Mazie K. Hirono

Hirono Presses Hegseth on Illegal War in Iran, Women in Combat | Mazie K. Hirono - A Voice for Hawai'i in the U.S. Senate

Position: Senator Hirono opposes the ongoing military conflict in Iran, characterizing it as illegal and costly, and expresses concern that the Secretary of Defense may be laying groundwork to reverse the policy allowing women to serve in combat roles.

~Watch Senator Hirono’s Questions Here~ WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, raised concerns about the true costs of Trump’s illegal war in Iran and pressed U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth on the implications of a Pentagon review Hegseth ordered examining “the effectiveness of women in combat jobs.” “Since the start of the war, 13 brave U.S. Service members have been killed, more than 400 have been wounded. We burned through over $25 billion in taxpayer money. […] The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which somehow caught the president by surprise, even though he had to have been warned, is directly contributing to the unaffordable prices that Americans are facing,” said Senator Hirono. “This illegal war is driving up costs, undermining readiness, and alienating our allies with neither a clear rationale for starting this war, nor an exit strategy. Senator Hirono has consistently expressed concerns about how the ongoing war in Iran could affect overall readiness. Earlier this month, she questioned Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Jr., Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) on how munitions expenditures in the Iran War are impacting readiness in the Indo-Pacific. In March, Senator Hirono also pressed the vice chiefs of all five military services on the impact of the ongoing war in Iran on each of their respective forces’ readiness. Senator Hirono also confronted Secretary Hegseth on his changing position towards women serving in combat roles, citing a Pentagon study he recently directed to review the “effectiveness of women in combat jobs." “I am concerned you are laying the groundwork to reverse the policy allowing women to serve in these units,” said Senator Hirono. “Did you order the review to support a potential decision to overturn the policy of having women in combat roles?” At the hearing, Secretary Hegseth refused to answer Senator Hiono’s straightforward question. Since 2016, women who meet the genderless standards for combat fitness have been allowed to serve in combat roles. Senator Hirono has previously asked senior military leadership if they believed the fact of women being present in combat units lowers standards. Each member of leadership, when questioned by Senator Hirono, confirmed that there was no evidence of this.

Hirono Presses Burgum on Efforts to Erase U.S. History, Staffing Cuts, Demands Accountability | Mazie K. Hirono - A Voice for Hawai'i in the U.S. Senate

Position: Senator Hirono opposes the Trump Administration's removal of historical content about slavery, climate change, and Native American history from national park materials, and criticizes significant staffing cuts at the Department of the Interior without transparent accounting.

~ Watch Senator Hirono’s Questions Here~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), questioned U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum on the Department’s efforts to remove mentions of key aspects of U.S. History, including slavery, in national parks across the country. In the full Committee hearing, Hirono also raised alarms about staff vacancies across DOI and the Secretary’s failure to account for how many jobs have been cut following multiple rounds of firings and early retirements. “Mr. Secretary, is slavery a partisan ideology?” asked Senator Hirono. Earlier this year, Senator Hirono joined her Democratic colleagues in the Senate in sending a letter to Secretary Burgum demanding answers from the National Park Service (NPS) following reports that NPS staff across the country are removing signage from national parks about slavery, Tribal history, and climate change. Secretary Burgum failed to address the questions posed, instead stating that “NPS […] must ensure park interpreted materials accurately reflect American history and not partisan ideology.” At the hearing, Secretary Burgum refused to answer Senator Hirono’s straightforward question. According to reports, Trump Administration officials have ordered national parks to remove dozens of signs and displays related to slavery, climate change, environmental protection, and settlers’ mistreatment of Native Americans in a renewed push to implement President Donald Trump’s executive order on “restoring truth and sanity to American history.” Senator Hirono also pressed Secretary Burgum on staffing cuts across DOI after his failure to account for how many employees had been fired or forced into early retirement. “Where are we in terms of how many employees you have?” asked Senator Hirono. DOI is made up of 11 bureaus including the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Affairs—all of which have faced significant staff cuts in the past year according to reports. Prior to President Trump’s 2025 inauguration, DOI employed approximately 70,000 staff. The Department has yet to provide updated numbers of how many DOI employees remain. Today, Secretary Burgum was once again unable to provide an accurate assessment. “I find it totally unacceptable that you don’t know what’s going on in your own department,” said Senator Hirono. Since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, Senator Hirono has been raising alarms about the Trump Administration’s attacks on the federal workforce and funding at DOI. In March 2025, Senator Hirono took to the Senate Floor to highlight the impacts of these mass firings on the interdiction of brown tree snakes, a highly invasive species. Following the administration’s attacks, Senator Hirono urged Secretary Burgum to reinstate the DOI’s Fish and Wildlife Services probationary employees in Hawaii who were hastily fired by the Trump Administration, emphasizing the important roles they serve in preserving Hawaii’s environment and natural resources. In February 2025, Senator Hirono urged Secretary Burgum to resolve staffing shortages at NPS, following President Trump’s hiring freeze and buyout offers.

Hirono Statement on Supreme Court Further Gutting Voting Rights Act | Mazie K. Hirono - A Voice for Hawai'i in the U.S. Senate

Position: Senator Hirono opposes the Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which she argues has gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. She calls for Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore voting rights protections.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, released the following statement after the Supreme Court effectively gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in its Louisiana v. Callais decision: “In functionally overturning the last enforceable section of the Voting Rights Act, the Supreme Court has once again put the interests of Republicans and their billionaire buddies before the voting rights of millions of Americans. This is a Supreme Court majority with an ideological agenda. From an unlawful war to illegal tariffs and a cost-of-living crisis, Donald Trump and Republicans know their agenda is deeply unpopular with the American people, so their allies on the Court are making it easier for Republicans to dilute the voting power of minorities to tip the scales in their favor, not just in this year’s election, but for years to come. The passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a major turning point in our country that finally gave many previously excluded people of color real access to the polls. With Republicans and their allies on the Court hell bent on rolling back that progress, it is more urgent than ever that Congress pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.”

Hirono, Jayapal Introduce Resolution to Support Libraries, Recognize National Library Week | Mazie K. Hirono - A Voice for Hawai'i in the U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced a resolution celebrating “National Library Week” and honoring library workers. After a federal judge ruled President Trump’s attacks on libraries to be unconstitutional, this resolution emphasizes the importance of libraries in communities across the country. “America’s libraries stand for everything the Trump regime is trying to dismantle—freedom of expression, unfettered access to information, celebration of identities, and support for communities. From access to books, to safe spaces for people to work, play, and learn, libraries offer indispensable services and resources to our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “As we celebrate National Library Week and the work of library staff across our country, it’s critical that we stand up, support our libraries, and fight for the values libraries across the country are striving to defend.” “Libraries and library staff facilitate our access to information, provide lifesaving social resources, and host critical educational programming — making communities more thriving in every community across this country,” said Representative Jayapal. “Since returning to office, Trump has sought to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, slashed funding for crucial educational programs, and threatened the jobs and livelihoods of library staff across the country. Today, I am proud to reaffirm my support for these dedicated workers and thank them for the critical work they do in every community across this country.” Specifically, this resolution: Over 350,000 public servants work at an estimated 120,000 libraries across the nation. Library workers provide the public with a host of critical services, from access to books, media, and the internet, to offering high-quality educational and cultural programming geared toward visitors of all ages, including connecting visitors to social services. These services are often essential to meeting the needs of underserved communities, including low-income and unhoused individuals and families. Overall, the public highly values libraries, 69 percent of U.S. adults age 16 or older felt their local libraries substantially contributed to providing a safe place for people to spend time, and 58 percent felt they substantially contributed toward creating educational opportunities. “Libraries are community hubs that combine information, ideas, our collective stories, technology and learning with a human touch. Our libraries are made up of dedicated public servants who believe in the power of equitable access for all as a pillar of democracy. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Hirono and Congresswoman Jayapal for recognizing that libraries must be funded and supported to ensure the success of our communities and nation,” said Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian of Hawaii. Libraries offer critical services that encourage the free exchange of information. Since his first term, President Trump has worked to undermine this mission by promoting book challenges in libraries across the country. Book challenges attempt to remove or restrict materials based on a certain person or group’s objections. The American Library Association (ALA) this released its Top 11 Most Challenged Books of 2025, finding that 4,235 unique titles were challenged — the second-highest total ever recorded. Last year, President Trump issued an unprecedented and illegal executive order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a critical source of funding for museums, libraries, and educational institutions. The ALA, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a lawsuit arguing that the cuts violated the Constitution and federal law by usurping Congress’s authority over how federal funds are spent. Similarly, the attorneys general of 21 states filed a separate lawsuit against the Administration’s efforts to shutter the agency. Following the lawsuits, a federal judge ruled that the IMLS cuts were unconstitutional. Despite the U.S. Department of Justice settling the lawsuits earlier this month, libraries across the nation continue to be threatened by the Trump Administration. President Trump’s proposed budget for the 2027 fiscal year does not currently include any funding for IMLS. In addition to Senator Hirono, this resolution was sponsored by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE). In addition to Representative Jayapal, a companion resolution in the House of Representatives was sponsored by Representatives Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Summer Lee (D-PA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), James P. McGovern (D-MA- Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-), Mark Pocan (D-WI-), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Dina Titus (D-NV), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).

Hirono Urges Appropriators to Fund Critical Forest Research Program | Mazie K. Hirono - A Voice for Hawai'i in the U.S. Senate

Position: Senator Hirono and colleagues urge the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee to fund the U.S. Forest Service Research and Development program at FY2026 levels ($273.5 million) and prevent proposed facility closures, citing the program's role in wildfire risk reduction, invasive species management, climate resilience, and watershed protection.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led 8 of her Democratic colleagues in urging Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies leadership to include funding for the U.S. Forest Service and Rangeland Research and Development Programs (Forest Service R&D) in the upcoming fiscal year (FY2027) funding bill. Earlier this year, the Trump Administration announced a plan to close the majority of the U.S. Forest Service research facilities including the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF) headquarters in Hilo, Hawaii and the quarantine facility in Volcano, Hawaii. In a letter to Subcommittee Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the senators stressed the importance of Forest Service R&D, requesting no less than $273.5 million to cover the Forest Service R&D program and staffing costs, equal to the FY26 funding level enacted by Congress, and stop the proposed closures. “Forest Service R&D advances […] are critical for addressing the escalating challenges facing America’s forests, rangelands and communities,” wrote the senators. “Forest Service Scientists conduct research that land managers, states, Tribes, private landowners, and local governments rely on to make informed decisions about wildfire risk reduction, invasive species management, climate resilience, watershed protection, and sustainable forest products.” Since 1905, Forest Service R&D has used forests as “living laboratories” to help researchers, governments, and communities alike better understand their surrounding natural environment. IPIF is the only research facility of its kind in the region, which not only covers the State of Hawaii, but also the U.S. territories of Guam and American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and through the Compact of Free Association, the nation-states of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. Data collected by Forest Service R&D enables researchers, local communities, and governments to understand in real time the state of forest health. In addition to promoting environmental conservation, data collected by this program also helps protect communities from natural disasters—including wildfires. The senators highlighted how the recent uptick in wildfires across the country make forest research more critical than ever. “The need for this research has never been greater. Wildfires, drought, and forest health crises are straining federal, state, and local resources. Forest Service R&D provides the science that allows for […] more resilient forests,” the senators continued. The senators outlined the unique nature of Forest Service R&D, emphasizing how the program creates irreplicable data that supports, protects, and ultimately lowers costs for communities across the county. Continued investments in forest health would help ensure that forest research programs can continue across the country. “The program’s work also advances innovations in carbon storage and climate smart land management—all of which help reduce costs and improve outcomes across the landscape,” the Senators wrote. The senators concluded their letter by raising alarms about Forest Service R&D staff loss, expressing how the program’s scientific capacity depends on staff and resource availability. These concerns come after reports of understaffing at forest research facilities including IPIF. Earlier this year, Senator Hirono introduced legislation that would ensure adequate staffing at IPIF. Currently, IPIF is operating with staff below the minimum threshold proposed by the bill. In addition to Senator Hirono, the letter was signed by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Senator Hirono has long championed forest conservation and research initiatives in Hawaii and across the nation. In October 2025, Senator Hirono urged U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to reconsider the Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate funding for the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA), which supports critical research that helps our country in facilitating conservation management, as well as understanding and responding to environmental threats. In September 2025, she introduced the Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act to expand research and grant funding opportunities to help combat pests and diseases affecting tropical plants including coffee plants, macadamia trees, and other iconic Hawaii staples. Senator Hirono has also introduced the Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act, in each Congress since 2022. This legislation would help restore native forests in Hawaii by enabling federal agencies – including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) – to more closely coordinate with the State of Hawaii to prevent the spread of Rapid Ohia Death. The full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Chair Murkowski and Ranking Member Merkley: As your subcommittee considers its fiscal year (FY) 2027 appropriations bill, we write to request that you provide no less than $61.5 million for the U.S. Forest Service Forest and Rangeland Research and Development Programs (Forest Service R&D) and no less than $212 million for salaries and expenses for staff to effectively execute the Forest Service R&D program. Forest Service R&D advances science, technology, and innovation to improve the health and use of our Nation's forests and grasslands. These advances are critical for addressing the escalating challenges facing America’s forests, rangelands, and communities. The program’s work, dating back to 1905, is foundational to solving some of the most pressing natural resource issues of our time. Forest Service scientists conduct research that land managers, states, Tribes, private landowners, and local governments rely on to make informed decisions about wildfire risk reduction, invasive species management, climate resilience, watershed protection, and sustainable forest products. Their findings directly support healthier forests, safer communities, and stronger rural economies. The need for this research has never been greater. Wildfires, drought, and forest health crises are straining federal, state, and local resources. Forest Service R&D provides the science that allows for more effective fuel treatments such as prescribed fire, and better post fire recovery to establish more resilient forests. The program’s work also advances innovations in carbon storage and climate smart land management — all of which help reduce costs and improve outcomes across the landscape. Further, the Forest Service R&D program maintains a nationwide network of experimental forests and research stations that serve as living laboratories. These sites generate long term data that no other institution in the country can replicate. The program partners extensively with universities, state agencies, and Tribal nations ensuring that research investments benefit communities across the country. We are very concerned about recent staff losses within Forest Service R&D and encourage sustained funding from previous fiscal years to ensure that the program can be effectively administered throughout the country. Forest Service personnel provide a unique network of expertise across the country that is invaluable to local communities as they experience increasing threats to their environment. Sustained and enhanced funding for Forest Service R&D and staff is essential to maintaining this scientific capacity. Without it, land managers will lack the tools and information needed to protect lives, property, and natural resources in an era of rapidly changing conditions. We ask that you support strong funding for the Forest Service Research and Development Program at no less than $61.5 million and for salaries and expenses at no less than $212 million in FY27. Continued investment in this program and staff is an investment in the safety, resilience, and economic vitality of communities nationwide.

VIDEO: Hirono Highlights Importance of Readiness, Land Lease Negotiations, and Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific at INDOPACOM Posture Hearing | Mazie K. Hirono - A Voice for Hawai'i in the U.S. Senate

Position: Senator Hirono emphasizes the importance of good-faith military land negotiations with Hawaii, adequate munitions inventory for Indo-Pacific readiness, and strengthened support for regional allies including Compact island nations.

Sen. Hirono: “I think the key word here is consensus because I think it would be not in the interest of the military’s presence in Hawaii if these negotiations are somehow short-circuited and that there is resort to condemnation—that would not go over very well, I would say, with the people of Hawaii.” ~ Video of Sen. Hirono’s question line is available here ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, questioned Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Jr., Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) on key issues to Hawaii and the Pacific at a full committee hearing to discuss readiness, strategy and budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) in the Indo-Pacific region. During the hearing, Senator Hirono asked Admiral Paparo about the U.S. military’s dwindling munitions inventory given the U.S. involvement in the illegal war in Iran, and how the military is working to ensure that our national security is not compromised by its current employment of these weapons systems. “Admiral Paparo, you’ve been very candid about your concerns with the U.S. Military’s magazine depth over the last several years and of course, with the illegal war in Iran, and you noted today that you believe that the magazine is being judiciously employed. I am not so sure about that, but you did note that we need to have a better mix… of the exquisite high-cost, low-volume systems with affordable high-volume munitions,” said Senator Hirono. “That’s an area that I would like to provide more support…” Senator Hirono also highlighted the importance of the U.S. Military’s continued negotiations with the State of Hawaii, regarding extending the use of critical military training lands, such as Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii Island. She emphasized that it is critical that the Army continue to negotiate “in good faith” with the state, to come to a resolution acceptable to all parties involved and does not “short-circuit” any discussions by simply seeking to condemn the land without exhausting all options. “I think the key word here is consensus because I think it would be not in the interest of the military’s presence in Hawaii if these negotiations are somehow short-circuited and that there is resort to condemnation—that would not go over very well, I would say, with the people of Hawaii,” said Senator Hirono. Amid turmoil abroad, Senator Hirono also discussed the importance of providing support to our regional allies, such as Japan and Australia, and especially working closely with island-nations in the Indo-Pacific. “I just also want to mention that as we talk about the importance of strengthening our allies, we should not forget that our Compact island nations and the fact that we should be working very closely to support our Compact Nations and other island-nations, as China is very much extending itself in the Indo-Pacific area with regard to establishing stronger relations with Palau, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, other island-nations,” said Senator Hirono. “Let’s not forget our island-nation partners.” The full transcript of Senator Hirono’s exchange with Admiral Paparo is available below. Video of Senator Hirono’s question line can be found here. Sen. Hirono: Thank you very much for your service and leadership. Admiral Paparo, you’ve been very candid about your concerns with the U.S. Military’s magazine depth over the last several years and of course, with the illegal war in Iran, and you noted today that you believe that the magazine is being judiciously employed. I am not so sure about that, but you did note that we need to have a better mix, I think that’s where you were going, a better mix of the exquisite high-cost, low-volume systems with affordable high-volume munitions. You did note that we are working with non-traditional vendors to help us produce these other types of munitions. So, I am curious to know, how are we doing that? Are we providing encouragement to these non-traditional vendors to help us with providing automatic systems and other munitions that you are seeking to develop? Adm. Paparo: Morning and aloha, senator. Adm. Paparo: Yes, most certainly. First, is that we are working with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). We have funded multiple tests, including the employment of a low-cost, hypersonic weapon off of U.S. aircraft this summer. And so, yes, we’ve encouraged, yes, we’ve experimented with DIU experimentation, and we have advocated very strongly with the department for contracting these capabilities. Those contracted capabilities are reflected in this year’s budget submission, with orders in the hundreds, if not thousands of these systems. Sen. Hirono: That’s an area that I would like to provide more support because clearly we need to really move toward the kind of innovations that you have very much advocated for, the times that I have worked with you, so thank you very much for your continued leadership in this regard. I did want to mention that although you are not directly involved with the military services’ continued negotiations with the State of Hawaii, regarding extending the use of very critical military training lands in Hawaii. Without those training lands, for example, it would be very hard to justify the Army’s presence in Hawaii and therefore, the impact on our national security. So, I just wanted to bring the importance of—the significance of these negotiations and particularly, for the Army to continue to negotiate in good faith with the state to come to a resolution acceptable to all parties, and not short-circuit the discussions by seeking to condemn the land without fully exhausting the avenues. I just want to get your brief thoughts on that importance of these negotiations and how these negotiations should proceed. Adm. Paparo: Senator, engagement is critical. Pohakuloa is absolutely indispensable to this nation’s defense, it’s indispensable to deterrence here in the Indo-Pacific, and I’m strongly in favor of every effort that leads to a favorable outcome to maintain 25th ID (Infantry Division) and in fact, United States Army’s continued usage of Pohakuloa Training Area, as well as all of the other key land lease issues that we’re dealing with in the State of Hawaii, which also includes Air Force, Navy, Space Force, and then Marine usage. So, across the joint force, I am strongly in favor of building towards consensus and sensible solutions. Sen. Hirono: I think the key word here is consensus because I think it would be not in the interest of the military’s presence in Hawaii if these negotiations are somehow short-circuited and that there is resort to condemnation—that would not go over very well, I would say, with the people of Hawaii. So, any input that you have toward those kinds of negotiations would be much appreciated. Admiral, we are seeing increasing cooperation between Iran, Russia, North Korea, and China. And as U.S. forces remain heavily engaged in the Middle East, how are you working with the regional allies, particularly Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Australia, to increase cooperation and coordination among our partners in the Indo-Pacific AOR? Adm. Paparo: Senator, all those relationships are on a strong, strong upper trajectory, including the relationships among them. And it is a daily matter of duty to work closely with all the allies. Sen. Hirono: I just also want to mention that as we talk about the importance of strengthening our allies, we should not forget that our compact island nations and the fact that we should be working very closely to support our Compact Nations and other island-nations as China is very much extending itself in the Indo-Pacific area with regard to establishing stronger relations with Palau, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, other island-nations. Let’s not forget our island-nation partners. Adm. Paparo: Will do, Senator. And Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands continue to be areas of Chinese encroachment across the grey zone, across elements of elite-capture and maintaining a close focus on those relationships is incredibly important to the defense of the United States of America. Sen. Hirono: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Hirono, Colleagues, Advocates Slam Trump Administration’s Attacks on Education, Minority Students | Mazie K. Hirono - A Voice for Hawai'i in the U.S. Senate

Position: Senator Hirono and colleagues oppose the Trump Administration's efforts to defund and dismantle Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) programs and the Department of Education, arguing these programs are critical for serving low-income, first-generation, and minority students.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) held a bicameral press conference calling out the Trump Administration’s attacks on Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). There are currently over 800 MSIs across the country that serve more than five million students. Senator Hirono was joined by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Vice Chair Mark Takano (D-CA), Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL) of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA) of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), national education advocates, and MSI students to raise alarms about the Administration’s deliberate attempts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and defund MSI programs created by Congress. “Forty years ago, Congress created MSI programs on a bipartisan basis, recognizing the hardships many minority groups have faced in higher education. But this regime is not interested in helping millions of students get degrees,” said Senator Hirono. “Under the false pretense of addressing discrimination, Donald Trump is doing all he can to undermine the Department of Education. But we’re fighting back to ensure Congress continues funding these critical programs.” Since the beginning of his administration, Trump has targeted programs that support students across the country, especially ones that serve low-income and first-generation students and students of color. In September, ED announced that $350 million in federal funding would be redirected from MSIs to other programs. The Trump Administration followed this up in December, announcing that they would be “winding down” MSI programs moving forward. “With 179 Hispanic-Serving Institutions in California alone, we’ve seen firsthand how these schools expand opportunity, strengthen our workforce, and power our economy. Undermining them isn’t just wrong—it’s a direct threat to millions of students and to our nation’s future,” said Senator Padilla. “As Chair of the Senate HSI Caucus, I will use every tool at my disposal to defend these institutions, the students they serve, and the workforce they help build.” “More than five million students across HBCUs, HSIs, Tribal Colleges, and AANAPISIs are at risk of losing funding because of Donald Trump and Linda McMahon. As a former teacher and community college trustee, I am outraged by this Administration's cruelty. We should be investing in these students and the institutions that serve them—not eliminating the very programs that make their education possible," said Representative Takano. “Since taking office, Trump has demonized the diversity that makes this country strong. Minority Serving Institutions and Hispanic Serving Institutions are in the line of fire. This Administration is trying to destroy MSIs and HSIs. It’s an attack on our students and it’s an attack on our colleges and universities. By ending decades of federal support, this Administration is taking away education opportunities and ultimately weakening our communities. We’re going to continue to fight to protect MSIs and HSIs,” said Representative Vargas. “We’re on the right side of history, and that’s why we need to continue to push. I’m grateful to Senator Hirono for bringing us all together today to speak out on this critical issue.” “Predominantly Black Institutions and other Minority Serving Institutions open the doors of higher education to low-income students and students of color whom historically have had more limited educational opportunities,” said Representative Davis. “Congress categorically rejected the Trump Administration’s effort to eliminate funding for MSIs by continuing to fund - and even increasing - grants for these institutions in FY26. I proudly join with Senator Hirono and my colleagues to protect these grants that are essential to equal educational opportunity for about one-third of all undergraduate students.” Senator Hirono outlined the widespread impact MSIs have across the country—in red and blue states alike. There are 13 MSI across the state of Hawaii, including all 10 of the University of Hawaii campuses. Texas is home to 174 MSIs, serving over 2.2 million students. Eliminating funding from these institutions could have dire consequences nationwide. “AANAPISIs, along with all MSIs, are the backbone of American higher education, and they have proven infrastructures that advance retention, completion, and workforce preparation for many first-generation and low-income students," said Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng, President of APAHE. "AANAPISIs comprise only 7.1 percent of all colleges and universities, yet enroll nearly half of all Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) undergraduates. They award 51 percent of the associate’s degrees and 44 percent of the bachelor’s degrees attained by all AANHPI college students." “When PBIs are funded, Black or African American students achieve degrees at more than 4x the number at other institutions. MSI funding – a historically bipartisan issue - supports institutions that serve students of many backgrounds, but who all emerge from communities historically excluded from higher education. These essential funds are an investment in America’s future; when these graduates succeed, we all benefit from their contributions to a stronger, more intellectually advanced society,” said Dr. Carlota Ocampo, Provost of Trinity Washington University “Hispanic-Serving Institutions expand opportunity and open doors for millions of students across this country,” said Lourdes M. Rosado, President and General Counsel, LatinoJustice PRLDEF. “Efforts to dismantle these programs, whether through budget cuts or through the courts are a direct attack on educational equity. LatinoJustice will continue to defend these programs and the communities that depend on them.” “My family’s story is not unique—it reflects what is possible when we invest in Minority-Serving Institutions. As the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, I saw firsthand how community colleges and MSIs provided my parents with the tools to rebuild their lives and create opportunities for the next generation. If we want today’s students—especially those from immigrant, refugee, and low-income backgrounds—to succeed, we must protect and expand these critical pathways through sustained federal investment,” said Quyen Dinh, Executive Director as the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center. "Minority Serving Institutions, including Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions (AANAPISIs), are foundational in giving minority students an equitable springboard to success,” said John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice–AAJC. “AANAPISIs enroll over 40% of the nation’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander undergraduates. MSIs are critical to ensuring that opportunity to higher education reaches the most vulnerable and underserved communities. Congress made a clear commitment to invest in MSIs, and the administration must deliver those funds as intended.” For the past year, Senator Hirono has fighting back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on public education. One year after ED fired nearly half of its workforce, Senator Hirono held a press conference highlighting how the Administration has shortchanged students. Senator Hirono has hosted five spotlight forums, bringing together educators, students, administrators, advocates, and experts, to demonstrate the widespread consequences of ED rollbacks. In February, she highlighted ED’s efforts to dismantle support for over 800 Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) that serve over five million students nationwide. In December, her forum covered the Trump Administration’s illegal attacks on federal programs. In September, she highlighted the cuts to student loans. In July, her forum spotlighted federal funding being withheld from K-12 public education programs. In June, she raised alarms about widespread cuts public education would face from the Big Ugly Bill. In the meantime, she has also held stakeholder roundtables and pushed for legislation that would protect federal education programs, including during the consideration of the Big Ugly Bill.

Hirono, Colleagues, Advocates Slam Trump Administration’s Attacks on Education, Minority Students | Mazie K. Hirono - A Voice for Hawai'i in the U.S. Senate

Position: Senator Hirono and colleagues oppose the Trump Administration's efforts to defund and dismantle Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) programs and the Department of Education, arguing these programs are critical for serving low-income, first-generation, and minority students.

Full video of the press conference is available HERE | Photos are available HERE WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) held a bicameral press conference calling out the Trump Administration’s attacks on Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). There are currently over 800 MSIs across the country that serve more than five million students. Senator Hirono was joined by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Vice Chair Mark Takano (D-CA), Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL) of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA) of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), national education advocates, and MSI students to raise alarms about the Administration’s deliberate attempts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and defund MSI programs created by Congress. “Forty years ago, Congress created MSI programs on a bipartisan basis, recognizing the hardships many minority groups have faced in higher education. But this regime is not interested in helping millions of students get degrees,” said Senator Hirono. “Under the false pretense of addressing discrimination, Donald Trump is doing all he can to undermine the Department of Education. But we’re fighting back to ensure Congress continues funding these critical programs.” Since the beginning of his administration, Trump has targeted programs that support students across the country, especially ones that serve low-income and first-generation students and students of color. In September, ED announced that $350 million in federal funding would be redirected from MSIs to other programs. The Trump Administration followed this up in December, announcing that they would be “winding down” MSI programs moving forward. “With 179 Hispanic-Serving Institutions in California alone, we’ve seen firsthand how these schools expand opportunity, strengthen our workforce, and power our economy. Undermining them isn’t just wrong—it’s a direct threat to millions of students and to our nation’s future,” said Senator Padilla. “As Chair of the Senate HSI Caucus, I will use every tool at my disposal to defend these institutions, the students they serve, and the workforce they help build.” “More than five million students across HBCUs, HSIs, Tribal Colleges, and AANAPISIs are at risk of losing funding because of Donald Trump and Linda McMahon. As a former teacher and community college trustee, I am outraged by this Administration's cruelty. We should be investing in these students and the institutions that serve them—not eliminating the very programs that make their education possible," said Representative Takano. “Since taking office, Trump has demonized the diversity that makes this country strong. Minority Serving Institutions and Hispanic Serving Institutions are in the line of fire. This Administration is trying to destroy MSIs and HSIs. It’s an attack on our students and it’s an attack on our colleges and universities. By ending decades of federal support, this Administration is taking away education opportunities and ultimately weakening our communities. We’re going to continue to fight to protect MSIs and HSIs,” said Representative Vargas. “We’re on the right side of history, and that’s why we need to continue to push. I’m grateful to Senator Hirono for bringing us all together today to speak out on this critical issue.” “Predominantly Black Institutions and other Minority Serving Institutions open the doors of higher education to low-income students and students of color whom historically have had more limited educational opportunities,” said Representative Davis. “Congress categorically rejected the Trump Administration’s effort to eliminate funding for MSIs by continuing to fund - and even increasing - grants for these institutions in FY26. I proudly join with Senator Hirono and my colleagues to protect these grants that are essential to equal educational opportunity for about one-third of all undergraduate students.” Senator Hirono outlined the widespread impact MSIs have across the country—in red and blue states alike. There are 13 MSI across the state of Hawaii, including all 10 of the University of Hawaii campuses. Texas is home to 174 MSIs, serving over 2.2 million students. Eliminating funding from these institutions could have dire consequences nationwide. “AANAPISIs, along with all MSIs, are the backbone of American higher education, and they have proven infrastructures that advance retention, completion, and workforce preparation for many first-generation and low-income students," said Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng, President of APAHE. "AANAPISIs comprise only 7.1 percent of all colleges and universities, yet enroll nearly half of all Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) undergraduates. They award 51 percent of the associate’s degrees and 44 percent of the bachelor’s degrees attained by all AANHPI college students." “When PBIs are funded, Black or African American students achieve degrees at more than 4x the number at other institutions. MSI funding – a historically bipartisan issue - supports institutions that serve students of many backgrounds, but who all emerge from communities historically excluded from higher education. These essential funds are an investment in America’s future; when these graduates succeed, we all benefit from their contributions to a stronger, more intellectually advanced society,” said Dr. Carlota Ocampo, Provost of Trinity Washington University “Hispanic-Serving Institutions expand opportunity and open doors for millions of students across this country,” said Lourdes M. Rosado, President and General Counsel, LatinoJustice PRLDEF. “Efforts to dismantle these programs, whether through budget cuts or through the courts are a direct attack on educational equity. LatinoJustice will continue to defend these programs and the communities that depend on them.” “My family’s story is not unique—it reflects what is possible when we invest in Minority-Serving Institutions. As the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, I saw firsthand how community colleges and MSIs provided my parents with the tools to rebuild their lives and create opportunities for the next generation. If we want today’s students—especially those from immigrant, refugee, and low-income backgrounds—to succeed, we must protect and expand these critical pathways through sustained federal investment,” said Quyen Dinh, Executive Director as the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center. "Minority Serving Institutions, including Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions (AANAPISIs), are foundational in giving minority students an equitable springboard to success,” said John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice–AAJC. “AANAPISIs enroll over 40% of the nation’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander undergraduates. MSIs are critical to ensuring that opportunity to higher education reaches the most vulnerable and underserved communities. Congress made a clear commitment to invest in MSIs, and the administration must deliver those funds as intended.” For the past year, Senator Hirono has fighting back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on public education. One year after ED fired nearly half of its workforce, Senator Hirono held a press conference highlighting how the Administration has shortchanged students. Senator Hirono has hosted five spotlight forums, bringing together educators, students, administrators, advocates, and experts, to demonstrate the widespread consequences of ED rollbacks. In February, she highlighted ED’s efforts to dismantle support for over 800 Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) that serve over five million students nationwide. In December, her forum covered the Trump Administration’s illegal attacks on federal programs. In September, she highlighted the cuts to student loans. In July, her forum spotlighted federal funding being withheld from K-12 public education programs. In June, she raised alarms about widespread cuts public education would face from the Big Ugly Bill. In the meantime, she has also held stakeholder roundtables and pushed for legislation that would protect federal education programs, including during the consideration of the Big Ugly Bill.

Hirono, Kelly Lead Bill to Repeal Federal Private School Voucher Program, Keep Public Dollars in Public Schools | Mazie K. Hirono - A Voice for Hawai'i in the U.S. Senate

Position: Senators Hirono and Kelly oppose the federal private school voucher program created in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and are introducing legislation to repeal it, arguing that vouchers divert critical resources from public schools.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) led 28 of their colleagues in introducing the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act, legislation that would repeal the school voucher provisions tucked into the Republican-passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which created the first-ever federal private school voucher program. The new, permanent federal private school voucher program created by Trump and Republicans in Congress lets individuals claim a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations up to $1,700 to organizations that fund private K-12 tuition. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policies warns that the program could cost taxpayers tens of billions of dollars per year—far more than official estimates suggest. “As the Trump administration continues its all-out, coordinated attack on public education, its newly-created national school voucher program will harm our public schools by diverting critical resources that could otherwise be used to support students,” said Senator Hirono. “I am proud to co-lead the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act, which would help to ensure that all students have access to a quality, public education—regardless of their circumstances.” The Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act would repeal Section 25F of the Internal Revenue Code added in the Republican-passed tax bill, eliminating both the tax credit for contributions to scholarship granting organizations and the associated income exclusion, which would become effective in 2027. The legislation is endorsed by over 50 state organizations throughout the country and over 80 national organizations, including the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), All4Ed, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Council for Learning Disabilities, Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC), Legal Defense Fund, NAACP, National Coalition on School Diversity, Network for Public Education, and UnidosUS. The full lists of endorsing organizations are available here and here. In addition to Senators Hirono and Kelly, the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act is cosponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The full text of the legislation is available here. For the past year, Senator Hirono has fighting back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on public education. Last month, Senator Hirono held a press conference to mark one year of Donald Trump’s all-out attack on the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to raise alarms about how the administration has shortchanged students, teachers, administrators, and federal workers. Senator Hirono has also hosted five spotlight forums, bringing together educators, students, administrators, advocates, and experts, to demonstrate the widespread consequences of ED rollbacks. One of the spotlight forums she hosted last year focused on the harmful consequences of Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” for public school students across the country, including the provision that would create a national school voucher program. More recently, Senator Hirono also held a K-12 education roundtable with local education leaders and groups to discuss the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) recent decision to transfer dozens of federal education programs to other federal agencies.

Hirono, Blunt Rochester, McIver Lead Colleagues in Introducing Working Women’s Bill of Rights | Mazie K. Hirono - A Voice for Hawai'i in the U.S. Senate

Position: The resolution affirms Congress's obligation to protect workplace rights and gender equity for working women, opposing recent executive and administrative actions that have harmed women's workplace protections and addressing wage inequality, discrimination, and lack of professional advancement.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), along with Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM), led 16 of their colleagues in introducing a Working Women’s Bill of Rights. The resolution recognizes the duty of Congress to meet the needs of working women. Women comprise nearly half of the nation’s workforce, serving as leaders in vital industries like education, health care, public service, and caregiving. The resolution, introduced during Women’s History Month and the week of Equal Pay Day, recognizes Congress’s obligation to address recent executive and administrative actions that have caused disproportionate harm to women’s workplace rights, freedoms, and protections, by safeguarding workers from unequal treatment. “From unequal pay to a lack of professional advancement, gender inequity and discrimination in the workplace are still far too common in our country despite the critical work women do,” said Senator Hirono. “Now, as Trump and Republicans continue attacking workplace rights, freedoms, and protections, I am proud to introduce this resolution recognizing the important work women do across our country and reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding gender equity in the workplace.” “Women across America are bearing the brunt of wealth inequality, discrimination in the workplace, and stifled professional advancement – and the Trump administration’s harmful policies are making things worse,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to be introducing a Working Women’s Bill of Rights alongside Senator Hirono and Congresswoman McIver because these disparities – which are heightened for women of color – are simply unacceptable. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle stand up for economic justice.” “It's no surprise that working women are being forced to bear the burden of Trump's disastrous economic policies—he has shown us over and over again that he doesn’t care about us,” said Representative McIver. “We are seeing bleak statistics: an increasing wage gap and a sharp rise in unemployment. And there’s a real human cost to those numbers. Women are shouldering that cost, as this president so often forces them to do. I introduced this resolution to sound the alarm because no one should be able to bully women out of their rightful place in the economy. As much as this administration wants to ignore us, we’re demanding Trump and Republicans' attention to the damage they are doing to women.” “Trump and Republicans have failed working women at every turn. More than 450,000 women left the workplace last year because of rising child care costs, job loss, and Trump’s attacks on federal employees. Our women workers—many who balance the demands of work and caretaking—deserve far better,” said Representative Leger Fernandez (D-NM), Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus. “Women workers deserve a better future with fair pay, protections from discrimination, support when we’re pregnant or caring for loved ones, and an affordable life. The Democratic Women’s Caucus reaffirms our commitment to fighting for that better future today and every single day.” The resolution is endorsed by A Better Balance, Advocates for Trans Equality, American Association of University Women, Arise Chicago, Asset Building Strategies, Black Labor Week Project Inc., Center for Economic and Policy Research, Center for Law and Social Policy, Chicago Women in Trades, Clearinghouse on Women's Issues, Community Change Action, Economic Policy Institute, Equal Rights Advocates, Family Values @ Work, Family Values @ Work Action, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, Feminist Majority, Institute for Women's Policy Research, Jobs with Justice, Justice for Migrant Women, Maine Women's Lobby, MANA, A National Latina Organization, Mississippi Black Women's Roundtable, MomsRising, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, National Association of Letter Carriers, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation/Black Women’s Roundtable, National Council of Jewish Women, National Employment Law Project, National Immigration Law Center, National Organization for Women, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Urban League, National Women's Law Center, Oxfam America, Paid Leave for All Action, PHI, Raise The Floor Alliance, Reproductive Freedom for All, Sakhi for South Asian Survivors, The Restaurant Opportunities Center of Pennsylvania, United for Respect, Women Employed, and YWCA USA. “When women have what they need to not only survive, but thrive, it benefits everyone,” said Emily Martin, Chief Program Officer at the National Women’s Law Center. “But today baseline protections for women in the workplace are under attack, as the Trump administration seeks to coerce employers into rejecting the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion that open doors to opportunity. This puts the 75 million working women in this country at risk—especially women of color, mothers, and low-wage workers. At a time when women’s rights and protections are being targeted, lawmakers must urgently address the economic challenges facing women across the country by showing up for safety, dignity, and equality at work.” “Too many women are still being forced to make impossible choices between caring for themselves and their families or risking losing their paychecks and jobs,” said Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women and Families. “When women lack access to fair pay, safe workplaces, and other essential support they need, the impact is felt at every level, from the financial stability of our households to the strength of our economy as a whole.” "Women’s economic security drives progress. But at every turn, that progress is under threat. From the disproportionate number of Black women who've faced job loss, to policies that have eroded access to affordable education, reproductive health care, and quality child care,” said Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, President and CEO of the Institute for Women's Policy Research. “As the leading national think tank committed to promoting research that improves the lives and economic well-being of all women, the Institute for Women's Policy Research is proud to support this important resolution that calls on Congress to implement the evidence-informed solutions to addressing the needs of working women to help them, their families, and communities thrive and the nation prosper." In addition to Senators Hirono and Blunt Rochester, the resolution was cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA). In addition to Representatives McIver, DeLauro, and Leger Fernandez, the resolution was also cosponsored by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Sarah McBride (D-DE), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL). The full text of the resolution is available here.