Brian Schatz: “Every day this money doesn't get to where it's supposed to go; every contribution, worth hundreds of millions, if not…”

This emergency declaration will bring critical federal resources to communities impacted by Hurricane Lala and help with restoring essential services, clearing debris, and repairing damaged infrastructure.

Hawai‘i’s housing crisis affects everyone, including Native Hawaiians,” said Vice Chair Schatz. “We simply have to make it easier to build housing. I appreciated hearing directly from leaders who are working every day to get more housing…

“Right now, each time a disaster happens, communities in crisis are forced to wait for Congress to pass a disaster funding bill before HUD can help. Our new law will now mean they no longer have to wait. As soon as a disaster strikes, HUD…

And I want to be really clear about this. Sure, this is a jurisdictional dispute. Sure, this is a legal matter. A, this is a law, not a suggestion. B, this just doesn't go through HHS. They have no jurisdiction here.