Press Releases

Honolulu, HI—Today, Senator Brian Schatz released the following statement in response to the plan that President Obama laid out for college affordability. “President Obama’s plan takes substantial steps towards reducing the cost of college for students of all backgrounds. I have spoken with the President on several occasions about how to make higher education accessible for all families. This plan promotes accountability, innovation, and competition amongst colleges through a...

Honolulu, HI—Over a hundred people gathered today to attend an open forum on water sustainability that Senator Brian Schatz convened in Honolulu. The forum focused on current and future water supply and management issues. In convening this discussion, Senator Schatz aims to ensure that his legislative priorities are supportive of Hawai‘i’s most urgent needs and that policymakers in Hawaii are aware of relevant federal resources. “Thank you to the panelists and concerned...

Honolulu, HI—Last week, Senator Brian Schatz visited community health centers across the state to discuss access to affordable care, implementation of the Affordable Care Act, and the importance of primary care. “Hawai‘i’s tremendous network of community health centers provide access to affordable, quality care to thousands of families across our state,” said Senator Brian Schatz. “The work that they do improves the quality of life for our loved ones, and I...

Honolulu, HI—Today, Senator Brian Schatz announced that the Department of the Army will construct and operate an Infantry Platoon Battle Course and associated infrastructure at P?hakuloa Training Area.  This $29 million project will support the live-fire collective training needs of the Army, Army Reserve, and Hawaii Army National Guard units. “I am very pleased to announce that the Department of the Army will construct an Infantry Platoon Battle Course at P?hakuloa Training...

Honolulu, HI—Today, Senator Brian Schatz announced that his office is launching a new Hawai‘i high school internship program known as “Schatz Seniors.”  Hawai‘i high school seniors interested in serving as 2013-14 interns for the Hawai‘i office may apply beginning August 15, 2013. The Senator will select 15 interns for this inaugural class.  “Through this program, we hope to provide a hands-on learning opportunities about the U.S. Senate, spark...

Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz announced the County of Maui Department of Transportation will receive $800,000 in federal funding for its ADA compliant Bus Stop Shelter/Signage Program. The funding will be used for the construction of shelters with site improvements at various locations on the island of Maui. "The state of Hawai‘i and our communities are committed to providing greater access to safe, affordable public transit options," said Senator Brian Schatz. "With the growing need...

Honolulu, HI—Today, Senator Brian Schatz released the following statement on the 78th Anniversary of the passage of the Social Security Act: “On the 78th anniversary of the passage of Social Security, we should acknowledge the program’s tremendous success, as well as the ways to strengthen and enhance it,” said Senator Brian Schatz. “I will be working with Senator Tom Harkin and our colleagues in Congress to pass the Harkin-Schatz bill so that Social Security will...

HONOLULU- Senators Brian Schatz and Tom Harkin (IA) penned an op-ed in the Star-Advertiser that outlines why expanding Social Security is important for middle-class families and future generations.  Just last week, Senator Schatz was joined by Hawaii seniors and State Representative Chris Lee to roll out the Harkin-Schatz bill that will enhance Social Security.  Read the full op-ed below: Making wealthy pay more would allow Social Security to expand benefits By U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz...

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Brian Schatz was one of three U.S. Senators that joined President Obama in the Oval Office for the signing of a bipartisan bill that will lower federal student loan rates. Senator Schatz worked with President Obama to solve a big problem – reversing an increase in student loan interest rates that threatened students and Hawai‘i’s middle-class and working families. President Obama and Senator Schatz understand that making college more affordable...

Honolulu, HI—Today, Senator Brian Schatz laid out a plan, along with Senator Tom Harkin from Iowa, that will expand and enhance Social Security for Hawaii’s seniors and future generations.  The Harkin-Schatz bill will enhance and add longevity to the Social Security program, increase benefits by about $65 per month, allow the real costs that seniors face to be considered when calculating benefits, and remove the wage cap to make it fair for all Americans. “Families in...

WASHINGTON- Senator Brian Schatz praised President Obama for awarding Senator Daniel K. Inouye with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, and this year marks the 50th Anniversary of Executive Order that established the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  “It is an honor for all the people of Hawai`i that President Obama has chosen to award Senator Inouye with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his...

WASHINGTON – Senator Brian Schatz praised the news from the Defense Department to cut furlough days for civilian employees from 11 to 6 days. Schatz also called for the repeal of sequestration. “This is good news for the employees, their families, and for our defense preparedness,” said Senator Brian Schatz.  “The next step is to repeal sequestration by working on a common sense, bipartisan compromise on the budget.  Sequestration should have never been approved...

Honolulu, HI--Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz announced the Department of Labor’s Homeless Female Veterans and Veterans with Families Program will award the United States Veterans Initiative in Kapolei a grant for $300,000 to provide homeless female veterans and veterans with families with job training to help them succeed in civilian careers. “This grant will help to provide military service members and their families with greater means as they transition to civilian life, finding...

Washington, DC—Today, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee heard testimony from the National Park Service on the Pacific Islands Parks Act, introduced by Senator Brian Schatz. This legislation would direct the National Park Service to complete studies of three designated sites in the state of Hawai‘i. Schatz is a member of the Senate Energy Committee and serves as the chair of the Water and Power Subcommittee. Hawai‘i is currently the home of seven national parks,...

WASHINGTON- Senator Brian Schatz and his staff are receiving regular updates from FEMA and local officials on the strength of Tropical Storm Flossie. “Today, I was briefed by officials at FEMA on Tropical Storm Flossie. Over the last several days,  our office has been in regular communication with Maui officials, Hawaii County officials and the State Adjutant General to discuss steps they are taking, and to ensure officials have the support needed to effectively respond,” said...

WASHINGTON- Senator Brian Schatz announced today that the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $16.7 million in federal funding for the East-West Center.  Senator Schatz has been working with his colleagues since January to ensure continued federal funding levels for the East-West Center, which supports U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific region by providing invaluable research and analysis.  “The Senate took a major step, especially during tough economic times, in approving...

WASHINGTON- Senator Brian Schatz joined his colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) for a meeting at the White House with President Obama to discuss the need to pass comprehensive immigration reform in the House, federal action on Native Hawaiian recognition and other priorities important to the people of Hawai‘i. Schatz is a member of CAPAC. “During the meeting, President Obama showed his clear commitment to prioritizing key issues that are important to...

Washington, DC—Today, Senator Brian Schatz hosted President-Elect of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Sherry Menor-McNamara, in Washington, DC at the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee (DSOC) Meeting with Majority Leader Reid and other members of Senate leadership. Topics for discussion included job creation, tourism, development in the clean energy sector, and economic recovery. “It was an honor to meet with Senator Schatz, Majority Leader Reid and Senators and leaders...

Washington, DC—Today, Senator Brian Schatz announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee passed the fiscal year 2014 appropriations bill for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.  The bill includes funding for several Native Hawaiian programs, including those related to health care and education.  This is a key step for securing critical funding to assist Hawaii families in tough budgetary times. “Since January, I have worked with...

WASHINGTON – Senator Brian Schatz and a group of bi-partisan senators requested that the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, continue to support and fund science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs in its FY2014 appropriations bill.  These programs, funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), are critical to ensure that the...