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Speeches & Testimony

Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act

| Posted in Speeches & Testimony

I rise today in support of the Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act, introduced by my colleague, Representative Griffith of Virginia, and recently passed by the House As the independence of the legislative branch continues to be challenged and eroded, we must take the necessary steps to ensure our ability to function as an unimpeded co-equal branch of government. This…

Transit Oriented Development Act

| Posted in Speeches & Testimony

I rise today in support of my legislation, the Transit Oriented Development Act, and urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan effort to expand affordable housing opportunities in communities across our country. The affordable housing shortage remains one of the most significant drivers of the rising cost of living facing millions of Americans. In my home state of…

Fireworks Trafficking and Money Laundering Prevention Act

| Posted in Speeches & Testimony

I rise today in support of my Fireworks Trafficking and Money Laundering Prevention Act, co-introduced with my colleague from Hawai‘i, Representative Jill Tokuda. Our legislation addresses a growing criminal enterprise that threatens public safety, fuels illicit financial activity and has devastated communities in Hawai‘i and across the country. Illegal fireworks trafficking is…

Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

| Posted in Speeches & Testimony

During the consideration of the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, the House was scheduled to vote on an amendment to eliminate the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund. I opposed the proposal, and even through it was ultimately not offered, we must oppose any similar effort to do so in the future. In 1941, more than 250,000 Filipino…

Honoring the 65th Anniversary of the Peace Corps

| Posted in Speeches & Testimony

I rise today to express my steadfast support for the Peace Corps as we celebrate the 65th anniversary of its founding this month.   On March 1st, we marked 65 years since President John F. Kennedy issued his historic call to service at the University of Michigan. That call inspired a generation of Americans to serve beyond our shores. From its first group of volunteers in 1961,…

State of Military Infrastructure in Hawai‘i

| Posted in Speeches & Testimony

I rise today to highlight the critical need to address seriously aging and increasingly failing physical infrastructure in Hawai‘i across all services. This can no longer be chalked up or explained away as deferred maintenance; it requires Congressional action considering the Department’s negligent administration and budgeting to address clear risks to personnel safety, mission readiness…

Consideration of H.R. 7148, Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026

| Posted in Speeches & Testimony

Thank you, Madam Speaker.   I rise in support of this measure as a member of our Appropriations Committee, as well as of our Subcommittees on Defense and on Homeland Security.   Madam Speaker, I join the vast majority of Americans in condemning the actions of immigration and Customs Enforcement.   Brutality and death in our streets. So-called leaders trashing victims…

Introduction of Hawaii National Cemetery Act

| Posted in Speeches & Testimony
Tags: Veterans

I rise today to introduce legislation to build a new national cemetery in Hawai‘i. I am joined by my Hawai’i colleagues, Congresswoman Jill Tokuda, and Senator Mazie Hirono, who is introducing the companion bill in the Senate. Our nation has a special responsibility to our veterans. They served with selfless service, courage and sacrifice to defend our nation. As a fitting measure of…

Promoting Regional Opportunities for Sustainable Prosperity and Economic Resilience in the Pacific Act Statement

| Posted in Speeches & Testimony

I rise today in support of my Promoting Regional Opportunities for Sustainable Prosperity and Economic Resilience in the Pacific Act, or PROSPER in the Pacific Act, to advance the U.S.-Pacific Islands relationship to include an economic partnership built on shared values and principles.   The Pacific Islands, spread across the vast Pacific Ocean, have a collective maritime area…

Introduction of the Legislative Branch Independence Act

| Posted in Speeches & Testimony

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in strengthening and protecting Congress as a separate, independent and co-equal branch of our government by cosponsoring my Legislative Branch Independence Act. My bill would amend the appointment processes for three key legislative branch positions - the Librarian of Congress, the Comptroller General and the Director of…