Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced new legislation to help survivors of domestic violence and other crimes cut ties with their abusers and separate from shared wireless service plans, which can be exploited to monitor, stalk, or control victims. “Giving domestic violence abusers control over their victims’ cell phones is a terrifying reality...

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the Hawai‘i Department of Human Services will receive $1,188,723.75 in federal funding to cover the cost of meals provided to individuals who tested positive for COVID-19, those who have been exposed but do not require hospitalization, and high risk individuals over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions. “This federal funding will help pay back the cost of the meals provided to the most...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement on new executive actions announced by President Joe Biden to address the climate crisis. “President Biden’s announcement today shows the commitment, urgency, and scope of action we need to fight the climate crisis. Together, these steps put the nation on a path to cut emissions, grow our economy, create jobs, and prioritize environmental justice. I am particularly encouraged to see...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on the passing of former Hawai‘i County Mayor Billy Kenoi. “Billy Kenoi was one of Hawai‘i’s most talented political leaders. His understanding of, and empathy for Hawai‘i and its people drove his meteoric rise and motivated his public service. His love for Hawai‘i Island, his intellect, and his heart will leave a mark in our collective consciousness and in...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on a new executive order issued by President Joe Biden that will provide more Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, to the most needy families, including nearly 33,000 people in Hawai‘i. The order also includes a 15 percent increase in benefits for families of the more than 93,500 Hawai‘i students who qualify for free or reduced-priced...

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the County of Hawai‘i will receive $2,251,163 in new federal funding to help Puna recover from the 2018 Kilauea eruption and improve resiliency for future natural disasters. This grant will go toward rebuilding the area's wastewater collection and treatment system, which was damaged in 2018. By funding the creation of a new, centralized system — instead of repairing the previous cesspool...

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after President Joe Biden took executive action to authorize an extension and fully reimburse Hawai‘i and states across the country for the use of the National Guard to support COVID-19 response operations. “This will save Hawai‘i millions of dollars and allow soldiers and airmen who are performing essential missions that will help us safely reopen our economy, including...

WASHINGTON — Today, Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) will receive $300,000 in federal funding to develop a work-based apprenticeship program, offering Maui residents unique on-the-job training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills to help solve challenges faced by local companies. “We need more workers with STEM skills to help us rebuild our economy. This new...

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on a new executive order issued by President Joe Biden that will extend the federal eviction moratorium and the moratoriums on foreclosures of federally guaranteed mortgages until the end of March 2021. Without action, these protections would have expired on January 31. “These extensions will stop evictions for thousands of Hawai‘i residents who are struggling to make their mortgage...

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on President Biden’s executive action to rejoin the Paris Agreement today. “By rejoining the Paris Agreement, President Biden and Vice President Harris are sending a strong signal to the world: America is back. “During our absence from the world stage, the climate crisis has only grown more dire. We're already seeing the devastating effects of climate impacts here at home and abroad....

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s plan to reverse the previous administration's unconstitutional policy of excluding undocumented immigrants in the 2020 Census count. “This last administration’s attempt to scare people from participating in the Census and influence congressional representation was unlawful and unconstitutional. I look forward to working with the Biden Administration on...

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on the inauguration of Joe Biden as president and Kamala Harris as vice president. “Today marks a day of hope for Hawai‘i and our country. The last four years have been difficult. It has tested the very idea of who we are as a country and what we stand for. We have experienced historic challenges, real pain, and a despicable attack on our Capitol two weeks ago today. But through it...

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to all participating PPP lenders. Small businesses should consult with their lenders and submit First or Second Draw loan applications if eligible. “The new round of funding will help Hawai‘i small businesses meet their payroll and provide people with paychecks,” said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i). “I encourage all Hawai‘i small...

HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after a bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump. “The article of impeachment approved by the House of Representatives today lays out what we have all witnessed over the last few months – President Trump lied repeatedly about the results of a free and fair election, attempted to cheat by pressuring election officials, and incited an...

HONOLULU — U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that Hawai‘i will receive nearly $95 million in a new round of federal funding to support the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution, testing, and contact tracing programs. The new funding from the latest COVID-19 relief package, which was signed into law last month, will be used to support COVID-19 vaccination, testing, contact tracing, surveillance, containment, and other mitigation activities. “This money...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement: “Trump is a danger to democracy itself. I took an oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. We must both initiate impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives and invoke the 25th Amendment. Our vigilance must increase, not wane, in the final days.” ###

WASHINGTON – U.S Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement today: “My staff and I are safe and following the guidance of U.S. Capitol Police. We thank everyone for their expressions of aloha and concern. “The attack on the Capitol and our democracy is despicable, but it will not stop us from completing our constitutional duties and affirming the results of the presidential election.” ###

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today voted to override the president’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including key reforms to the Department of Defense’s 1033 program, which authorizes the federal transfer of military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. The adoption of the provision follows legislation and calls from U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) to stop police militarization and reform the 1033 program. Schatz first...

WASHINGTON – This week, the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) 2019 Act was signed into law as part of the annual government funding bill. The bipartisan legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), establishes a $10 million per year grant program for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to promote the use of technology to connect health care providers and deliver high-quality care in hard-to-reach regions. “Technology hasn’t just transformed how...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released an updated resource guide to help Hawai‘i small businesses better understand how to access federal loans and new federal funding. The new $900 billion relief package, which is the second largest aid package in American history and was signed into law on Sunday, includes a new round of federal funding for small businesses and nonprofits and a new program to support live venue operators, including museums and...