Statements and posts
24 press releases and posts, newest first.
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Schatz, Hirono Lead Senate Resolution Honoring Hawaiian History
Introduced Senate resolution designating September 2026 as Hawaiian History Month.
“Hawaiian cultural traditions and values are an essential part of what makes Hawai‘i special. Hawaiian History Month is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the culture, history, and contributions of the Native Hawaiian community and recommit to protecting Native Hawaiian rights.”
Hawaiian History Month DesignationCivil Rights and Liberties, Minority IssuesAI-read
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Urged swift approval of emergency declaration for Hawaii ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo.
“We urge swift approval of Governor Green’s request for an emergency declaration and the additional federal assistance it will provide.”
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Schatz, Warner To Take To Senate Floor To Demand Passage Of New AI Security Legislation
Introduced legislation to establish safety and security standards for advanced artificial intelligence systems.
“Every day, we’re seeing new reports of AI models going rogue and hacking systems without our knowledge or oversight. The risks of AI are not theoretical – they are happening in real-time.”
CybersecurityAI-read
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Schatz: Climate Change is Why Disasters are Piling Up
Spoke on Senate floor about climate change increasing disaster frequency and severity in Hawaii.
“In recent weeks, Hawai‘i experienced two separate hurricanes which destroyed homes and roads, closed schools and offices, and left thousands of people in the dark. 90 percent of the island of Kaua‘i lost power during Hurricane Lowell earlier this month – that’s how extensive the damage was – and crews are still working…”
Emergency ManagementAI-read
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Senate Passes Schatz-Wicker Resolution Designating Telehealth Awareness Week
Senate passed bipartisan resolution designating September 20-26 as Telehealth Awareness Week.
“Telehealth helps people access quality health care when and where they need it, and our resolution highlights the broad, bipartisan support for raising awareness of and expanding access to telehealth.”
HealthAI-read
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Criticized Trump administration for impounding or redirecting billions in foreign assistance funding.
“Congress passed a law to invest in saving lives, protecting the American people, and advancing our interests abroad; it did not hand Trump a checkbook to spend on whatever he pleases while blocking funding for everything else. The Trump administration needs to rework its plans and spend these resources as Congress…”
International AffairsAI-read
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Criticized Trump administration for impounding or redirecting billions in foreign assistance funding.
“Congress passed a law to invest in saving lives, protecting the American people, and advancing our interests abroad; it did not hand Trump a checkbook to spend on whatever he pleases while blocking funding for everything else. The Trump administration needs to rework its plans and spend these resources as Congress…”
International AffairsAI-read
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Urged State Department to prioritize release of wrongfully detained American journalist in Iran.
“Mr. Valizadeh is currently being held in Evin Prison, which is notorious for its inhumane conditions and arbitrary executions of political prisoners. His health has significantly deteriorated in custody, where he has consistently been denied medical care, including the inhaler he needs to treat his asthma. With every…”
International AffairsAI-read
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Schatz, Murray, Shaheen, Reed, Warner, Coons Statement on Deadly Iranian Wedding Strike
Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen…
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Schatz, Young Introduce Legislation to Help Stop Child Labor
U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) introduced legislation to help stop illegal child labor.
“Right now, our laws are allowing some of the worst employers to get away with exploiting kids for labor with nothing more than weak fines.”
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Schatz, Pocan Introduce Legislation to End Student Loan Debt Crisis
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) introduced the Debt-Free College Act, legislation that will reverse the growing student debt crisis in the United States.
“Solving the student loan debt crisis means focusing on the full cost of college – that includes books, room and board, and supplies.”
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U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) are leading 20 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a 502B privileged resolution requiring the Department of State to…
“Settlers have attacked and killed Palestinians and Americans in the West Bank for years, too often without any real accountability from the Israeli government. We need answers about why this violence has been allowed to continue and what concrete steps are being taken to prevent future tragedies. When settler violence…”
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U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) today urged for the approval of Governor Josh Green’s requests for Presidential Major Disaster…
“We request that you act quickly to grant Hawai‘i access to all available assistance from federal agencies to speed our recovery from a succession of extreme events in less than six months: the Kona Lows (March), the Kona earthquake (May), Hurricane Lala (August), Tropical Storm Moke (August), and Hurricane Lowell…”
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Schatz’s Efforts To Press Museums, Institutions Has Resulted In Over 400% Increase In Notices Of Intent To Repatriate Items HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led a…
“We’ve seen a significant uptick in efforts by museums and institutions to comply with federal law and repatriate remains and cultural items back to Native Hawaiians and other Native communities, where they belong.”
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Following an agreement between U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the U.S Department of Education finalized an extension to fully fund the Native Hawaiian Education Program for another year and…
“This is good news for Hawai‘i. This money helps thousands of young kids develop learning skills and gives Native Hawaiian families more affordable child care options.”
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Schatz, Local Leaders Discuss Expanding Housing Access for Native Hawaiians
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led a roundtable discussion with local leaders about innovations and partnerships that are helping to expand housing access for Native Hawaiians.
“We simply have to make it easier to build housing. I appreciated hearing directly from leaders who are working every day to get more housing built about what we can do to help.”
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Schatz Statement on Approval of Emergency Declaration
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s approval of an emergency declaration that will bring significant relief to communities impacted by Hurricane Lala.
“We will continue working with Governor Green, county leaders, and the administration to make sure Hawai‘i gets the support it needs to recover.”
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U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement of support after Governor Josh Green requested an…
“With another storm approaching, it is especially important that these recovery efforts continue without delay. We urge swift approval of Governor Green’s request for an emergency declaration and the additional federal assistance it will provide.”
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U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai?i) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved an initial $6 million in Emergency Relief “quick release” funds to help Hawai?i repair transportation infrastructure damaged by…
“This will help Hawai?i move quickly from emergency response to recovery and get our communities back on their feet.”
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U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy today about providing federal support as Hawai‘i recovers from Tropical Storm Lala.
“I had a constructive conversation with Secretary Duffy, and he offered to help with Hawai‘i’s recovery from Tropical Storm Lala.”
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U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) met with students, small business owners, and law enforcement officers and personnel across Maui.
“I always appreciate the chance to hear directly from people across Maui about their priorities and concerns. Mahalo to everyone who joined us for productive conversations.”
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Schatz Congratulates Pearl City Little League On Senior League World Series Win
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement congratulating Pearl City Little League on winning the 2026 Senior League World Series.
“Congratulations to Pearl City Little League on an incredible win! These young athletes represented Hawai?i with heart and determination. Hawai?i is proud of you. Congratulations, champions!”
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Schatz Leads Group Of 14 Senators In Introducing New Bill To Restore Press Freedom At Pentagon
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today led a group of 14 senators in introducing the Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act.
“At a time of war, transparency and independent, accurate reporting matter more than ever.”
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Schatz: Trump, Republicans Are Raising Prices On Purpose
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor today about how President Donald Trump and Republicans are raising prices for Americans on purpose.
“The President of the United States has decided that Americans should pay more for everything. And so, while he's busy lining his pockets with crypto schemes and insider information subscription programs, regular people can't afford their lives.”