Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressional leaders today released a bipartisan appropriations deal that will increase federal funding for critical programs that benefit Hawai‘i. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, successfully secured funding for state priorities, which are now included in the final deal. “This is a big increase in federal dollars this year. We are delivering millions in federal funding to help us rebuild our economy and help people...

WASHINGTON – Following a ban in 2011, congressionally directed spending, also known as earmarks, have returned to the annual appropriations process. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) secured more than $240 million in earmarks this year for non-profit organizations and state and county agencies across Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i is set to receive a total of $263 million in congressionally directed spending, which includes earmarks requested by Schatz, and the rest of Hawai‘i’s congressional...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured an additional $150 million in new federal funding to cover the cost to defuel, permanently close the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, and clean up contaminated water in the affected areas. Schatz worked closely with top leaders in the Biden Administration and the Senate Appropriations Committee to include his funding provision in the new appropriations bill. “This is...

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today passed sweeping bipartisan legislation to help reform the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), dropping an unfair mandate to pre-fund its employees’ retirement health benefits, which will provide the USPS with significant financial relief and ensure mail service can continue uninterrupted. “Everyone relies on mail service. It’s how we connect with each other, vote, pay our bills, and get medication or other things we need in life – so it...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement on the Department of Defense’s decision to permanently shut down the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu. “There will be challenges ahead, but make no mistake: Red Hill will be shut down,” said Senator Schatz. “In order to implement this decision, we’re going to have to provide additional resources and hold DoD’s feet to the fire through congressional...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement in response to the president’s annual State of the Union address. “Tonight, we heard the president reflect on the significant progress we have made in just one year. Amid tough odds, we have seen real results that have led to historic job growth, a more stable economy, and a decline in COVID-19 cases everywhere. But there is still more work to do, and President Biden outlined a clear plan...

HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. “Judge Jackson has the legal expertise, record of fairness, and extensive experience – both professional and personal – that will make her an excellent addition to the Supreme Court. She is a highly respected jurist who has excelled in her career as a public defender, at the U.S....

HONOLULU – Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and  Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s appointment of Chris Kanazawa to serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Hawai‘i and the Western Pacific. “Chris has worked with Hawai‘i’s agricultural businesses and communities for decades, and has held this position before. He is...

HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Russia’s unprovoked attack against Ukraine’s national sovereignty and independence is the greatest breach of peace in Europe since World War II and a threat to democracies around the world. It cannot stand. “President Biden has taken tough and appropriate actions, imposing crushing...

HONOLULU – The U.S. Senate last week unanimously passed the John Lewis National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Endowment Revitalization Act. Authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), the bipartisan legislation will increase investments in universities conducting critical research into minority health disparities. Schatz’s bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives in April and now heads to the...

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today passed legislation authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that provides $100 million in new federal funding to cover the cost of defueling the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility and direct the Department of Defense to comply with the State of Hawai‘i’s emergency public health order. Schatz worked closely with bipartisan leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee to include the funding provision in a critical spending...

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services on Oahu will receive nearly $4 million to expand and improve their virtual care programs, including telehealth. The two health centers, which serve more than 47,000 people, have utilized telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure patients receive comprehensive primary care services. “Telehealth lets...

WASHINGTON – Following the arrest of a then-10-year-old Black student at a Waipahu school in January 2020, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today urged the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education to develop and publish clear guidance on arrests and law enforcement actions for schools in Hawai‘i and across the country. “The long-term mental and socio-emotional impact that arrests have on children necessitate an analysis of school-based arrests by race, color,...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced today the names of 42 students nominated to attend the following military service academies: United States Air Force Academy, the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The service academies are highly selective rigorous four-year institutions whose graduates become commissioned officers in the United States Armed Forces.  “These nominees represent the very best...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s approval of a presidential disaster declaration that will bring significant relief to communities in Honolulu and Maui County impacted by December’s severe weather and flooding. Last month, Schatz and the Hawai‘i congressional delegation urged the president to quickly approve Governor David Ige’s disaster declaration request. “FEMA has been a...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D- Hawai‘i) today announced that six farms and community organizations on Hawai‘i Island and Maui will receive $1,149,316 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help them create new products and better advertise their goods and services. This support will allow these organizations to grow their businesses and become more successful in accessing new markets. “Small farms and agricultural businesses help feed...

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that Hawai‘i will receive $10,737,672 in funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support sustainable fishing and hunting and improve restoration, conservation, and management of fish and wildlife populations. “Fishing, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors are part of Hawai‘i’s history and our way of life. This new investment will help us make sure that residents and visitors alike can...

HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today introduced legislation to permanently shut down the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. The Senate bill introduction follows companion legislation introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Kaiali‘i Kahele (D-Hawai‘i). “Together we will work to secure federal funding to defuel, conduct congressional oversight, and push for legislation. Our bicameral bill will help us in our fight to...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that Hawai‘i will receive $2,616,956 in new funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand its network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, part of nearly $18 million in estimated formula funding coming to Hawai‘i over the next five years for EV charging. “People want to purchase EVs, but they worry about where and when they’ll be able to charge their car. By building EV...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) today called on President Joe Biden to step up efforts to demilitarize the police. “We urge you to prioritize the demilitarization of law enforcement by limiting the transfer or purchase of certain military equipment...