Brian Schatz

I am also a strong supporter of self determination and S. 2304 will empower Native Americans to make decisions most beneficial to their communities in an educational context.

Part of the reason for immersion schools and culturally grounded education is exactly what you discussed but the other part is self determination.

I am struck, Dr. Boham, by a phrase you used earlier in the hearing, strengthen identity.

It does not really address the needs of Native children.

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.

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

I do believe this is probably the least expensive way for us to extend ourselves in the Asia-Pacific region.

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

I believe we must meet the C-40A inventory requirement and recapitalize VR-51's C-20G aircraft as soon as possible.

It seems to me that you need more budget certainty in order to do the planning necessary not just to maintain current levels.

We need this capability in the Pacific.

I absolutely agree. I would just finish with this final thought. That is real money.

It was incredibly disappointing to see that this became a sort of dividing line about whether or not you think people ought to use cars.

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.

In particular, Hawaii has the unfortunate distinction of being number one in terms of senior fatalities on the street.

We are going to need your continued leadership, because one of the challenges that we have in Congress is that this has actually become, unfortunately, a partisan issue for some.

As you know, I support community planning strategies to create walkable neighborhoods and to take care of pedestrians.

I found it totally outrageous, and I am not alone. Members of the Senate on both sides of the aisle found this to be outrageous.

Are you confident that they are complying with the terms of the contract?

Are you exploring all of your options with respect to the contract?

I do not think it is Members of the Senate's job to serve essentially as labor lawyers for 86 individuals.

I share the deep concerns that many of my colleagues have expressed, that working in the restaurants has been a very tough experience.

We have been fighting for a $15 minimum wage and the opportunity to form a union without the fear of retaliation.

Can you assure me that will not happen going forward?

Thank you Senator Schatz