IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: HIRONO DIVES INTO SENATE WORK ON MILITARY, DEFENSE & IMMIGRATION ISSUES
This week, Senator Mazie K. Hirono dove into her Senate work on a number of key issues impacting Hawaii. Check out this wrap-up of the Senator’s busy week:
Met With Secretary of Defense Nominee Chuck Hagel
Senator Hirono talked with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser about her one-one meeting with the Secretary of Defense nominee, Senator Chuck Hagel, as well as potential defense cuts that could impact Hawaii. "As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will do everything I can to emphasize the strategic importance of Hawaii,"Hirono told the paper, adding that Senator Hagel confirmed the increasing importance of Asia and Pacific region to the military.
Questioned Hagel About Military’s Rebalance To Pacific At Confirmation Hearing
WATCH: Later in the week, Senator Hirono questioned Hagel during his confirmation hearing before the Armed Services Committee. She asked Hagel about the military’s rebalance to the Pacific region, his approach to potential spending cuts that could impact Hawaii and efforts to make the military more energy efficient. (KITV)
Called For Increased Focus On Asian Immigration, Family Reunification In Immigration Reform Debate
WATCH: Senator Hirono told Hawaii media that immigration reform will be an opportunity to address huge backlogs of people trying to immigrate to the U.S. legally from Asia and reunite with their families. (KITV)
Named To Subcommittees Overseeing Important Issues For Hawaii Like Immigration & Visa Reform
Pacific Business News reported that Senator Hirono will sit on three Judiciary subcommittees that will oversee immigration reform legislation, visa reforms that could create thousands of Hawaii jobs and efforts to protect Hawaii resident’s privacy online.
Added Top Military Aides To Senators Inouye, Akaka To Her Defense & Military Policy Team
“This team will allow me to be the strongest advocate possible for Hawaii’s military and defense interests,” Hirono told HNN in a statement announcing top additions to her staff.
Called For Congress To Act On Paycheck Fairness
WATCH: Senator Hirono joined her Senate colleagues in calling for broader measures to ensure paycheck fairness. Hirono explained to Hawaii News Now how women in Hawaii earn just 82 cents for every dollar a man makes in the same occupation. (HNN)
Announced Hawaii Will Receive $1 Million For Improvements To Kaneohe Veterans Cemetery
“These kinds of investments will help protect the legacies of our veterans for generations to come,” Senator Hirono said in a statement to KHON.
