Hirono to serve on Judiciary Committee, continue fighting for Hawaii priorities in United States Senate

Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that she will return to serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee – which will be instrumental in defending civil rights, vetting a Trump administration’s Supreme Court nominees, and standing up for immigrant communities – in the 115^th Congress.

Senator Hirono will also continue to serve on the Senate Committees on Armed Services, Energy and Natural Resources, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Veterans’ Affairs.

“The Senate Judiciary Committee will be on the front lines of fighting to protect Hawaii from the incoming Trump administration’s proposals that erode civil rights and target immigrants,” said Senator Hirono. “I look forward to continuing to advance Hawaii priorities on committees that are vital to our national security, growing Hawaii’s economy, and protecting the environment.”

Senator Hirono laid out the following priorities for her committees in the upcoming Congress:

Senate Armed Services Committee: Senator Hirono will continue to advocate for Hawaii’s interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, setting strong parameters about the use of our military, and advocating for military families.

As a member of the Armed Services Committee this year, Senator Hirono successfully included several Hawaii-focused provisions in this year’s defense authorization.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee: Senator Hirono will fight against policies that move our nation away from sustainable, clean energy sources, support research and development into the next generation of clean energy systems and sources, and ensure that Hawaii’s entrepreneurs and workforce can take advantage of advances in clean energy.

As a Committee member this year, Senator Hirono held a field hearing on strengthening Hawaii’s water security.

Senate Judiciary Committee: As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Hirono will defend voting and civil rights, vet the President-elect’s pick for the Supreme Court, and protect immigrant communities and DREAMers.

Senator Hirono previously served on the Judiciary Committee in the 113^th Congress, where she was a key author of the Senate’s 2013 comprehensive immigration reform bill.

Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee: Senator Hirono will continue to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and entrepreneurship opportunities for women and minorities, and make sure Hawaii businesses have a fair shot at federal opportunities.

As a member of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Senator Hirono held a field hearing on Maui to examine how to boost women and minority participation in STEM careers.

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee: Senator Hirono will continue her work expanding access to earned benefits, improving care for all veterans, and ensuring a smooth transition from active duty for veterans and their families.

As a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator Hirono passed legislation that equalizes paid leave for veterans who work for the Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration, and improves access to health care and benefits for veterans.