain of command, and empowering experienced trial counsel to determine whether to take a case to a special or general court-martial proceeding.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-fights-protect-hawai-i-travelers-increased-security-fees,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Fights to Protect Hawaii Travelers from Increased Security Fees,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) sent a letter to House Budget Committee leaders, Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) and Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), yesterday highlighting the unique role of air travel throughout Hawaii and the negative impact of a possible air travel fee increase. The congresswoman requested a Hawaii exemption for increased air travel fees, particularly the Aviation Passenger Security Fee. The fee was instituted after September 11, 2001 and has now more than doubled from $2.50 to $5.60 in the budget compromise bill announced yesterday. While I recognize the need to continue supporting TSA's important mission in securing our air transportation system, I am hopeful that the [budget] conferees will balance this need against the minimal revenue gained and the critical need for air transportation in Hawaii, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard wrote. With no interisland railway or highway system, our residents have no choice but to fly between most of the islands Thus, air transportation is an essential lifeline for conducting business, receiving healthcare, and visiting family and friends. Full text of the letter is below: December 10, 2013 Dear Chairman Ryan and Ranking Member Van Hollen, As you work toward a budget agreement, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the unique role of air transportation in the State of Hawaii. I respectfully request your consideration of an exemption for interisland flights from any increase in air travel fees. Such an increase would have a negligible budget impact for the nation, but would create undue hardship for Hawaii residents who have extremely limited transportation options. It is my understanding that the budget conference committee is considering an increase to the Aviation Passenger Security fee. Although it is unclear how the fee increase would be structured, I am aware that the Administration's budget proposal for fiscal year 2014 included a doubling of this fee. With less than 6.8 million intrastate, interisland travelers in 2012, this fee increase would generate less than $17 million within the State of Hawaii out of a projected $317 million nationwide. This is less than 0.2% of the projected revenue gain from the increase. Yet, the growth of the fee would have a devastating impact upon the residents who work and live on one of the six main islands in Hawaii. With no interisland railway, highway system, or ferry, our residents have no other choice but to fly between most of the islands. Oahu, which has 70% of the state's population and is the base of Hawaii's economy, is not accessible from any other island except by air. The rough channel waters and long distances between the major islands have prohibited a successful ferry system from taking root. Thus, air transportation is an essential lifeline for conducting business, receiving healthcare, and visiting family and friends. Moreover, our interisland fares are priced so that a doubling of the security fee would have a noticeable effect on the price of the overall ticket. As an example, the Honolulu-Kona segment offers fares as low as $67.42. There are already $11.68 in fees and taxes tacked on to that fare. Adding another $2.50 to the security fee would result in fees and taxes escalating the price of the ticket by 22%. In the past, Congress has recognized Hawaii's unique reliance on air travel and the disparate impact of increased taxes and fees on our state. For example, Section 40117(e)(2)(D) of Title 49 of the United States Code exempts flights between two or more points in Hawaii from the imposition of passenger facility fees. Also, in section 4261(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code, Congress fixed the air transportation tax on domestic flights departing from Hawaii at $6, or half of the $12 tax imposed on flights in the contiguous 48 states. Further, both Congress and the Administration have agreed that Hawaii airports should be exempt from limitations on essential air service airports. While I recognize the need to continue supporting TSA's important mission in securing our air transportation system, I am hopeful that the conferees will balance this need against the minimal revenue gained and the critical need for air transportation in Hawaii. If you have any questions, or if I may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Wendy Clerinx, my Legislative Director, at 226-1107. Sincerely, Tulsi Gabbard Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301132843/http://gabbard.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-fights-to-protect-hawai-i-travelers-from-increased,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Fights to Protect Hawai‘i Travelers from Increased Security Fees,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) sent a letter to House Budget Committee leaders, Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) and Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), yesterday highlighting the unique role of air travel throughout Hawai‘i and the negative impact of a possible air travel fee increase. The congresswoman requested a Hawai‘i exemption for increased air travel fees, particularly the Aviation Passenger Security Fee. The fee was instituted after September 11, 2001 and has now more than doubled from $2.50 to $5.60 in the budget compromise bill announced yesterday. “While I recognize the need to continue supporting TSA’s important mission in securing our air transportation system, I am hopeful that the [budget] conferees will balance this need against the minimal revenue gained and the critical need for air transportation in Hawaii,” Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard wrote. “With no interisland railway or highway system, our residents have no choice but to fly between most of the islands… Thus, air transportation is an essential lifeline for conducting business, receiving healthcare, and visiting family and friends.”   Full text of the letter is below: December 10, 2013 Dear Chairman Ryan and Ranking Member Van Hollen, As you work toward a budget agreement, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the unique role of air transportation in the State of Hawaii.  I respectfully request your consideration of an exemption for interisland flights from any increase in air travel fees.  Such an increase would have a negligible budget impact for the nation, but would create undue hardship for Hawaii residents who have extremely limited transportation options. It is my understanding that the budget conference committee is considering an increase to the Aviation Passenger Security fee.  Although it is unclear how the fee increase would be structured, I am aware that the Administration’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2014 included a doubling of this fee.  With less than 6.8 million intrastate, interisland travelers in 2012, this fee increase would generate less than $17 million within the State of Hawaii out of a projected $317 million nationwide.  This is less than 0.2% of the projected revenue gain from the increase. Yet, the growth of the fee would have a devastating impact upon the residents who work and live on one of the six main islands in Hawaii.  With no interisland railway, highway system, or ferry, our residents have no other choice but to fly between most of the islands.  Oahu, which has 70% of the state’s population and is the base of Hawaii's economy, is not accessible from any other island except by air.  The rough channel waters and long distances between the major islands have prohibited a successful ferry system from taking root. Thus, air transportation is an essential lifeline for conducting business, receiving healthcare, and visiting family and friends. Moreover, our interisland fares are priced so that a doubling of the security fee would have a noticeable effect on the price of the overall ticket.  As an example, the Honolulu-Kona segment offers fares as low as $67.42.  There are already $11.68 in fees and taxes tacked on to that fare.  Adding another $2.50 to the security fee would result in fees and taxes escalating the price of the ticket by 22%.   In the past, Congress has recognized Hawaii’s unique reliance on air travel and the disparate impact of increased taxes and fees on our state.  For example, Section 40117(e)(2)(D) of Title 49 of the United States Code exempts flights between two or more points in Hawaii from the imposition of passenger facility fees.  Also, in section 4261(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code, Congress fixed the air transportation tax on domestic flights departing from Hawaii at $6, or half of the $12 tax imposed on flights in the contiguous 48 states.  Further, both Congress and the Administration have agreed that Hawaii airports should be exempt from limitations on essential air service airports. While I recognize the need to continue supporting TSA’s important mission in securing our air transportation system, I am hopeful that the conferees will balance this need against the minimal revenue gained and the critical need for air transportation in Hawaii.  If you have any questions, or if I may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Wendy Clerinx, my Legislative Director, at 226-1107. Sincerely, Tulsi Gabbard Member of Congress ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015343/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/9-rep-tulsi-gabbard-fights-to-protect-hawai-i-travelers-from-increased-security-fees,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Fights to Protect Hawaii Travelers from Increased Security Fees,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Fights to Protect Hawai‘i Travelers from Increased Security Fees Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) sent a letter to House Budget Committee leaders, Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) and Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), yesterday highlighting the unique role of air travel throughout Hawai‘i and the negative impact of a possible air travel fee increase. The congresswoman requested a Hawai‘i exemption for increased air travel fees, particularly the Aviation Passenger Security Fee. The fee was instituted after September 11, 2001 and has now more than doubled from $2.50 to $5.60 in the budget compromise bill announced yesterday.   “While I recognize the need to continue supporting TSA’s important mission in securing our air transportation system, I am hopeful that the [budget] conferees will balance this need against the minimal revenue gained and the critical need for air transportation in Hawaii,” Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard wrote. “With no interisland railway or highway system, our residents have no choice but to fly between most of the islands… Thus, air transportation is an essential lifeline for conducting business, receiving healthcare, and visiting family and friends.”       Full text of the letter is below:   December 10, 2013   Dear Chairman Ryan and Ranking Member Van Hollen,   As you work toward a budget agreement, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the unique role of air transportation in the State of Hawaii.  I respectfully request your consideration of an exemption for interisland flights from any increase in air travel fees.  Such an increase would have a negligible budget impact for the nation, but would create undue hardship for Hawaii residents who have extremely limited transportation options.   It is my understanding that the budget conference committee is considering an increase to the Aviation Passenger Security fee.  Although it is unclear how the fee increase would be structured, I am aware that the Administration’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2014 included a doubling of this fee.  With less than 6.8 million intrastate, interisland travelers in 2012, this fee increase would generate less than $17 million within the State of Hawaii out of a projected $317 million nationwide.  This is less than 0.2% of the projected revenue gain from the increase.   Yet, the growth of the fee would have a devastating impact upon the residents who work and live on one of the six main islands in Hawaii.  With no interisland railway, highway system, or ferry, our residents have no other choice but to fly between most of the islands.  Oahu, which has 70% of the state’s population and is the base of Hawaii's economy, is not accessible from any other island except by air.  The rough channel waters and long distances between the major islands have prohibited a successful ferry system from taking root. Thus, air transportation is an essential lifeline for conducting business, receiving healthcare, and visiting family and friends.   Moreover, our interisland fares are priced so that a doubling of the security fee would have a noticeable effect on the price of the overall ticket.  As an example, the Honolulu-Kona segment offers fares as low as $67.42.  There are already $11.68 in fees and taxes tacked on to that fare.  Adding another $2.50 to the security fee would result in fees and taxes escalating the price of the ticket by 22%.       In the past, Congress has recognized Hawaii’s unique reliance on air travel and the disparate impact of increased taxes and fees on our state.  For example, Section 40117(e)(2)(D) of Title 49 of the United States Code exempts flights between two or more points in Hawaii from the imposition of passenger facility fees.  Also, in section 4261(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code, Congress fixed the air transportation tax on domestic flights departing from Hawaii at $6, or half of the $12 tax imposed on flights in the contiguous 48 states.  Further, both Congress and the Administration have agreed that Hawaii airports should be exempt from limitations on essential air service airports.   While I recognize the need to continue supporting TSA’s important mission in securing our air transportation system, I am hopeful that the conferees will balance this need against the minimal revenue gained and the critical need for air transportation in Hawaii.  If you have any questions, or if I may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Wendy Clerinx, my Legislative Director, at 226-1107.   Sincerely,   Tulsi Gabbard   Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015405/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/8-rep-tulsi-gabbard-efforts-to-end-military-sexual-assault-will-continue,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Efforts to End Military Sexual Assault Will Continue,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Efforts to End Military Sexual Assault Will Continue Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) issued the following statement on the exclusion of the Military Justice Improvement Act (MJIA) from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2014.   “While I am encouraged by the progress made this year toward ending sexual assault within our ranks, I am disappointed that the Military Justice Improvement Act was not brought to a vote in Congress,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “Military sexual assault survivors deserve a vote on the MJIA. Though it will not be included in the Defense bill this year, I will continue to work toward passage of this bipartisan, bicameral effort to end this epidemic. I appreciate the hard work the Armed Services Committees have done to finish the Defense bill before the end of this year, and the steps they have taken to address these violent sexual crimes.”   Earlier this year, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard led the House introduction of the Military Justice Improvement Act (H.R. 2016), which is a bipartisan, bicameral effort to restore the faith of the American people and military sexual assault survivors by removing decision-making from the chain of command, and empowering experienced trial counsel to determine whether to take a case to a special or general court-martial proceeding.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/photos/hirono-hosts-lunch-with-hawaii-interns,Hirono Hosts Lunch With Hawaii Interns,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 11, 2013- Senator Mazie K. Hirono hosted interns from all four Hawaii Congressional Delegation offices and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Washington, D.C. Bureau. Hirono shared personal stories and encouraged the group to persevere in pursuing their goals.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/photos/hirono-supports-toys-for-tots,Hirono Supports Toys for Tots,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 11, 2013- Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined Senate colleagues in bringing children holiday joy by donating educational games to Toys for Tots. Since 1995, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has collected and distributed Christmas gifts to children across the country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-fund-advocacy-centers-for-child-abuse-victims,"HIRONO, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO FUND ADVOCACY CENTERS FOR CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS",2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HIRONO, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO FUND ADVOCACY CENTERS FOR CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS Wednesday, December 11, 2013 Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined colleagues from across the aisle to introduce legislation to reauthorize the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA), which provides funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers that serve child victims of violent crimes and help law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable. Hawaii’s five Children’s Justice Centers, which serve every Hawaii county, are members of the National Children’s Alliance and its affiliated Children’s Advocacy Centers. “We want to give our keiki the best possible start in life, which also means protection for those who are victims of terrible crimes,” said Senator Hirono. “The Victims of Child Abuse Act helps fund Children’s Advocacy Centers where children are interviewed about abuse in a comfortable and safe setting. I recently visited the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii and saw how the Center staff, law enforcement and child welfare professionals support our keiki. I am pleased to join this bipartisan effort with Senators Coons, Blunt and Sessions to restore this imperative funding for these Centers on behalf of hundreds of thousands of children throughout the nation.” See Senator Coons’ full press release below: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 11, 2013 CONTACTS: Ian Koski (Coons) at 202-224-5042 or Ian_Koski@coons.senate.gov Amber Marchand (Blunt) at 202-224-1403 or Amber_Marchand@blunt.senate.gov Stephen Miller (Sessions) at 202-224-4124 or Stephen_Miller@sessions.senate.gov Sabrina Siddiqui (Hirono) at 202-224-9813 or Sabrina_Siddiqui@hirono.senate.gov ONLINE: http://1.usa.gov/1f747jY Senators introduce bill to save advocacy centers for victims of child abuse   Victims of Child Abuse Act reauthorization would secure funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers that help solve child-abuse cases while protecting child victims of violent crimes.   WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), co-chairs of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, and Senators Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced bipartisan legislation Tuesday to reauthorize the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA), which provides funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers that serve child victims of violent crimes and help law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable. Though the success of these federal-state and public-private partnerships have earned them broad bipartisan support, Congressional authorization for Children’s Advocacy Centers lapsed in 2005, and most recently the President’s proposed budgets for 2013 and 2014 have zeroed out federal funding. The VOCAA Reauthorization Act of 2013 would restore funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers and strengthen oversight of this critical program. “When a child is the victim of physical or sexual abuse, his or her life will never be the same,” Senator Coons said. “Seeking justice should be a part of the healing process – not a source of further trauma. Children’s Advocacy Centers provide a safe, supportive space for young victims and help law enforcement officers bring perpetrators to justice faster, more effectively, and at a lower cost. These facilities are a critical asset to law enforcement, to our criminal justice system, and to the children in our community who have been the victims of truly horrific crimes. I thank my colleagues for working with me to ensure they can continue to serve children in need.” “There are 22 Child Advocacy Centers located in Missouri, which serve around 7,000 of our state’s most vulnerable children each year by coordinating the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse cases,” Senator Blunt said. “This bill allows Child Advocacy Centers in Missouri and across the country to continue to provide a safe haven for child abuse victims and helps law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.” “As a former prosecutor and Attorney General, I have seen firsthand the dramatic impact that Children’s Advocacy Centers have made in improving our nation’s response to these terrible crimes,” Senator Sessions said. “Since the Victims of Child Abuse Act was introduced more than two decades ago, we have seen substantial improvements in the investigation of these heinous acts and the vital care provided to child victims.  Protecting our children is the highest moral duty we have. I am proud that the first Children’s Advocacy Center is in Huntsville—this amazing organization does such crucial work on behalf of our nation’s children. The Victims of Child Abuse Act plays a critical role in protecting our nation’s children and we must reauthorize it.  I am grateful to Senators Coons, Hirono, and Blunt for joining in this effort.” “While we want to give our keiki the best possible start in life, free from violence and abuse, we need to have protections for those who are victims of these terrible crimes. The Victims of Child Abuse Act helps fund Children’s Advocacy Centers where children are interviewed about abuse in a comfortable and safe setting. I recently visited one, the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii, and learned from staff, child welfare professionals and law enforcement how the Center supports our keiki. I am pleased to join this bipartisan effort with Senators Coons, Blunt and Sessions to restore this imperative funding for these Centers on behalf of hundreds of thousands of children throughout the nation,” said Senator Hirono. “For nearly two decades, Children’s Advocacy Centers have existed in communities across the country – however, there remain many children who do not have access to these critical services in times of need” remarked Teresa Huizar, executive director of the National Children’s Alliance, the national association and accrediting body for Children’s Advocacy Centers. “The VOCAA Reauthorization Act of 2013 is the first step in the continued evolution and growth of the Children’s Advocacy Center model. With this ongoing support we can hope to one day not only meet the needs of every child victim of abuse, but work together on prevention efforts that will ultimately eradicate child abuse from our society.” ""Nothing is more important than protecting children,"" said Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. ""Children’s Advocacy Centers are on the front lines in the fight against predators. This funding will make our children safer."" Children’s Advocacy Centers employ a multi-disciplinary team of trained professionals to conduct forensic interviews of children who have been victims of abuse. These interviews are designed to be admissible in court, preventing children from being re-traumatized by having to tell their stories multiple times. In 2012 alone, more than 286,000 children were served at over 800 Children’s Advocacy Centers across the United States, with over 197,000 cases reporting sexual abuse. Their use in child abuse cases saved, on average, more than $1,000 per case in court, child protection, and investigative fees. The VOCAA Reauthorization Act of 2013 would increase authorization levels for Children’s Advocacy Centers for the first time since the VOCAA was enacted in 1990. Acknowledging current fiscal constraints, this moderate increase, from $20 million to $22.5 million, is still below an amount that would keep pace with inflation and population growth. The reauthorization would also strengthen the programs through enhanced accountability provisions, non-profit requirements and limitations on conference expenditures. The following organizations have endorsed the VOCAA Reauthorization Act of 2013: National Association of Police Organizations, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, Major County Sheriffs’ Association, National Criminal Justice Training Center, Major Cities Chiefs’ Association, National Children’s Alliance, National Children’s Advocacy Center, National Center for Victims of Crime, Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department, and the National Child Protection Training Center.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hironos-bipartisan-amendment-to-promote-telehealth-in-military-health-system-included-in-defense-authorization-deal,HIRONO’S BIPARTISAN AMENDMENT TO PROMOTE TELEHEALTH IN MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM INCLUDED IN DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION DEAL,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HIRONO’S BIPARTISAN AMENDMENT TO PROMOTE TELEHEALTH IN MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM INCLUDED IN DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION DEAL Will Help Rural Oahu, Neighbor Island Veterans and Those Suffering From Traumatic Brain Injury And Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Wednesday, December 11, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, joined Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) to ensure that their bipartisan amendment (S.A. 2114) requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to issue a report on the current status of telehealth initiatives, as well as plans to integrate telehealth in the military health care system, was incorporated as part of a newly drafted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) deal. “Through telehealth we can help our military and our health care professionals tackle health issues with the best, most up-to-date technology that our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines deserve,” said Senator Hirono. “Telehealth works to assist people struggling with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, helping them receive the treatment they need without fear or shame. This innovative technology also makes a difference for people living in rural communities, such as Hawaii’s neighbor islands. I’m proud to work with Senator Portman to promote the implementation of telehealth treatments in the military health system.” The DOD report will specifically address privacy concerns and challenges of implementing telehealth in group treatment and therapy, outreach to rural areas, and as in-home use. Telehealth is an innovative, twenty-first century approach to problems involving Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, especially for veterans living in rural areas like rural Oahu and the neighbor islands, where access to mental health treatment is limited, wait times can be long, and in-home access opportunities are rarely utilized. See Senator Portman’s full press release below:   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 MEDIA CONTACTS: Caitlin Dunn (Portman) | 202-224-5190 Sabrina Siddiqui (Hirono) | 202-224-9813 Portman, Hirono Initiative to Promote the Implementation of Telehealth in Military Health System Included in Draft NDAA Deal Will help veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Mazie Hirono (D-H.I.) ensured that their bipartisan amendment (S.A. 2114) language requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to issue a report on the current status of telehealth initiatives, as well as plans to integrate telehealth in the military health care system, was incorporated as part of a newly drafted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) deal.  This report will specifically address privacy concerns and challenges of implementing telehealth in group treatment and therapy, outreach to rural areas, and as in-home use.  Telehealth is an innovative, twenty-first century approach to problems involving Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), especially for veterans living in rural areas, where access to mental health treatment is limited, wait times can be long, and in-home access opportunities are rarely utilized. “We must encourage the Department of Defense to continue to work on implementing telehealth throughout our military health system.  This language is an important step toward applying the technological advances of the last few decades to a problem that has bedeviled the military and our health care professionals for a very long time—how best to treat the invisible scars of war that so many of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines suffer on foreign battlefields,” said Senator Portman.  “Through telehealth, we can mobilize electronic information and telecommunications technologies to apply a modern approach to help our veterans overcome these scars of war, while supporting long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration.” “Through telehealth we can help our military and our health care professionals tackle health issues with the best, most up-to-date technology that our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines deserve. Telehealth works to assist people struggling with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, helping them receive the treatment they need without fear or shame. This innovative technology also makes a difference for people living in rural communities, such as Hawaii’s neighbor islands. I’m proud to work with Senator Portman to promote the implementation of telehealth treatments in the military health system,” said Senator Hirono, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs committees. “Senator Rob Portman’s amendment not only reflects his awareness of the severity of the current PTS/TBI epidemic in our OIF/OEF Veterans, but also his realization for the necessity of a rapid yet accountable response. The Senator's request for collaborative efforts between government agencies and civilian specialists is key to the reintegration of our young Veterans. This will be a huge step toward rehabilitation and reintegration of the nation's 450,000 Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who suffer from TBI,” said Dr. Chrisanne Gordon, a Columbus-based rehabilitation physician and Founder and Chairwoman of the Resurrecting Lives Foundation.    TBI is often called the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, with over 280,000 of our veterans affected since 2000, according to the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center. It is also estimated that 30 percent of the men and women who have spent time in war zones experience PTSD.  More than half of all male Vietnam veterans and almost half of all female Vietnam veterans have experienced ""clinically serious stress reaction symptoms."" PTSD has also been detected among veterans of the Gulf War, with some estimates running as high as 8 percent.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112358/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/hanabuse-votes-support-hawaii-medical-center-servicemembers-veterans,"Hanabuse Votes in Support of Hawaii Medical Center for Servicemembers, Veterans",2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted for a bill that would authorize funding for the lease of an outpatient medical center in Ewa on the island of Oahu, which will serve our veterans, military servicemembers, and their families.  H.R. 3521 authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out specified major medical facility leases in several states, including Hawaii.  The Leeward Outpatient Healthcare Access Center, which supports the parent facility of the VA Pacific Island Health Care System (VAPIHCS) in Honolulu, will include a clinic for the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, with VA and the Department of Defense sharing support services.  ""When our men and women in uniform put themselves in harm’s way to defend our nation, we have an obligation to take care of them and their families,"" said Hanabusa, ""and that responsibility does not vanish after they return from combat. The Leeward Outpatient Healthcare Access Center will provide our veterans, military personnel, and their families with essential health care services including primary care, mental health, and specialty care services. It will also serve as an alternative, convenient location for those who reside in our Ewa, Leeward, and North Shore communities.  ""In 2012, Senator Daniel K. Inouye championed an effort to name the Center after Senator Daniel K. Akaka, who worked tirelessly throughout his career to improve the quality life of our veterans and military servicemembers. The Hawaii Delegation at that time wrote a strong letter of support for this provision, but Congress unfortunately did not take any action. That being said, I will be introducing legislation tomorrow to rename the facility after Senator Akaka to honor his unwavering commitment to our nation's heroes.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112426/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/hanabusa-congratulates-house-senate-negotiators-budget-deal,"Hanabusa Congratulates House, Senate Negotiators on Budget Deal",2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) today congratulated House and Senate budget negotiators for reaching a bi-partisan budget deal that could avert a possible government shutdown and prevent further economic damage from across-the board budget cuts resulting from sequestration. “I want to congratulate my House colleagues and our Senate counterparts for bringing forth a budget deal that our respective chambers can review and vote on. It bears noting that a divided Congress has not agreed on a bipartisan budget deal since 1986, and we now have a chance to sit down and talk about real numbers. “It is also vitally important that this budget deal can remove some uncertainty from our economy. It gives the public and American businesses a firmer idea of what they will be dealing with in the future. “With this agreement in place, we will not face another government shutdown in January. I believe that our economy will benefit greatly from the elimination of many of the thoughtless, brutal cuts from sequestration. This can put us back on track for thoughtful, planned control of our spending and the establishment of true priorities in our budget. Both the government and private business should benefit from that. “I am certain that there will be provisions in the proposal that I like and others that give me pause, but that is the nature of compromise. I look forward to delving into the details and determining whether I can support the measure as a whole.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-proposed-budget-deal,HIRONO STATEMENT ON PROPOSED BUDGET DEAL,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HIRONO STATEMENT ON PROPOSED BUDGET DEAL Agreement Would Avert Government Shutdown, Ease Pain Of Sequestration Tuesday, December 10, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement on tonight’s proposed budget deal authored by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI): “This proposed budget deal presents tough choices for everyone and I commend my colleagues who worked together on a compromise that provides welcome relief from the partisan brinksmanship that led to the first government shutdown in 17 years. I will closely review the details of this budget proposal to see how it addresses the needs of Hawaii and our nation and works to create jobs, protect our keiki and kupuna and reverse the harm done by sequestration.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-comments-passing-honorable-nelson-mandela,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Comments on the Passing of the Honorable Nelson Mandela,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HI Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the following statement on the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela at the age of ninety-five in his native country of South Africa. Yesterday, the world lost one of its most influential and valuable leaders, the Honorable Nelson Mandela, who rose from imprisonment to presidency, bringing together a divided nation, and inspiring a global community. He overcame discrimination and persecution to spread a message of peace and unity from which every one of us can learn and strive to put in practice in our own lives, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The congresswoman added, Nelson Mandela was a true servant-leader who humbly led by example and taught others that by working together peacefully, they can best achieve their goals for progress and positive growth. The best way to honor him today and always, is by practicing the ideals of acceptance, humility, and reconciliation that he sacrificed so much to uphold. A memorial service for Nelson Mandela will be held in Johannesburg on December 10th. His body will lie in Pretoria for 4 days before it is buried on December 15th at his home in Qunu.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015428/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/10-rep-tulsi-gabbard-comments-on-the-passing-of-the-honorable-nelson-mandela,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Comments on the Passing of the Honorable Nelson Mandela,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Comments on the Passing of the Honorable Nelson Mandela Honolulu, HI — Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the following statement on the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela at the age of ninety-five in his native country of South Africa.   “Yesterday, the world lost one of its most influential and valuable leaders, the Honorable Nelson Mandela, who rose from imprisonment to presidency, bringing together a divided nation, and inspiring a global community. He overcame discrimination and persecution to spread a message of peace and unity from which every one of us can learn and strive to put in practice in our own lives,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.   The congresswoman added, “Nelson Mandela was a true servant-leader who humbly led by example and taught others that by working together peacefully, they can best achieve their goals for progress and positive growth. The best way to honor him today and always, is by practicing the ideals of acceptance, humility, and reconciliation that he sacrificed so much to uphold.”   A memorial service for Nelson Mandela will be held in Johannesburg on December 10th. His body will lie in Pretoria for 4 days before it is buried on December 15th at his home in Qunu.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/haleakala-national-park-unveils-new-cultural-brochure,Haleakala National Park Unveils New Cultural Brochure,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Haleakala National Park Unveils New Cultural Brochure By:  Wendy Osher Friday, December 6, 2013 Haleakala National Park unveiled a new cultural brochure and celebrated the kupuna who helped to author it, during a special event held this week in Kipahulu. “Some people might question why a national park would hold an event to celebrate the public roll out of a brochure, but this is no ordinary brochure and this is no ordinary place,” said superintendent Natalie Gates in an agency press release. “No other brochure in the entire 401-unit national park system was written by community members in the native language of the community,” she said. US Senator Mazie Hirono, who spoke at the event as part of her visit this week to Maui and Molokai, said, “Our national parks are not museums or places where culture is only discussed in the past tense.” “The Hawaiian culture and the people who practice it are very much alive. Native Hawaiians come to Haleakala to renew ties to their ancestors as well as to pass ancient traditions down to the next generation,” she said. Read the entire piece here: http://mauinow.com/2013/12/06/haleakala-national-park-unveils-new-cultural-brochure/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112458/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/statement-passing-nelson-mandela,Statement on the Passing of Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) released the following statement on the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Nelson Mandela, who was a symbol of courage as well as a statesman who helped guide South Africa toward equality. I join the many who have been inspired by President Mandela’s quiet dignity and deep commitment to the cause of equality around the world. His path to influence was not easy, but he assumed power without rancor or bitterness and changed the direction of his nation. I hope he will be the model for many, many more leaders in the years to come.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112526/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/hanabusa-votes-protect-businesses-abusive-patent-infringement-lawsuits,Hanabusa Votes to Protect Businesses from Abusive Patent Infringement Lawsuits,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) voted in favor of a patent reform bill that aims to reduce abusive patent litigation practices, while promoting transparency in the process. H.R. 3309 modifies the patent infringement litigation process in order to discourage “patent trolls” from abusing the system by filing lawsuits in hopes of getting money from forcing defendants into a quick legal settlement. “Patent trolls” are non-practicing entities that acquire broad patents not to commercialize them, but to earn licensing revenues from others who have done so. “Abusive patent infringement lawsuits financially burden businesses and entrepreneurs, discourage innovation, and weaken the U.S. patent system,” said Hanabusa. “While I have some concerns with H.R. 3309, I believe this bipartisan bill takes important steps toward reducing senseless patent litigation and invalidating low-quality patents, while creating more transparency in the process.  “The Congressional Research Service reports that it can costs businesses millions of dollars to defend patent infringement cases, with more than half the costs occurring in the discovery phase; a quick settlement often seems their best option, regardless of the merits of the case. These are funds that the companies could be dedicating to jobs, groundbreaking research, and product development. I look forward to working with my colleagues to further improve our nation’s patent reform laws.” The bill would have eliminated a patent applicant’s right to appeal an adverse decision from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and closed off court access, but an amendment, offered by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher(R-CA), restored the applicant’s ability to appeal the decision to U.S. District Court. These types of appeals are rare, but are important because it gives the applicant the ability to introduce new evidence that could not otherwise be considered in deciding the patentability of an invention. Hanabusa voted in favor of the amendment. H.R. 3309 passed the House by a vote of 325-91 and now heads to the Senate. The Obama Administration supports the measure.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/hirono-makes-maui-rounds-visits-kipahulu-and-molokai,Hirono Makes Maui Rounds: Visits Kipahulu and Molokai,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono Makes Maui Rounds: Visits Kipahulu and Molokai By:  Wendy Osher Thursday, December 5, 2013 US Senator Mazie Hirono made several stops on Maui and Molokai this week as part of a statewide visit to meet with constituents and participate in cultural, commemorative, and educational events. During her Maui stop, Senator Hirono met with diverse students, including those from Molokai Middle School, student-veterans at Maui College, and DREAM Act students on Maui. “What I really enjoyed was meeting all these really smart, enthusiastic, engaged students who showed me the halau that they built with the community; and all of the science and technology work that they are doing; their history projects; and the Hawaiian immersion program,” said Sen. Hirono of her visit to Molokai Middle School on Tuesday. “It was a terrific showing of enthusiastic, smart, young kids. It gave me a lot of hope,” she said. Read the entire piece here: http://mauinow.com/2013/12/05/hirono-makes-maui-rounds-visits-kipahulu-and-moloka%CA%BBi/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221014257/http://hanabusa.house.gov/video/one-minute-sequestration-120413,One Minute on Sequestration - 12.04.13,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Honolulu 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 4-104 Honolulu, HI 96850 Phone: (808) 541-2570 Fax: (808) 533-0133 Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-4:30PM",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112559/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/us-rep-hanabusa-votes-keep-financial-market-more-transparent-protect-investors,"U.S. Rep. Hanabusa Votes to Keep Financial Market More Transparent, Protect Investors",2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) voted against a controversial bill that would undermine Wall Street reforms. Instead of improving the Dodd-Frank Wall Street and Consumer Protection Act, H.R. 1105 exempts the vast majority, if not all, of private equity investment advisors from registration and reporting requirements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that make the financial market more transparent and protect investors. “In the end, my vote came down to balancing the regulatory requirements placed on private equity funds with the safety and security of our financial system,” said Hanabusa. “The ability to manage and monitor risks in all investment areas is crucial to ensuring that another 2008 financial crisis does not happen again, and I could not vote to create a loophole that would exempt almost all private equity firms from oversight, while weakening investor protections. The financial sector has shown no lack of creativity in exploiting gaps in our regulatory framework, and I am firmly convinced that we need to maintain these critical protections.” Currently, the Dodd-Frank Act requires private equity funds (and hedge funds) with more than $150 million of assets under management to register with the SEC as investment advisers and disclose information about their trades and portfolios. These firms must have in place a compliance officer and code of ethics, and disclose if any employees have violated securities laws and any conflicts of interest— critical investor protections needed as the SEC has brought enforcement actions against private equity funds involving insider trading, improper asset valuation, and misappropriation of assets. H.R. 1105, which passed the House by a vote of 254-159, is opposed by the Obama Administration and the Senate isn’t expected to take up the bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/view/kitv-full-hirono-interview-on-health-care-and-senate-page-program,KITV - Full Hirono Interview On Health Care And Senate Page Program,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"KITV - Full Hirono Interview On Health Care And Senate Page Program Recorded on December 3, 2013. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112629/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/us-rep-hanabusa-leads-letter-defense-officials-urging-no-cuts-troop-housing-benefits,U.S. Rep. Hanabusa Leads Letter to Defense Officials Urging No Cuts to Troop Housing Benefits,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, led a bipartisan group of colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission, expressing their concern that the Department of Defense will reportedly recommend reducing the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for our troops.  The Air Force Times reported that DoD may recommend cuts of 10 to 15 percent below the traditionally calculated BAH amount. The letter says, “This program has worked well both for recruitment and retention and has become a cornerstone for strong community support.” “This level of cut in the compensation package of volunteers is a serious blow to the standard of living we have held out for them. Changing this policy now, we feel, would undercut the commitment made to our troops in failing to care for them and their families as promised. “In addition, such reductions would damage the ability of the public-private partnerships to reinvest in their military family housing portfolios, which have cleaned up what was 18 years ago, woefully substandard on-base housing and replaced it with well-kept and well maintained communities. “All in all, an arbitrary cut of the BAH, replacing the market-based system, would put us right back where we were in 1996 when the GAO (Government Accountability Office) found so many houses substandard.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/sen-mazie-hirono-tours-molokai-middle-school-today,Sen. Mazie Hirono tours Molokai Middle School today,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. Mazie Hirono tours Molokai Middle School today Monday, December 2, 2013 In her only scheduled stop on Molokai, U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono visited Molokai Middle School today as part of her continuing effort to champion Hawaii’s voice in Washington, D.C. Sen. Hirono arrived at MMS shortly after 1 p.m. with the intent of seeing the school’s gardening program and its accomplishments in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), according to school Principal Gary Davidson. “We put all our best people on this,” said Davidson. Student council representatives led Hirono on a guided tour of the school, including several STEM presentations. During the tour, Hirono asked about the various garden beds and greenhouses throughout the campus. The garden beds and greenhouse, as well as the recently-built school halau, were established through many partnerships that MMS has formed with the larger community, according to Kelly Kawa’a Richardson, the school’s registrar and student activities coordinator, who helped organize the Hirono visit. One of those partnerships that has just taken shape this year at MMS is with Sust’ainable Molokai, a local non-profit that created the Molokai School Garden Network. This network, supported by the Foodcorps program, now includes Molokai High School and Maunaloa Elementary School as well as MMS. Also playing an important role in the development of the student gardens and STEM programs are the many teachers who have written grants, added Richardson. She also mentioned that teachers at the school have exposed students to STEM career opportunities during field trips. Read the entire piece here: http://themolokainews.com/2013/12/02/sen-mazie-hirono-tours-molokai-middle-school-today/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/photos/hirono-visits-molokai-middle-school,Hirono Visits Molokai Middle School,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 2, 2013- Senator Mazie K. Hirono visited Molokai Middle School to see firsthand student accomplishment in science, technology, engineering, and math. Hirono learned about community initiatives to clean the Molokai shoreline and establish gardening and robotics programs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-comments-drowning-victim-and-uh-warrior-willis-wilson,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Comments on Drowning Victim and UH Warrior Willis Wilson,2013-11-30,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HI Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the following statement after learning that University of Hawaii student-athlete Willis Wilson drowned at Sandy Beach on the south shore of Oahu around 4:30 a.m. this morning. He was 21 years old and from Lakewood, Washington. His father also played football for the University of Hawaii. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard commented on the tragedy, ""I was deeply saddened to learn the devastating news that Willis Wilson, one of the Warriors' running backs, had drowned earlier this morning. I can't imagine the shock, pain, and sadness that his family, his team, and the UH ohana is feeling right now, but I pray the Wilsons and his extended family can find some peace and strength through this difficult time. I know Willis' teammates will be playing for him tonight, as all of Hawai'i remembers him.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015451/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/11-rep-tulsi-gabbard-comments-on-drowning-victim-and-uh-warrior-willis-wilson,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Comments on Drowning Victim and UH Warrior Willis Wilson,2013-11-30,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Comments on Drowning Victim and UH Warrior Willis Wilson Honolulu, HI — Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the following statement after learning that University of Hawaiʻi student-athlete Willis Wilson drowned at Sandy Beach on the south shore of Oʻahu around 4:30 a.m. this morning. He was 21 years old and from Lakewood, Washington. His father also played football for the University of Hawaiʻi.   Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard commented on the tragedy, ""I was deeply saddened to learn the devastating news that Willis Wilson, one of the Warriors' running backs, had drowned earlier this morning. I can't imagine the shock, pain, and sadness that his family, his team, and the UH ohana is feeling right now, but I pray the Wilsons and his extended family can find some peace and strength through this difficult time. I know Willis' teammates will be playing for him tonight, as all of Hawai'i remembers him.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/a-personal-interview-with-mazie-hirono-hawaiis-first-woman-senator,"A Personal Interview with Mazie Hirono, Hawaii’s First Woman Senator",2013-11-27,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"A Personal Interview with Mazie Hirono, Hawaii’s First Woman Senator By:  Senator Mazie K. Hirono Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Following is an excerpt from Hirono’s interview on “Women’s Media Center Live With Robin Morgan,” which aired November 23 and is available by podcast at wmclive.com and iTunes. In it, the senator talks about the women who have inspired her, and her commitment to support other women in politics. When I was running for the seat, at one of the first rallies that I had, I said that the U.S. Senate could use a lot more diversity, and that I brought quadruple diversity to the U.S. Senate because I am a woman, I would be the first Asian woman ever to be elected to the U.S. Senate, I'm a Buddhist, and I'm an immigrant—and someone in my crowd yelled out, “Yeah, but are you gay?” And I said, “Nobody's perfect.” And here we are, Hawaii having just passed marriage equality, something that I have supported for a long time. [There are now 20 women senators, which is an historic number, but in order to increase those numbers] we need to support women and minorities to run at the local level. We need to get into the pipeline. I don't think that we just come full-blown and say, “Hey, I think I'll run for the U.S. Senate now,” from nowhere. That's pretty tough, so I've said we need to find good people to run, particularly at the local level, get us all into the pipeline, and then for women to support qualified women, [including] with money.  Read the entire piece here: http://www.womensmediacenter.com/feature/entry/a-personal-interview-with-mazie-hirono-hawaiis-first-woman-senator",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/in-case-you-missed-it-hirono-touts-hawaii-as-a-model-of-progress-on-national-radio,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: HIRONO TOUTS HAWAII AS A MODEL OF PROGRESS ON NATIONAL RADIO,2013-11-27,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: HIRONO TOUTS HAWAII AS A MODEL OF PROGRESS ON NATIONAL RADIO “It’s not only quite a beautiful place, but it seems to be quite a progressive place,” said host Robin Morgan Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Washington, D.C. – Last week, Senator Mazie K. Hirono touted Hawaii as a model of progress on national radio, appearing on WMC Live with Robin Morgan. WMC Live is a weekly talk radio show with national syndication that has featured guests such as Sheryl Sandberg, Sandra Fluke, and Dee Dee Myers. In the interview, Morgan noted that Hawaii has been ahead of the rest of the country on many things, many of which Hirono has supported throughout her career. Hirono lauded the recent passage of marriage equality in the 50th state, reflected on the legacy of Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink and discussed her decision to donate her salary from the government shutdown to meals on wheels programs in Hawaii: On Hawaii becoming the 15th state to codify marriage equality: “And here we are, Hawaii, having just passed marriage equality,” Hirono said. “It’s something that I have supported for a long time.” On the legacy of Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink: “And you mentioned my friend Patsy Mink, who continues to be an inspiration to me along with my mother,” Hirono said on Congresswoman Patsy Mink, the first woman of color to be elected to Congress. “We were friends because we were both in elected office for many years and our paths crossed many times. The last time that I saw Patsy was at a Fourth of July parade and she invited me to have lunch with her. I was running for governor at that time and she said to me, ‘Mazie, you just have to win. You just have to win.’ And I knew what she was talking about. It is from a woman who had run for governor, for mayor, for President, for Congress, and she just kept picking herself up. She was a trailblazer in so many ways. On donating government shutdown salary to non-profit organizations that provide meal delivery and congregate meals across the state: “I continue to be very privileged to serve here, and programs such as meals on wheels and the food bank are programs that I have supported…what could be more fundamental than providing food to people,” Hirono remarked on the donation. You can listen to the entire show by following this link. Hirono’s interview begins at the 29-minute mark. The full episode is also available for free as a podcast on iTunes. Robin Morgan is an award-winning poet, novelist, political theorist, feminist activist, journalist, editor, and best-selling author. Morgan co-founded the Women’s Media Center in 2005 with Jane Fonda and Gloria Steinem.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/today-rep-tulsi-gabbard-receive-2013-john-f-kennedy-new-frontier-award,TODAY: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to Receive 2013 John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today in Boston at 1:00 p.m. HST/6:00 p.m. EST, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) will be presented with a 2013 John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award. The award will be presented by Jack Schlossberg, President John F. Kennedy's grandson and a member of the New Frontier Award Committee, during a ceremony at the Institute of Politics at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government. It is truly humbling to receive this honor, as the message and example of servant leadership set by President Kennedy is one I hold close and which continues to inspire me and an entire generation, said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. As we reflect on President Kennedy's call to service, we understand his indelible mark on the American people, past, present and future, and will forever remember his dedication to public service and working for the greater good. I will continue to strive to uphold his example of servant leadership and honor his life and sacrifice in my service to the people of Hawaii and our nation. Background: The John F. Kennedy New Frontier Awards were created by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and the Harvard Institute of Politics to honor Americans under the age of 40 who are changing their communities and the country with their commitment to public service. The awards are presented annually to two exceptional individuals whose contributions in elective office, community service, or advocacy demonstrate the impact and the value of public service in the spirit of John F. Kennedy. One of the two annual New Frontier Awards honors an elected official whose work demonstrates the importance of elective service as a way to address a public challenge or challenges. This award, called the Fenn Award, is presented to a young elected official in honor of Dan Fenn, the Kennedy Library's first director and a former member of President Kennedy's staff. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will receive the Fenn Award. The second John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award will be given to Charles Best, founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org, an online charity that enables individuals to provide direct support to teachers and students in public schools.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112706/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/statement-passing-jean-sadako-king,Statement on the passing of Jean Sadako King,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HI  – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa today released the following statement on the passing of Jean Sadako King, who served in the Hawaii State Legislature (1972-1978) and as Hawaii’s first female Lieutenant Governor (1978-1982): “I am sorry to hear of the passing of Jean Sadako King, who was a committed voice for the people of Hawaii. Throughout her service in the state legislature and as Hawaii’s first female Lieutenant Governor, she was a role model for women seeking a stronger voice in government, and for all who believed there was more we could do. Her sacrifice and service were an inspiration to people like me who envisioned a role in government, and her courage made it possible for another generation of women to aspire to leadership and to help others as she helped us. My thoughts are with her family and friends in their time of loss.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015514/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/12-today-rep-tulsi-gabbard-to-receive-2013-john-f-kennedy-new-frontier-award,TODAY: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to Receive 2013 John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"TODAY: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to Receive 2013 John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award Washington, DC – Today in Boston at 1:00 p.m. HST/6:00 p.m. EST, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) will be presented with a 2013 John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award. The award will be presented by Jack Schlossberg, President John F. Kennedy’s grandson and a member of the New Frontier Award Committee, during a ceremony at the Institute of Politics at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.   “It is truly humbling to receive this honor, as the message and example of servant leadership set by President Kennedy is one I hold close and which continues to inspire me and an entire generation,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “As we reflect on President Kennedy’s call to service, we understand his indelible mark on the American people, past, present and future, and will forever remember his dedication to public service and working for the greater good. I will continue to strive to uphold his example of servant leadership and honor his life and sacrifice in my service to the people of Hawai‘i and our nation.”     Background:   The John F. Kennedy New Frontier Awards were created by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and the Harvard Institute of Politics to honor Americans under the age of 40 who are changing their communities and the country with their commitment to public service. The awards are presented annually to two exceptional individuals whose contributions in elective office, community service, or advocacy demonstrate the impact and the value of public service in the spirit of John F. Kennedy.   One of the two annual New Frontier Awards honors an elected official whose work demonstrates the importance of elective service as a way to address a public challenge or challenges.  This award, called the Fenn Award, is presented to a young elected official in honor of Dan Fenn, the Kennedy Library’s first director and a former member of President Kennedy’s staff. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will receive the Fenn Award.   The second John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award will be given to Charles Best, founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org, an online charity that enables individuals to provide direct support to teachers and students in public schools.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/time-for-thanks,TIME for Thanks,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"TIME for Thanks By:  Ai-jen Poo Monday, November 25, 2013 My mother’s birthday falls around Thanksgiving. This year, she turns 64. Which means it was 42 years ago, at the young age of 21, that my mother immigrated to the U.S. from Taiwan to continue her studies and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. With English as her second language, she struggled through graduate studies and medical school while working and raising my sister and me. When times got tough, I remember hearing her say to herself, “I can’t quit.” She would repeat a Chinese saying: “The people with the will to succeed, eventually will,” a version of “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Today, my mom is an oncologist, with countless stories about families she has seen through the hardest moments of their lives as they battle cancer. Through her care, she has touched thousands of lives and restored hundreds years of life to Americans who thought they were facing the end. And she raised two loving daughters, who both graduated from college and are steadily working to make the world a better place in their own ways. She was able to do all of this because of an immigration system that had plenty of channels for my mom and millions like her to immigrate to the U.S. legally. But that system has changed drastically. If she were attempting to come to the U.S. under the current immigration system, my mom would face deep biases against women, particularly low-income women. Family immigration is more difficult than ever, with long waits of often more than a decade. Employment sponsorships are disproportionately granted to men. More than 70% of special visa holders who entered the country in 2011 were men (source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Immigration Statistics). If she were in a field where women dominate, such as caregiving for example, she would have little to no opportunity to immigrate legally. If my mom found a way to come anyway, and stayed without documentation, she would have no option to legalize her status, and would be forced to work under precarious circumstances, while living in constant fear of being suddenly taken away from my sister and me. That is why this year, I’m particularly thankful for Senator Mazie Hirono. Born in Japan, she immigrated with her mother as a child to Hawaii. The middle daughter, with a single mother escaping an abusive husband, Senator Hirono knows all too well both the contributions immigrant women make to society and the economy, and the challenges they face in realizing the full potential of what it means to be an American. Senator Hirono, as the first Asian American woman Senator, and the first Senator born in Japan, made it her mission to elevate the experiences of immigrant women in this year’s immigration reform debate. She helped to organize the first Judiciary Committee hearing on women and immigration reform, and she championed immigrant family caregivers, domestic workers and women like my mother, insisting that we not only move forward on immigration reform, but that it treat women fairly. Read the entire piece here: http://time100.time.com/2013/11/25/time-for-thanks/slide/ai-jen-poo/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-the-passing-of-jean-sadako-king,HIRONO STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF JEAN SADAKO KING,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HIRONO STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF JEAN SADAKO KING Monday, November 25, 2013 Honolulu, HI – Senator Mazie K. Hirono today released the following statement on the passing of former Hawaii Lieutenant Governor, Jean Sadako King. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jean King, a trailblazer in the history of Hawaii politics. As the first female elected to the office of Lieutenant Governor, Jean helped pave the way for women, such as myself.  Jean was a respected voice who advocated for affordable housing, the environment and open government. “Jean held very progressive views and she remained active in Democratic politics well past her years in elected office. We would spend time together at precinct meetings and state Democratic conventions where she continued to express her strong views and concerns on the issues of the day. “I join the people of Hawaii in mourning the passing of this respected leader. Our thoughts and prayers are with the King family during this time of loss.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/in-case-you-missed-it-hirono-talks-sexual-assaults-in-the-military-immigration-reform-and-importance-of-political-diversity-with-wmc-live,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: HIRONO TALKS SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN THE MILITARY, IMMIGRATION REFORM & IMPORTANCE OF POLITICAL DIVERSITY WITH WMC LIVE",2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: HIRONO TALKS SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN THE MILITARY, IMMIGRATION REFORM & IMPORTANCE OF POLITICAL DIVERSITY WITH WMC LIVE Monday, November 25, 2013 Washington, D.C. – Last week, Hirono appeared on WMC Live with Robin Morgan. WMC Live is a weekly talk radio show hosted by the Women’s Media Center, which strives to increase the visibility of women in media. Introduced as “the new rock star of the United States Senate”, Hirono updated listeners on legislation to address sexual assaults in the military, comprehensive immigration reform and the importance of building a political pipeline for women and minorities: On sexual assaults in the military: “We’re just continuing to push to get the support we need,” Hirono remarked on Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Military Justice Improvement Act, legislation to make the military justice system fairer to survivors of sexual assaults. “We’re not quite there, but we’re calling for the recognition of sexual assault in the military as really just a scourge in the military, just calling for something more than the smaller steps we have taken in Congress over the years that have not resolved the problem.” On immigration reform: “As a member of the Judiciary Committee it was very purposeful work for me to engage on amending that law and particularly continuing to emphasize how important family unity is as a guiding principle on immigration reform,” Hirono said on the immigration reform bill passed by the Senate. “Clearly women were disadvantaged by the new merit system that’s in the Senate bill and so I began to talk with the women in the Senate to have them support what came to be known as the Hirono Women’s Amendment that would give women from these countries a much fairer opportunity to immigrate to our country. And ultimately, there were hundreds and hundreds of amendments filed with the immigration bill in the Senate and we were negotiating which would come to the floor for a vote. I ultimately did get Lindsey Graham to support my amendment for women and it became the number one amendment that the Democrats were negotiating to bring to the floor.” On diversity in politics: “We need to support women and minorities to run at the local level,” Hirono said. “We need to get us into the pipeline because I don’t think that we just come and say ‘Hey, I think I’m going to run for the U.S. Senate now.’ We need to find good people to run.” You can listen to the entire show by following this link. Hirono’s interview begins at the 29-minute mark. The full episode is also available for free as a podcast on iTunes. Robin Morgan is an award-winning poet, novelist, political theorist, feminist activist, journalist, editor and best-selling author. Morgan co-founded the Women’s Media Center in 2005 with Jane Fonda and Gloria Steinem.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-highlights-hawai-i-aid-philippines-speech-house,VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Highlights Hawaii Aid to Philippines in Speech to House of Representatives,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today delivered a speech to the House of Representatives to highlight Hawaii's unique role in supporting relief and recovery efforts in the Philippines. In the wake of such a horrible tragedy, the positive that we can find is the outpouring of compassion, support, and most importantly aloha, from my state towards the people in the Philippines, said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. The Hawaii Air National Guard is working with the U.S. Pacific Command as we speak, which is based in Hawaii, as collectively they provide unparalleled air, maritime and ground support to the aid efforts of the Philippines authorities. Video is available here and is also attached for download. Full text of her statement is below: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Remarks: Relief Efforts for Super Typhoon Haiyan U.S. House of Representatives November 21, 2013 On behalf of the people of my home state of Hawaii, I stand today to send our heartfelt condolences to the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Like so many people in Hawaii and around the world, I and my family have loved ones, friends, and others who were affected by this devastation in Tacloban City and other areas of the Philippines, and they have been at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers. In the wake of such a horrible tragedy, the positive that we can find is the outpouring of compassion, support, and most importantly aloha, from my state towards the people in the Philippines. The Hawaii Air National Guard is working with the U.S. Pacific Command as we speak, which is based in Hawaii, as collectively they provide unparalleled air, maritime and ground support to the aid efforts of the Philippines authorities. All across Hawaii, as across the world, we are seeing businesses, nonprofits and individuals standing up individually and taking the time and energy to raise resources and to provide support to these aid efforts, to these relief efforts, and helping to reunite families and friends and communities. I continue to pray for all those who have lost homes, family and friends, and encourage all who are able to contribute in any way possible in this recovery effort. I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112803/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/hanabusa-votes-against-bill-would-limit-federal-agencies-time-consider-natural-gas,Hanabusa Votes Against Bill That Would Limit Federal Agencies' Time to Consider Natural Gas Pipeline Permits,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, voted against H.R. 1900, a controversial energy bill that sets rigid deadlines for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other federal agencies to consider certifications or permits for the construction or expansion of natural gas pipelines.  “Limiting the time FERC and other agencies have to approve or deny all natural gas pipeline permit applications, regardless of the project’s complexity, could result in serious public health and safety consequences, as well as rushed environmental reviews, which increases the risk of more polluted air, water, and communities,” said Hanabusa. “Under H.R. 1900, if a federal agency does not approve or deny a permit within the required time period, the permit is deemed to be approved 30 days later. The measure would also result in unnecessary permit denials, negatively affecting businesses that are forced to appeal the decisions or reapply for certification. “FERC already makes decisions on more than 90% of permit applications within 12 months, so this bill is unnecessary and seeks to solve a problem that does not exist. Let’s focus on real solutions to securing our nation’s energy future.” H.R. 1900 passed by a vote of 252-165 and now heads to the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015536/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/13-video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-highlights-hawai-i-aid-to-philippines-in-speech-to-house-of-representatives,VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Highlights Hawaii Aid to Philippines in Speech to House of Representatives,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Highlights Hawai‘i Aid to Philippines in Speech to House of Representatives Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today delivered a speech to the House of Representatives to highlight Hawai‘i’s unique role in supporting relief and recovery efforts in the Philippines.   “In the wake of such a horrible tragedy, the positive that we can find is the outpouring of compassion, support, and – most importantly – aloha, from my state towards the people in the Philippines,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “The Hawai‘i Air National Guard is working with the U.S. Pacific Command as we speak, which is based in Hawai‘i, as collectively they provide unparalleled air, maritime and ground support to the aid efforts of the Philippines authorities.”   Video is available here and is also attached for download. Full text of her statement is below:       Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Remarks: Relief Efforts for Super Typhoon Haiyan   U.S. House of Representatives   November 21, 2013   On behalf of the people of my home state of Hawai‘i, I stand today to send our heartfelt condolences to the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.   Like so many people in Hawai‘i and around the world, I and my family have loved ones, friends, and others who were affected by this devastation in Tacloban City and other areas of the Philippines, and they have been at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers.   In the wake of such a horrible tragedy, the positive that we can find is the outpouring of compassion, support, and – most importantly – aloha, from my state towards the people in the Philippines. The Hawai‘i Air National Guard is working with the U.S. Pacific Command as we speak, which is based in Hawai‘i, as collectively they provide unparalleled air, maritime and ground support to the aid efforts of the Philippines authorities.  All across Hawai‘i, as across the world, we are seeing businesses, nonprofits and individuals standing up individually and taking the time and energy to raise resources and to provide support to these aid efforts, to these relief efforts, and helping to reunite families and friends and communities.   I continue to pray for all those who have lost homes, family and friends, and encourage all who are able to contribute in any way possible in this recovery effort.   I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/late-sen-inouye-receives-medal-of-freedom,Late Sen. Inouye receives Medal of Freedom,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Late Sen. Inouye receives Medal of Freedom Thursday, November 21, 2013 HONOLULU (AP) — The late Sen. Daniel Inouye was one of 16 Americans awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. President Barack Obama presented Inouye’s medal to his widow, Irene Hirano Inouye, at a White House ceremony on Wednesday. Gov. Neil Abercombie said in a statement he can think of no one more deserving of the medal. He said the senator’s service was the epitome of valor and the Aloha spirit. Sen. Mazie Hirono said Inouye carried himself with humility and often deflected credit. But she said there’s no doubt his work laid the foundation of modern Hawaii. Other recipients included former President Bill Clinton, Sally Ride and Oprah Winfrey. This article is available at: http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/sections/news/local-news/late-sen-inouye-receives-medal-freedom.html",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/provision-to-benefit-filvets-included-in-2014-defense-act,Provision to benefit Filvets included in 2014 Defense Act,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Provision to benefit Filvets included in 2014 Defense Act By:  Dymphna Calica-La Putt Thursday, November 21, 2013 To expedite the release of compensation for Filipino World War II veterans, two legislators have included a provision for this group in the National Defense Authorization Act for 2014. The Filipino Veterans Promise Act, inserted in the Defense Act by US Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada and US Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, is expected to help all eligible Filipino veterans receive the compensation they are entitled to for their service to the US during the war. “This amendment is the least we can do for our nation’s brave Filipino veterans. Every effort must be made to ensure that those individuals who valiantly served alongside U.S. troops are properly recognized for their contributions to our nation,” Heller said in a statement. “I am proud to work across party lines with Senator Hirono to ensure these Filipino veterans are treated with dignity and respect,” the Republican senator also said. The National Defense Authorization Act, the yearly federal law specifying the budget and expenditures of the US Department of Defense, is currently being deliberated on in the Senate. For her part, Hirono in a statement said, “Mahalo to Senator Heller for partnering with me to help ensure all Filipino World War II veterans who bravely served alongside Americans in the critical South West Pacific Theatre receive the compensation they have earned.” Read the entire piece here: http://asianjournal.com/news/provision-to-benefit-filvets-included-in-2014-defense-act/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-condemns-attacks-hindus-buddhists-religious-minorities,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Condemns Attacks on Hindus, Buddhists & Religious Minorities in Bangladesh",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today joined her colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific in holding a hearing on the political situation in Bangladesh, and the alarming increase in attacks against religious minorities, including Hindus and Buddhists. She released the following statement: I am particularly concerned about the attacks and persecution of the minority Hindu and Buddhist communities in Bangladesh, and the implications this has on religious freedom in the region. All too often, crimes against these communities go unpunished, and it is up to the Government of Bangladesh to act authoritatively against those who incite and commit violence to protect the rights of minorities. This is an essential step toward ensuring the safety and basic rights of all of Bangladesh's citizens, regardless of their faith.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112840/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/hanabusa-votes-against-bill-would-irresponsibly-expand-drilling-energy-development,"Hanabusa Votes Against Bill That Would Irresponsibly Expand Drilling, Energy Development on Public Lands",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, voted against a misguided bill that would expand drilling and energy development on public lands by streamlining the approval process for permits, and automatically approving applications for permits after 60 days whether or not safety, environmental, or cultural reviews have taken place. H.R. 1965 also increases the amount of federal land available for oil and gas production by requiring that at least 25% of eligible federal land be made available each year for leasing, regardless of the areas’ appropriateness for drilling. “This bill promotes bad policy, removes environmental safeguards, and undermines our nation’s energy security,” said Hanabusa. “It is another giveaway to Big Oil – allowing these companies to drill on public lands while limiting the public’s participation in decisions about the use of the lands. It imposes a $5,000 fee on individuals and communities who want to protest a drilling permit or oil/gas lease – erecting a financial barrier to Americans’ legitimate challenges to an agency’s decision on energy matters. The bill elevates energy production on public lands above other uses like hunting, fishing, recreation, and conservation, and also leaves fracking on Indian lands unregulated. “With U.S. oil production currently at a 24-year high, natural gas production at an all-time high, oil imports down to the lowest level in 17 years, and oil and gas companies sitting on nearly two-thirds of public lands they have leased for drilling, this bill is unnecessary. We must continue to invest in renewable energy initiatives and work to improve America’s energy security in a responsible, effective way.” Hanabusa offered an amendment to the bill that would require the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to study renewable energy opportunities on lands designated as Hawaiian Home Lands. The House approved Hanabusa’s amendment by a voice vote. H.R. 1965 passed by a vote of 228-192 and now heads to the Senate. Hanabusa also voted against a bill that prohibits the Interior Department from enforcing federal rules related to hydraulic fracturing on federal and Indian lands in states that have their own fracking oversight rules, and hampers the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to study the impact of fracking on drinking water.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112910/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/statement-late-senator-daniel-k-inouye-being-awarded-presidential-medal-freedom,Statement on the Late Senator Daniel K. Inouye Being Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) released the following statement after President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Senator Daniel K. Inouye with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor: “It is impossible to overstate the impact and inspiration of Daniel K. Inouye on our nation and our home state of Hawaii. His valor in war earned him the Medal of Honor, and his lifetime of public service has earned him, today, the Medal of Freedom. But Senator Inouye was not driven by medals or awards. He simply, humbly sought to serve, without pride, fanfare, or expectation of recognition. He summed it up best himself when he said, ‘I represented the people of Hawaii honestly and to the best of my ability. I think I did OK.’ “As we recognize Senator Daniel K. Inouye, we cannot forget the man who always said, whether he was meeting a government leader, a top executive, or the most humble man on the street, ‘Call me Dan.’ “For his service, his inspiration, his humility and his selflessness, I hope Hawaii and the nation will join me today in saying, ‘Mahalo, Senator.’” Senator Inouye is one of 16 recipients who received the Medal of Freedom this year. Hanabusa attended the ceremony at the White House this morning.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301134441/http://gabbard.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-tulsi-gabbard-dan-benishek-urge-senate-leadership-to-pass-military,"Reps. Tulsi Gabbard, Dan Benishek Urge Senate Leadership to Pass Military Sexual Assault Bill",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – This afternoon, Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and Dan Benishek (R-MI) wrote to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to express the strong bipartisan support for the Military Justice Improvement Act (MJIA) in the House of Representatives. The MJIA, which Reps. Gabbard and Benishek introduced in the House earlier this year, is expected to come to a vote in the Senate this week. “Respected military leaders and veterans’ service organizations have lent their support to our careful effort to ensure accountability and end inherent conflicts of interest,” the Representatives wrote, highlighting the 181 House members who have supported legislation to remove the decision to prosecute a sexual assault from the chain of command. “As the proud father of a woman who served in the military as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, and as a soldier twice deployed with the Hawai‘i Army National Guard, we join servicemembers, military parents, and all those with loved ones in the military in expressing optimism that this year we will finally live up to our promises and take real steps towards ending military sexual assault.”   Full text of the letter is below: November 20, 2013 Dear Senators Reid and McConnell, Today, the United States Senate may consider amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 (NDAA) concerning military sexual assault.  As the House sponsors of the Military Justice Improvement Act, companion to the amendment offered by Senator Gillibrand, we write to demonstrate that this proposal has significant bipartisan support in the House of Representatives. Important progress in the fight against military sexual assault has been made this year in the NDAA and we thank you both for your leadership.  However, it is vital that we build on this progress by making the only reform that will ensure that a victim of military sexual assault can bring charges against an assailant without fear of reprisal.  We must empower trained military prosecutors, outside of a victim’s chain of command, to determine whether the evidence exists to bring a case to trial. In total, there are 181 members of the House that have cosponsored various pieces of legislation to accomplish this goal.  We are dedicated to working with our colleagues to gain the support needed to pass this legislation in our chamber. Respected military leaders and veterans’ service organizations have lent their support to our careful effort to ensure accountability and end inherent conflicts of interest. In September, the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services – a widely respected and distinguished committee – issued a recommendation that the Defense Department support efforts to remove the decision to prosecute these violent sexual assaults from the chain of command. Three retired Generals, including the first woman three-star general in the U.S. Army, have also announced their support for this legislation. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and the Vietnam Veterans of America have done the same. As the proud father of a woman who served in the military as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, and as a soldier twice deployed with the Hawai‘i Army National Guard, we join servicemembers, military parents, and all those with loved ones in the military in expressing optimism that this year we will finally live up to our promises and take real steps towards ending military sexual assault.  The hard-working men and women in our armed forces are what make our military the best on earth.   We owe them an effective military justice system that guarantees them a fair trial without fear of retaliation.   Sincerely, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Congressman Dan Benishek ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301224519/http://gabbard.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-condemns-attacks-on-hindus-buddhists-religious,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Condemns Attacks on Hindus, Buddhists & Religious Minorities in Bangladesh",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today joined her colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific in holding a hearing on the political situation in Bangladesh, and the alarming increase in attacks against religious minorities, including Hindus and Buddhists. She released the following statement: “I am particularly concerned about the attacks and persecution of the minority Hindu and Buddhist communities in Bangladesh, and the implications this has on religious freedom in the region.  All too often, crimes against these communities go unpunished, and it is up to the Government of Bangladesh to act authoritatively against those who incite and commit violence to protect the rights of minorities. This is an essential step toward ensuring the safety and basic rights of all of Bangladesh’s citizens, regardless of their faith.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015601/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/14-rep-tulsi-gabbard-condemns-attacks-on-hindus-buddhists-religious-minorities-in-bangladesh,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Condemns Attacks on Hindus, Buddhists & Religious Minorities in Bangladesh",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Condemns Attacks on Hindus, Buddhists & Religious Minorities in Bangladesh Washington, DC – U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today joined her colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific in holding a hearing on the political situation in Bangladesh, and the alarming increase in attacks against religious minorities, including Hindus and Buddhists. She released the following statement:   “I am particularly concerned about the attacks and persecution of the minority Hindu and Buddhist communities in Bangladesh, and the implications this has on religious freedom in the region.  All too often, crimes against these communities go unpunished, and it is up to the Government of Bangladesh to act authoritatively against those who incite and commit violence to protect the rights of minorities. This is an essential step toward ensuring the safety and basic rights of all of Bangladesh’s citizens, regardless of their faith.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/a-feminist-call-for-immigration-reform-as-momentum-stalls-in-congress,"A Feminist Call For Immigration Reform, As Momentum Stalls in Congress",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"A Feminist Call For Immigration Reform, As Momentum Stalls in Congress By:  Maya Rhodan Wednesday, November 20, 2013 The women’s rights community is not giving up on immigration reform. Though the bill that hurtled the Senate is likely dead in the water in the House, women’s groups took to the National Press Club on Tuesday to focus attention on the impact immigrant laws have on women—using the star power of feminist activist and author Gloria Steinem to propel them forward. “A vote against immigration reform, or inaction on this issue,” said Pramila Jayapal, the co-chair of the women’s immigration group We Belong Together, “is really a vote against women, children, and families.” Women make up about 51% of the immigrant population, according to the Census.“The truth of the matter is,” Steinem said Tuesday, “there is an unrealistic portrayal of who immigrants really are.” Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Congressman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) were also among Tuesday’s speakers. Hirono said a number of women’s issues aren’t taken into account in reform legislation. Though there are provisions geared directly at easing citizenship for those employed in the science, technology and agriculture fields, there are no protections for domestic workers, the majority of whom are women. “Our new immigration system is inadvertently disadvantaging women,” said Sen. Hirono, who voted in favor of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Act in June. Royal-Allard, on the other hand, just wants an opportunity to vote on the bill. “Let’s at least get a vote,” she said. “If we get a change to vote in the House, it will pass.” Read the entire piece here: http://swampland.time.com/2013/11/20/a-feminist-call-for-immigration-reform-as-momentum-stalls-in-congress/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/can-women-give-immigration-reform-the-boost-it-needs,Can women give immigration reform the boost it needs?,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Can women give immigration reform the boost it needs? By:  Ruth Tam Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Burned by Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio)’s dismissal of the Senate’s bipartisanimmigration reform bill, Democrats have hailed his recent remarks as the nail in the immigration reform coffin. Meanwhile, Republicans have said that Democrats are dramatizing to save face over President Obama’s botched HealthCare.gov debut. Though the Senate bill lacks a clear future, Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) have joined a national campaign to push it forward. “We are facing the stalling of immigration reform in the House but our continued advocacy and external pressure can be brought in a sustainable way,” said Hirono on Tuesday. Hirono and Roybal-Allard spoke at a news conference held Tuesday by We Belong Together, an advocacy group for women-focused immigration reform. Hirono, a supporter of the Senate’s bill, raised concerns in June over the bill’s inadvertent exclusion of women from developing countries. Read the entire piece here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/she-the-people/wp/2013/11/20/can-women-give-immigration-reform-the-boost-it-needs/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/photos/hirono-attends-presentation-of-presidential-medal-of-freedom,Hirono Attends Presentation Of Presidential Medal Of Freedom,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 20, 2013 - Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined President Obama at the White House today as he posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Senator Daniel K. Inouye. The award is one of the highest civilian awards bestowed in the United States, along with the Congressional Gold Medal, an award given by Congress in 2011 to the 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, of which Inouye was a member. Inouye has also received the U.S. military’s highest award, the Medal of Honor. Other awardees included Ernie Banks, Ban Bradlee, President Bill Clinton, Daniel Kahneman, Senator Richard Lugar, Loretta Lynn, Mario Molina, Sally Ride, Bayard Rustin, Arturo Sandoval, Dean Smith, Gloria Steinem, Cordy Tindell ""C.T."" Vivian, Patricia Wald, and Oprah Winfrey.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-joins-menendez-to-call-on-administration-to-grant-temporary-protected-status-to-filipinos-in-wake-of-devastating-typhoon,HIRONO JOINS MENENDEZ TO CALL ON ADMINISTRATION TO GRANT TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS TO FILIPINOS IN WAKE OF DEVASTATING TYPHOON,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HIRONO JOINS MENENDEZ TO CALL ON ADMINISTRATION TO GRANT TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS TO FILIPINOS IN WAKE OF DEVASTATING TYPHOON Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Washington, D.C. – Following the devastation that Typhoon Haiyan caused in the Philippines, Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Senate colleagues to call on the Obama Administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Filipino nationals currently residing in the United States and to consider additional avenues of relief for certain Filipinos with family members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. TPS is granted to foreign nationals who cannot safely return to their native country. “Typhoon Haiyan has wrought unparalleled destruction and tragic loss of life in the Philippines,” the Senators wrote. “Victims of Typhoon Haiyan clearly meet the eligibility requirements for TPS, and we urge you to extend this designation as soon as possible. The United States has demonstrated its commitment to assisting the Philippines with the recovery effort through foreign aid, military assistance and relief supplies, but we must also assist the victims’ families in whatever way possible.” A complete copy of the letter is available here. The letter was also signed by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), John McCain (R-AZ), Harry Reid (D-NV), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY),Chris Coons (D-DE), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Dean Heller (R-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ). Currently, the United States grants Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Syria. TPS would only be available to Filipinos already living in the United States who pass a background check and meet related eligibility requirements. Below is the full letter: The Honorable Rand Beers Acting Secretary Department of Homeland Security 3801 Nebraska Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20528 Acting Secretary Beers: In light of the tremendous devastation suffered by the Philippines as a result of Typhoon Haiyan, we write to express our deep concern about the impact of this tragedy on Filipinos in the United States. We ask that you consider granting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to eligible Filipino nationals within the United States and additional avenues of relief for certain Filipinos with U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members in the U.S. As you know, Typhoon Haiyan has wrought unparalleled destruction and tragic loss of life in the Philippines. The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center estimated the storm’s sustained winds at 195 miles per hour at landfall, which if confirmed would make Haiyan one of the most powerful storms in recorded history. Hundreds of thousands of people are displaced with no shelter or clean water and millions face food shortages. The United States has granted TPS to other nationals after similarly traumatic events. Following Hurricane Mitch in 1999, the United States granted TPS to Honduran and Nicaraguan nationals; following several earthquakes in Central America in 2001, the United States granted TPS to Salvadorans; and following the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, the United States granted TPS to Haitians. Victims of Typhoon Haiyan clearly meet the eligibility requirements for TPS, and we urge you to extend this designation as soon as possible. Providing TPS is critical to humanitarian relief efforts as it both protects individuals who would be endangered by returning to their country of origin and it allows the home country more time to recover before accepting returnees. It is important to note that granting TPS to Filipino nationals will not endanger our security.  An alien is ineligible for TPS if he has a criminal background or poses a threat to national security.  The decision to deny, withdraw or terminate TPS is in the sole discretion of the government; there is no judicial review of such a determination.  Moreover, TPS is not a backdoor to U.S. citizenship.  TPS does not make a beneficiary eligible for legal permanent resident status or U.S. citizenship. When the TPS designation of a country is terminated, beneficiaries revert to the same immigration status they maintained before the designation. We also ask that you consider humanitarian parole and expedited visa processing for Filipinos who have U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relatives in the U.S. and approved or pending family petitions, especially Filipinos who have been orphaned, lost relatives in the storm or suffer other serious hardships. We also ask that you consider an automatic extension of visas, in categories where an extension is feasible, for Filipinos currently present in the U.S. Lastly, we ask that you consider temporarily suspending deportations to the Philippines and utilizing alternatives to detention in appropriate cases. The United States has demonstrated its commitment to assisting the Philippines with the recovery effort through foreign aid, military assistance and relief supplies, but we must also assist the victims’ families in whatever way possible. Therefore, we respectfully request that you extend TPS to Filipino nationals residing in the United States and support the reunification of U.S. citizens and their Filipino family members. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-presentation-of-presidential-medal-of-freedom-to-senator-daniel-k-inouye,HIRONO STATEMENT ON PRESENTATION OF PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO SENATOR DANIEL K. INOUYE,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HIRONO STATEMENT ON PRESENTATION OF PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO SENATOR DANIEL K. INOUYE Presidential Medal Of Freedom Is One Of The Highest Civilian Awards In The United States Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined President Obama at the White House today as he posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Senator Daniel K. Inouye. The award is one of the highest civilian awards bestowed in the United States, along with the Congressional Gold Medal, an award given by Congress in 2011 to the 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, of which Inouye was a member. Inouye has also received the U.S. military’s highest award, the Medal of Honor. “Mahalo to President Obama for recognizing Senator Daniel K. Inouye’s life of service with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of our nation’s highest civilian honors,” Hirono said. “It was a privilege to join Irene, Ken and so many others to pay tribute to Senator Inouye’s many accomplishments and dedication to Hawaii and our nation. Although he carried himself with humility and often deflected credit, there is no doubt his work laid the foundation of modern Hawaii. While no one will ever replace Senator Inouye, we can all honor his legacy by dedicating ourselves to serving and strengthening our communities and nation.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/view/with-vote-looming-hirono-urges-support-for-military-justice-improvement-act,"With Vote Looming, Hirono Urges Support For Military Justice Improvement Act",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"With Vote Looming, Hirono Urges Support For Military Justice Improvement Act Speech delivered on November 20, 2013. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112941/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/house-adopts-hanabusa-amendment-study-renewable-energy-opportunities-hawaiian-home,House Adopts Hanabusa Amendment to Study Renewable Energy Opportunities on Hawaiian Home Lands,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – By voice vote, the House adopted an amendment proposed by U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) to a controversial bill that would expand drilling and energy development on public lands. The Hanabusa amendment requires the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to study renewable energy opportunities on lands designated as Hawaiian Home Lands. On the House floor, Hanabusa said, “As you know, Hawaii is in a unique situation in that, in 1920, this Congress created the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, and there is a special body of approximately 203,000 acres of land in Hawaii, which is under the control of Congress. Congress approves whether or not things can be amended in the Act. Even upon statehood, that right was retained by Congress. “This amendment seeks to have Hawaiian Home Lands that the state agency, or department responsible for the administration of these lands, has selected to be used for the development of geothermal, solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources included in the Quadrennial Federal Onshore Energy Production Strategy. It has no implications other than the fact that these lands could be used for renewable energy development and that these lands have somehow become forgotten, but do necessarily fall under Federal jurisdiction.” Video of Hanabusa’s floor debate: http://bit.ly/1h1hEgX The House will vote on H.R. 1965 later this week.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221113012/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/hanabusa-asks-department-homeland-security-grant-philippine-nationals-temporary,Hanabusa Asks Department of Homeland Security to Grant Philippine Nationals Temporary Protected Status,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – With the ongoing Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts in the Philippines, U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) joined several of her colleagues in sending a letter to the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Rand Beers, asking that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) be afforded to nationals of the Philippines. TPS can be granted if DHS believes extraordinary and temporary conditions in a foreign state prevent nationals from safely returning to the state. The letter states, “Due to natural disaster, the Philippine government is currently struggling to address significant loss of life, repair extensive damage to infrastructure, and provide sufficient and timely aid to millions of survivors.  Considering the daunting rescue and restoration efforts before it, the country is not in a position to adequately handle returning nationals, many of whom will be unable to return to their homes.  Additionally, given the extraordinary and life-threatening conditions currently present in the Philippines, it cannot be said that Filipinos are able to return to the state in anything approaching safe conditions.” TPS beneficiaries are not removable from the United States, can obtain an employment authorization document (EAD), and may be granted travel authorization. Once granted TPS, an individual also cannot be detained by DHS on the basis of his or her immigration status in the United States. TPS is a temporary benefit that does not lead to lawful permanent resident status or give any other immigration status. For more information: http://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status-deferred-enforced-departure/temporary-protected-status",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/a-pioneer-for-womens-equality,A pioneer for women's equality,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"A pioneer for women's equality Hirono remembers her friend and inspiration’s legacy By:  Senator Mazie K. Hirono Tuesday, November 19, 2013 When I arrived at the Capitol in 2007 to take my oath as a new member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I had the privilege of filling the seat held for so long and so well by my friend Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first Asian-American woman elected to Congress. I was so grateful to her. I felt Patsy’s presence when I cast my first vote in Congress, which was to elect Nancy Pelosi as speaker of the House. I rose and said, “In memory of Patsy Mink, I cast my vote for Nancy Pelosi.” I remember Speaker Pelosi turning around in her chair upon my vote and flashing me a knowing smile. Earlier, Nancy told me that Patsy was the first person to tell her that “one day, you’re going to be speaker.” And that day had arrived! On that occasion, there were a lot of people with tears in their eyes remembering Patsy. Many came up to me then and thereafter, sharing their stories and memories. But I am sure she wouldn’t have wanted to be idolized or put on a pedestal. Instead, she would want us to work hard to build on the legacy she left behind. A major part of Patsy’s legacy is the landmark Title IX legislation, which she co-authored and relentlessly fought for. It has been renamed the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act. This legislation gives women and girls equal access to higher education, protection from sexual harassment and prohibits gender discrimination in all educational activities. No longer could universities and institutions of higher learning reject a woman because they had “fulfilled their quota of female students,” as many women were told, including Patsy’s daughter Read the entire piece at: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/a-pioneer-for-womens-equality-100009.html",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/photos/hirono-hosts-weekly-tuesday-talk-story-for-hawaii-constituents-on-november-19-2013,"Hirono Hosts Weekly Tuesday Talk Story For Hawaii Constituents On November 19, 2013",2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 19, 2013 - Every Tuesday morning when the Senate is in session, Senator Hirono hosts a weekly coffee for Hawaii constituents. This is an opportunity for Hawaii residents who are visiting our nation’s capital to meet Senator Hirono and chat briefly with her. Families are welcome to bring their children to the coffee. To RSVP to talk story with Senator Hirono, please call (202) 224-6361.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/photos/hirono-meets-with-representatives-from-partners-of-development,Hirono Meets with Representatives from Partners of Development,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 19, 2013 - Senator Mazie K. Hirono met with representatives from Partners of Development, and their Tutu and Me Traveling Preschool. Alison Masutani, Danny Goya, Jin Chang, Ka Paalana and Yonette Nakamura discussed early childhood education programs in their meeting with Hirono.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/photos/hirono-speaks-at-press-conference-in-support-of-the-military-justice-improvement-act,Hirono Speaks at Press Conference in Support of the Military Justice Improvement Act,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 19, 2013 - Senator Mazie K. Hirono spoke at a press conference today in support of the Military Justice Improvement Act. This bipartisan legislation was created through a coalition led by Senator Gillibrand (D-NY) and is also supported by Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Rand Paul (R-KY), among others. The Senators were joined by Major General Martha Rainville, Army Brigadier General Loree Sutton, the Vietnam Veterans Association IAVA , and survivor Kate Weber.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/photos/hirono-speaks-at-we-belong-together-forum,Hirono Speaks at We Belong Together Forum,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 19, 2013 - Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined Gloria Steinem, Pramila Jayapal, Dolores Huerta and other female immigrants at the ""We Belong Together: Women for Common Sense Immigration Reform"" Forum to speak on a panel highlighting immigration reform as an important element to women's equality.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-heller-work-to-help-filipino-veterans-receive-deserved-benefits,"HIRONO, HELLER WORK TO HELP FILIPINO VETERANS RECEIVE DESERVED BENEFITS",2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HIRONO, HELLER WORK TO HELP FILIPINO VETERANS RECEIVE DESERVED BENEFITS Senators File Bipartisan Filipino Veterans Promise Amendment To NDAA Tuesday, November 19, 2013 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Dean Heller (R-NV) have filed an amendment to S.1197, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation will help all eligible Filipino veterans receive the compensation they are entitled to for their service to the United States during World War II. “Mahalo to Senator Heller for partnering with me to help ensure all Filipino World War II veterans who bravely served alongside Americans in the critical South West Pacific Theatre receive the compensation they have earned. Given the advanced age of many of these Filipino veterans, we simply cannot wait any longer to establish a process that fairly recognizes veterans who deserve benefits,” said Hirono. “This amendment is the least we can do for our nation’s brave Filipino veterans. Every effort must be made to ensure that those individuals who valiantly served alongside U.S. troops are properly recognized for their contributions to our nation. I am proud to work across party lines with Senator Hirono to ensure these Filipino veterans are treated with dignity and respect,” said Senator Heller. After World War II, the U.S. Army created the Approved Revised Reconstructed Guerilla Roster of 1948, also known as the “Missouri List,” based on individuals who came forward after the war to receive healthcare. This list has been used by the military to verify those who served alongside U.S. troops in the Philippines. It is possible that some Filipinos who fought were not added to this list and could be improperly denied benefits. The Filipino Veterans Promise Amendment would direct the Department of Defense (DOD), in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to establish a process for determining whether certain individuals meet the necessary service requirements to receive veterans’ benefits and subsequently be verified as a Veteran by the United States Army.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/veterans-committee-passes-hironos-bipartisan-measure-to-extend-emergency-care-coverage-for-veterans,VETERANS COMMITTEE PASSES HIRONO’S BIPARTISAN MEASURE TO EXTEND EMERGENCY CARE COVERAGE FOR VETERANS,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"VETERANS COMMITTEE PASSES HIRONO’S BIPARTISAN MEASURE TO EXTEND EMERGENCY CARE COVERAGE FOR VETERANS Long VA Waiting Times Unfairly Penalize Vets From Rural Communities, Those Who Have Recently Returned From Overseas Tuesday, November 19, 2013 Washington, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs today passed a measure authored by Senator Mazie K. Hirono to help extend emergency care coverage for veterans. Hirono’s bipartisan measure, co-sponsored by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), and Mark Begich (D-AK), was included as part of the committee’s omnibus bill, S. 1581, the Veterans Programs Improvements Act. Currently, a veteran enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system can only be reimbursed for emergency care at a non-VA facility if he or she has received treatment at the VA within the past two years. However, veterans who have recently returned from deployment or live in rural communities often can’t meet this requirement. This bipartisan bill – endorsed by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – would waive this pre-requisite and allow our nation’s heroes to be reimbursed for medical care at non-VA facilities. “I commend my colleagues on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee for advancing this important legislation. For Hawaii veterans in rural Oahu or the neighbor islands who live far from VA facilities, emergency care outside the VA may be their only option,” said Senator Hirono. “There’s a veteran from Waianae who had a medical emergency and had to wait four months for his first appointment at VA. He ultimately went to another health care provider but was denied VA reimbursement. This legislation would help him and others like him. It isn’t fair to punish veterans for waiting times outside their control and I look forward to the full Senate considering this important legislation.” The Hirono-Moran-Isakson-Begich bill would give more than 144,000 veterans access to medical treatment without fear that they would be denied reimbursement. The VA has asked for the statutory authority, granted in this bill, in its FY2014 budget request and has also set aside funds for the change. In addition, H.R.2216, as reported by the Senate Appropriations Committee on June 27, 2013, would cover any additional costs that the VA will incur. Hirono spoke about the bill during a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing last month, bringing the issue of emergency care to the attention of VA officials. VA Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health Dr. Robert Jesse noted to Hirono that the bill raised an “important point” and he would bring her concerns back to VA. Watch footage from the hearing here: http://youtu.be/-PU1cHLl2cU. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) also submitted the following testimony in support of Hirono’s measure: “The VFW supports this legislation which would authorize VA to reimburse veterans for emergent non-VA care who do not meet the requirement of having been seen at a VA facility in the preceding 24 months, simply because long wait times for initial patient examinations have prevented them from doing so. The strict 24-month requirement is especially problematic for current era veterans, many of whom have never had the opportunity to be seen at VA facilities due to long appointment wait times, despite their timely, good faith efforts to make appointments following separation. Should they experience medical emergencies during that waiting period, VA is required to deny their claims for reimbursement, unnecessarily leaving them with large medical bills through no fault of their own. VA is aware of the problem and has requested the authority to make an exception to the 24-month requirement for veterans who find themselves in this situation. The VFW supports this request, strongly believing that under no circumstances should long appointment wait times prevent a veteran from seeking emergent, possible life-saving care at a non-VA facility, or expose that veteran to financial hardship as a result of doing so.” The committee also passed by voice vote Hirono’s amendment to authorize the award of grants and contracts under S. 1262, the Veterans Conservation Corps Act, to the governments of the U.S. Territories and American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving organizations. The bill, which also passed the committee today, would establish a federal veterans conservation corps to employ veterans in conservation, resource management, and historic preservation projects on public lands and maintenance and improvement projects for cemeteries, and as disaster relief personnel.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221113045/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/hanabusa-requests-study-help-improve-response-time-naval-hospital-ship-during-disaster,Hanabusa Requests Study to Help Improve Response Time of Naval Hospital Ship During Disaster Relief Efforts,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr., requesting a study to determine whether it would be viable to homeport the United States Naval Ship (USNS) Mercy in a forward Pacific port, such as Pearl Harbor. USNS Mercy, a hospital ship currently homeported in San Diego, has been activated and is ready to deploy; however, if the vessel is deployed to the Philippines to provide medical assistance for Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts, it would not arrive at its destination until sometime in December. In the letter, Hanabusa writes, “There is no question that the U.S. military is better equipped to deliver assistance better than any force in the world, and our forward presence throughout the Asia-Pacific is what allowed our military to respond so quickly. “Being from Hawaii, I have an appreciation for how large the Asia-Pacific region is, and understand that the tyranny of distance will make it an impossibility to ever be able to respond immediately to a situation like this.  However, other units of the U.S. Navy, mainly the USS George Washington carrier battle group and several Marine Corps units forward stationed in Okinawa were able to arrive on scene in a matter of days due to their location. She adds, “We have seen that one of the evolving roles of the U.S. military as we rebalance to the Asia-Pacific will be Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HA/DR), and know that Typhoon Haiyan will not be the last time the U.S. finds itself in need of quick response to help an ally.  The USNS Mercy would be able to assist more quickly if based at a forward port, and provide the critical assistance needed to respond to emergency situations.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-votes-protect-consumers-substantial-healthcare-price-hikes,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Votes to Protect Consumers from Substantial Healthcare Price Hikes,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today voted to protect consumers from a greater risk of substantial price hikes in healthcare premiums. She voted against the Keep Your Health Plan Act (H.R. 3350), a bill that allows health insurers to offer plans that existed as of January 1, 2013 to current and future consumers, but will reduce the number of people entering the healthcare marketplaces, creating the likelihood of dramatically increased premiums. It passed the House today by a vote of 261-157. People in Hawaii and across the United States deserve access to affordable healthcare, and to be able to keep their healthcare plans as promised, said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who has called for bipartisan efforts to improve the Affordable Care Act, rather than to completely repeal it. President Obama's announcement yesterday that people can keep their health plans for an additional year is a step in the right direction, targeting the problem of plan cancellation, and also requiring insurers to be more transparent about the coverage they offer. However, I remain concerned about a variety of issues within the Affordable Care Act that have come to light, such as ensuring affordability of prescription drug costs, guaranteeing the security of personal information submitted online, and providing additional time for consumers to sign up online once the website exchanges are fully functional. I will continue to work to bring about these necessary changes to improve safe, affordable access to quality healthcare for everyone. The nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has also cautioned that H.R. 3350 would raise premiums significantly. A broad coalition of organizations is opposed to H.R. 3350, including the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, Families USA, Consumers Union, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Women's Law Center, Paralyzed Veterans of America, among other key groups.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221113119/http://hanabusa.house.gov/press-release/hanabusa-votes-against-bill-would-raise-health-insurance-premiums-cause-further,"Hanabusa Votes Against Bill That Would Raise Health Insurance Premiums, Cause Further Consumer Confusion",2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) voted against a bill that allows insurance companies to sell inadequate, non-Affordable Care Act compliant plans to new enrollees, which would result in higher premiums and further consumer confusion. H.R. 3350, also known as the Upton Bill, allows health insurers that had individual-market plans in effect as of January 1, 2013 to continue selling those plans through 2014. “This bill’s impact on Hawaii residents is minimal because we are fortunate to have our Prepaid Health Care Act, which requires employers to provide health coverage to employees who work more than 20 hours a week,” said Hanabusa. “However, there are nearly 4% of our residents – about 30,000 people – who still have to go out and purchase their own plans, and they deserve the opportunity to obtain quality, affordable health care coverage. “Because there was confusion about whether people will truly be able to keep their current health plans under the Affordable Care Act, President Obama announced yesterday that consumers have the option to renew their 2013 health plans in 2014. The Upton Bill takes it a step too far by allowing new consumers to enroll in old, non-ACA compliant health plans. This not only creates further consumer confusion, it also drives up the cost of premiums and is an unnecessary remedy given the President’s administrative fix. I trust that Hawaii’s insurance companies and insurance commissioner will work together to find a solution for the individuals affected.” The ACA already permits people to remain enrolled in grandfathered individual-market plans, as long as they were enrolled in such plans when ACA was enacted and the plans have not changed significantly since.  The Upton Bill is opposed by a broad coalition of groups, including the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Families USA, National Partnership for Women and Families, Paralyzed Veterans of America and other key patient advocates. The bill passed the House by a vote of 261-157 and now heads to the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z