Daniel Akaka

I stand ready to work with you to make that happen with as much energy, honesty, and transparency as I can.

Change is not going to happen overnight.

America's veterans deserve a truthful advocate who will break through the red tape and make veterans, not the bottom line, the priority of VA management.

His honest assessment that more troops would be needed cost him his job, but it is the surest measure of his fitness to serve as a cabinet member.

Opening statements, comments, or prepared statements of: Senator Akaka

Instead of finding excuses to stop Federal efforts to expand across to mainstream financial services, we must do more.

The uninformed have blamed much of the current financial crisis on the Community Reinvestment Act. That is simply not true.

I have greatly appreciated the extraordinary leadership and judgment shown by the Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Sheila Bair.

The majority of subprime mortgage lending was done by independent mortgage companies that are not subject to CRA requirements.

I can recall back on September 23, 2008, when we had a Banking meeting with four of you...

Today Senator Inhofe and I celebrate the Army's 233rd birthday. For over two centuries, the Army has fought to preserve the principles of democracy not only here in the United States but around the world. Our Nation's Army soldiers have…

My colleague Senator Inhofe and I also want to pay tribute to the families of those soldiers who risk their lives for our Nation. Too often the important role that families play goes unacknowledged but their faith and devotion are vital to…

S. 1315 is a comprehensive bill that would improve benefits and services for veterans, both young and old. The bill includes numerous enhancements to a broad range of veterans' benefits, including life insurance programs for disabled…

Honor, courage, and commitment are the core values of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. These words speak volumes about both the local and national contributions of the proud men and women who have served under its banner. I ask my…

I urge you to support the nomination of GEN Eric K. Shinseki to Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Yes, that's right. I didn't. But this year is different.

On January 17, 2007, Senator Inouye and I introduced S. 310, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007 to extend the Federal policy of self-governance and self-determination to Hawaii's indigenous people. This measure is of…

In summary, we are recommending a $2.9 billion increase over the administration's request for veterans medical care. We believe this is the total amount necessary to treat all eligible veterans from World War II until the present time and…

As we have increasingly utilized the National Guard at home and overseas, it has become clear that the National Guard must be organized, trained, and equipped to serve as an integral part of our operational force, not a 'Strategic Reserve.'

Thank you for your responsiveness, Mr. Secretary. I want to wish you well and I want you to know that you do have my support.

One of the parts of yesterday's Washington Post articles on Walter Reed that alarmed me and I'm sure many others was that the patient, Private First Class Joshua Calloway, was still not tested for TBI 7 months after arriving in Walter…

We will respond firmly.

If Tehran escalates its military actions in Iraq and threatens American forces or Iraqi citizens, I'm concerned about the possibility of the Iraq conflict as escalating to a regional conflict.

It is clear, from this committee's discussion with Secretary Gates and General Petraeus, that the U.S. does not have sufficient troop levels in Iraq to secure the borders from Iran and Syria while maintaining our counterinsurgency…

Yes, that's right. I didn't. But this year is different.