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

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

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

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

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.

Every worker deserves an equal voice and equal pay.

I think it is your job to ensure contract compliance, and it is Restaurant Associates' responsibility to not just go by the letter of the contract, but to understand they have a special obligation to their employees who are not paid enough…

I still believe in libraries. I still believe in books.

Thank you Senator Schatz

In the United States Capitol, we have a special obligation to take care of the people who take care of us.

Our budget hearings are critical so that we can understand the challenges that your agencies face.

The bipartisan budget deal last year provided a much needed boost in discretionary funding, but next year, the caps are flat.

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

I understand contract costs come in under. That is nothing to scold anybody about.

Can you assure me that will not happen going forward?

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

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

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

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

Safe Streets: Secretary Foxx, as you know I support community planning strategies to create walkable neighborhoods that minimize pedestrian fatalities.

I have heard from public housing authorities (PHAs) and a number of voucher holders on each of Hawaii's four counties who are frustrated that fair market rents are unrealistically low.

I'm very well aware of the challenge there in Honolulu particularly and on the West Coast more broadly.

I support the request for additional housing vouchers, but I want to understand how these vouchers are going to be allocated if funded.