Press Releases

Honolulu, HI—Today, Senator Brian Schatz released the following statement: “I have weighed the expert briefings and analysis, and listened closely to the people of Hawaii.   Though all of us are outraged by the Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons, I have concluded that a military strike against Syria is not the answer. Therefore, I will oppose this resolution.” ###

Honolulu, HI—Today, Senator Brian Schatz announced that TSA is expanding its PreCheck Program in Hawai‘i. Kahului Airport, Kona International Airport, and Lihue Airport will be added to the list of airports with a TSA PreCheck option. Additionally, the number of PreCheck lanes at Honolulu International Airport will be expanding. Senator Schatz has been actively seeking expansion of the PreCheck program in Hawaii, sending a letter to Transportation Security Administration (TSA)...

Today, Senator Brian Schatz announced that the County of Hawai‘i's Department of Environmental Management will receive a $4.02 million grant and a low-interest, 35 year loan of $2.4 million from the Office of Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The award is facilitated through the Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program to improve and expand the existing wastewater system in the Lono Kona subdivision in Kailua-Kona. “It is critical infrastructure investments...

Honolulu, HI—Today, Senator Brian Schatz issued the following statement regarding Congressional consultation on military action in Syria. “Yesterday, I stated the importance of the full participation of the United States Congress with respect to proposed military action in Syria.  Today, President Obama has taken the proper step in announcing that he will seek Congressional authorization before taking military action. "Congress must weigh in. And this...

Honolulu, HI—Today, Senator Brian Schatz released the following statement on the situation in Syria: “The President and his National Security team have provided strong evidence that the Assad regime is responsible for the recent horrific chemical weapons attack against innocent Syrian civilians.  We must send a clear message that the use of chemical weapons is abhorrent and will not be tolerated by the United States or the international community.  It is important that...

Honolulu, HI—Yesterday, Senator Brian Schatz received the Hawaii Climate Champion Award from Organizing for Action, the grassroots arm of Obama for America. The group cited the Senator’s leadership role with the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative and his commitment to the expansion of Hawaii’s clean energy economy as the primary reasons for this accolade. “Climate change is an urgent, real issue for Hawai‘i and our nation,” said Senator Brian Schatz. “That...

Honolulu, HI—Today, Senator Brian Schatz released the following statement on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech. Schatz will also join state leaders in the Honolulu Capitol Rotunda at 4 pm HST for an event commemorating the occasion. “Today marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most remarkable speeches, and movements, of our time. In his historic oration, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr....

Honolulu, HI—Today, Senator Brian Schatz joined Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on a visit with service members at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. “I join all of Hawai‘i in welcoming Secretary Hagel, and thanking him for visiting with our men and women in uniform and thanking them for their service,” said Senator Brian Schatz.  “Secretary Hagel emphasized that Hawai‘i is a crucial and enduring hub for the U.S. military, especially as we rebalance to the...

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...