HIRONO IS HARD AT WORK WITH THE SENATE BACK IN SESSION
Senator Hirono Leads Effort to Take the Threat of Default off the Table
After last month’s near-catastrophic default on our debt, Senator Hirono announced the introduction of the Pay Our Bills Act, which would permanently allow Congress to disapprove debt ceiling increases instead of approving them. “This bill prevents the debt limit from being used as a political football in the future,” argued Hirono. “It will make sure we meet our obligations and prevent the kind of brinksmanship that the American people are sick and tired of seeing in Washington.”
Watch Senator Hirono’s remarks at a press conference with colleagues Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) introducing the legislation and write-ups on the Pay Our Bills Act from the Associated Press and USA Today.
Legislation Authored by Senator Hirono Champions Veterans’ Access to Emergency Healthcare
Senator Hirono also spearheaded new legislation this week to extend emergency medical services to veterans.
The bill, cosponsored by a hui of Senators from both parties, would waive a nonsensical requirement and allow our nation’s heroes to seek the care that they need without the fear of financial hardship. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) endorsed the bill.
Currently, veterans can only be reimbursed for care at a non-VA facility if they have been seen at a VA facility in the past 24 months. However, because of a backlog in the VA system, many veterans who have recently returned from deployment or live in rural areas are unable to meet this requirement.
“Just last week, I met a veteran from Waianae who had a medical emergency while waiting four months for his first appointment at VA. Veterans like him who were denied VA reimbursement would get much needed relief under this legislation. It isn’t fair to punish veterans for waiting times outside their control,” said Hirono at a Veterans’ Affairs committee hearing. Watch her full remarks here and read the Military Times write up of the bill.
Senator Hirono Urges Civility in Filling Key Judicial Positions
Senator Hirono called on her colleagues to allow an up or down vote to confirm Patricia Millett to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Despite admitting that Millett was qualified to hold the seat, Republicans chose gridlock and filibustered her confirmation.
Senator Hirono also joined her Judiciary Committee colleagues and the Military Spouses J.D. Network to share how Millett’s experience as a member of a military family would bring a valuable perspective to the bench.
“Patricia and her husband have faced what so many military families have – the difficulties of deployment, the challenges of separation and single parenting at home, and the process of reintegration when a service member returns. They have shown the deepest commitment to serving our nation,” said Hirono.
Read Senator Hirono’s full statement on Millett’s nomination. Earlier this year, she also wrote in support of Nina Pillard, another highly qualified nominee to the D.C. Circuit who is being similarly blocked by Republican obstruction.
Senator Hirono Urges Attorney General Holder to Protect Taxpayers
Senator Hirono, joined by Senators Bill Nelson (D-FL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), pressed Attorney General Eric Holder to prevent American taxpayers and middle class families from having to foot the bill in any settlement between JPMorgan Chase and the Justice Department.
The two parties are currently negotiating a settlement over charges that the bank mishandled mortgage lending in the years leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. Under a tentative settlement, JPMorgan may be able to claim as much as $4 billion, or roughly 30 percent of the settlement, as a tax deduction—meaning taxpayers would be subsidizing the bank’s penalties at a time when federal priorities like education, clean energy, infrastructure and other job creating investments are facing budget cuts.
Read the full text of the letter here.
Hirono Meets with Leaders of the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce
Senator Hirono met with leaders of the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce to discuss the ongoing federal budget talks, methods to ease fiscal uncertainty and opportunities for growing investment and job creation in Hawaii. Pictured below from left are Board of Directors Chair for Economic Development & Innovation Bernie Coleman (President of Pacific Allied Products), Board of Directors Chair Dennis Francis (Star-Advertiser Publisher), Hawaii Chamber President and CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara and Hawaii Chamber VP of Business Advocacy Pono Chong. The Hawaii Chamber leaders were in D.C. to attend the SelectUSA Summit.
Hirono Receives Paul R. Dean Award from Georgetown Law
Senator Hirono was awarded the Paul R. Dean Award at the Georgetown Law Reunion Gala in recognition of her leadership and service to the community. Hirono was joined by other outstanding award winners, including her former U.S. House of Representatives colleague John Dingell.
