In fact, I had to step in and ask for an extension of time to enable our, especially our Marshall Island citizens in Hawaii, to be able to enroll for health care.

That is why it is even more important that after the 1997 welfare reform law when suddenly our compact citizens no longer qualified for Medicaid, that that be restored.

Hawaii is very well aware of the challenges facing our compact citizens and so clearly one topic of this hearing is where we need to meet our obligations to the Palauans.

I think that we really need to push forward, not only, you know, I would love to see an increase in the $30 million but that all ends soon.

But first and foremost regarding Palau, it just really bothers me that the State Department and the Defense Department are not stepping forward to help fulfill our country's obligations.

I would really like this Committee, Mr. Chairman, to focus very clearly on the obligations of these other Departments and not just Interior.

I think that we need to restore some of the eligibility of our compact citizens for particularly three programs, Medicare, TANF and SNAP.

I ask unanimous consent that Priyanka Hooghan, a fellow serving in my office, be granted floor privileges for the remainder of the 114th Congress. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

March is Women's History Month. So this morning I would like to highlight the progress women have made in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math--or the STEM fields--challenges that persist, and legislation that I will be…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. (The remarks of Ms. Hirono pertaining to the introduction of S. 2710 are printed in today's Record under…

There were two votes that occurred earlier this week on House Concurrent Resolution 75 and House Concurrent Resolution 121, which deal with very important and complex issues that I would like to talk about this morning. I cosponsored and…

Earlier this week there were a few very important votes that occurred on complex issues that I would like to discuss here today. They were with regards to H. Con. Res. 75 and H. Con. Res. 121, which is the one I will discuss now. Make no…

I appreciate very much your leadership and the role that you have taken in highlighting the importance of this total integrated force.

The 169th Air Defense Squadron in Hawaii supports a crucial air defense mission.

We need this capability in the Pacific.

It cannot possibly be a partisan issue to keep our seniors and our kids safe as they walk to school or they walk to the market.

I was disappointed in the Air Guard's decision not to base a Cyber Protection Team or ISR Squadron in Hawaii.

One area where Congress can play a more active role is helping make sure there is no daylight between the Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve when it comes to pay, benefits, and veteran status.