I have serious concerns with the FECA provisions in this bill, especially since they would reduce benefits for many employees who were already injured while working in service to this country, such as Federal firefighters, FBI agents…

I call up my amendment No. 2049. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. The bill clerk read as follows: The Senator from Hawaii [Mr. Akaka] proposes an amendment numbered 2049.

current law provides postmasters and post office supervisors with the opportunity to consult over pay and benefits. This is not collective bargaining and does not result in a contract. Unfortunately, the Postal Service tries to modify…

I wish to recognize the 26th Alcohol Awareness Month this April, sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., NCADD. Since 1987, NCADD has been working to raise public awareness and understanding of…

In fact, in 1974, Congress repealed an earlier statute to allow a reduction at age 70. Congress cited concerns about the hardship the reductions caused on senior citizens as well as concerns about age discrimination when repealing the past…

I would like to address a number of statements my good friend Senator Collins has made about the FECA provisions in this bill. First, it has been argued these changes are necessary to save the Postal Service money. However, since most…

before I discuss my pending amendment to the Postal Service reform bill, I would like to take a moment to honor four brave soldiers based out of Schofield Barracks from Hawaii who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on Thursday. They…

I will wrap up. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on April 19, 2012, in room SD 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, at 2:15 p.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``S. 1684, the Indian Tribal Energy Development…

today I rise to honor our Nation's public servants and once again submit a resolution recognizing our public servants during Public Service Recognition Week. This is the 28th year we will honor our public servants with Public Service…

I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Thursday, April 19, 2012, at 2:15 p.m., in room 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building to conduct a legislative hearing on S. 1684, the Indian Tribal Energy…

Your example of showing what real aloha is and always being yourself in all the challenges that you faced up in the Senate.

The absence of your aura of aloha certainly will be missed.

It is our solid charge as Hawaiian representatives to make sure that the U.S. Congress understands and fulfills its obligations to Native Hawaiians.

As you know, Senator, Title VI allows DHHL to leverage its annual NAHASDA allocation up to five times the amount to access capital for very large developments.

You, Senator Akaka and Senator Inouye, and to the rest of our congressional delegation there.

I am a strong supporter of S. 65, the Hawaiian Homeownership Act of 2011.

We strongly support S. 65 and extend our appreciation and mahalo nui to our Senators Akaka and Inouye for the thoughtfulness, inclusion and forethought for our Native Hawaiian population.

Both of you have eloquently explained how important this is and how great the need is.

You have always been a champion for Hawaii's people throughout your longstanding career in the United States Congress.

With the reauthorization of NAHASDA through Senate Bill 65 we will have that opportunity to do even more with our people.

Unfortunately there are those in Washington who view these programs as set-asides based on race.

I strongly urge the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to do what ever is necessary to reauthorize Title VIII of NAHASDA.

Senator Akaka, you truly have been a role model for the Native Hawaiian people.

We rejoice in your homecoming and we pine for those left in DC.